NATIVE AFFAIRS

Information contained in Report of Director of Native Affairs for the Twelve Months ended 30th June, 1959.

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Location of Government Se+t/emenrs,

Church MiSSiohl end forreS

Strait Island Reserves Shown A

/fcr population fiaorct and o**r

Statistics See* opposite- poje.

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Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 25.4/3 - www.aiatsis.gov.au Reports upon the Operations of Certain Sub-Departments of the Department of Health and Home Affairs.

Department of Health and Home Affairs, , 1st August, 1959. TO THE HONOURABLE THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND HOME AFFAIRS. SIB,—I have the honour to submit, for presentation to Parliament, the following informa­ tion regarding the operations of the undermentioned Sub-Departments of this Department. K. J. McCORMACK, Under Secretary.

NATIVE AFFAIRS (Director, C. O'Leary). "EVENTIDE," 8ANDGATE (Manager, E. P. Kelleher). "EVENTIDE," CHARTERS TOWERS (Manager, F. W. Slattery). "EVENTIDE," (Manager, A. J. Taylor). INSTITUTION FOR INEBRIATES, MARBURG (Superintendent, K. W. Moffat). QUEENSLAND INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND, SOUTH BRISBANE (Manager, V. Hamlran).

Native Affairs—Annual Report of Director of Native Affairs for the Year ended 30th June, 1959.

SIR,—I have the honour to submit the Annual Of the above total 19,500 have full citizenship Report under "The Aboriginals' Preservation and rights, 7,100 Islanders possess self- Protection Acts, 1939 to 1946," and "The Torres government in accordance with "The ' Acts, 1939 to 1946," for the Strait Islanders' Acts, 1939 to 1946," 1,040 non- year ended 30th June, 1959. controlled aboriginals have part citizenship rights Queensland's population of controlled and non- and the balance are subject to "The Aboriginals' controlled aboriginals, half bloods and Torres Strait Islanders is indicated in the following Preservation and Protection Acts, 1939 to 1946." table:— Aboriginals— There are five Government Settlements and Controlled 9,970 Non-controlled 1,040 thirteen Church Missions and one Government 11,010 Hostel in Queensland. Half Bloods- Controlled 7,400 Non-controlled 19,500 26,900 The Country Reserves represent small areas Torres Strait Islanders 7,100 reserved for living purposes adjacent to country Total .. 45,010 towns. Only a small proportion of the population The above figures can be accepted as sub­ shown against Country Reserves live thereon. stantially accurate being based on statistical The majority live on cattle stations or in private records of the Department. homes where they are employed.

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Houses of coloured people trained on Government Settlements and assimilated into the Community.

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The areas and approximate population of these Reserves are:-

Tone* « Established Arts Put Blood Half Blood Strait Total Islanders Acres. Cape York Government Settlomr.nl 1948 97,620 187 39 476 702 Cherbourg Government Settlement 1904 26,765 153 1,009 .. 1,167 Pafan Island Government Settlement 1918 15,510 643 677 ., 1,320 •Aitk. nvele Government Hostel 195S 00 ...... Wocrabinde Oovemmeat Settlement 1927 54,800 451 237 . # 688 tFoleyvale Government Settlement 1940 26,886 .. . , .. ## Edward River •ffaefcin (Church of England) 1MB 1,152,000 246 2 • • 248 Lockhurt River Mission (Church of England) 1924 638,400 353 4 ,. 357 Mitchell River Mission (Church of England) 1917 640,000 606 20 .. 626 Yarrabah Mission (Church of England) 1892 39,710 134 510 .. 644 Mapoon Mission (Presbyterian) 1891 1,353,600 106 154 .. 260 Aurukun Misiion (Presb>terian) 1904 793,600 570 10 •. 580 Moraington Island Mission (Presbyterian) .. 1914 245,120 380 43 .. 423 Miseion (Presbyterian) 1898 876,800 174 •• 174 Docmadgee Mi««i>« (Brethren) 1931 260,480 336 "so SS6 Hammond Island Mission (Roman Catholic) 1929 3,660 .. .. 11© 110 Hope Vale Mission (Lutheran) 1S49 257,200 184 172 .. 356 BlcomfieW River Mission (Lutheran) 1957 287 117 19 .. 136 Mona Mona Mission (Seventh Day Adventist) 1913 4,318 167 160 .. 327 100,170 5,258 4,294 .. 9.562 •• e • •• •• 6,514 6,514 ! 6,637,086 9,970 7,400 7,100 24,470 j= 10,214 sq. 1 I miles.

* Altkenvab eaten for transient aborijaaaX apprentices, students, Ac The number of men appears in the population figureso f the Settlements sad Missions to which they are attached. t Yolervaa* bt a cattls raiting property. Population is included In Woorablnda Settlement figure*. 5 Toe Toms Strait bland population included those Islanders, estimated at 827 residing la Queensland in areasoutside the Torres Strait 1

POLICY people of Queensland now subject to the pro­ tective provisions of "The Aboriginals Preserva­ Nothing which has been adduced in discussion, tion and Protection Acts." Any impetuous forc­ correspondence or debate can justify any major ing of these people to change their present living alteration of Policy with conditions, home life, family associations and respect to its aboriginal and half blood peoples. general outlook, while they are unwilling to The basic features of that policy are exemplified accept the responsibility of full citizenship, by "The Aboriginals Preservation and Protection involving the abandonment of or disassociation Act," the statute under which Native Affairs with these living conditions, would be a grave administration operates. disservice to them and contrary to all tenets of the humanitarian provisions of the Act. The humanitarian provisions of that Act can­ not be construed as implying any approach to segregation or apartheid. On the contrary the On this question there should be no clouding aim is the education of the people to a standard the issue. The Queensland Government's deter­ with which must be associated manual and mined policy is to effectively prepare these people domestic tuition to fit them for acceptance as self-reliant members of the general community. for assimilation into the community and to such There can be no question of acceleration of purpose its Government Settlements and Church assimilation. Such is contrary to the best Missions operate. interests of the people concerned.

Queensland's policy, to the limit of tuition It is impossible to accept as a solution of the facilities and consistent with the material avail­ problem the mere granting of full citizenship rights to the 17,470 aboriginal and half blood able, produces a personnel available for annual assimilation.

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Success or failure of any policy can be gauged EDUCATION by results obtained from or attributed to it. The Department's education programme pro­ Therefore, attributable to the policy of protection vides for the tuition of children to the same stand­ of its native peoples, consistent with that standard, can be recorded:— ard as applies in schools under the control of the Education Department. Manual training and (a) Of an overall total aboriginal and half domestic science are included and in addition blood population of 37,910 in Queensland, special training is arranged where the ability of 19,500 have been assimilated into the State's individuals along particular lines merits such. community life. Very few of these people have failed to measure up to their responsibilities as Joe Rootsey, an aboriginal stockman from citizens of the State. The Government is Laura, North Queensland, who spent a period at formulating a plan for necessary assistance to the Central Technical College during 1958, those comparatively few to help them to do so. returned for further tuition in the early part of (b) 7,100 Torres Strait Islanders possess what 1959. During the period he was absent from can be fairly termed self-government rights. Brisbane and after his return to the Central Tech­ nical College, he completed an additional forty- (c) Government Settlements and Church four paintings. During the Queensland Industries Missions located throughout the State were Fair in May last, this native gave public demon­ created and continue to function to prepare the strations of painting in the Central Technical peoples in their care for ultimate assimilation or College Section at the fair. Considerable interest integration into the community. Any impetuous has been taken in his work and enquiries have forcing of such, contrary to the interests of the been received from the south and from overseas. coloured people, will not be tolerated. Veda Dinger, the first aboriginal ward to under­ (d) Primary education is provided for every take a Y.W.C.A. Leadership Course, has con­ aboriginal child in the State. Secondary tinued her training this year at the Y.W.C.A. at education is available to all children whose future and intellectual standards as determined by com­ Adelaide. She is now in the concluding stages petent authority warrant it. University courses of her course and will emerge a fully qualified are available to any child whose progress in a member of the Y.W.C.A. staff. secondary school justifies it. Michael Miller and Phillip Stewart of Palm (e) Domestic science and manual training is Island will this year complete their courses at the provided on all the Government Settlements and Teachers' Training College and be eligible for Church Missions. The Child Welfare Centres appointment as fully qualified teachers. operating on Government Settlements are on the Tennyson Kynuna from Yarrabah Mission is most modern lines. Church Missions likewise an apprentice shipwright with a leading Queens­ effectively handle the problem of Child Welfare to such extent that infant mortality amongst land firm and Archie Alberts of Cherbourg has controlled aboriginals throughout the State does commenced employment with a view to his not exceed that of the white community. apprenticeship shortly to a painting contractor in the metropolitan area. (/) Native assistants are employed in the hos­ pitals established on the various Institutions. Four natives (two from Aurukun Mission, one Many girls are employed by Hospitals Boards as from Palm Island Settlement and one from Cher­ probationers and trained nurses. bourg Settlement) were enrolled at the Queens­ land Agricultural College, Gatton, for a course (g) Over the last twelve years it is conserva­ of training in butchery. All showed ability and tively estimated that 1,000 trained artisans from willingness to profit from the tuition given. the Torres Strait area, Government Settlements and Church Missions have been assimilated into Three children attending Settlement schools the State's community. These men with their passed the 1958 State Scholarship Examination wives and families accept all the responsibilities and are now attending secondary schools. The and obtain all of the benefits of National Citizen­ total number of children at present enrolled in ship. An indication of the type of homes occu­ secondary schools is 13. pied by some of them is given in this Report. That the educational opportunities made avail­ (/i) The Government's policy is that wherever able are appreciated is shown by the fact that protection is warranted it is available. Those three Settlement children who passed the 1958 people not requiring protection or control are Junior Public Examination have been appointed exempted from it. The protection is humani­ to positions in the State Public Service. A fourth tarian and is appreciated as indicated by the has received an appointment as a trainee nurse Native controlled organizations operative on the at the General Hospital. Five other Settlement various Settlements and Church Missions. These girls have also been accepted as trainee nurses organizations voice the feelings of the native in hospitals in Brisbane, and peoples to the administration. There is little criticism from them. Adverse comments on Bundaberg. Government policy in the main, originate from The training of boys in shipbuilding, carpentry, those not acquainted with the full circumstances joinery, plumbing and other similar callings con­ of the people being protected and the desires of tinues in and on Government these people to retain protection. Settlements and Church Missions.

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Houses of coloured people trained on Government Settlements and assimilated into the Community.

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Particulars of children attending the established primary Schools are shown hereunder:-

ABORIGINAL SCHOOLS

Enrolment 31st M»rch, 10&8 Description of School Name Boyi Olrla Total

Settlement Cherbourg 174 197 371 Settlement Palm Island 136 127 263 Settlement Woorabinda 89 105 194 Aboriginal Mission Aurukun 72 65 137 Aboriginal Mission Doomadgee 63 58 121 Aboriginal Mission Edward River 19 28 47 Island Mission Hammond Island 20 18 3H Aboriginal Mission Hppe Vale 52 46 98 Aboriginal Mission Lockhart River 36 40 76 Aboriginal Mission Mapoon 32 32 64 Aboriginal Mission Mitchell River 50 58 108 Aboriginal Mission Mona Mona 50 40 90 Aboriginal Mission 63 42 105 Island Mission St. Paul's () .. 38 33 71 Aboriginal Mission Weipa 20 14 34 Aboriginal Mission Yarrabah 70 60 130 Island Mission St. Michael's Convent (Palm Island) 62 52 114 Beserve Cowal Creek 24 27 51 Reserve 43 31 74 Reserve Red Island Point .. 12 IS 27 Torres Strait .. Island Schools 400 401 801

Total 1,525 1,489 3,014

EMPLOYMENT OF ABORIGINALS AND TORRES the full production of the Islanders' fleet on cer­ STRAIT ISLANDERS tain gradings which cannot be deviated from Pearlshelling and gathering of trochus shell irrespective of market fluctuations or reduction together with those industries incidental to the in consumer demands. This agreement has saved marine industry, viz. boat building, &c, continue the Torres Strait Islanders from the unfortunate to constitute the main avenue of employment for financial difficulties in which Master Pearlers now Torres Strait Islanders and aboriginals in the find themselves. Thursday Island area. At present none of this labour is unemployed The wages and working conditions for these and to enable a continuation of such position employees are governed by an agreement entered even if the industry should further deteriorate into between the Director of Native Affairs and investigations are proceeding into the possible the Pearl Shelters' Association annually. employment of the men in other spheres suited to their psychology and training. Torres Strait Islanders have their own pearling fleet. This fleet numbering 23 vessels is the It can be fairly estimated that in the pastoral largest numerically in and provides industry, 4,550 aboriginals of various degrees of employment for 295 Torres Strait Islanders as caste are employed. A further 1,325 aboriginals divers, engine men, tenders, crews, and skin and Islanders are engaged on their home Settle­ divers. ments, Church Missions, and Torres Strait On the pearling fleets owned by companies, Islands. There are also in the vicinity of 900 firms and individuals operating between Thursday engaged in private enterprise as carpenters, Island and Mackay, 573 Islanders and plumbers, general artisans, labourers, nurses, and domestics, &c. The services which these people aboriginals are employed. In addition there are give to the community are generally recognised more than 200 people employed as dinghy as essential to the success of the various callings workers on their home Islands and in Thursday in which they are employed. This applies par­ Island as shell sorters, shipwrights, &c. Thus ticularly to the pastoral industry where aboriginal the number of workers directly or indirectly stockmen and their women folk are recognised as associated with the industry would be in the essential to the successful running of many pas­ vicinity of 1,068. toral properties. It is unfortunate that the pearling industry which for many years has provided remunerative Every Islander and aboriginal employed in a employment for Torres Strait Islanders and calling covered by a State Arbitration Court aboriginals is experiencing a recession. However, Award is paid in accordance with that Award. Government financial assistance is now forth­ This does not apply to the Award covering coming in an endeavour to rehabilitate the the pastoral industry from which provisions, industry. aboriginals are specifically exempted. Depart­ mental Regulations, however, provide a wage and The production of the Torres Strait Islanders' living conditions in this industry consistant with fleet is sold to an overseas buyer under Agree­ the aboriginals' ability. Where it is evident that ment entered into approximately two years ago aboriginals in this industry can compare favour­ with a currency of three years expiring on ably with white employees they are paid at the 31st January, 1960. This agreement provides for same rate as the latter. a fixed minimum price for pearlshell and trochus shell with upward trends consistent with market In all cases aboriginal workers are covered by fluctuations. It compels that purchaser to take the State Workers' Compensation Acts. In effect

Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 25.4/3 - www.aiatsis.gov.au Exempted Aged Aboriginal Cottages.

Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 25.4/3 - www.aiatsis.gov.au 8 the organisation aimed at the preservation and 5. Aitkenvale.—Accommodation provided protection of the aboriginal race in Queensland for transient natives, apprentices and secondary gives to him work and wages of a standard prac­ school children under the supervision of a tically similar to white workers. manager and matron. Improvements still being effected include channelling, drainage and HOUSING sewerage. The Department has always been consistent in 6. Mossman-Gorge.—Tenders closed at Depart­ its policy of better housing for those people con­ ment of Public Works on the 24th June, for the trolled by it. The sub-standard housing which erection of six (6) cottages each with two bed over previous years prevailed on Government rooms, dining room and kitchen and veranda, all Settlements particularly, has been overcome to the to be built to the specifications of the Department extent that within the next twelve months all sub­ of Public Works who drew up plans of various standard accommodation will be rectified by the buildings. provision of suitable type dwellings. 7. .—Tenders closed also on the This position, however, does not apply with 24th June for three (3) cottages similar to respect to Church Missions where, consistent with Mossman. funds and man power available, reasonable 8. Georgetown.—Tenders closed also on the efforts obtain to overcome the lag. Consequently 24th June for the erection of four (4) cottages progress on these Missions is not comparative similar to the two above. with that applicable on Government Settlements. The building programme visualized for the In country areas, that is, in those centres where current financial year comprises:— Native Reserves exist on the fringe of townships, Camooweal 5 cottages a building programme aimed at rectification of Mount Garnet 4 cottages unsatisfactory housing has been undertaken to Birdsville 4 cottages the following extent:— Dajarra 6 cottages 1. Coen.—Ten (10) cottages, two (2) com­ Mount Isa 2 community munity buildings, a water reticulation service buildings comprising windmill, tank and reticulated water It is appreciated that the efforts recorded in to each building have been provided. All this Report and those previously mentioned, do cottages and buildings are complete with usual not measure up to the full requirements of housing laundry and toilet facilities. No old buildings for part coloured people who, although not at Coen have been renovated and their condition subject to the provisions of the Aboriginals' did not warrant such. All new buildings are Preservation and Protection Acts, still remain a erected on the site of the new Coen Reserve social problem for which some competent nearer to the town area. authority must accept responsibility. 2. .—Accommodation at Lyons Street The living conditions of these people demand Reserve has been erected comprising a main some rectifying action and in an endeavour to building approximately 60 feet by 25 feet with achieve such, Native Affairs has sought financial accommodation for male and female transient provision for a progressive housing policy which natives, dining and cooking facilities. A care­ over the years will satisfactorily meet the needs taker's cottage has also been built, laundry and of them. ablution facilities provided, and seven (7) exist­ However, it is fitting to record here that of the ing cottages repaired, renovated and enlarged to 19,500 people of coloured blood possessing full provide suitable accommodation for permanent Citizenship Rights not more than 1,000 could be residents on the Reserve. regarded as fringe dwellers demanding special 3. Normanton-Croydon.—Accommodation pro­ consideration over and above that available to an vided represents four (4) prefabricated steel ordinary citizen of the State. buildings at Normanton and three (3) at Croy­ A recent quick check of cross sections of partly don. Arrangements are in hand to partition these coloured people residing in Brisbane reveals that buildings, provide cooking and messing facilities, they have assimilated into the general community water reticulation scheme, laundry and toilet to a greater and more satisfactory degree than is facilities. oftimes appreciated. 4. Cloncurry.—Three (3) prefabricated steel The majority of these people live as ordinary buildings have been erected and water has been connected to shower rooms, the kitchen and the citizens in suburbs where good standard type mess hall. Laundry and toilet facilities exist and housing prevails. An indication of the type of enquiries are with the Protector of Aboriginals, houses occupied by these partly coloured people Cloncurry, regarding the supply of a kitchen is shown in this Report. range, furniture and furnishings if necessary, and In effect Queensland's part coloured popula­ the employment of a suitable caretaker couple so tion has, by reason of the basic education and that the centre may function as a unit. training given it, accepted the opportunity of

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Aboriginal Generul and T.B. Hospital—Government Settlement. 10 voluntary assimilation, without specialized help The building and suitable machinery have been as is sometimes advocated. Thereby the indepen­ acquired. In this factory a native foreman will dence and status of the individual is established exercise supervision over native staff to such to his credit and benefit and to the satisfaction extent that native craftsmanship, confidence and of the administration which provided that happy self-respect will obtain. circumstance. The organisation of curio production will be QUEENSLAND NATIVE CREATIONS extended beyond the Cherbourg workshop. The The determination of the Government to intention of the whole project is to give encour­ encourage the industrial activities of aboriginals agement to any main land native or Torres Strait on Government Settlements, Church Missions and Islander to exercise his particular talents and pro­ elsewhere is exemplified by the establishment of duce articles of quality for which he will be fairly and promptly compensated. Already from the a Queensland Native Creations Section within the organised marketing of boomerangs alone some Department. This section provides a facility for Settlement natives have augmented their wages the encouragement of:— during some weeks by as much as £10. (c) Native arts and crafts. All natives on Government Settlements, (b) Increased earnings by aboriginals Church Missions and Country Reserves are including the aged and indigent. expected to co-operate with Queensland Native The Department's enquiry into marketing Creations, thus accepting the opportunity to facilities locally and overseas, has indicated a participate in the benefits attending the organised demand which will tax to the utmost the immedi­ and centralised marketing of curios on their ate possible production. That the production will behalf. not be retarded is indicated by the establishment Supplies of shells and articles made from shells, of a workshop at Cherbourg Settlement, contain­ plaited leaf work and all types of native craft ing the necessary plant to produce in bulk, those work are required in steady quantity supply to articles of genuine Native Creation in demand by successfully meet the ever increasing demand for local and overseas markets. Report by the officer genuine Australian curios from local, interstate in charge of this section, Mr. H. R. Pascoe, is:— and overseas markets." "Queensland Government policy of encourage­ There is a future in this undertaking for the ment toward natives in taking an ever increasing Queensland coloured people. The extent of its pride and active interest in the cultural artistry potential is difficult to assess. It is certain, how­ and craftsmanship of their ancient people has now ever, that provided the industry of the aboriginals been extended to a further important and is maintained in producing saleable articles the interesting stage. organisation and the available markets will not For some time the Department has realised be found wanting. that given certain encouragement and organisa­ HEALTH tion native talent and diligence could be used with Continuous vigilance by the Director-General advantage and win for the native a satisfactory of Health and Medical Services, his staff, Govern­ monetary reward. With this in mind and as one ment medical officers throughout the State and of its Centenary projects for the advancement of superintendents and staff of the various hospitals, Queensland natives, a fact finding survey was guarantees an effective check on the health of conducted in the early months of this year to Torres Strait Islanders and aboriginals. examine the manufacturing possibilities of and the market potential for curios made by Queensland No serious epidemics have occurred. Minor natives and Torres Strait Islanders. outbreaks have been adequately and expeditiously dealt with by the medical authorities. The outcome of this survey made throughout a considerable portion of Queensland extending MATERNAL AND CHILD WELFARE from Thursday Island to Coolangatta added to On all the Government Settlements and Church the considered expectation of a satisfactory Missions special attention is paid to the health tourist, interstate and overseas market potential, of the mother and child. Child Welfare centres resulted in action to establish a section to conducted on the lines of the Maternal and Child organise curio making as an industrial section Welfare organization in Brisbane have resulted within the Department of Native Affairs. in the education of the parents and a guarantee To establish the authenticity of any article pro­ of strong healthy children. Where previously the duced by Native Creations Organization, a regis­ death rate on some of these Settlements and tered certificate or stamp will be attached to each Missions was comparatively high amongst the native made curio indicating that the Department infants such does not now prevail. of Native Affairs certifies that such article is a In the overall the health of the community has genuine product of Queensland Native Creations. been good. It is quite evident that the better A factory will be established on Cherbourg housing of the people contributes considerably Aboriginal Settlement for large scale manufacture. to this happy situation.

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I X JMMW Child Welfare—Government Settlement.

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The following Schedules provide:— (b) Statistics of the small hospitals estab­ (a) Statistics of births and deaths at the lished in the Torres Strait area which Thursday Island General Hospital of cater for cases not warranting removal Torres Strait Islanders. to the Thursday Island Hospital.

PERIOD 1ST JUNE, 1968 TO 31ST MAY, 1959

Births liratli* (from nil Cause*) Still Births Males Females T( Ml Males Female* Total Thursday Island Hospital .. 100 97 197 2 17 13 30 Waiben Hospital, Thursday Island. .. 2 2 1 2 3 Boigu Island ...... Coconut Island , , . .. Cowal Creek .. 1 1 2 1 1 Bamaga 1 2 3 2 2 4 Red Island Point Darnley Island ...... I 1 Do war Island .. Kubin Village Naghir Island Island Rennell Island Murray Island 2 2 Stephen Island .. . , .. 1 1 2 .. . Yorke Island .. 2 2 Horn Island .. . At Sea . 1 1 Warraber Island . 103 103 >06 2 24 20 44

Excess births over deaths 161

HOSPITAL STATISTICS—YEAR ENDING 31ST MAY, 1959

BAMAGA HOSPITAL

— In-patients Out-patients Treatments June 17 998 July 15 836 August 20 776 Number of in-patients—222 September 22 517 October .. 20 338 November 15 493 Number of out-patients— December 8 512 Treatments 8,538 January .. 13 945 February 15 989 March 22 476 April 26 781 May 29 877

BAD a ISLAND

In-patients Monthly Average. Out-patients

Treat­ Male Female Total Number ments

June 3-7 5 8-7 349 1,007 July •4 •7 1-1 197 456 In-patients August .. > Hospital Closed Hospital Closed Monthly Average 4-275 September October •8 •6 1-4 243 731 November 5-1 4-7 9-8 247 796 Out-patients December 1-8 3-2 5 187 935 Number treated 2,283 January 2-5 3-6 6-1 228 962 February 1-2 6 7-2 225 685 March .. 1-3 2 3-3 199 696 Out-patients April 2-3 2-5 4-8 210 940 Number of treatments 8,059 May 1-8 2-1 3-9 198 851

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HOSPITAL STATISTICS—YEAR ENDING 31ST MAY, 1959—continued

DARNLKY ISLAND

In-patients Out-patients

Treat­ Male Female Number ments

June 033 99 355 July . , 89 385 August .. . . 89 226 In-patients September . 105 464 Monthly Average -0027 October , . 103 403 November . 108 474 December . 88 276 Out-patients January- . 101 326 Number treated 1,28V February . . 143 1,302 March .. , 135 1,233 April . . 122 603 Out-patients May 107 510 Number of treatments 6,557

INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS Cattle Raising.—The number of livestock depastured on the various Government Settlements as at the 31st March, 1959 are:—

Beef Cattle Dairy CatUe Horses

00 — M 4* V •a a e e JZB S 8 •3 S 3 H 1 o "a a 9 1 M 1 a 03U n H « ! 1 £ « I 03 1 II a r. Cherbourg Settle­ ment 20 608 23 67 69 214 1,001 24 46 70 Aboriginal Training Farm 2 62 10 8 82 2 1 3 Woorabinda Settle­ ment 57 2,144 187 445 451 616 3,900 . . 52 . . . 52 48 128 176 Foleyvale Settlement 16 9 2 5 837 869 . . . . Palm Island Settle­ ment •• 65 70 135 3 113 85 85 286 24 14 38 Total 93 2,761 210 514 521 1,592 214 5,905 5 227 95 93 420 98 189 287

As a Departmental asset, the value of these established at Cherbourg Settlement and also all cattle is £159,306. From cattle raising opera­ school furniture for the various Schools including tions, 469 cattle were slaughtered for rations, Church Missions throughout the State. valued at £14,070, and 623 bullocks were sold The value of joinery and furniture produced realizing £28,954. Sale of bullocks represents amounted to £5,491. male cattle transferred from Woorabinda and Cherbourg to Foleyvale where they are fattened. CHURCH MISSIONS Timber Production.—The total recovery of The various Church Missions catering for sawn timber from Government Settlement saw­ aboriginals throughout the State have again mills, amounted to 623,139 super feet, valued at recorded a measure of progress in the policy of £31,606. All timber is used for the erection of uplift and betterment of the living conditions of buildings for native accommodation on the three the people. Government Settlements and the Torres Strait area. Most of these Missions are situated in the more inaccessible portions of Queensland, viz. the Cape Agriculture and Farming Generally.—Fruit, York Peninsula Area. There climatic conditions vegetables and milk were produced on the various are hard and the lack of adequate transport mili­ Settlements for local consumption to the value of tates against the progress which is hoped for. £14,750. In addition from Foleyvale 1,363 bags To these missionary workers, men and women, of wheat and 1,489 bags of grain sorghum were employed in Mission fields in these areas the harvested. Government is deeply appreciative. They have Small areas of peanuts and cotton have now virtually given their lives to a cause to which they been harvested consisting of 250 bags of peanuts are espoused and many unrecorded hardships are and 33 bales of cotton. suffered in the performance of their duties. At the Training Farm where dairying and pig Opportunity, therefore, is now taken to thank raising operations are carried out, the returns for these Mission workers for the unselfish efforts the financial year amount to £3,330. which were theirs during the current year. Trade Training.—All joinery requirements for All possible assistance in cash and kind is buildings erected on all Settlements and Torres made available to these Church Missions by the Strait were supplied from the joinery workshop Government to enable their planned work to

Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 25.4/3 - www.aiatsis.gov.au 15 proceed. It is common knowledge that contribu­ ABORIGINAL ACCOUNTS tions to the Mission fields are not as great now as As shown in the following table of deposits, previously and, therefore, the responsibility withdrawals and balances, the total amount held in devolves upon the Government to make good the trust in the Savings Bank Accounts of aboriginals shortages and to provide extras to meet added is £944,132 2s. 8d. Every facility is provided for cost of maintenance and development of the aboriginals to withdraw, within reason, against Missions. their Savings Bank Accounts:—

TRANSACTIONS FOB TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 30TH JUNE, 1959

Total Savings Bank Balances as at Investments Total Funds Deposit* Withdrawal. 30th Jane, 1S59

£ t. d. £ «. d. £ «. d. £ ». d. £ «. d. Cherbourg 43,633 13 9 45,085 17 8 4,647 6 0 1,000 0 0 5,647 6 0 I 'aim Island 67,131 19 10 68,253 17 3 10,374 8 1 21,000 0 0 31,374 8 1 Woorabinda 36,059 2 10 34,714 17 1 9,196 16 6 4,000 0 0 13,196 16 6 Various Protectorates .. 298.171 2 11 302,732 0 3 82,897 16 10 592,119 7 3 675,017 4 1 Torres Strait Islands 382.901 16 0 389,658 3 8 75,664 9 10 143,231 18 2 218,896 8 0

