Narional Archives of Australia
Darwin Office
CRS F315/0
Item 1949/393A Part 1
Patrol Officers Reports - All Patrol Officers 1949
Miscellaneous Reports
Copyright P J Mackett, 2008
(1) Raggetts Well (Glen Helen) Assault on Aborigines Mick and Molly
Assault took place at Dashwood Creek near Mr Bowman's place.
Victims - Mick and Molly, taken to Hospital at Alice Springs
Offenders - Jopargo )
Puddi-Puddur ) All arrested in the vicinity of Haasts Bluff
Chungensugars )
Also mentioned - Billy Land, at Glen Helen Station
Nospik, uncle of Molly
Puddi-Puddur, Jopargo and Chungensugars are brothers
Moira
Tagbomba
L N Penhall, Patrol Officer, 31. 5.1949
(2) Patrol to Granites
Mentions Jack and Jimmy.
L N Penhall, Patrol Officer, 26. 5.1949
(3) Yuendumu Native Settlement
Telegram to Alice Springs :-
Advise Toby Djanglal be disciplined from the area immediately.
Knocked down wife twice with the fists. Threatened Mr Steer
....Coate.
Toby
Ruby, wife of Toby
Silas, also mentioned
L N Penhall, Patrol Officer, 10. 5.1949
(4) Native Employment - Southport and Mt Finnis District
White Angel Mine
Two natives are employed at the mine :-
Diamond Worgau, Marananggu, single
Richard Majida, Brinken, married to Maudie Ni-nyu-ul, Brinken
The Two Sisters Mine
No natives employed.
Mt Finnis District - Bamboo Creek Mine
Charlie Stead and Tom Nicoloff are working the mine.
The following natives were camped at the mine :-
Barney Auggong, Marananggu, 55 years
Dolly Namug, Brinken, 40 years
Captain Ar-di, Brinken, 25 years
Gypsy Ga-ba, Brinken
Paddy Amatil, Brinken, 18 years, single
Miri-mag, Brinken, widow, 40 years
Mr T Nicoloff is living with a full-blood native woman Biluwuk,
Marananggu tribe. She was introduced to me as Mrs Nicoloff. She
is clean and of a good type. They appear to get on well together.
Two of their children are at Croker Island. Mrs Nicoloff recently
visited the children by Harry Moss' plane. A third child (male)
of about 3 years of age will go to Croker Island next year. I
advised Nicoloff to marry Biluwuk legally. He is willing to do
this and is under the impression that they are legally married.
Mrs Nicoloff is also looking after a half-caste child (female)
of about 2 1/2 years of age, whose full-blood mother died in
hospital last year. I was unable to find out the name of the
alleged father. Mr Nicoloff is sending the two children to
Croker Island next year.
Mt Finnis District - T.T.T. Coy. (Good Will Lease)
No natives employed.
G Sweeney, Patrol Officer, 16. 5.1949
(5) Suspect Leper - Humpty Doo Station
Humpty Doo Station is owned by Herbert Bros. A half-caste Neddy Tamlin
is in charge. Neddy is tribally married to a full-blood and has three
children.
Tommy Ja-jirrl, 35 years, Malak Malak tribe (suspect leper)
Polly Mar-dei, wife
Dolly Mar-bul, 13 years, child
Barbara, 3 years, child
There is one half-caste child - Margaret Cooper, aged about 7 years -
in the native camp. Her mother is Maggie Bumaloy, Malak Malak, about
28 years of age; her alleged father is a white man Eddie Cooper, a
former stockman on Humpty Doo Station.
G Sweeney, Patrol Officer, 16. 5.1949
(6) Patrol - Daly River 27th April 1949
We returned to Darwin on the 29th bringing with us :-
Gus Peterson, old age pensioner, for hospital treatment
Nym Johnson (Worgait), aborigine
Tommy, wife and adopted daughter, Tracker for Constable Fitzer
(wife has come in for dental treatment)
G Sweeney, Patrol Officer, 27. 4.1949
(7) Report on Measles Outbreak Among Natives at Pine Creek : March - April 1949
One Myilly lubra, aged about 15 years, Lena (Dad-dubi), who was
hospitalised at Katherine from 30th March to 5th April, died in the
camp on the morning of the 13th April. Dr Sunderman told Constable
MacFarlane per 'phone that this lubra was in the advanced stages of
TB and at the time of her death was also suffering from pneumonia.
Lena had been receiving a special rice and beef ration in view of
her weak condition.
On the 3rd April, native Willy, wanted for a killing at Oenpelli,
together with several others wanted as witnesses, wandered into
Pine Creek Camp and were taken into custody by Constable MacFarlane.
J W Connolly, Cadet Patrol Officer, 21. 4.1949
(8) Report on Patrol to Pine Creek and Adelaide River from
25. 3.1949 - 11. 4.1949 Re Reported Measles Outbreak
On the 4th April, Old Willie (Gin-buru-wui) who was the suspected
murderer of lubra Nellie (Doong-wora), appeared in the camp with
three lubras and his son Sandy who were witnesses to the alleged
murder at Oenpelli. Constable McFarland took these five to Darwin.
Picked up native Daniell, an employee of the RAAF, who was at Mt Bundy
and took him back to Darwin.
