National Archives of Australia
Darwin Office
Series F133 Item 1965/223
Papunya Monthly Report 1967 Extracts

16.10.1967 - 15.11.1967

Death of Copper, mother Tjunkia, was expected due to the severe condition
of his lungs. Copper remained at Papunya diuring his final illness as
travelling would have caused needless suffering.

Adam, mother Nanguri, father Gibbs, will be operated on for hare lip 
sometime this month. We hope to send his mother in soon, as she is
now willing to try and care for the babe.

Following a death in the new village, all 72 houses are now vacant. 
The Wailbri people moved into the old Wailbri camp on the N.E. side of the
settlement, and a number of Pintubi's set up a new camp S.W. of the
settlement.

16. 9.1967 - 15.10.1967

Nungalka (Daffy) returned from Adelaide with very little improvement in
her  , also it has been found that she is once more pregnant.

Nora, husband Charlie , has improved greatly, in her mental outlook,
since the birth of her baby this month.

16. 8.1967 - 15. 9.1967

No specific names mentioned,

16. 7.1967 - 15. 8.1967

Copper, mother Tjunkaia, is now in the S.I.L. in Alice Springs Hospital
and they will probably keep Welfare informed of his condition.

16. 6.1967 - 15. 7.1967

Bessie, husband Tjugadai, child Maurice, is giving us a lot of worry owing
to her  of the child. This baby is 14 months old and weighs only 14 lbs.

James William, mother Maureen, has returned to Papunya, although the infant has
been returned to Alice Springs Hospital twice for neglect. We will endeavour
to maintain the mother's interest in the infant, but feel we are entitled to
transfer this baby if neglect is obvious.

Jack Rufus returned from Adelaide after having a successful heart operation.

16. 5.1967 - 15. 6.1967

Owing to a recent death the Pintubu's have again shifted camp but this time
no great distance from the previous one.

16. 4.1967 - 15. 5.1967

No specific names mentioned.

16. 3.1967 - 15. 4.1967

The five evacuations consisted of two injuries, one sick child and one sick woman.
Also one native  . She is Daffy (Nungalka) D.O.B. 1932, husband Ngaiwata.
The A.M.S doctor has promised the D.W.O. informed of her condition.

The only problem causing some anxiety is that of indifferent mothers who neglect
and often refuse to feed their babies. Although not many, they are hard to keep
track of and will often "go bush" if drastic treatment is threatened. At present
these babies are being supervised by a Sister in the hospital and meals are
prepared separately.

Following repatriation of many men from South quite a number of wife "straightening up"
cases with a little violence were brought to the attention of the Superintendent for
adjudication etc. These cases were brought forward by men of the Council and their
activities and help in this direction have been commendable.

Riley Minor is still absconding from hospital, regardless of all his promises. We
suggest that treatment be carried out in an area to which he is unfamiliar may be 
more successful. This lad is a T.B. carrier, has open sores and should not be
employed and should be completely segregated. We feel his frequent absconding
should not go unpunished.

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