Totals.. £ 827,897 15 4 840,344 15 11 182,780 17 3 761,351 5 5 944,132 2 8

Of the total funds of £944,132 2s. 8d. held to A close check is made on every individual the credit in the Savings Bank accounts of account to which Child Endowment is credited Queensland Aboriginals and Torres Strait to ensure that the expenditure by parents is in Islanders, £73,143 is on account of community keeping with the purpose for which the payment welfare funds and the balance of £870,989 2s. 8d. is made. is to the credit of individual Savings Bank The number of aboriginal parent endowees in Accounts. the State is:— For the year ended 30th June, 1959, Endowees the deposits to Savings Bank Accounts Country Protectorates 396 totalled £827,897 15s. 4d. and withdrawals Cherbourg Settlement 159 Woorabinda Settlement 93 £840,344 15s. lid. As the withdrawals were Palm Island Settlement 138 in excess of deposits by £12,447 0s. 7d. any con­ Torres Strait Islanders 974 tention of undue restrictions on withdrawals can­ not be substantiated. 1,760 In the case of a deceased aboriginal, immedia­ The annual payments on account of tely following death being reported, action is taken the children of these endowees totalled to distribute the estate amongst the next-of-kin. £104,007 9s. lid. The number of estates so administered was 34 and the amounts made available to next-of-kin When aboriginal children are wholly main­ were £6,964 14s. 8d. tained in Mission and Government Settlement Institutions, the endowment is paid to Institutional No aboriginal is precluded from operating on Funds. These funds are utilised solely for the his Savings Bank Account for his immediate benefit of the children by providing extras in diet, needs. This is plainly evident from a perusal of better type of clothing, all forms of sporting and the total deposits and withdrawals shown in the general recreation equipment, library books, and foregoing table. Innumerable cases can be reading material. quoted of:— The following table reveals the number of (a) Aboriginals receiving their exemptions children in Institutions for whom Child Endow­ from the provisions of the Act and receiving their savings in a lump sum to ment is collected:— set them up in business suited to their Woorabinda Settlement 35 calling; Cherbourg Settlement 104 Palm Island Settlement 338 (b) Homes being built for aboriginals from Hope Vale Mission 1 their savings; Daintree Mission 16 (c) Plant and equipment being provided Doomadgee Mission 119 from savings to allow the aboriginal to Mitchell River Mission 112 improve his industrial status; Aurukun Mission 213 Mapoon Mission 123 (d) Funds made available for aboriginals Mornington Island Mission 184 to enjoy a holiday at the seaside. Weipa Mission 59 Yarrabah Mission 299 CHILD ENDOWMENT ACCOUNTS Presbyterian Home, Thursday Island .. 6 The Commonwealth Government Child Endow­ 1,609 ment is paid to aboriginal mothers at the rate pre­ vailing for white mothers. The payment of the BOY SCOUTS, GIRL GUIDES AND MARCHING GIRLS endowment has proved of much benefit to Separate organizations catering for the aboriginal children in that it allows the mothers establishment, management and control of these to purchase a wider variety of food, better cloth­ sections aimed at the social advancement of the ing, &c, for the children. junior element of native population of Settlements

Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 25.4/3 - www.aiatsis.gov.au 16 and Missions operate with particularly outstand­ recorded innumerable acts of help, assistance and ing success on Government Settlements. The advice beneficial to the people covered by the following brief extracts from reports by the various provisions of the Aboriginals' Preservation and superintendents indicate the activities under these Protection Acts. headings:— The superintendents and staffs of the Church Cherbourg Settlement Missions also deserve commendation for their Boy Scouts.—The enrolment of the scouts is self-sacrificing labours, often in difficult and trying 31 whilst the cubs number 15. The highlight of conditions. the year for the scouts was the 1959 Easter Camp Reports of the Settlements and the Missions at Nanango. The work and conduct of the Cher­ and in respect of Torres Strait Islanders are bourg scouts at this camp was of the highest order, and gained them first place in the Camp Appendix I Palm Island Settlement Competition. Appendix 2 Cherbourg Settlement Jeffrey Doolah, the Cubmaster, was invested Appendix 3 Woorabinda Settlement with the "Woodbadge" at the Nanango Camp. Appendix 4 Foleyvale Settlement He is the first Torres Strait Islander to secure this Appendix 5 Doomadgee Mission Appendix 6 Yarrabah Mission high Scouting Award for proficiency. Appendix 7 Hope Vale Mission Marching Girls.—The Marching Girls Teams Appendix 8 Bloomficld River Mission competed in many competitions during the year, Appendix 9 Mona Mona Mission and were extremely popular wherever they Appendix 10 Torres Strait Islands appeared. At the Australian Championships held Peninsula Appendix 11 Island Industries Board in Brisbane during the Easter week-end, the Appendix 12 Edward River Mission Midget Team, Imparras, obtained second place Appendix 13 Mitchell River Mission in the Aggregate and third in their Own Choice. Appendix 14 Aurukun Mission The Junior Midget Team, Magarras, received Appendix 15 Mornington Island Mission Special Merit Badges for their effort in competi­ Appendix 16 Hammond Island Mission tion. In all two cups and medals were won. Appendix 17 Lockhart River Mission Palm Island Settlement Appendix 18 Mapoon Mission Appendix 19 St. Paul's Mission Boy Scouts and Girl Guides.—Regular meet­ ings are a part of this section's activities. Visits to Esk Island where a sturdy general purpose APPENDIX 1 shed has been erected for their use by the admini­ PALM ISLAND ABORIGINAL stration, has been a feature of Scout and Guide movements during the year. SETTLEMENT (Superintendent—Mr. R. H. Bartlam) Last May, 30 scouts from Brisbane and Towns- ville were entertained at Esk Island and 11 Palm Population on Settlement— Full blood 589 Island scouts went to Brisbane as guests of the Half blood . . .627 Brisbane Scouting Movement. Attached to Settlement but employed on — Mornington Island Mission Full blood 54 Boy Scouts.—Good work has been done Half blood 50 amongst the cubs and scouts on this Mission. 1,320 APPRECIATION Deaths— The loyal assistance forthcoming from all Adults 10 Children under 1 year 4 officers of the Sub-Department of Native Affairs Births 57 is gratefully recognised. Exemptions 7 The Under Secretary, Department of Health and Home Affairs, the Director-General of Health HEALTH and Medical Services, the Commissioner of Police, There has been no serious outbreak of disease the Manager, State Stores Board, and the staffs during the year. Mild outbreaks of mumps, of their Departments have always readily afforded measles and influenza have occurred. A number any assistance and advice needed. of children under two with gastric troubles have The various Police officers appointed as district been hospitalised during the period. protectors have carried out their duties most The hospital staff comprises doctor, matron capably. It would be impossible for the protec­ and five sisters with ten native assistants. tion policy of the Department to function smoothly and efficiently were it not for these Maintenance work on the hospital has been Country Police Protectors. The value of the work carried out by Settlement workmen, and the carried out by Country Police Protectors is not Outpatients' Department has been renovated and generally appreciated outside the realms of the brought into use. Department. To the credit of Police Protectors should be recorded that they virtually fulfil the DENTAL functions of welfare officers. It should be appreci­ Visits by the dentist have been made at irregu­ ated that Police officers by reason of their train­ lar intervals during the year. It is hoped that ing and the application of such to their duties as with an improvement in the dental staff position Protectors provide a humanitarian outlook to the a more regular service will result. The dental protection of aboriginals. Within the scope of condition of the people has improved as a result their duties, and oftimes beyond such, can be of the attention being received.

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HYGIENE AND SANITATION Vegetables have been planted for Settlement Essential services have been regularly main­ needs and cabbage, radish, lettuce and other early tained by this section throughout the year. Regu­ crops are being harvested. lar visits by the hygiene officer to all areas of the native living areas has resulted in a steadily FEMALE WELFARE improving standard of hygiene. This section supervises sewing room, home A hookworm survey was undertaken during training and female welfare activities. the period and all positives treated. At present The tuition given to teenage girls after leaving three positives are under treatment. school has brought very good results. Domestic Areas along the frontage are being built up training is also given to die older girls from the with dry rubbish and covered with soil. These school who attend twice weekly. These trainees places are then laid down with turf as parks and cook a midday meal for 65 children in the two playing areas. lower grades of the school as a part of their training. BABY WELFARE CLINIC Constant field work is improving the standard This unit is operating efficiently and good of hygiene in the home and the effect is particu­ results have been achieved. Each child on the larly noticeable in those families who have now Settlement under the age of five years visits this been installed in a better class house. clinic regularly and a check is made of the health and well being of the child. The female welfare officer who is in charge of this section supervises the running of the old Regular visits are made by the baby welfare people's home (26), hostel for ex-Hansen's sister to the homes of the parents ensuring that patients and convalescent patients (18), and the the improvement is general and steady. issue of supplies to diabetics and others who Fruit, vegetables, eggs, cheese, milk, cereals, require supplementary rations. &c, are weekly issues and clothing for all the small children are made here and distributed to EMPLOYMENT all children under five. There is a regular demand for experienced stockmen but difficulty is experienced in placing FARMING young lads in employment. Efforts are being Production of food has been intensified and made to place young lads as apprentices in figures of foodstuffs produced and issued on the various trades on the mainland. Settlement for the period are:— Beef .. 31,685 lb. NATIVE HOUSING Pork 10,189 lb Fish 2,038 lb. Fourteen houses were built during the year for Mutton 4,054 lb. use by the natives, and fourteen are under con­ Milk 5,613 gallons struction. Maintenance work was carried out on Cabbage 5,755 head Chinese Cabbage 3,745 head 24 homes. It is hoped with better road transport Carrots 27 sacks expected to be available in the next few months Tomatoes 266 bushels to have the 14 under construction completed by 1,822 bunches September this year. Papaws 4,979 only Pineapples .. 34,238 only These houses are of solid construction and Squash 18 sacks complete with shower room and laundry. The Watermelons 940 only homes are being fenced along their frontage with Sweet Potatoes 38 sacks Onions 31 bushels palings. Turnips 13 sacks Improved housing has brought a much better Beans 80 bushels Lettuce 250 bushels standard of living on the Settlement and this is Cucumbers 6 bushels reflected in the appearance and health of the Radish 80 bushels children. Pumpkins 14 sacks Maize 1 ton The pineapple acreage has been increased and STOCK the plantations are yielding well. Two At 31st March there were 419 head of cattle acres of new country on Bamboo Creek were on the Settlement. During the year 47 head were planted with pineapples. killed for ration issue. Owing to a very dry season the silos had again Pigs at the end of March totalled 149—during to be used and by careful husbandry stock losses the period 97 pigs were slaughtered for rations. were very slight. These silos, which were built four years ago, have paid for themselves many SAWMILLING AND LOGGING times over by stock saved. Saccaline, Poona peas, 129,628 super feet of sawn timber were corn and cane were grown to refill them and they returned from this mill. All timber cut was used are now ready for another dry period. on the Settlement mainly in the construction of A further 15 acres of scrub was felled and native houses. The timber was cut in the sown with green panic molasses and Buffel grass. recently opened Bamboo Creek area and hauled The scrub areas planted over the last two years to the Settlement mill. are looking very well and have good stands of Four hundred pine trees of the variety Pinus the introduced grasses. Thirty bullocks were Caribaea were planted in the Bamboo Creek areas fattened on these pastures and killed for ration as a part of an afforestation scheme. It is hoped issue. to plant a further 500 this year.

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Child Welfare—Government Settlement. 20

WORKSHOP AND MANUAL TRAINING Road Transport.—The existing trucks The older boys from both the aboriginal school available for general haulage work on the and the convent school are given instruction in Settlement are very old but it is hoped that the plumbing and woodwork twice weekly. situation will be greatly relieved with the early arrival of a Bedford truck. The timber jinker is After the lads leave school they spend a period doing good work. of training at carpentering, boat building, plumb­ ing or metal work. GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS

EDUCATION The recreation hall and picture theatre is well under way and it is hoped that it will be in use There are two aboriginal schools on the Settle­ by August. ment—the Native Affairs school and the convent school. The engineering workshop 70 feet by 40 feet is completed and awaiting light and power The former has a maximum enrolment of 263 installations. children and the latter 112. A garage was built to house the jeep truck There has been one assistant teacher short at and a three room supply shed has been erected the Native Affairs Department school since on the beach front. February of this year leaving one head teacher, four assistant teachers and 7 monitresses. Apart An air-strip 710 yards long and 100 yards from the usual 8 grades it has been found neces­ wide was completed at Butler Bay and an air sary to add one preparatory grade and a special service thrice weekly is in full operation. Con­ opportunity class. siderable drainage work had to be carried out to enable this to be done but the wet season's One boy from the State school attained his rains have indicated that the system is working Scholarship and was accepted as an apprentice satisfactorily. by the Queensland Railways Department. A concrete culvert 4 feet by 2 feet 6 inches was Visits were made to Townsville Show and to constructed to take storm water under the strip various factories in Ingham. A group of and one small creek was diverted to allow the aboriginal children acquitted themselves well at necessary area to be levelled. the inter-school sports at Ingham. A road was cut through to the air-strip and The four members of the Franciscan Mission­ culverts made where required. General road aries of Mary and three monitresses are coping maintenance is always a problem on Palm with their pupils quite well at the convent school. Island where the storm water run off is heavy. The selfless and cheerful co-operation of the Preliminary work is in hand for the building convent school authorities is a feature of the of an 8-foot weir at Bamboo Creek and the work of that organization. installation of 4 miles of pipe line is under way to implement the present water scheme. Very little rain fell this year until the first SCOUTS AND GIRL GUIDES of March, 1959, and the dry period was the Regular meetings are a part of this section's longest for many years. activities. Visits to Esk Island where a sturdy general purpose shed has been erected for their use by the administration, has been a feature of SOCIAL AND WELFARE ASSOCIATION Scout and Guide movements during the year. This association has functioned well during the Last May, 30 scouts from Brisbane and Towns­ period and has maintained steady interest in ville were entertained at Esk Island and 11 Palm sport and general entertainment. A ready sale is Island Scouts went to Brisbane as guests of the found for coral and shells. Brisbane Scouting Movement. A drive to interest the Settlement people in making up novelties and shell jewellery has met TRANSPORT with some success. Various handicrafts such as Water.—The "Kiru" which is to replace the hat making and fan and small pandanus items old launch "Irex" is in the water and the engine are proving popular with tourists. is in the boat but has yet to be aligned. There Football teams have visited Halifax, Tully, and is still a few months work in fitting up wheel- Townsville and boxing teams have had several house and cabin before she is ready for sea. visits to Townsville. This 46-ft. launch hull has been built with Settle­ A comprehensive display was sent to the Royal ment labour under supervision and of timber from National Show, Brisbane, where first prize was the Settlement. awarded to its handicraft display. A display was The "Sylvia" and "Turtle" boats are both made up for Townsville Show held in June last doing good work. The "Sylvia" in particular is year. a far better balanced boat since her complete overhaul during which 5 ft. were added to its FANTOME ISLAND LEPROSARIUM length. The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary continue The power barge "Challenger Bay" is proving to capably handle the patients at this centre. The most useful in lightering work. The main load­ Palm Island doctor visits the Leprosarium once ing from Townsville is carried by Charter vessel a week and various visits by dentists have been twice weekly. made during the year.