J K Doolan, Cadet Patrol Officer, 13. 4.1949
(9) Milingimbi - Mainoru Patrol : Patrol Officer Kyle-Little and Constable Gordon
Covering letter from F H Moy includes :-
The reason given for Rai-wala's presence at Mainoru is the same
as he told me at Mataranka on 26th February, 1949, and the spear
throwing incident recorded in the diary entry of 23rd March, 1949,
between Rai-wala and Goo-ra-yal-pa-na-lili was also related to me
by the former.
The sequel to the elopment of Goo-ra-yal-pa-na-lili and
Wool-to-murrie is that she has been brought to Darwin for return
to her family group and marriage in accordance with prevailing
custom.
That Djabinin should have died is most regrettable. Medical opinion
is that he succumbed to blood poisoning caused, no doubt, from a
cut foot received on the march. I feel that in such a case where an
aborigine suffers death in the service of the Administration,
compensation should be paid, and I will seek elsewhere your approval
for recompense for his widow and children.
Monday January 17 Milingimbi. Strength is now :-
Oonda-bund - Patrol boy
Nar-lebe-bar - Medical assistant and carrier
Mununggu - Carrier
Magi - Carrier
Wud-jana-wui - Carrier
Djabinin - Carrier
Mund-jingu - Carrier
Bal-ara - Carrier
Mil-wuyun - Carrier
Djimili - Carrier
Bong-owui - Carrier
Djigu-lu-lu - Carrier
Daw-idi - Carrier
Boy-yourn - Carrier
Junga-bili - Carrier
Yal-lung-goru - Carrier
Djame - Carrier
Darran-Gorrie - Carrier
Walalah - Carrier
Tuesday January 18 Milingimbi.
During the afternoon, with the assistance of Reverend Ellemor, I
questioned many natives regarding the alleged killing of Rai-wala.
No concrete facts could be established. The whole affair was simply
a rumour, and unfortunately a rumour believed by a certain clan from
Milingimbi. The Reverend Ellemor stressed that in his report to
Native Affairs Branch, he stated that he had only received word from
natives of the affair.
Soon after news had reached Milingimbi that Rai-wala was dead, the
Djam-bar-buingu group or clan, headed by Bali-mang and Miyang-gala,
arranged a Magarada with Gun-gud-jamaidj, a Gan-al-bingu man, who
had had some trouble with Rai-wala in the past. The occasion of the
trouble was when Gun-gud-jamaidj interposed on Bong-owui's behalf
at a time when Rai-wala had come from Gardji and was settling a
difference with Bong-owui. Rai-wala had turned on Gun-gud-jamaidj.
The affair did not go beyond heated words and threats, but
according to custom it was necessary now that Rai-wala was presumed
dead, to make peace to re-cement the tribal unity because of the
earlier trouble.
In the course of the Magarada, a spear thrown by Daw-idi, Miyang-gala's
foster son, cut the ball of Gun-gud-jamaidj's right foot. His vision
had been obscured by his 'second' and the spear had caught him
unawares.
The immediate result was a series of threats by close relatives
of Gun-gud-jamaidj that they would pay back Daw-idi for the injury
inflicted.
I would like to point out that Gun-gud-jamaidj could just as easily
received a mortal wound instead of a slight one. I consider that it
is essential that such matters be investigated without any undue
loss of time.
Miyang-gala is an ex-police tracker from Roper River. He has 10
wives and holds influence over certain clans.
Magarada is the peace making ceremony.
Gin-buru-wui, the alleged murderer, was somewhere in the escarpment
SSW of Havelock Falls and Rai-wala's body was supposed to be buried
north of Bulman Gorge.
Wednesday January 19. Left Milingimbi.
Thursday January 20. Camped at Gardji all day.
I questioned Rai-wala's No 1 wife, Not-wearn. She has one son,
Mel-la-run, aged 9 years, and one daughter, My-yall, aged 4 years. She
stated that Rai-wala had gone to the Bulman - Mainoru area just before
the first rains had started, to look for Magi's wife, Wool-to-murrie,
who had been stolen by a Djinbar boy named Goo-ra-yal-par-na-lili.
Not-wearn said that Rai-wala took his second wife, Mon-or-wah, with him.
She stated that this girl was a good wife and would not cause trouble.
She refused to believe the rumour concerning Rai-wala's death and stated
that he was alive at Mainoru.
Friday January 21 - At Gardji.
In the afternoon I held a medical inspection of every native there. All
were in A1 condition with the exception of one lad, Gar-woon, aged
approximately 18 years. This youth was very coppery in colour and his
right arm and whole portion of his right hand were infected with leprosy.
The hand was swollen to twice its normal size and had open sores in five
places. This boy is a Mild-jingi native and would not go to Milingimbi
Mission for fear of being sent away.
Thursday February 3. Liverpool River.
Met native My-are-bin who was with two other males, four females and
two children.
Friday February 11. Cuthburtson Falls.
Djabinin died at 1.10pm. Buried at 3.00pm at the foot of a marked tree:-
S.K.-L.
J-G
11-2-49
My-are-bin and two other natives left after the burial and were not
seen again.
Wednesday March 2. Mainoru Homestead.
Arrived at Mainoru Homestead at 12.30pm, where we met Mr Jack McKay,
his brother, half-caste Billy Moore. We were immediately informed that
Rai-wala was alive and well.
Thursday March 3. Mainoru Station.