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Manual Training Class—Government Settlement. 22

A tennis court has been built at Fantome and CHILD ENDOWMENT the patients enjoy the added pleasure of this £ s. d. sport. Total Child Endowment paid 12,564 0 10 Patients 31st April, 1958 .. 26 Average monthly payment 966 9 3 Admissions 6 Total Store sales to endowees 7,506 7 9 Discharges .. 9 Average number of endowees—183. Deaths 1 Patients 31st March, 1959 ..22 HOSPITAL The Cherbourg Hospital is under the control APPRECIATION of the South Burnett Hospitals Board, and details The assistance of the Director of Native Affairs of the hospital activities may be found in the and his staff is gratefully recorded and thanks Board's Annual Report. are due to the Palm Island Settlement staff for their loyal support throughout the year. DENTAL Number of visits 39 AlTKENVALE RESERVE Number of fillings 641 (Manager—Mr. K. F. Spencer) Number of extractions 419 Number of dentures Nil The hostel at Aitkenvale Reserve has amply proved its value during the year. Here meals and pleasant accommodation are provided for OPTOMETRIST aboriginals in transit by the staff at the Reserve. Number of visits 4 Number of patients 28 Travelling natives en route to employment from Palm Island or other areas are housed and NOTIFIABLE DISEASES fed until their transport leaves and medical cases Hansen's Disease Nil are picked up from the boat or train and trans­ Tuberculosis 8 ported to the hospital. Venereal Disease 6 Aboriginals from other settlements and missions and outside areas passing through HEALTH Townsville are accommodated at the hostel and The health of the community is good, and no their movements to employment, hospital or back serious epidemics were experienced although an to their home protectorate are assisted. outbreak of whooping cough occurred during The hostel also serves as a home for young March, 1959. lads who are in employment in Townsville and A continuous endeavour is made to ensure the the manager exercises the paternal control over physical fitness of the whole population. The these young people which is of great assistance benefit of immunisation was availed of by 100 to them. The buildings have been painted inside children for Triple Antigen, 96 for B.C.G. and and out and the grounds are in the process of Salk vaccine was given to 29 pregnant women being laid out in lawns and gravelled roads. and 35 children. When completed this reserve should be one of the show places of the district. The endeavour to educate the population in respect to health and medical fitness has been made per medium of picture screenings, distri­ APPENDIX 2 bution of Health Education Council literature, CHERBOURG ABORIGINAL SETTLEMENT personal advice by the Medical Superintendent of the Cherbourg Hospital, the Hospital Staff, (Superintendent—G. Sturges) Baby Welfare Officer, Hygiene Officer, Welfare STATISTICS Officer, and the Superintendent. Population as at 31st March, 1959— Full bloods 158 RAINFALL Half bloods 1,009 The total was 36-75 inches, over 82 wet days. Total 1,167 The seasonal conditions were good to fair over the year. Full Half Births- Bloods Bloods Total EDUCATION Male .. 8 25 33 Enrolment varied from 327 to 338 during the Female 3 28 31 three quarters of 1958, and increased to 371 during the first quarter of 1959. The average 53 64 Total .. 11 attendance for the year was 310. — — — Deaths— However the average attendance for that por­ Male .. 7 10 17 tion of 1959 included in this report was 337-9. Female 3 10 13 SCHOLARSHIP EXAMINATION Total 10 20 30 One boy, Erwin Brown, passed the 1958 Scholarship Examination, and at present this boy EXEMPTIONS and also Viola Sheridan are attending Murgon Conforming to Departmental policy, Exemp­ High School together with Kathleen Holt who tion Certificates were granted to eight males, passed her Scholarship whilst attending the eight females and eleven children, the children Aramac State School. Kathleen was also awarded the A. R. Brown Certificate as the result representing families of the males and females. of her Scholarship pass.

Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 25.4/3 - www.aiatsis.gov.au Type of new native cottage—Government Settlement.

Native residential area—Government Settlement.

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A total of four children, two boys and two BABY WELFARE girls, are at present attending the Murgon High This section continues to function very suc­ School. cessfully, and generally the Baby Welfare Officer receives wholehearted co-operation from the JUNIOR EXAMINATION mothers. Lawrence Bell, Iris Bell and Joan Shillings- A close liaison exists between this Centre and worth, Cherbourg students attending Murgon the Cherbourg Hospital, and therefore the maxi­ High School obtained passes in the Junior Public mum of medical assistance is available to the Examination in 9, 7 and 5 subjects respectively. mother and the child. Lawrence and Iris Bell both received appoint­ In conjunction with the Settlement Matron, ments to the Queensland Government Public Hygiene Officer and Welfare Officer the Baby Service. Welfare Officer regularly visits homes and inspects them and generally follows up work from the SCHOOL STAFFING Baby Welfare Centre. School staffing improved during the year, and as a result, a general improvement has been noted HYGIENE AND SANITATION in all grades. This section receives very careful attention, and every avenue is explored in endeavours to reduce DOMESTIC SCIENCE to a minimum the incidence of flies, mosquitoes, The syllabus for this section was revised during and other vermin. All potential breeding places the year, and the scheme is working satisfactorily. are sought out and fumigated, and preventative The enrolment at present is 30, including girls measures are on a routine basis. from Grades VII. and VIII. In addition this Section caters for the needlework requirements The sanitary service remains on the basis of for Grades III. to VI., which at present comprises maximum collections, and the disposal area is 93 girls. kept clean and free of any contamination. Conduct generally is quite good, and the students show keen enthusiasm. SEWERAGE Every endeavour has been made to expedite During the year work was prepared for the the completion of this scheme, and at present Departmental Exhibit at the 1958 Royal National approximately 90 per cent, of native housing is Exhibition, Murgon Show Exhibit and also the connected to fhe plant. The plant is operating competitive section of the Murgon Show. successfully.

MANUAL TRAINING WATER SUPPLY This plant has operated successfully throughout Enrolment varied from 24 to 33, and includes the year. Regular attention and maintenance has boys from Grades VII. and VIII. been given. Average daily consumption is 40,000 Conduct throughout the year has been satis­ gallons. factory. This section prepared entries for the Depart­ SAWMILL mental Exhibit at the 1958 Royal National This plant was brought back into operation Exhibition, Murgon Show and the Cherbourg during the last week of May, 1958, after being Show. closed for major overhaul and conversion to electric power. It is now in first class order and The new Manual Training School building was functioning satisfactorily and efficiently. occupied during the year. This building has a floor space of 60 feet by 40 feet, and is ideal Logs milled during the year were:— in every way. The building is fitted with fluores­ cent lighting, electric power points where Logs Contents Recovery required, circular saw, band saw and grinding — machine. Super, ft. Super, ft. Hardwood 685 312,775 158,743 SPORTING Pine 97 40,243 28,882 The school competed in the District School Totals 782 353,018 187,625 Sports, 180 children taking part, but they were unable on this occasion to conquer their tradi­ Machined timber—21,721 lineal feet 4 inches x tional rival, the Murgon State Rural School. 1 inch flooring; 500 lineal feet sill; 300 lineal feet 8 inches x 1 inch facia; 4,046 lineal feet 3 inches x However, the football team again won the Jim 1 inch; 1,707 lineal feet 2 inches x i inch; 1,000 lineal Kemp Memorial Shield in the District School feet li inches x 1 inch. fixtures. BUILDINGS The cricket team won the District Schoolboys' The foreman carpenter and men under his Shield. control were transferred to sewerage work for With the improved staffing position which now several months. exists, it is confidently anticipated that much A total of five native cottages were completed greater attention will be given to sporting activities and occupied, and one was partially completed. for girls, and that in the near future they will The Manual Training School, with a floor area also take their place amongst the winners in of 60 feet by 40 feet was completed and District School Competitions. occupied.

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Trade Training Workshop—Government Settlement. 26

Maintenance and repairs were effected to all STOCK dormitories, domestic science school, fifteen Seasonal conditions over the year were good native cottages, the primary school, show pavilion, except for the autumn and winter of 1958. Cattle and glazing was carried out where necessary. are generally in good condition. Alterations, to enable sewerage installation, were made to four staff quarters, and one is under Dingoes have been troublesome. A native- dogger is employed, and native residents arc way. encouraged to trap and otherwise destroy these PAINTING pests. The following work was completed:— Thirteen horses were broken in during the Three staff quarters, interior and exterior. year. Girls' dormitory, interior and exterior. Four foals (colts) were born, the sire being Mothers' dormitory, interior and exterior. the stallion purchased during 1957. The mares Boys' dormitory, interior and exterior. have been mated again. Primary school, interior and exterior. Book figures show stock at 31st March, 1959. Infants' school, exterior. as:— Five new native cottages, interior and exterior. Bulls 20 Eight existing native cottages, interior and exterior. Herd cows 608 Four bath-laundry blocks, dormitories, interior and Maiden heifers 67 exterior. Speyed cows 21 Four bath-laundry-water closet blocks, native Bullocks 67 cottages, interor and exterior. Weaners . 214 Miscellaneous cows 2 TRADE TRAINING WORKSHOP Calves branded 2 The high standard of work already established Bleeders 2 has been maintained, and at present there are three men, one improver, and four boys full time Total 1,003 employed. The output for the year was as follows:— IMPROVEMENTS 588 casements. Concrete water troughs have been erected at 258 dual desks and seats on steel frames. Well Paddock and Waltmann's Bore. 3 silky oak chairs. Construction of the boundary fence at Frog 1 silky oak pedestal office table. 46 French lights. Hollow has been commenced. 496 H-inch by i-inch by 7-feet stops. An experimental plot, approximately four 762 lineal feet 1-inch by i-inch stops. acres, has been planted with Buffle grass, Rhodes 622 super feet V J, T & G. grass and clover mixture. 20 framed mirrors. Giant couch (Pannicum) has been planted 2 step ladders. along Long Water Hole. 6 dress display stands 2 counters, each 18 feet. A small seed plot of Townsville lucerne and 1 silky oak Cheval mirror. Phasciola has been planted also. 2 silky oak show cases. A speying bail was erected at Waltmann's 1 silky oak filing cabinet. yard. 1 school press, four door. 2 veranda chairs. 16 combination wardrobes. Noxious WEEDS 16 dressing table stools. Continuous efforts against all classes of noxious 2 kitchen stools. weeds have been maintained, and the property is 1 head teacher's table. very clean. 434 pine chairs. 1 silky oak cabinet. BEEF SUPPLY 120 flush pipe boards. 120 cistern boards. A total of 317 cows were purchased and killed, 120 hopper sashes. particulars of which are:— 1 silky oak bookcase. 317 cows, dressed weight 145,543 lb. 1 silky oak round table. Average dressed weight 1 nest of three tables. each 459.1 lb. 24 small pine chairs. Total gross cost . .. £9,247 10s. Od. 6 small pine tables. Average gross cost per ib. 15.24d. lb. 1 tool box for sewerage. Returns from hides, glue, 28 coffins. 4c £497 4s. Id. 2 crates. Total net cost .. £8,750 5s. lid. 19 framed and sheeted doors. 270 ledged doors. Average net cost per lb. 14.43d. 6 half glass panel doors. A total of 50 Cherbourg cattle were killed. 7 four panel doors. Particulars are:— The following material was utilised:— lb. 4,042 super, feet silky oak. 33 bullocks dressed weight 18,248 25,485 super, feet pine. Average dressed weight 552.9 258 sheets ply. 9 cows dressed weight 3,974 143 sheets 72-inch by 48-inch arctic glass. Average dressed weight 362.3

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There were eight culled cows from the Train­ TRACTORS AND MACHINERY ing Farm killed, particulars of which are:— The Ferguson tractor was overhauled, and this lb. machine is performing satisfactorily. Other 8 cows dressed weight 2,899 machinery has been maintained in satisfactory Average dressed weight 362.3 working condition. The value of Settlement stock killed for rations is £2,000. MOTOR VEHICLES 143 weaner steers were transferred to Foley- All vehicles have been maintained in satisfac­ vale in May, 1958. tory working condition.

ABORIGINAL TRAINING FARM ROADS AND BRIDGES Commercial butter — 9,327 lb. realised Road maintenance continues. Decking and £1,708 10s. 7d. running boards on Muddy Flat Creek bridge were Pigs sold—114 pigs sold realised £1,180 14s. 9d replaced, and other bridges have received main­ Broom millet—4 cwt. 1 qr. sold. tenance as required. Stock at 31rt March, 1959.— Bulls .. 2 SOCIAL AND WELFARE ASSOCIATION Cows .. . 62 Heifers . 10 Outstanding events of the year:— Weaners 8 Christmas Tree Annual Show Dinner Total 82 Annual Debutante Ball Participation in the Departmental Exhibit at the 1958 Royal National Show Pigs at 315/ March, 1959.— New Year's Eve Ball Boars .. 4 The 1958 Cherbourg Annual Show was Sows .. 9 officially opened by Mr. J. Bjelke-Petersen, Fatteners . 25 M.L.A., Member for Barambah, who rep­ Stores 29 resented the Honourable the Minister for Health Suckers . 48 and Home Affairs, Dr. H. W. Noble. Total 115 Mr. W. E. Knox, M.L.A., Member for Nundah, representing the Honourable the Crops at 3lst March, 1959.— Minister for Health and Home Affairs, was the 60 tons harvested and stored, comprising oats, principal speaker at the 1958 Annual Show barley and lucerne. Dinner. 120 bags milo, 90 bags maize, and 36 bags barley Mr. J. A. Heading, the Honourable the was produced and utilised as pig fodder. Minister for Works and Local Government, 4 cwt. 1 qr. broom millet harvested and sent to the received the Debutantes at the Annual Ball. Blind Institute. Mr. C. O'Leary, the Director of Native Affairs, 300 lb. honey robbed and issued at Settlement. was also present at the 1958 Annual Show and 160 doz. oranges delivered to Settlement. associated functions. Crops grown for grazing purposes included Poona pea-Sudan, clover-rye, Rhodes grass, lucerne, oats. The association continues to accept its respon­ Vegetables grown for Settlement use included sible part in Settlement activities. Co-operation pumpkins, potatoes, onions, and other market from the Executive Committee, and the various garden crops. committees which constitute the association, is IMPROVEMENTS wholehearted, and individual members take a keen interest in matters pertaining to Settlement Clearing of marginal land was continued and welfare. approximately 12 acres were planted to oats, and this crop materially assisted in carrying the herd The association supports many branches of through the winter of 1958. sport. The tennis team won the Murgon District "B" Grade Premiership and Shield, and in the The irrigation mains were extended a further Championship Competition won the "B" Grade 13 chains, together with the necessary take off Singles, the Mixed Doubles and the Men's points. Doubles. DAIRY STOCK Cricket and boxing teams have played their part to the credit of themselves and the Settle­ Eleven calves were reared and tatooed. They ment. Geoffrey Dynevor has retained his title have also been treated with Strain 19. Five of Queensland and Australian Champion (Fly­ heifers ranging from 13 to 21 months, sired by weight Division). "Palen Golden Effort," will be ready for mating during 1960. The football team won the Robertson and Corser Shields. Seven cows were culled and transferred to the Settlement beef herd. The marching girls teams competed in many competitions during the year, and were extremely popular wherever they appeared. At the PIGGERY Australian Championships held in Brisbane During the year one large white boar and two during the Easter weekend, the Midget Team, large white sows were purchased. The purchase Imparras, obtained second place in the Aggregate of this new breeding stock was made on the and third in their Own Choice. The Junior advice of the Senior Adviser on Pig Raising of Midget Team, Magarras, received Special Merit the Department of Agriculture and Stock, Badges for their effort in competition. In all Murgon Office. two cups and medals were won.

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ANZAC DAY FINANCE £ s. d. A Commemorative Ceremony was held on the Native Savings Bank Balance is . 13,774 18 0 Settlement conducted by the Rev. J. Donne, an increase of £754 19s. over the Anglican Missionary. Tokens of Remembrance period were laid on the Honour Board by representa­ Cash Collections 39,083 17 11 tives of the Murgon Sub-Branch of the Banked to Natives' Savings Bank R.S.S.A.I.L.A. and Settlement residents. The Account 8,071 19 5 Resolutions were read by Councillor J. Krebbs, Settlement Maintenance 943 4 10 Chairman of the Murgon Shire Council. Retail Store Cash Sales to Natives 25,209 8 9 Retail Store Sales to Natives on order 5,033 16 10 BOY SCOUTS AND CUBS Retail Store Credit Sales to Officials 3.856 16 7 Enrolment is— Scouts 31 EDUCATION Cubs .. 15 Native School enrolment is— The highlight of the year for the scouts was the Boys 102 1959 Easter Camp at Nanango. The work and Girls 113 conduct of the Cherbourg scouts at this camp was of the highest order, and gained them first Total 215 place in the Camp Competition. The aggregate attendances over the 200} school Jeffrey Doolah, the Cubmaster, was invested days— with the "woodbadge" at the Nanango Camp. Boys 18,441 He is the first Torres Strait Islander to secure this high Scouting Award for proficiency. Girls 19,969 Total 38,410 GENERAL Daily average attendance— This Settlement was again given the respon­ Boys 91.9 sibility for the design and construction of the Girls 99.5 Departmental Exhibit at the 1958 Royal National Total 193.27 Exhibition in Brisbane. It received very favour­ able comment, and much credit is due to the Lynette Booth passed Junior Standard from officers and native residents who were responsible the Girls' Grammar School, Rockhampton, and for the work involved. is now working in Brisbane in the State Public Service. CONCLUSION Teaching staff has been greatly affected by the I take this opportunity of expressing my thanks illness of both Mr. and Mrs. Jarrett. and appreciation to the Honourable the Minister The Primary School children competed in the for Health and Home Affairs, the Under Duaringa District Schools Amateur Athletics with Secretary, Department of Health and Home notable success. Affairs, the Director of Native Affairs and his staff, members of the Settlement staff, to CONDUCT Protectors and Police officers, to Ministers of Religion, and others who have assisted in the Conduct of the inmates has been satisfactory. administration of this Settlement. STAFF It is with regret that this report records the APPENDIX 3 death of Mr. C. P. Jensen, his wife, Jean, and son Graham in a drowning tragedy which WOORABINDA ABORIGINAL occurred at Mimosa Creek on the 8th March, SETTLEMENT 1959. Mr. Jensen had acted in the capacity of (Superintendent—Mr. R. W. Naggs) clerk and storekeeper and had worked on the Settlement over a period of 13 years. STATISTICS The population of the Settlement is now 451 full bloods and 237 half bloods, total 688, show­ RAINFALL ing a total decrease of 93 made up of 36 full During the period, rainfall amounted to 22 - 44 bloods and 57 half bloods. inches over a total of 41 wet days. This is some 5 inches below average. Water holes and Deaths totalled 15. (One infant 5 months, and dams have not been filled. 6 old people of ages ranging from 62 to 83 years The Mimosa Creek carried a very fast flood of age.) from very heavy rain in its head waters that Births totalled 29. (Thirteen full blood males, reached a height of 17 feet on the 17th February, 12 full blood females, 2 half caste males, 2 half which washed the new Mimosa Creek Bridge blood females.) away.

HEALTH SAWMILL The health of the inmates could be described The sawmill operated at a steady pace through­ as very good. Hospital admissions were 816 of out the year, snigging equipment being the most which number 48 were transferred to the Rock­ troublesome item of equipment used in the log­ hampton General Hospital. ging operations.

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Primary School—Government Settlement.

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The gross measurement of 894 hardwood logs ELECTRICITY hauled was 378,224 superficial feet. Gross con­ Supply has been maintained throughout the tents of 878 logs milled was 360,344 superficial year. The Native Quarters, Hospital, Guest feet, recovery 176,802 superficial feet. House and Single Officers' quarters are supplied Timber dressed 99,721 superficial feet. free. Staff housing is metered, and the amount of £135 3s. has been collected from officers. BUILDINGS SEWING ROOM Nine native cottages were completed with out­ buildings, laundries and lavatories and also four The following articles were made in the other buildings. Repairs were completed on 21 Settlement sewing room for issue to natives:— of the older native nouses on the Settlement by Dresses 505 Native Carpentering gangs under Mr. C. Allen, Slips 667 Foreman. Quilts 50 Pillow slips .. 31 A new Roman Catholic Church has been com­ Mattress cases 12 pleted, and a new Church of England is well Pantees 19 under way. School uniforms 14 Boys' pants .. 9 FARMING Shirts 4 Following are the vegetables produced by the Sheets 8 Farm and issued:— Curtains 1 pair Tablecloth 1 Turnips 33 cwt. Carrots 15 cwt. Welfare Association has continued to progress. Beetroot .. 20 cwt. A radiogram has been installed in the Native Onions 50 cwt. Welfare Hall, and a collection of records suit­ Tomatoes 9i cwt. able for dance music obtained. A band is Cabbage . . 347 dozen reforming for which drums and other instruments Cauliflower 42 dozen have been requisitioned. Football continues to Lettuce 100 bushels be the main outdoor game. Watermelons 4 tons Rockmelons 2 cwt. Marrows 2 bushels ENTERTAINMENT Squash 6 bushels Talkie screenings are the most popular form of Cucumbers 5 bushels entertainment and are looked forward to by young and old on Saturday nights. Dances are Fruit produced and issued—Citrus, 255 held on Wednesday and Friday nights, the bushels. Wednesday night being set aside for the children. Fodder—4i tons of lucerne hay, fed to dairy Willie Thaiday and his entertainers have pre­ herd. sented several concerts during the period under Broom millet—209 bales were harvested and review. forwarded to the Industrial Institution for the The association is grateful for all assistance Blind. given both Departmentally and otherwise which Dairy milk production was 9,764 gallons. Milk has contributed towards its success. is issued free to the natives and hospital. Visitors to the Settlement have been the Hon. Dr. H. W. Noble, M.L.A., Minister for Health Officials paid £39 for milk. and Home Affairs, Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt, M.L.A. for McKenzie, Mr. K. McCormack, Under LIVESTOCK Secretary Department of Health and Home The cattle register figures are as follows:— Affairs, Mr. C. O'Leary, Director of Native Bullocks 616 Affairs, Mr. D. Pluckrose, Private Secretary to Herd bulls 57 the Minister for Health and Home Affairs, Herd cows 2,144 Mr. W. Riordan, M.H.R. for Kennedy and Steers 451 Mrs. Riordan. Heifers 445 Speyed cows 187 APPENDIX 4. Dairy cows 52 FOLEYVALE ABORIGINAL SETTLEMENT Total 3,952 (Superintendent—B. J. Shanahan) Foleyvale Reserve with an area of 26,986 Cattle Movements—Herd bulls purchased— acres, since its inception in 1946 was regarded 15. Transfer from Foleyvale to Woorabinda for as a section of the Woorabinda Settlement and killing—76 bullocks, 1 speyed cow. all activities associated with Foleyvale were the Calves branded 900 responsibility of the Superintendent, Woorabinda Cattle killed for rations 371 Settlement. Total meat weight 162,249 lb. However, to effect a greater measure of Meat issued to natives 148,158 lb. efficiency, control and management of Foleyvale Meat sold to officials 14,091 lb. and to inaugurate a more progressive policy for Meat sales realised £714 17s. Od. the increased production of this reserve, Foley­ Hides sold—309 which realised £517 3s. 2d. vale was, in June, 1959, declared a separate Rebate on sales produce £8 16s. lOd. reserve and Superintendent, Mr. B. J. Shanahan, Two bullocks sold realised £78 18s. lid. was appointed.

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IMPROVEMENTS APPENDIX 5 To effect a greater measure of production DOOMADGEE MISSION, VIA further development is being carried out, viz.:— (Superintendent—Mr. A. J. Hockey) 1. Fencing of approximately seven miles STAFF hitherto not completed has now been effected. Mr. A. J. Hockey—Superintendent. 2. The scrub country of approximately 5,500 Mr. J. Talbot—Assistant to the Superintendent. acres previously not developed will be pulled Mrs. Hockey. and seeded to improve pastures. Mr. L. M. Knott. Mrs. Knott. 3. Investigations into better watering facilities are proceeding by the Department of Irrigation and Mr. A. Polderman—Builder. Water Supply. Mrs. Polderman. Mr. H. L. Fawsett—School Teacher. 4. A holding paddock of approximately 4,000 Miss I. C. Black—Registered Nurse. acres on the southern side of the Mackenzie Miss P. Roberts. River will be acquired and improved to enable Miss G. Crouch. fat bullocks to be held for market during flood periods. Hitherto flooding in the Mackenzie Miss H. O. Rossow—School Teacher. made it impossible to get bullocks to market POPULATION during such periods. Half Full The cost of these improvements approximating Males— Blood Blood Total £15,000 has been met from proceeds of the sale Adults . 10 92 102 of cattle credited over the years to Welfare Fund. Under 16 years . 16 80 96 Females— Adults . 10 93 103 under 16 years 14 71 85 LIVESTOCK Foleyvale primarily is a cattle fattening 50 336 386 property and surplus male cattle are transferred Natives drawing rations from Mission funds 159 from Woorabinda and Cherbourg for fattening Births 15 purposes. Deaths 4 Transfers in 11 In the period under review 857 head of male Transfers out 12 cattle were transferred from Woorabinda and Marriages celebrated 1 Cherbourg. 623 bullocks were sold to the value Natives visiting from other places 12 of £28,954. Net increase in population for the year . 10

AGRICULTURE HEALTH Although the emphasis is primarily on cattle The general condition of health is good, although we had cause for much concern in the raising activities, agricultural crops for marketing latter part of 1958 over sickness amongst babies purposes are produced and the following crops under 12 months, which resulted in the death of were harvested and marketed:— two. Two others recovered after severe attacks 1. Wheat 3,761 bushels realising £1,950. of pneumonia. Immunisation against Poliomyelitis was carried 2. Grain Sorghum, 120 tons, of which 90 tons out, and Triple Antigen injections given to chil­ were forwarded to the Grain Sorghum Marketing dren who had not previously benefited. Board and 28 tons distributed to the three The Flying Doctor from the Cloncurry Base Settlements. made 12 Clinic trips and eight emergency flights throughout the year. One emergency flight was 3. Cotton, 35 acres now in the process of for a native woman, Daisy Walden, who had harvesting of which 33 bales have been for­ acute heart trouble. This woman was later flown warded to the Cotton Marketing Board. Payments by special charter plane to Townsville for further received to date £415 18s. 4d. treatment, resulting in saving her life. 4. Peanuts, 250 bags produced from 10 acres. HYGIENE No payments received to date. With the improved method of disposing of Further development will take place, expanding night-soil, what was once a great concern now is agricultural activities after development of other adequately coped with in the use of the septic areas previously mentioned for cattle raising tank. Seven new conveniences have been erected purposes have been completed. at the village and are now in use, and we are confident that the needs of this section will like­ wise be fully met. BUILDINGS HOSPITAL Three 20 feet by 30 feet buildings have been As in previous years, this is a busy centre erected to provide accommodation for native attending to daily outpatients, both young and workers employed on the Setdement. old.

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MOTHER CRAFT AND CHILD WELFARE July, besides accommodation for himself and his More time has been given to this section, with wife, with the assistance of two native men, nine good results. The children under 6 years are more dwellings have been erected in the village. noticeably brighter and more advanced in many Village conveniences were also constructed. ways. Apart from improvement in general A new addition has been made to the indus­ health, contact with mother and child at an early trial block, giving a working area of 40 feet by age is helping towards brighter children for 33 feet, which is intended for a wood-working schooling later on. and machinery section. Although family life is an objective to be Repairs have been carried out on staff quar­ desired, the care of the children over 6 years in ters, with some alterations and additions, besides the dormitories is advantageous. On account of extensive painting to the majority of existing regular rest and meals, there is a noticeable dif­ buildings. ference in physique of some children entering A large portion of the material required for the Institution. our new Institution kitchen and dining hall is to Older girls returning home from employment hand, and work will commence shortly. Materials still desire the care and benefits of the dormitory have been ordered for a Bowas prefabricated in which they have grown up. dwelling for new staff quarters, as we are expect­ ing another builder and family in May of this EDUCATION year.

Under the able care of Mr. H. L. Fawsett, AERODROME assisted by Miss H. Rossow, school was con­ To keep up with the standard required by ducted for 208 days with an average attendance Department of Civil Aviation, maintenance work of 106. There are at present 121 children in is constant. Filling, dragging and levelling have school. assisted to improve the surface. Ant-bed filling With the aid of a tape recorder, school broad­ (when settled) provides an excellent surface and casts are given to the children, giving them every avoids soil erosion from aircraft and prevailing opportunity to take advantage of the provisions winds. available for their education. A new turning circle was built up of ant-bed. but any further filling was delayed because of CONDUCT ready access to ant-bed supply being put out by The general conduct has been satisfactory rain. More work is anticipated before next wet amongst adults and young people. season, to have the follow-up rain to settle and set the filling of ant-bed. SOCIAL Organised mid-week sports are conducted in FARMING the school. Football on Saturday afternoon is Vegetables.—There were a few hold-ups early still the most popular sport amongst the older in the year 1958, but were overcome and small ones because it allows for more activity by a crops did well, our bulk supply being tomatoes, majority. The camping out is always looked carrots, Chinese cabbage and turnips. Sweet forward to and enjoyed by the children when in potatoes were plentiful, but the pumpkin supply recess from school. was lower than usual. On Easter Monday, a combined outing of all Fruit trees.—Citrus have borne well consider­ folks at home (including dormitory children) was ing the damage done by white ants. We have enjoyed by all. All entered into the water sports lost a number of old trees previously broken by quite ably. strong winds, but there have been some replace­ ments to ensure a continuous growth. RELIGIOUS Regular services are convened and maintained. Mangoes.—The old trees are doing well, but Attendances at times are not what is to be some difficulty has been experienced in getting desired. new young trees to survive the hotter parts of the year, as particular care is required over this OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT OF NATIVES period. As in previous years, the demands for native Shade trees.—The best and quickest growing labour have been met. It appeared that there have been the poinciana. An avenue of these would be a shortage of men for the different jobs has been planted in the native village, and interest at the commencement of the 1959 season. How­ has been shown in watering and caring for them. ever, lack of rain in some areas delayed employ­ Athol trees did not survive. Although well ment for some, but mostly all available for cared for, they seemed very susceptible to the employment are now placed. white ant. BUILDING Apiary.—Our small apiary has been built up There has been advancement in our building to eight hives, and, although mainly kept for programme. Since Mr. Polderman returned last pollination of crops, the yield of honey, while

Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 25.4/3 - www.aiatsis.gov.au 33 increasing the hives, has been 304 lb. Two APPENDDC 6 queens were reared here, proving the possibilities of expanding this avenue, but time does not YARRABAH MISSION, CAIRNS warrant doing much in that line at present. (Superintendent—Captain J. Wilcox) Poultry.—Turkeys have been added to this STAFF section, and it has been found that extra care has to be taken to rear chicks, because of hawks Superintendent—Captain J. Wilcox, C.A. and crows and other pests. One hundred Works manager—Mr. W. E. Jamison. Australorp day-old chicks purchased September Hospital matron—Miss K. M. Manwaring. have done well, supplementing the egg supply. Accountant—Mr. R. Michael. Clerk—Mrs. R. Gow. WATER SUPPLY Storekeepers—Mr. T. Hearne, Mr. B. Green. The supply line laid last year has proved Headmistress—Miss J. Olsen. School Teachers—Mrs. J. Green, Miss C. McDonald adequate for our needs. A 5,000-gallon storage Miss N. Howell, B.A. Dip. E., Mrs. W. Jamison. and two 1,000-gallon tanks have been con­ Carpenter—Mr. R. Gow. structed, and another repaired for use with the septic system. Sawyer—Mr. C. Anderson. Electrician—Mr. L. Cotterell. Before much more can be achieved in supply­ Farmer—Mr. J. Shadbolt. ing the village with a better facility, we may have Boat skipper—Mr. A. Christie. to consider drainage, as the area is so flat. Dormitory matron—Mrs. T. Hearne.