During the afternoon I cross-questioned Rai-wala's sister's daughter,
Wool-to-murrie, and also a Djinbar boy whose name is Goo-ra-yal-pa-na-lili.
These were the two who Rai-walahad chased across Arnhem Land by way of
the Goyder River. The following is the story of Rai-wala's disappearance :-
The reason for Rai-wala's disappearance, was that a young girl named
Wool-to-murrie, who was Rai-wala's sister's daughter, ran away with a
Djinbar boy whose name was c.
Whilst in the Gardji area, this girl was promised in marriage to a
Gobab-wingo boy Marki. Rai-wala had been in a lot of trouble with the
Gobab-wingo clan for a number of years. The fact that his sister's
daughter, promised in marriage to a Gobab-wingo boy, had run away with
a Djinbar boy, now left Rai-wala in an awkward position. He promised
the rightful husband, Marki, that he would personally go after the
eloping couple, punish the Djinbar boy, and return the erring daughter,
and so re-cement the tribal unity between the two tribes.
Rai-wala set off from Gardji Billabong approximately a month prior to the
commencement of the Wet Season, taking with him his No. 2 wife. They
eventually arrived in the vicinity of the Bulman Waterhole by way of the
Goyder River. Here they sighted the eloping couple. A few spears were thrown
by Rai-wala and Gobab-wingo, but the absconding couple made good their
disappearance. Rai-wala eventually arrived at Mainoru Station.
From this area, word eventually reached Milingimbi - the report of the spear
throwing with the Djinbar boy having become somewhat decidedly stretched,
until eventaully the rumour received by the Reverend Ellemor stated that
Rai-wala was dead.
Gin-buru-wui, the Rainbangga native, unfortunately happened to have
previously had a quarrel with Rai-wala, and was instantly blamed
for the alleged killing of Rai-wala.
Saturday March 26. Arrive back at Darwin.
S Kyle-Little, Patrol Officer, April 1949
(10) Report on Patrol to Oenpelli 10. 3.1949 - 13. 3.1949
(a) Returning escapee Dick back to Fanny Bay Gaol.
(b) Murder of lubra Doongwora. Witness Imbilyuna described what happened.
Old Willie (Gingboroo) had previously been in trouble with Jim Doyle,
and did not like him, so he sent two of his wives, Long-leg (Booroo-mala)
and Nellie (doongwara) over to Doyle's to tell Sandy (Galoo-wongoo),
his son, to come back to Oenpelli. Long-leg and Nellie stayed away for
two nights. When they returned with Sandy, Old Willie was jealous and
wanted to know why they stayed away so long at Jim Doyle's camp. He
became angry and jumped up, picking up a large sharpening stone. This
happened about dinner time. Willie struck nellie only one blow. She
was a very thin woman, and the stone must have pierced her side, probably
rupturing her kidney. She became very ill, and the lubras, Long-leg,
Toby and Imbilyuna, looked after her until sundown next day, when she
died. She was buried by Old Willie, Sandy, Willie's two lubras and
Imbilyuna the following morning. Old Willie and his wives and Sandy later
left Oenpelli.
(c) Also mentioned is Old Dick of Oenpelli.
J K Doolan, Cadet Patrol Officer, 14. 3.1949
(11) Report on Patrol to Goulburn Island 3. 2.1949 - 11. 3.1949
Goonividgee Natives on Goulburn Island as at February 1949
Permanent Residents
Big Mangordja, wife Wurdjeje and four children
Godawa and wife Mararidja
Melulg, wife Munungula and two children
Mangowila and two wives, Mandjalama with three children
and Warangamba with one child
Borbug, wife Bulnanda and two children
Irindili, wife of Wailung tribe, Meijaweidba and one child
Jirijin, a youth of 16
Bumara, wife of Anangidba
Jalmur and wife Mamaringying
Boonoongul, wife Meijanga and five children
Ringidj, wife Mondalmi and one child
Guningbal, single
Irwala, a Japanese - Liverpool half-caste youth
Semi-permanent Residents
Small Mangordja
Naliba (old man)
Djgala, wife Manadbi and three children
Temporary Male Residents
(First visit to island or first visit for several years)
Mangirug
Gundalja
Didja
Mindaldjalj
Miwala
Djandjiwara
Djundoingja
Bungurug
Naromi
Djanbari
Meinjir
Mawalijir and two other old men
Most of these men have their wives with them, there being 12 women
and 14 children in this group. This makes a total of approximately
40 transient Liverpool natives on the island. Of this group, seven
men left for their own country on 28th February, but said they
would be returning to Goulburn in a month's time.
Also mentioned were
A-da-da-wa, a native girl passenger from Darwin to Goulburn Island
developed measles.
On 22nd December 1948 a native girl, Marangu, who had recently
returned from the mainland, became ill with all the symptoms of measles.
In late 1946, Djgala, classed as a semi-permanent resident, speared a
native, Djwalwul, during a quarrel. Djgala then went to the mainland
and police failed to locate him. Djwalwul recovered, and Djgala returned
to Goulburn in January of this year. There has been no trouble with either
of these natives and the former quarrel has been discontinued as Djwalwul
failed to die.
On 4th March, 1946, a Liverpool boy of 12 years, was evacuated to Darwin
by medical plane. This boy, Waridjil, had developed Osteo-myelitis
following a fall from a tree, two years ago, which injured his left arm.