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT The increase of staff on the Mission has All of our rolling stock has given good service, enabled us to undertake more development work especially the 6-ton G.M.C. 6x6, which now than has been possible for a long time. There does all our carting from Burketown. All vehicles has been a decline in the population mainly and engines have been maintained in working because of a number of large families having received their exemption and we have a popu­ order, including electric light plant, which is lation now of 644 wards. an asset in lighting and the use of machinery. Full bloods 134 A new Lincoln welder has also been added, Others 510 giving greater facilities to building work. WORKS PROGRAMME CATTLE AND HORSES The work begun on the sawmill has been com­ Cattle on hand at 1st April, 1958 1,895 pleted and the unit has now been entirely rebuilt. Add brandings for year .. 592 Extensions have been made to include storage 2,487 racks and the mill now is well established and Less— able to more than supply the needs of the Estimated shrinkage .. 248 Mission. Slaughtered for own con­ sumption 95 Difficulty has been experienced in securing 343 access to good timber stands and new roads have been made to enable us to work some valuable Estimated cattle on hand at 31st March, stands in the hills behind the Head-Station and 1959 2,144 also towards the Buddabadoo area. Horses on hand at 1st April 1958 The output in the mill from 1st June, 1958, to 125 31st May, 1959, is as follows:—918 logs con­ Known death 1 taining 241,882 super feet were milled and Horses on hand at 31st March, 1959 124 timber recovered was 118,110 super, feet. The housing programme has been one of the GENERAL major contributions to the life of the people on To enable this report to be furnished, there is the Mission. Progress has been steadily main­ much that goes on that does not come into print. tained in the building programme. The type of The assistance given by visiting friends and house now being built is eight squares, and larger support and untiring efforts of others should not than previously. This has slowed down the speed be unmentioned. of building a little but the accommodation will certainly be more adequate for the needs of the It is recorded that Mr. Talbot, former super­ people. intendent, who was forced to relinquish his posi­ Five large type native houses, two staff houses tion owing to ill-health, has recovered sufficiently have been completed and three other native to return to the Mission and will work as assistant houses are in the early stages of erection. A to the superintendent. His experience and advice gaol and compound were erected during the will be invaluable. period of this report. Building repairs were carried out on three native houses which were THANKS left at the Mission by persons exempt. The To the Director of Native Affairs and his matron's cottage has been completely renovated staff the doctors of the Royal Flying Doctor and repainted. Service, Cloncurry, throughout the year and the In December we commenced to erect a new staff of the Base, we extend our appreciation of dormitory building, the purpose of which will be their consideration and assistance given. to provide a domestic training centre for girls

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at school and under sixteen years of age. This A big effort has been .made during the year to is the first steel frame building to be erected at raise the standard of hygiene and sanitation. This the Mission. Facilities will be provided for cook­ has meant opening up a new cleansing depot ing, laundering, handcrafts and sewing at this and building new vehicles. centre when it is opened. A trained sister has joined the staff of the hos­ pital as matron. MACHINERY The maintenance of all machinery and vehicles SOCIAL has been carried out at a high level. In June of this year, a Welfare Association was formed, which included both staff and native FARMS people. The purpose of this Association is to With the assistance of the Department of provide extra social amenities in the community, Native Affairs, development work has been with the emphasis being on a collective effort carried out on the farm and a dam has been by all. During the first six months, this has been built across the Oombounghi Creek as part of a most successful in that programmes of social plan to irrigate in that area. The Department events and recreational activities have been of Native Affairs have backed the project and are arranged through this Association. The financial now supplying the initial equipment which will position of this Association stands at '.£1,000 enable us to irrigate at least ten acres in the cash and assets and funds are being raised towards Oombounghi area. This should enable us to the erection of a recreation hall. give more variety in diet for the people (and a It is to the credit of this Association and its greater supply of vegetables and fruit) and also members, that a suitable headstone was erected to provide some useful income from sales of pro­ and dedicated in honour of the late Canon duce in Cairns. E. R. B. Gribble, O.B.E. This Association has About twenty acres of land have been cleared functioned well during the report period and has and fenced. Every farm paddock has been sub­ provided in some measure a positive answer on divided and it is intended to develop dairy and how to use leisure time. stock. We shall shortly be carrying out" a pro­ Also in June, 1958, a change over was made gramme to improve pastures. Although, we have with the payment of Child Endowment moneys. been, throughout the period of this report, with­ All native women with children are now able to out a farmer, work on the farms has continued receive their Child Endowment moneys in full. mainly under the supervision of native headmen. After years of training on a docket system, it was They have acquitted themselves very well indeed felt that the majority of women were able to and the produce report itself gives a picture of manage their own affairs in this way. During the efforts of these men and their helpers. the six months trial period, it has been apparent that our decision in this respect has been justified, in as much as there is an apparent careful choice TOTAL PRODUCE 1ST JUNE, 1958, TO 31ST MAY, in spending through the stores. The trend to 1959 thrift is indicated also by the Savings Bank bal­ Bananas .. 15,640 lb. and 6 cases to Cairns. ances held on behalf of the people at the Mission Pines 418 cases. as follows:— Cassava 7,242 lb. £ s. d. Pumpkin .. 3,123 lb. Savings Bank balance, 31st April, Cucumber 250 lb. 1958 3,967 7 8 Lemons .. 3 cases Savings Bank balance, 31st April, Potatoes .. 3,543 lb. 1959 8,540 0 1 Melons 1,308 This has been achieved in spite of fewer people Papaw 1,300 holding bank accounts at the Mission. Cabbage .. 44 lb. Beans 740 lb. Tomatoes 7 bushels. CHURCH AND SCHOOL Some work has been carried out in clearing a The church building is becoming rapidly beyond repair and it will be necessary in the very near strip which we anticipate will be used as an air future for a new church to be erected. The strip in times of urgent medical calls. spiritual life of the Mission has been maintained at a steady level with exceptionally good attend­ HEALTH ances at the major festivals of the church. The During the year anti-tetanus injections were school has experienced a big drop in the attend­ given to all residents at the Mission following ance, being due to a large number of children one case of tetanus. A hookworm survey was leaving the Mission with their parents who made and the incidence of this infection was very received exemptions. Roll call numbers 130. low, only twelve positive cases being reported. In matters of education we have been fortunate Adults received polio injections during May this in securing more trained teachers to assist us. It year. is desirable that some form of manual training With the assistance of the Department of be provided for boys at school and efforts are Health and Home Affairs, plans were made to being made to implement some form of appren­ erect a permanent dental clinic at the Mission ticeship training with those who are engaged in and this has recently been completed. Proposals industry in the Cairns area. for the erection of a new Hospital and matron's The headmaster of the school resigned in quarters were also made by the Department of December. He has since been replaced by Miss Health and Home Affairs. J. Olsen.

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EXEMPTIONS other homes were enlarged, and a number of During the past year ISO people have left the temporary homes were erected to fill emergencies. Mission to settle down outside the Reserve. Some Most of the new homes are of a larger type than of them have done extremely well, not only having those built previously. been able to manage their own affairs and main­ A class room was built onto the school to tain themselves, but to put deposits down on cope with the increase in students and an office homes. Others have met with varying success. has also been built onto the store building. A new staff home erected during the 1958-59 GENERAL period is now practically completed. The continued support by the Department of Native Affairs has enabled us to make progress. SAWMILL Two girls from this Mission continue to do well The gross measurement of logs hauled into the at St. Gabriel's School, Charters Towers. One mill was 62,257 super feet. Sawn timber boy is making good progress with his training recovered was 32,004 super feet. Machinery as an Evangelist at the Church Army and one and equipment were overhauled which should girl is doing a course at St. Michaels, Clayfield, make possible smoother running for the next Brisbane. Two girls are working successfully as year. Nursing Aids at Dalby Hospital. A winch was also fitted to the blitz-wagon which should expedite the loading of timber. APPENDIX 7 AGRICULTURE HOPE VALE MISSION The peanut yield for 1958 was 1,128 bags. (Superintendent—Rev. E. C. Kernich) Four hundred bags were harvested by the Mission and the remainder by share-farmers and STAFF natives on their allotments. Mr. G. Rose—Farm Manager. A further 60 acres of land were cleared for Mr. R. Maroske—Book-keeper, Storekeeper. Miss D. Bahmisch—Head School Teacher. agriculture. Mrs. Lemburg—Assistant School Teacher. To prevent further damage to cultivation by Miss D. Kahler—Sister. floods, contour banks were made on the main farm. STATISTICS Full bloods 184 SHARE FARMS Half bloods 172 In order to provide incentive for work, and Births 12 to encourage the natives to become self-reliant Deaths 3 a system of share-farming was introduced three Departures 12 years ago. The final object is to allow these natives the nett profits from their crops from HEALTH which proceeds they are to become fully self- Persistent efforts against hookworm infestation supporting. have resulted in a further reduction of positive Of the four men who began share-farms in the cases. first two years, one is receiving the full nett Early this year a type of influenza swept returns of his crop and is practically self- through the village causing concern. One death supporting. The others should achieve this aim resulted. this year. One man failed to continue. More consideration is now being given to the A further six men began share farms in diet of the natives and to compensate for the August, 1958, and in a few months each had dearth of vegetables during the wet season the about three acres ready for planting. natives have been encouraged to grow more papaw trees, and other fruit trees in their back STOCK yard allotments. The plan to subdivide paddocks for the more EDUCATION effective control of stock is being implemented The number of pupils enrolled is 98, and the with the construction of a large paddock for average attendance 90. weaners. The new reading system introduced for the Zamia palm is still presenting a problem. We beginners has proved highly successful. are awaiting the results of the experimental poisoning of about 200 acres, and should results Three pupils are receiving music instruction. prove satisfactory it is hoped to proceed with The two teachers with the aid of four native the poisoning of a much larger area. monitoresses are making effective efforts to raise the standard of education. Two acres of scrub land were cleared and planted with guinea grass in the first stage of With the arrival of an experienced storekeeper a plan to improve pastures for the beef herd. who has expanded the store and opened a Savings Bank for general purposes, much more A further 10 acres of guinea grass were time is being devoted to educating the natives planted for the dairy herd. With the introduc­ in the wisest use of money. tion of the new grass the stock position should improve.

BUILDINGS CHURCH Seven native homes were built and three more Services are now being conducted in the new are in various stages of construction. Several church which has a seating capacity of about 500.

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Special courses of instruction were given to appointed as assistant teacher at this School, various groups. Strip films were used in this where she is able to make closer contact with connection with pleasing results. the children and gain their confidence and exer­ The youths are very enthusiastic about the cise more of an influence over them. Youth Society recently formed. It was decided to apply for affiliation with the Youth Association HOUSING of the Church. Last year an area of land was purchased from GENERAL Mr. Paterson, the owner of the local sawmill, as The general policy of the Mission has been a site for the erection of the Mission House. to place more and more responsibility onto the This house is now nearing completion and will individual native. In keeping with this policy provide much more comfortable living conditions the gangs have been broken up into as many for the superintendent and his family. units as possible. The natives have responded well and more work is being done with less GARDENING supervision. Areas of land have been fenced at or near The general tone of conduct has been good. the three native villages where vegetable growing has been encouraged for home consumption. APPRECIATION Last year because of the late start in establishing these gardens, plus extremely dry weather con­ We wish to record our warm appreciation for ditions, production of vegetables was not up to the assistance given us by various groups and expectations. This year to date a large area has individuals with particular mention of the Director of Native Affairs and his staff and the Protector been planted with sweet potatoes while other of Aboriginals, Cooktown. vegetables are in the process of being planted. Papaws, bananas, manioc and pineapples planted last year are nearing production and generally APPENDIX 8 the prospect for a good harvest of vegetables is much brighter. BLOOMFIELD RIVER MISSION (Superintendent—Mr. C. A. Hartwig) SPIRITUAL Church services are held regularly and gener­ STAFF ally are well attended. We are looking to the Mr. C. A. Hartwig—Superintendent. time when we can have our own assembly hall. Mrs. C. A. Hartwig—Matron. Religious instruction is given at the State School every week. STATISTICS Full bloods 117 Half bloods 19 APPRECIATION Births 7 We wish to express our sincere thanks to all Deaths 2 who have helped us during the year. Especially we think of the Minister for Health and Home HEALTH Affairs, the Director of Native Affairs and Staff, The health of the natives has been generally the Protector of Aboriginals, Cooktown, Matron satisfactory. Hookworm treatment has been and Staff, Cooktown Hospital, Dr. Lester, Matron carried out intensively greatly reducing the inci­ and Staff, Cairns Base Hospital, the Secretary, dence of this disease. The result has been a Queensland Bush Children's Health Scheme, and general improvement in health, especially among Matron and Staff, Rowes Bay Home, Townsville. the children. Health Inspector Mr. Shepherd spent a few days here taking haemoglobin tests, giving hookworm treatment, and inspecting gen­ eral hygiene. Numerous sores, scalds, and burns APPENDIX 9 were treated by the matron, and any serious MONA MONA MISSION, VIA CAIRNS medical cases were transported by Mission Land- rover to Cooktown Hospital. Last October Sister (Superintendent—Mr. C. Litster) Stirling of the School Health Section visited the Bloomfield River State School and a result of STAFF her visit was that she recommended that 11 native Mr. A. Smith—Accountant and Secretary. children to be taken into the Rowes Bay Home Mrs. C. Litster—Stenographer. of the Queensland Bush Children's Health Mrs. O. Harmon—Sister in Charge. Scheme, at Townsville. This took place at the Mr. A. E. Rowe—Headmaster. beginning of February this year when these 11 Mrs. L. Weedon—Assistant Teacher. children spent 6 weeks at the Home. Here they Mr. D. Broad—Building Construction. received dental and medical attention and greatly Mr. L. Weedon—Engineering and Maintenance. benefited by their 6 weeks' stay. The Itinerant Dentist, Miss M. McPhee, also spent a few days It is with regret that we report the death of here when she was able to give much needed Pastor N. A. Ferris, M.B.E., on 6th July, 1958. dental attention to the natives. Pastor Ferris died following a car accident in which his wife was also seriously injured. During his period of appointment as superintendent he EDUCATION worked tirelessly giving excellent service. Mrs. The native children attend the Bloomfield Ferris is now convalescing in with her daugh­ River State School. It was especially gratifying ter. She is greatly missed by staff and natives to us when last September Mrs. Hartwig was alike.

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HEALTH BUILDING—ADDITIONS AND RENOVATIONS Statistics A refrigerated room has been installed to Population— ensure a supply of fresh meat and dairy products. Full blood 167 Native cottages have been painted in a variety Mixed blood 160 of colours, brightening up the landscape considerably. 327 Maintaining stairs, fences, gates, &c, keep the Births— maintenance gang busy. Males 8 A new church of contemporary style is nearing Females 9 completion capable of seating 220 people. This building is airy and spacious. 17 Rooms, cupboards, benches, &c, have been Deaths— prepared to provide for the visiting dentist's Females — needs. Males 5 AGRICULTURE The health of the people has been generally good. An outbreak of dysentery resulted in the Our efforts to produce payable vegetable crops death of one man. Four infants died as the have been disheartening, due to the poor nature result of pneumonia. of the soil. Crops of potatoes, peanuts, corn, The daily treatment of ex-Hansen patients is melons, tomatoes, peas, and beans were only a a routine job and smears are taken regularly. moderate success. Most mothers have co-operated well in bring­ SAWMILL ing their infants to the Baby Clinic each Tuesday. The Mission continues to cut timber on its own Mothers attend Mareeba Hospital regularly for land and continues to train timber workers. pre-natal care. Dr. Gabriel's visit in the interests of Hansen Engineer's shop now has a portable battery patients and the Mission generally, is appreciated. charger. A three cylinder 371-horse power Dental patients, formerly sent to Mareeba, will Southern Cross generating plant has been now be treated at the Mission by the Dental team installed to replace the power plant destroyed from Mareeba. Full dental facilities are now in our mill fire. available thanks to the provision of equipment EMPLOYMENT by the Department of Native Affairs. All employable natives are encouraged to EDUCATION accept work outside the Mission. This experience There has been general improvement in the is a big step on the road to assimilation. grounds and to the school generally during the year. THANKS 1. School Work- To Mr. O'Leary and his officers, we express One scholarship entry. our thanks for their interest and guidance in the Four older, retarded children given social operation of Mona Mona. promotion. We sincerely appreciate the considerate Older boys taught elementary carpentering, attention our natives receive from the doctors care and sharpening of tools. and staff of the Cairns and Mareeba hospitals. Older girls taught piano, dressmaking, laundry and housewifery. The Mareeba and Cairns Rotarians have also Younger children taught to play the recorder. shown a practical interest in our aboriginals at Mona Mona. Boys Girls Preparatory 6 3 Grade 1 16 14 Grade 2 8 6 APPENDIX 10 Grade 3 10 3 Grade 4 6 5 TORRES STRAIT ISLANDS AND Grade 5 4 1 Grade 6 1 3 PENINSULA AREA Grade 7 — 3 (Mr. P. J. Killoran—Deputy Director of Native Total—89 Affairs)

RECREATION That the developmental policy and Self Fishing, hunting, swimming, bush walks and Government of Torres Strait meets with the approbation of the vast majority of the peoples picnics are the favourite forms of recreation. of Torres Strait was again exemplified in Football and cricket are played in season on February, 1959, at the triennial election, when Wednesday afternoons and Sunday. Films are practically all of the Councillors who attended most popular, and we endeavour to get a pro­ the General Councillors Conference last year and gramme each week. formulated and recommended a policy of con­ tinued improvement throughout Torres Strait were RELIGION returned to their positions of Chairman and Church membership is 89 but about 140 Councillors for the ensuing three years. Similarly, would be average attendance at church services. as members of a democratic community, the There is a real interest in Spiritual things. The people of Torres Strait exercise the right of the labour through the years has produced some fine franchise to condemn or approve the policy being Christian people. implemented by their Councillors and the pro-

Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 25.4/3 - www.aiatsis.gov.au 39 posals for the future as set out in the Minutes Similarly, to commemorate the exploits of the of the Councillors Conference which are Explorer, Kennedy, who lost his life in the area, circulated throughout Torres Strait. a stone plinth monument with bronze plaque has The vigorous programme adopted by the been erected at Somerset Bay in which area Jacky Councillors Conference has progressed, and meets Jacky an aboriginal member of the party who with approval throughout the area, the inhabitants escaped, boarded the rescue vessel to join the uniting with their Councillors for continued rescue party established at . progress. Further work will be undertaken as opportunity offers, throughout Torres Strait in conjunction TRAINING SCHOOL FOR DIVERS with the Councils of the various islands. For a considerable period the Government and Island Industries Board have been perturbed by EDUCATION the number of fatalities which have occurred in Consequent upon an examination of the overall Torres Strait during Marine operations, and have educational standards applicable in Torres Strait over the years endeavoured to develop a training and in an endeavour to raise the level, the Gov­ programme with instructors to impart to the ernment approved of arrangements whereby the Torres Strait Island men the necessary technical full Primary Correspondence Course would be knowledge to ensure their safety during made available to all of the native teachers operations. throughout Torres Strait as an initial step of an Following on exhaustive trials and examina­ overall educational programme and the scheme tion of all avenues, a Committee of experienced has now been in operation for a period of six divers was formed at Thursday Island this year months. to organise a training programme within the With the co-operation received from the Islander people themselves. The Committee Primary Correspondence School of the Education comprises— Department, the programme has advanced much Francis Sabatino—One of the outstanding more rapidly than initially expected, which indi­ and experienced divers of Torres Strait cates a great deal of interest by the native teachers who resides on Hammond Island. and a keenest desire to improve standards. Samuel Mosby—An experienced diver of The texts supplied are, in addition to being Yorke Island who has been trained in studied by the teachers themselves, used to various methods of diving. instruct the kiddies in the school and it is felt Joey Nona—Of Badu Island, one of the that this initial step of an overall programme will younger generation, an experienced pearl­ have a most beneficial effect throughout the area. ing captain and with experience in Helmet and Corselet diving since the war The number of courses at present pursued is years. 65 and covers every native teacher throughout Torres Strait irrespective of whether there is a Torres Strait Island Representatives ex officio white teacher stationed at the particular island members of the Committee— or not. Tanu Nona. The white teachers are contributing largely George Mye. to the success by conducting additional classes Jim Mosby. in conjunction with the primary correspondence The Committee have two Islander Tutor course texts. The corrected work reveals that a Diving Instructors who will operate at sea with relatively high standard of knowledge exists the vessels under actual working conditions and amongst the native teachers in relation to the impart to the divers and tenders knowledge which lower grades of work and it is hoped that as the they have gained over the years. course develops into the higher grades the relatively high standard will be maintained or Although the scheme is in its infancy, instruc­ improved upon. tions have already been given in half dress diving with a fair measure of success among the younger Additional to the stage one now being imple­ generation. Similarly, the Committee examined mented, it is hoped in the new year to have methods used in signalling between the diver and appointed a travelling teacher who will instruct tender and has under test a standardised system at those islands lacking a permanent white teacher, of signalling. and generally survey the pupils with a view to establishing a teachers' training hostel for the Generally speaking at this juncture, it is felt continuation of education of potential native that the scheme indicates reasonable prospects teachers. These will return to their home islands of success. ultimately to improve on the overall standards HISTORICAL RELICS now being reached. In keeping with the Department's policy of preservation of historical relics on the Reserves, HEALTH during the past year the original area of the During the year under review, the Tuberculosis first settlement at Somerset has received a com­ Survey of all Torres Strait Islands was completed plete overhaul and renovation where necessary. with satisfactory results. At the present time the The Jardine Grave which overlooks Albany Mobile X-ray unit is progressing with the work Pass has been fenced, damaged concrete work of X-raying all inhabitants of the Gulf Missions repaired and general effective preservation work on the western seaboard as far south as Mitchell carried out to ensure that future generations will River Mission and it is confidently expected this have preserved and in good order those historical work will be completed within the next month relics of the establishment of the first white to six weeks. More than 50 per cent, of the settlement on . survey has been completed to date.

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General medical surveys and maintenance of Croydon to continue the Department's policy of continuous check ups by the medical officers at improving the living quarters for aboriginals at Thursday Island are continuing to maintain a both of these centres. relatively high standard of health throughout the area. WATER SUPPLIES—ISLAND RETICULATION Islands continue to maintain the Triple Antigen vaccination of children with satisfactory results. Continuing the programme of provision of No serious epidemics were experienced during Island amenities, the Government provided funds the year, this can only be attributed to the for the installation of a further three completed resourcefulness of the Government Medical reticulation schemes in the outlying islands during Officer and his medical and nursing assistants. the financial year. The old water supply scheme at Badu Village DENTAL was completely refitted with a pumping unit, The dental clinic attached to the Thursday supply tank of 25,000 gallons, and reticulated Island Hospitals Board has completed a consider­ throughout the entire village, which absorbed able amount of work in the outlying islands, the over 8,000 lin. ft. of water piping. majority of the time of the staff of the clinic being The Dogai area received a separate water instal­ spent on the islands where dental care is given lation, being reticulated from a 15,000 gallon to the people at their home islands as against a supply tank to provide for the Hospital and cumbersome system of bringing dental patients Settlement area at Dogai. Yam Island instal­ to Thursday Island and returning them home. lation has also been completed with a 23,000 gallon supply tank. Plans are well in hand for BUILDING PROGRAMME the extension of the scheme to other islands. Cairns During the year, the officer in charge of the WELFARE building developmental work of this area, Mr. During the year following on protracted negoti­ Niblett, proceeded to Cairns with a gang of native ations with film suppliers, it is gratifying to report tradesmen and constructed a new hostel capable the purchase of six motion picture plants with of handling upwards of 20 persons at the Lyons power units for installation at the major islands Street Reserve. The premises are a tribute to the in Torres Strait. The arrangements made ensure work of these tradesmen, who have been trained that regular programmes will be received and by the Department; and in addition to this, the screened at all of the islands and the programmes old type quarters were remodelled and renovated are being made available at prices which will and kitchens were added to each of six of such permit of regular screenings, thus adding a further buildings to raise the living standard of those amenity to the home life of the Torres Strait persons who were living under poor circumstances Island people. in the Cairns protectorate. Island welfare clubs and organisations have The hostel is attached to this office for adminis­ continued to function under the control of their trative purposes and is being staffed by a married own committees, and that such clubs are a wel­ couple from the Torres Strait area, who will be, come addition to island community life is borne subject to a general overall supervision by the out by the funds as indicated below:— Protector of Aboriginals, Cairns, wholly respon­ £ s. d. sible for the maintenance, management, and Aplin Hostel Welfare Fund .. 13 2 3 control of the hostel and the reserve area. Badu Island School Fund 826 9 8 Bamaga Canteen Account 96 2 10 Mr. S. E. Stephens, Horticulturist of the Bamaga School Fund 140 9 8 Department of Agriculture and Stock has kindly Bamaga Show Account 567 6 8 consented to act as supervisory curator of the Bamaga Welfare Club Account 691 2 2 grounds of this reserve area, and also the Rev. Boigu Island Welfare Club 22 6 7 Dobbs, of the Church of England, Cairns, has Coconut Island Welfare Club .. 55 12 7 Sue Island Welfare Club 13 4 5 consented to act as welfare officer in conjunction Cowal Creek School Fund 61 16 0 with the hostel. The hostel shows promise of Cowal Creek Welfare Club .. 424 18 11 developing into an outstanding feature of Native Darnley Island School Library 7 11 5 Affairs administration in far Northern Queensland. Darnley Island School Welfare Fund 175 4 11 Dowar School Welfare Club .. 5 14 10 Coen Southern Cross Club 30 2 7 A vigorous building programme was imple­ Horn Island School Welfare Fund 44 14 4 mented at Coen to provide suitable accommoda­ Kubin School Welfare Fund .. 151 10 10 tion for those aged and transient aboriginals who Mabuiag School Welfare Fund 431 2 3 reside in Coen and surrounding districts and to Mabuiag Welfare Club 16 3 10 this end, native tradesmen from Thursday Island Murray Island School Fund .. 212 12 10 Murray Island Welfare Club . . 96 17 1 proceeded to Coen and completed the programme Murray Island Welfare Club which provided 10 cottages and 2 community Store 112 13 3 buildings on the reserve at Coen. These build­ Saibai School Fund 42 1 8 ings are fibro and are regarded as an outstanding Saibai Welfare Club 45 6 4 feature of the development of the Coen town area. Tom Mosby Memorial Library Account 94 3 8 The homes are serviced with reticulated water Yam School Welfare Fund 18 16 8 supply which provides an added amenity to the Yam Welfare Fund 19 19 3 people. Eastern Island Hospital Com­ forts Fund 154 17 2 Normanton and Croydon Western Island Hospital 67 3 7 Yorke Island Parents and Citi­ At the time of compilation of this report, native zens Association 317 2 4 tradesmen have proceeded to Normanton and Torres Strait Circulating Library 1,141 19 2

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Cottages for Exempted Aged Aboriginals.