On 11th March, I returned to Darwin by plane. This plane also returned
to the island the two natives, Mungawa and her mother, who had been evacuated
to Darwin by medical plane from Croker Island, as stated earlier in this report.
J W Connolly, Cadet Patrol Officer, 14. 3.1949
(12) Hookers Creek Native Settlement
Desert Natives from Hooker Creek
(a) The following natives came to Darwin with Peckham :-
Abe Dudanba
Annie Nadba
Fred Djiriri
Clem Wandaringung
(b) The following natives are at Wave Hill Police Station
Tommy Granites
Judy Nin-an-ja
Bob Jangala
Ruby Wandu
Denny Nini
Maudie Wil-bang-ali
Larry Yaria
Dolly Bilgria
Jacky Wandijanga
Paddy Djabalyi
Alec Gumalberi
Willie Benbarin
Freddie Djigirij
Andy Dululu
Larry Nabajaba
G Sweeney, Patrol Officer, 28. 1.1949
(13) Employment of Half-castes in Darwin
Mentions :-
Geoffrey Cummings
Cyril Frith
Bobby Shepherd
Bill Vickman
J R Ryan, Patrol Officer, 26. 1.1949
(14) Report Relating to Natives Mentioned in Reverend Ellemor's Letter
of the 20th December, 1948
(A) Raiwala
This native was the nominal head of a large group of Aboriginals of the
Mild-jingji clan. The tribal grounds of this clan are situated South-east
of Milingimbi Island at a place called Gargi.
Raiwala was Dr Donald Thompson's native assistant during the Doctor's
investigation of the Aboriginals in Arnhem Land, from October, 1936
to 1939 (Caledon Bay massacre).
Raiwala spoke good English and was, in my opinion, a rather remarkable
man. He held considerable influence over the majority of natives in the
Milingimbi and Cape Stuart areas, and was the only Aborigine I have ever
known who tried agricultural pursuits voluntarily. At Garji he set his
people to make and maintain a garden in which he grew sweet potatoes,
yams, bananas, lemons, etc.
Raiwala served a sentence in the Darwin Gaol for murder, which he
committed in 1934 (approximately).
These murders which have been going on for a number of years in the
Milingimbi area are only the result of a 'vendetta'. In June, 1946, I
investigated two murders, both of which were the result of a 'vendetta'.
Raiwala has been a marked man since his brother, Nglandir killed a native
named Mur-lil in 1946. I am of the opinion that it is only a matter of
a short space of time before the mambers of Raiwala's clan (Mild-Jingji)
murder any member of Raiwala's assassin's clan, as a reprisal for the
loss of Raiwala. Ginburuwui, the alleged murderer, is a simple nomadic
native of no real tribal status. He is a member of the Rembarunga tribe,
whose country is situated approximatelt south-south-west of Milingimbim
in the escarpment country.
(B) Peter Gabida
With reference to the missing native Peter Gabida, who is a Milingimbi
boy, of the Gobabingo clan; I have questioned the following natives,
Dingirilili, Djilmin, and Maliwar, and have ascertained the following
story :-
These three natives claim that the native Peter Gabida became detached
from their party somewhere north of the Bulman waterhole. They 'back
tracked' for the lost native for a considerable distance, but lost
his tracks in the stone country.
No further information can be obtained until an investigation is carried
out, either at Milingimbi or in the surrounding area. There is a possibility
that this native may still be alive and living in the Mainoru area.
(C) Dawurbur
As regards to the story of the shooting of two Miliggimbi boys, by a
'shooting' boy from Mr Bill Black's buffalo camp. In my opinion I am
quite certain that one boy Dawurbur was definately shot in a dispute
about tobacco. During my patrol of the buffalo camps in 1947 I heard
various stories with regards to the shooting of this boy, but could
never ascertain any concrete facts. As the alleged crime was supposed
to be committed in 1944, I consider that it would be very difficult to
gather witnesses and carry out a complete investigation, particularly
as I have reason to believe that the chief witness, one Big Frank,
has since died.
S H Kyle-Little, Patrol Officer, 31.12.1948
(15) Transport of Mines Inspector to Roper Police Station and Inspection
of Tandangal and Beswick Station with Mr Allom
Mentions half-caste John Hodgson was born on Elsey Station and is about
19 years of age.
G Sweeney, Patrol Officer, 19.11.1948
(16) Inspection of Lee Bros. Sawmill - Coburg Peninsula
Ankin Ah Matt is in charge of the sawmill. Martin Calma who had been
cutting logs for the mill had left with his family several weeks ago.
He is now crocodile shooting.
The native woman Gwongil mentioned in Mr Ellison's letter of 26th
August, 1948, has left the sawmill. She is reported to have
returned to Goulburn Island.
I brought the other woman Iamangga into Darwin with her husband
Bali-bali. They are at Bagot Hospital.
G Sweeney, Patrol Officer, 1.11.1948
(17) Patrol of the Wave Hill Area
Paddy Wallin-juania held at the Wave Hill Police Station charged with
the murder of Aboriginal Ruby Nowayah.
On the 12th September 1948, whilst working in the vicinity of No 17
Bore, Wave Hill Station, one Aboriginal Albert Del-lorr of the
Wailbri tribe was injured when his horse fell on him. The injuries
sustained amounted to the lower right leg receiving a compound
fracture, the injured native was flown to the Hospital at Wyndham.
On 15th September 1948 interviewed aboriginal native stockboy Pannican
about fight with another native stockboy Jimmy who was severley wounded
in the chest by a tomahawk blow. Interviewed at No 19 Bore about 10
miles north-west from Birrindudu Station.
The Manager of Wave Hill Station reported that on the evening of the 15th
September 1948, whilst awaiting transport by plane to hospital, one half-
caste child named John, aged approximately four (4) years died. Cause of
death as far as could be ascertained was tetanus.
On the morning of the 17th September 1948, Sergeant Riley arrested and
charged two native stockboys, Sambo Jilk-it-carry and Monday Donk-it-noow,
for illegal use of horses at Monteginnie Station.
On the 18th September 1948 I appeared for aboriginal Pennyfold of Daly
Waters district, who was charged with having liwuor in his possession.
Pennyfolds tribal name is Ngowoi of the Djingali tribe.
Following to go to Darwin
Pannican
Paddy Wallin-juania
Sambo Jilk-it-carry
Monday Donk-it-noo
Statement by Paddy Wallin-juania mentions :-
Paddy Wallin-juania, old man who has completely lost the sight of his
left eye and has poor sight of his right eye.
Tommy Crowson Warrie-ally, of the Wailbri tribe, interpreter
Jimmy Coonya-run
Coon-maya, full sister of Paddy Wallin-juania
Ruby Nowayah
S H Kyle-Little, Patrol Officer, 22. 9.1948
(18) Inspection of Newcastle Waters Station 21. 8.1948
Mentions the following :-
Pompey or Charles Alum, half-caste butcher.
A half-caste girl, Dorothy, aged about 7 years, lives in the native camp
with her mother Biddy. The natives say she was hiding when the other half-
caste children were removed from the camp.
G Sweeney, Patrol Officer, 7. 9.1948
(19) Inspection of Dunmara Station 22. 8.1948
Mentions the following :-
Frank Holtze, half-caste, general hand
Frank Frith, half-caste, head stockman
G Sweeney, Patrol Officer, 7. 9.1948
(20) Beswick - Mainoru - Elsey areas
Accompanied on trip by Professor Elkin and patrol boy Albert.
30. 8.1948 Billy Moore, a half-caste stockman employed on Mainoru
Station, was out mustering and was not seen. He has a threequarter-
caste son, Leslie, aged about 4 1/2 years, who is being cared for
most competently by the McKay brothers.
2. 9.1948 We left Beswick Station with a four years old half-caste
girl, Rita, and later collected another half-caste girl, Lorrie,
at Tandangal. Both these children were left temproarily at
Maranboy Police Station.
5. 9.1948 At Maranboy I collected the above mentioned two half-caste
girls, another half-caste girl, Eileen, and a half-caste boy,
Tommy Olsen. I also took four Millingimbi natives, Sambo, Charlie,
Tommy and Albert, who were not co-operating with the Superintendent
of Tandangal Native Settlement. Reached Pine XCreek Police Station at
1815 hours.
6. 9.1948 With Constable McFarland of Pine Creek I travelled to Wandi
Station and collected a lubra, Bunny, who was a VD suspect. I left Pine
Creek at 1630 hours and reached Darwin at 2215 hours, leaving my
passengers at Bagot Road Native Hospital.
J R Ryan, Patrol Officer, 16. 9.1948
(21) Droving of Beswick Cattle from Adelaide River to Delissaville
Left Berrimah with the following native personnel :-
George
Snider
Young Paddy
Greenant Paddy
Johnny Driver
Adelaide River - Native Bruce Pott wants to join.
J R Ryan, Patrol Officer, 30. 7.1948
(22) Report on Visit to Pine Creek 8. 3.1948 - 11. 3.1948
9. 3.1948 I visited the Pine Creek Police Station and interviewed
the Oenpelli native Peter Pah-min-ing-bah who was to be tried this
day by Magistrate Crang for spearing his fellow countryman
Billy Mee-alit-goo. Peter had worked as a patrol boy for Patrol
Officer Kyle-Little.
Dick Mulbeen of Daly River and an employee of Tipperary Station was
charged with drinking wine.
With Constable McFarlane I interviewed two natives Jack Bull and
his consort Mary. The boy had arrived from Darwin to marry Mary. I
brought both back to Berrimah Compound.
I called on Mrs Jones, a former employer of lubra Janie, who has
eloped to Jindare Station withhalf-caste George Thompson. I also
met Mr Wilson, owner of Jindare Station, who informed me that he
had requested the Darwin Office of Native Affairs to grant permission
for Janie and George Thompson to marry. On my return to Darwin on
10. 3.1948, Constable McFarland and myself stopped at Mr Henry's
garden at Hayes Creek and spoke to native Bobbie, the former consort
of Janie. Bobbie intimated that he no longer wanted Janie, and that
one wife Ruby was enough for him. (Previously he had the two lubras
as wives.)
Mrs Ah Toy, storekeeper of Pine Creek requested that an exemption
be granted to halfcaste Julius Peters, a temporary employee of
hers. She alleges that an application has been made. Julius Peters
claims to be exempted in Western Australia and that he was once
an employee of the N.T. Native Affairs Branch.
Natives Jack Bull and Mary were dropped at Berrimah Compound and
the prisioner Peter was handed to Darwin Police Station by
Constable McFarlane.
J R Ryan, Patrol Officer, 15. 3.1948
(23) Tandangal Native Settlement, Beswick Station
The head man of the Tandangal area, Charlie Lamburaj (Djauan) had to be
banished for indiscipline. He would have been a power of help if his
co-operation had been won.
G Sweeney, Patrol Officer, 25. 2.1948
(24) Hermannsburg, Haasts Bluff and Areyonga
Haasts Bluff
Gustav and Ephraim were interviewed in regard to recent trouble between
them. The matter was fixed up and I dont think there will be any further
trouble of this type for a long time.
The Immuna and Enock case had already been satisfactorily finalised
and after making enquiries no further action was taken.
Also mentions Haasts Bluff Jim who had been recently employed on
Narwietooma property.
Areyonga
No white staff here. A native evangelist named Peter is stationed here.
F A Gubbins, Patrol Officer, 20. 2.1948
(25) Patrol to Beswick Station - 7th to 13th February, 1948
I left Darwin for Katherine and Beswick Station on Saturday morning,
7th February 1948, as instructed, to investigate the drift of natives
to Katherine, their removal to Beswick and various disciplinary matters
that had arisen at Beswick Station.
Mr Stanford, carpenter for Beswick Station, and the following six
natives accompanied me :-
Nipper and Hilda ) employees of Mr Stanford
Peter (single) )
Leo and Emily, former employees of Mr Drysdale, for repatriation to Beswick
Duncan, ex hospital, for repatriation to Pine Creek
We called at Coomalie Creek to pick up one of Mr Stanford's team of
employees, Captain and his wife May.
I left Beswick Station on the return trip to Darwin about 11 am on 11th
February 1948. I called at Dang-dang-djal Settlement and picked up the
following natives :-
Old Hector (Djauan) ) for Katherine Hospital
Old Bob and Old Fannie (Ngalkbun) )
Donkey (Milingimbi), for removal to Darwin. Mr Frazer-Allen stated that he
was an undesirable influence on the Settlement.
Spider (Maiali) who said he was married to Gilbrey's wife's daughter and
desires his wife to join him. Spider is a good type of native who has
done good work at Dang-dang-djal Settlement. He desired to come to Darwin
to see Gilbrey's wife's daughter himself.
G Sweeney, Patrol Officer, 23. 2.1948
(26)Patrol of Adelaide River, Batchelor and Rum Jungle area 21. 1.1948 - 22. 1.1948
On inspection of Rum Jungle area only one native named Billy, a Moyle boy,
was found. He was working for Mr Tom Flynn. He also informed me that
Maggie Nolan's present location is somewhere in the Finniss River area. Her
return to Darwin is not expected until the end of February.
Mr Cameron of Batchelor was employing the following natives :-
Tom
Gladys (received no dental attention when she last visited Darwin)
Roy
Kitty (Country - Daly River)
The lubra Maggie, who was working for the Superintendent, War Graves
Commission, Adelaide River, was removed with her husband Fred to
Mrs Rawlings, at Berry Springs.
S H Kyle-Little, Cadet Patrol Officer, 27. 1.1948
(27) Inspection of Croker Island Mission Settlement
Inspection made between 10th December, 1947 and 12th December 1947.
Inmates - 25 boys and 48 girls.
Education
Lorna Tennant, 18 years of age, one of the half-caste girls, is
in charge of the kindergarten.
Two of the senior girls, Lily Kunoth, age 18 years, and Rosie Cobb,
age 16 years, both doing High School work, are keen to take up
nursing. It is hoped that the Darwin Hospital will be able to take
the girls in as trainees.
Discipline
Three boys, Bill Ryan, Jim Ryan and Cyril Frith, ages 16 to 17 years,
stole a .303 rifle, ammunition and a pair of field glasses, and
absconded with a view to walking to Darwin.
Mentions Annie Wauchope, age 15 years.
There have been three cases of illicit unions and three of the girls
are pregnant to youths on the Settlement :-
Betty Fisher, age 16 years, is pregnant to Bob Shepherd, age 16 years.
Mona Waters, age 16 years, is pregnant to a full blood aboriginal Dick,
age about 16 years, a member of the Marrgu tribe living on the island.
Nida Wilson, age 16 years, is pregnant to Bill Ryan, age 17 years.
G Sweeney, Patrol Officer, 12.12.1947
(28) Inspection of Ah Matt's Sawmill on Coburg Peninsula
Inspection was made on saturday 13th December 1947.
Staff
Ankin Ah Matt - Malay father, half-caste Samoan; Torres Strait mother;
Living apart from his wife.
Ali Ah Matt - Brother to Ankin, married to a white woman.
Martin Calma - Filipino father, half-caste aborigine-white mother.
Mrs Calma - nee Elizabeth Ward, half-caste aborigine-white, age 23 years.
Janice Calma - Daughter, born 6. 5.1945
Pauline Calma - Daughter, born 9.11.1946
Natives
White Name Native Name Sex Age Tribe Remarks
Fred Bur-i-lil M 30 Iwaija Employed
Marjorie Marrng-inja F 25 Gun-winggu (Oenpelli)
John Ngaluru M 7
Ngalindi M 5
Ngan-u-ring-ul M 1
Toby Nga-rau-wu-gwuja M 45 Iwaija Employed
Mary Muna-muna F 30 Iwaija
Adelaide Gi-bak F 45 Iwaija
Jessie Maru-mura F 12
Reggie A-lau-wein M 8
Hazel Mana-gana F 3
Josie An-mur-umbi F 1
Mangrenian Jalanba M 25 Walang Employed (Liverpool River)
Bulga-bulga F 22 Muralidbun (Liverpool River)
Joe Naman-mang-ara M 8
Peter Ngad-burr-gi M 4
Yaragu M 40 Maung Employed (Goulburn Island)
Gumbuwa F 22 Muralidbun
John Ngam-u-rulga M 5
Edward Wandi-wandi M 7
Mei-jang-arrk F 8
Jack Jalanba M 28 Walang Employed
Ngal-wu-la-marr F 45 Muralidbun
Mi-ling-girrk F 6
Joe Wi-dara M 17 Muralidbun Employed
Bil-il-lia F 15 Muralidbun
Ja-lul-ba M 60 Muralidbun Aged
Wei-buma F 30 Muralidbun
Ma-rumbu F 40 Muralidbun Mother of Joe Widara
Bu-luma F 10
Jau-wala M 7
Li-ri-lid F 3
Wei-mungga M 1
Ngal-mu-lu-bad F 60 Muralidbun Aged
Jimmy Mang-i-u M 60 Maung Aged
Mei-yul-marr F 55 Maung Aged
Mable Jiburadu F 50 Iwaija
Gun-gi-bara M 11 Iwaija
G Sweeney, Patrol Officer, 19.12.1947
(29) Report on Buffalo Shooting Industry
Ted Morey - 24. 9.1947
I did not inspect Mr Morey's Camp and I obtained the following information
from him at Oenpelli Mission. He employed the following natives :-
George Allen H/C
Tommy Sale, wife, 1 child
Michael, wife Priscilla, 1 child
Phillip, wife Rosie
Fred, wife Judy, 1 child
Paddy, wife Nellie
Long Paddy
Dudley, wife
Jackie
Charlie, wife Biddy, 1 child
Doyle, Smeaton & Marsh - 26. 9.1947
The above three men are partners and are shooting buffalo on the Cannon
Hill block of land on the west side of the East Alligator River. The
following natives are employed :-
Larry, Jessie
Joseph, Elizabeth
David, Hannah
John, Lydia
Nipper, Dolly
Mickey
Splinter
Combo
Oenpelli Mission
The following information was given to me by Mr Villiers, head
stockman on Oenpelli Mission. The following boys were used :-
Stephen
Harry
Lofty
Barnabas
Billinara
Nixkademus
Aurlie
Singlet
Mickie
Goangue
Dicklarga
Jim
Mameyano
Tiger
S H Kyle-Little, Cadet Patrol Officer, 18. 9.1947
(30) General Report on the Buffalo Shooting Industry 10. 5.1947 - 4. 9.1947
J Vandenberg @ J Dugan 27. 5.1947 - 29. 5.1947
Shooting on east side of the South Alligator River and on the Woolwonga Reserve.
Billy Alderson @ Yorkie Billy H/C, son of William Alderson (Yorkie Mick)
of Jim Jim. Aged about 40 years. Has not applied for an exemption. Has
two lubras who are his tribal wives.
D Hunter, Woolner Station, Lake Finnis, 8. 6.1947 - 29. 6.1947
The folowing natives were employed at Hunter's buffalo camp :-
Billy, Jack, Lefteye, Bigfoot, Tommy,
Frank, Johnnie, Peter, John, Sharky,
Charlie, Jim, Bigtit, Harry and Roy
Nora, Phylis, Rene, Marie, Nakkai, Mamie,
Kitty, Oldwoman, Nancy, Jessie, Jessie No 2,
Roy No 2, piccaninny
W Slack, Point Stuart Station 5. 8.1947 - 8. 8.1947
The following are the natives employed in buffalo shooting for
August to October 1946 :-
Boy Dependants
Wallace Lena
Brolga Annie
James Peggy, one child
Clarry Elsey
Jack Sarah
George Mandie, one child
Marjunga
Bumble Topsy
Fred Minnie, Nancy and mother
Mick Lizzie and father
Larry Judy, mother, father and three children
Towdie Wife and child
Blueshirt
Lefthand Wife, father, mother and 3 children
Robin
Tommy Kitty
Boranga Wife
Billy Muck Wife and mother
John
Billy Mother and father
Jeramudi Pandatta, mother, father, sister and sister-in-law
Vesteys, Marrakai Station 30. 6.1947 - 4. 7.1947
The following natives are employed :-
Alec, Marrakai Alec, Micky, Johnny, Roger,
Roger No 2, Walter, Dick, Paddycale, Pompey
Maggy, Marrakai Maggy, Elsie, Mandie, Doris,
Ruby, Ruby No 2
Harold Knowles, camp at a place named Alec Hole 14. 7.1947 - 18. 7.1947
Alec Hole is in the vicinity of the West Alligator River. The following
natives are employed :-
Micky, Jimmy, Whiskey, Matthew, Charlie, Joe, Jasper
Mamie, Natty, Mary, Polly, Ruby
Joe Parry H/C, shooting on Menassie Reserve 26. 7.1947 - 27. 7.1947
Mr Parry had five natives in his employ. These natives were Brinkens and
had come from the Daly River with Mr Parry. Their names were as follows :-
Bigtit
Robert
Mutton
Henry
Flying Fox
S H Kyle-Little, Cadet Patrol Officer, 18. 9.1947
(31) Patrol Coomalie Creek, Batchelor and Rum Jungle
Coomalie Creek
Mr Verberg was in Darwin with produce from his garden. Madeline 'Berberg',
half-caste, was at the homestead. Madeline was formerly married to Mr
Verberg, was later divorced and now has permission to work as his
housekeeper.
At the time of inspection Mr Verberg was employing four boys :-
White Name Native Name Sex Age Tribe Remarks
Edwin Gug-a-laui M 30 Warrai Employed
Kitty F 25 Warrai Wife
Unnamed F 2 Warrai Daughter
Billy Junang M 16 Malak Malak Employed
Nym Yarrbab M 50 Malak Malak Employed
Jessie Gumandana F 35 Malak Malak Wife
Francis Miljat F 9 Malak Malak Daughter
Albert Ma-yang M 5 Malak Malak Son
Berak Berak F 2 Malak Malak Daughter
Sam Wowan M 50 Malak Malak Employed
Batchelor
Mr Cameron, an old man, single, is working portion of the old Batchelor
Farm site. He is employing a married couple :-
White Name Native Name Sex Age Tribe Remarks
Tommy Nal-yir-u M 25 Brinkin
Gladys Wei-jat F 40 Worgaitz
Rum Jungle
Mr Tom Flynn was at Rum Jungle with his part-aborigine wife.
The native Norman Mowoni, reported by Mr Flynn to be sick and suffering
from an itch is now in hospital in Darwin.
G Sweeney, Patrol Officer, 28.11.1947
(32) Wood Camps
J Wiltshire's Camp, Berrimah
The natives employed are :-
Albert Alberdi
Moses Burardjoo
Moloney Murra-wunnie
Ronnie Boom-gad-miri
Morris Ud-diali-dji-miri
Turtle
(All Melville Island).
Lewis - Pan Quee - 22 Mile
At his home Jimmy Pan Quee employs only one native, Robert (Brinkin).
A native camp was later located, however, in the scrub not far from
Pan Quee's residence. There were 12 natives in the camp, 6 adult
males, 4 adult females and two children.
Tommy Nyalwun (Mara-nunga), wife Minnie Cupah
Barney Mirlee (Mara-nunga
Harry Mop-on-on (Brinkin)
Jackie, wife Jackie
Jerry
Ram (Mulluck Mulluck), wife Nancy Bulbul
Alice, daughter of Jack White; two small daughters of Alice
This camp was broken up by P.O. Harney and myself as we considered it constituted
a menace. Ram, Nancy Bulbul, Tommy and Minnie were sent back to Koolpinyah Station
where they have regular employment and the others, with the exception of Jackie
who could not be located, were brought into Berrimah.
Davis and Ormande
Camp located at the 14 mile. Only one native employed, Jackie.
Quong - Albert
Camp located at the 20 mile turnoff. Only natives employed are Charlie and Matthew.
E C Evans, Cadet Patrol Officer, undated
(33) Report on Patrol in Liverpool River, Junction Bay and Oenpelli areas
December 1946 - January 1947
Investigation of Murder
The following is the story as told to me by suspects and witness of the murder
of the native boy Nung-or-li-wede and the attempted murder of his brother
Jim-mean-muller. The story was told to me through an interpreter on at least
six different occasions. Never once did the story alter or change in any way.
The two brothers Nung-or-li-wede and Jim-mean-muller belonging to a tribe of
the Upper Liverpool, had been to Goulburn Island and had traded buffalo horns
for which they received tobacco, calico, blankets, etc.
They were returning to their country and had camped on an open salt flat in
the Junction Bay area. During the evening they were joined by five other natives -
Nun-dul, Nor-minnie-orbu, Marday, Medo-orlu-orlu a deaf mute, and Dar-ran-darra
a young boy. The party slept.
At midnight Nun-dul, Nor-minnie-orbu and Marday woke up. Marday urged
Nor-minnie-orbu and Nun-dul to kill Nung-or-li-wede and Jim-mean-muller
for their blankets, tobacco, calico, etc.
Nun-dul then attacked Nung-or-li-wede and Nor-minnie-orbu attacked Jim-mean-muller.
Both attackers used crowbars, pieces of steel wire attached to short bamboo
handles.
Both brothers were asleep at the time under blankets.
Nung-or-li-wede was struck twice through the head, he cried out, got to his
feet, ran about 15 paces and collapsed.
Jim-mean-muller was struck once in the arm and once in the stomach, he got
to his feet and made his escape.
Dar-ran-darra, the young boy, became frightened and ran away.
Medo-orlu-orlu, the deaf mute, slept through the whole affair.
Nun-dul, Nor-minnie-orbu and Marday slept till daylight and then they carried
the body of the deceased across a mud flat to high ground and burnt it.
When questioned as to what they did with the goods of the deceased the suspects
claimed they had used them for a while but later they had been accidentally burnt
in a grass fire.
S H Kyle-Little, Cadet Patrol Officer, December 1946 - January 1947
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