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At Yam Island a Memorial Library has been some 70-odd persons who are developing War­ instituted to the memory of an outstanding Torres raber from an uninhabited island into what shows Strait leader, Tom Mosby (now deceased) and promise of becoming, in the not too far distant books, papers and periodicals to the value of future, one of the outstanding islands in Torres £100 have already been purchased and are in Strait. circulation. It is quite possible that other islands The island at the present time is receiving will follow on the lead indicated at Yam. guidance and assistance from the Council of Coconut Island but the inhabitants of Warraber BAMACA are demonstrating in no uncertain fashion deter­ During the year considerable progress has been mination to take advantage of every possible made on the Cape York reserve area to the facility available to their island and to improve it extent that the developmental plan and pro­ in every way. gramme determined some seven years ago is advanced in excess of the stage envisaged at that EMPLOYMENT—GENERAL AND THE MARINE time. INDUSTRY Consequent upon this, arrangements were made Despite the rather depressed position of the with the Department of Agriculture and Stock for world's market for Mother of Pearl Shell and inspections to be made by experts in the divi­ Trochus Shell, the Torres Strait Islander labour sions of Animal Husbandry and Horticulture to force is still fully occupied in the search for ensure continuity of the virile developmental pro­ Mother of Pearl Shell and Trochus Shell. gramme on the Northern Peninsula reserve. They are the major work force required in the The reports of these officers arc of great area and no man is unemployed who is willing administrative assistance, ensuring continuity of to take work in the Marine Industry. the development programme. The sawmill is During the year a number of the Ryukyuan supplying building materials which are being specialists, who arrived in March, 1958, were utilised as far south as Normanton and Croydon repatriated to their home land but there remains in addition to the Coen project and throughout more than half of these indents working in the the Torres Strait areas. Marine Industry. Similarly, pasture improvement experimental The advent of these men did not adversely work and developmental sowing have progressed affect the employment of the Islanders in the area. in keeping with the expansion of the fenced area which will in the very near future permit of a The market for both Mother of Pearl Shell and vigorous cattle programme in conjunction with the Trochus Shell is still rather uncertain but the developmental programme. gradual revival in the Mother of Pearl Shell section has continued whilst Trochus Shell is still sale­ able at variable prices. WARRABER ISLAND (SUE) Employment conditions for Torres Strait Consequent upon the determination by the Islanders in the Marine Industry are generally Councillors Conference last year that Warraber Island be recognised as a self governing centre, speaking, the same as applied in 1958. assistance has been given in the provision of the The divers agreement as published in last year's following facilities:— report remains in force, in toto, for the 1959 New School season and the trochus conditions were altered Branch Store very slightly to allow for necessary modification, Medical Aid Post consequent upon the depressed market state. Additional Housing Torres Strait Islanders employed in the Marine Industry are as follows:— and the Government continues to render all Privately owned vessels 341 possible assistance to this thriving community of Islander owned vessels 405

ACCOUNTS TO 31ST MARCH, 1959

Number of — Deposits Withdrawals Balance Balance Accounts 1st April, 1958 1st April, 1959 £ «. d. £ «. d. £ *. d. £ *. d. Torres Strait Islands 6,455 400,292 14 3 395,035 18 3 270,954 18 9 132,525 19 6 Investments 143,685 15 3 £276,211 14 9

Number of Aocounts Section Number of Accounts Balance Balance 31st March, 1958 31st March, 1959 31st March, 1958 31st March, 1959

£ 8. d. £ *. d. Islands 4,282 4,404 141,056 16 3 153,245 3 1 Missions 725 758 79,059 2 1 71,480 7 1 Island Funds 111 120 37,420 1 4 38,972 2 3 Child Endowment 1,145 1,173 13,419 0 1 12,514 2 4 6,263 6,455 £270,954 18 9 £276,211 14 9

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BADU ISLAND outpatient treatment was given for sores, &c. (Government Teacher—P. R. Frith) Baby weighing continued each week, weather per­ mitting and continuity of Triple-Antigen has been BADU ISLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL maintained throughout the year. Doctor Hales and party spent 16 days during November, 1958, Total number on roll—125. on a T.B. Survey. Comprising 62 boys, 63 girls. The native teaching staff of six teachers are CONCLUSION now enrolled under the Primary Correspondence Course for instructional purposes to enable them I wish to express my sincere thanks to the to become proficient in the present methods of Deputy Director of Native Affairs, for his ready teaching. The new school was officially opened help during the recent gastro outbreak. Special in June by the Deputy Director of Native Affairs, foods asked for were sent immediately, making the Mr. P. J. Killoran, and guests included Mrs. P. J. task of feeding the stricken children much lighter. Killoran and her two children, Mr. A. Hoole, I should also like to thank the Government Superintendent, Brisbane Dental Hospital and Medical Officer and Radio Officer for their ready Miss Fogarty. A large number of Islanders from assistance at all times. adjacent islands were also present for this memor­ able occasion. Steady progress has been made in all grades APLIN HOSTEL throughout the year. The Badu School Com­ mittee has met periodically, and again has worked (Matron—F. Stankiewicz) enthusiastically in raising money for the School During the past year, 504 patients were admit­ Fund. The staff and children thank them for ted to Aplin and the number of discharges was their wonderful efforts. 373. Of these patients 101 were children from 2-14 years, 35 from 1 month to 2 years of age. MARINE INDUSTRY The majority of these patients had chest X-rays This year has been rather adverse financially and attended Dr. Hales' Chest Clinic for their to the men employed on luggers, financially yearly or monthly check, the exception being owing to the regrading of the Mother of babies admitted while their mothers were receiving Pearl. However all able bodied men were treatment in Waiben Hospital. once again manning the luggers operated by the Nona Brothers and the catches This year there was an average of 16 permanent were higher than any other boats working patients receiving weekly P.P. refills at Waiben Mother of Pearl. Another lugger, the "Kelsia," Chest Clinic and on chemothenapy. Chest was allocated to Badu to be worked under Tanu patients requiring anti-natal care were kept in Nona, this now gives eight luggers to this Island. Aplin under supervision until their confinement. It is gratifying to notice that all these luggers are Transportation of patients to various clinics is fully manned by the local men. Surplus able carried out by Q.A.T. Brigade. bodied men have signed on for boats operated by the Master Pearlers. The child welfare clinic sister attends weekly and advises feeding of babies in Aplin, also WATER SCHEME children under school age. The water scheme was completed this year and An occupational therapist has been in attend­ has proved a boon to the people of the Island. ance throughout the year for two days each week, Two separate installations have been erected and leatherwork, basket work, dress making and completed, one for the village and the other for plastic flower making being taught. the hospital, residence and school. Both are Patients enjoy films which are shown equipped with 5-h.p. Southern Cross pumping weekly, indoors during the wet and outdoors engines and storage tanks. when fine. Leave is granted two afternoons a week. Visitors are allowed each day for two HEALTH hours. Feverish colds were prevalent during May and Church services are held each Friday 5.30 conjunctivitis. The latter infection continued p.m. in the Recreation Hut by the visiting spasmodically until February, 1959. November, chaplain from All Souls Cathedral. 1958, saw an outbreak of chicken pox and gastro­ enteritis again broke out in February and March A native teacher has been employed for the of this year. Twenty two cases were reported and past twelve months, school being held each one death resulted from this disease. morning in the Recreation Hut. Six cases of infected burns, two stone fish Full native staff employed numbers 28. This injuries, two cases of pneumonia and twelve fairly includes— severe wounds were attended to. Several of the Three kitchen supervisors latter required suturing, and five patients received Three cooks A.T.S. injections. Two births were attended to Three pantry maids at the Badu Hospital. One case of snake bite One reliever occurred, species unknown. Four yardmen One case of fractured tibia was referred to One seamstress Thursday Island; several abdominal cases reported Six laundresses and it was necessary to send some to Thursday Seven assistants in nursing. Island for investigation. In addition, the usual Staff have routine chest X-rays each six months miscellaneous cases were admitted to hospital and to safeguard their health.

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BUILDING PROGRAMME SAIBAI ISLAND (Foreman Carpenter—E. Niblett) Supply materials, repairs, maintenance school and medical aid post and radio building. The building programme over the past year has been both extensive and extended and pro­ DAUAN ISLAND gress has been more than satisfactory. Generally speaking the standard has been improved in all Cutting out, prefabricating and transport and sections. erections—4 cottages—completed; 1 store com­ pleted; 1 radio room prefabricated. The following is indicative of progress made:— BADU ISLAND BOIGU ISLAND Completion of concrete cottage blocks, supply Supply materials and maintenance and repairs of piping and materials for water supply. Com­ to school, cottages and Government teacher's pletion of supply and erection pump houses, residence. supply paint materials for repairs Government teachers residence and Badu Hospital. SUE ISLAND Prefabricating transport, erection and com­ MURRAY ISLAND pletion school, medical aid post, Government teacher's cottage and lavatories, and store; supply Repairs to Government teachers residence, materials, paint, &c., for maintenance of above supply of materials paint, &c. guttering, iron, and also radio building. &c, completion of radio building, paint sup­ plied for medical aid post, guttering iron, &c., THURSDAY ISLAND for school buildings. General maintenance of all Departmental buildings. Repairs and maintenance all staff DARNLEY ISLAND quarters and native cottages. Installation of Repairs, improvements to Government septic tanks, water services, drainage, disposal as teachers residence, repairs improvements hospital required, and general hygiene. Construction of medical aid post, supply of materials, paint, iron, water tanks, 1,000-1,500 gallons. Construction hardware, &c, general repairs prefabricated of tanks for luggers, both water and fuel. Con­ earth closet for medical aid post. struction of trochus boilers for luggers. Rebuild­ ing truck bodies and repairs to furniture. Con­ YAM ISLAND struction of earth closet cabinets. Prefabricating cottages, engine rooms, medical aid posts, radio Completion of house, supply of materials, rooms for transport various islands. Sawing and paint, iron, fibro, steps, hardware, repair and distribution of firewood. Packing stores for ship­ maintenance of school, Government teacher's ment. Intake of building stores. Cutting out residence and medical aid post extension. Piping, buildings, framing of pictures of Her Majesty fittings, and necessary materials were forwarded Queen Elizabeth, and distribution of same. Carry­ for Island water supply and prefabricated erection ing out water installations and minor repairs to pump house arranged. Water supply was m.v. "Melbidir." completed.

APLIN HOSTEL COCONUT ISLAND General repairs, painting and extensions. Piping fittings, materials and a prefabricated Water supply maintenance throughout centre. pumphouse were supplied. Supply materials, Replacement various buildings, drainage, sullage, paint, hardware, &c. Repairs to cottages, Govern­ &c. ment teacher's residence, medical aid post, and school buildings. WAIBEN HOSPITAL YORKE ISLAND Dismantling concrete water tank, construction 410,000-gallon water tanks, construction con­ Supply materials for maintenance school, crete base 38 feet by 38 feet and sitting in tanks medical aid post, Government teachers' residence, and concreting same. Connections of rain water and extensions. supply. STEPHEN ISLAND Supply materials for maintenance school and BAMAGA out buildings, medical aid post, and Government Erection of 3 more dormitories for workers. teacher's residence. Erection of further 6 cottages. Completion of new hospital, erection of tank stand and con­ version of old hospital. Dismantling of old store. Repairs and painting and maintenance school, Supply of materials, maintenance and repairs teachers' quarters. Supply of materials all to Government Teacher's residence, school, medi­ buildings. Repairs staff quarters. Precutting of cal aid post. Rebuilding of school lavatories, frames engine rooms. Precutting of frames and prefabricated pump house supplied and buildings—Normanton, Croydon. Precutting of erected. Prefabricated radio room forwarded frames cottages—Torres Strait and extensions and erected. improvement to gaol. KUBIN VILLAGE Making and supply double doors, iron for COWAL CREEK school building and roofing paint. Supply The construction of the Auxiliary Diet Centre materials and maintenance of a number of —Aplin Annex was completed together with all cottages. out buildings, drainage, &c. Completion of a

Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 25.4/3 - www.aiatsis.gov.au 46 further 6 houses. Blocks set for 2 more cottages CHURCH MISSIONS and areas for pensioners quarters. Painting of Technical advice has been given to all church medical aid post, general repairs, repairs to offices seeking same especially with reference to school building were carried out. future native housing problems.

RED ISLAND POINT MATERIALS Erection of 3 cottages; one under construction. Materials have been supplied regularly from Three further sets of blocks awaiting construc­ Department of Native Affairs, Brisbane, and tion. Erection store building commenced. requisitions completed in plenty of time. This is greatly appreciated enabling the completion of ISLAND INDUSTRIES BOARD building programmes on schedule. General repairs to all Boards properties, business, industrial and staff. Painting of all GENERAL MAINTENANCE roofs, erection of dividing fence separating private As has previously been stressed, rigid control property from Boards property, installing new of maintenance has been exercised necessitating septic systems, reconstruction clearing drainage only normal minor repairs to property and plant. sullage. Inspection of all buildings for termites were made and treating done where necessary.

TAMWOY SUBURB YORKE ISLAND Erection of further 7 cottages, areas fenced (Government Teacher—F. J. Langston) and subdivided, water installations, carried out and a further 5 sets concrete blocks were com­ SCHOOL On roll- pleted. Boys 33 Girls 23 AITKENVALE—TOWNSVILLE Total 56 Completion of subdivisions of dormitories into cubicles, repairs, improvements, painting of above Attendance is very good. The school is divided and mess hall outbuildings were carried out. into seven grades which are controlled by four Island assistants and the Government Teacher. COEN HOUSING In most grades the standard is average, some good results being achieved in mechanical arithmetic, Prefabricating at Thursday Island of 10 pen­ formal grammar and Social Studies. English, sioners cottages 22 feet by 12 feet, 2 indigent especially written composition, presents difficulty. cottages 24 feet by 22 feet, shipping to Coen via Three children are attempting some Grade VIII. Port Stewart and erection of above and com­ work, one with moderate success. pletion were carried out. Complete water supply setting of sump and well in creek. Erection of The assistant teachers are now working through 14 feet Mill 30 feet stand, erection of 15 feet the entire course from the Primary Correspond­ tank stand with 1,000 gallon tank, and installa­ ence School and this should assist them to further tion of water supply reticulation to each house their own education and the papers will be of and shower block were completed. Erection of great assistance in their class teaching. They have 3 cesspit buildings, digging of cesspits was done their job very well throughout the year and carried out. have co-operated in all matters both in and out of school. The parents' and citizen's Association has CAIRNS TRANSIT-CENTRE—LYONS STREET functioned very well. A bazaar in August showed Erection and completion of building 60 feet a net profit of over £200. It is our aim to sell by 34 feet concrete blocks subdivided for male all items at our bazaars at a fair price, with a and female as planned together with painting of low margin of profit, in order to bring all items building was completed. Erection of toilet, within the reach of any potential buyer. Articles shower buildings combined each sex. Laundry made by the school children as handwork were building—rebuilding setting up of 7 existing huts sold at a little above cost of materials. Games including one for caretaker and construction of of skill were well patronised. 7 kitchens cum dining rooms 12 feet by 10 feet was completed with necessary cooking facilities. This committee has purchased a billiard table top which is now in use. Billiards may be played Erection of fence, chainwire with necessary gates during hours set out by the Island Council and around whole area approximately 1,000 feet and the proceeds from this game are being used to installation of water supply all buildings was buy further recreational equipment, books for an arranged and the whole area was cleared and Island library and to provide prizes for occa­ grubbed prior to any blocks being set. Grease sional sports meetings. Material for a table tennis traps and necessary drainage have been table has been purchased and a dart board is to completed. be installed in the Public Hall. Plans are well in hand for this year's bazaar, after which we NORMANTON-CROYDON RESERVES hope to have enough money in hand to pay for An inspection and eventual layout was finalised the proposed movie projector, without much and all frames have been prefabricated and ready assistance from the Island Fund. A Christmas for shipment. All materials necessary for com­ tree was held again over Christmas Eve, when mencement of works have been packed ready for every child on the Island received a present from shipment. father Christmas.

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HEALTH As in previous years, the "Language Barrier" The general health of the Island throughout is still the greatest obstacle to learning. Mechani­ the year has been very good. We were unfortu­ cal and memory work continues to give good nate to have an epidemic of gastro-enteritis in results, but with subjects requiring the interpre­ early March in which we lost one child. AU other tation of English, some modifications to the children responded to treatment as the people Queensland Syllabus have been necessary. were most co-operative in reporting any irregu­ larities in their children's health. The death of WELFARE the school janitor last year following a sudden The School Welfare Association has a credit heart attack was a great loss to all as he was a balance of £171 3s. Id., about £60 of which was willing and industrious worker both for the raised during the year from school concerts. Out Government and the Island. of these funds a typewriter and hand duplicator The T.B. survey party under Doctor Hales has are to be purchased in the near future for use as just completed their survey here, and although Educational aids. no serious cases were discovered, some persons arc to be sent to the chest clinics in Thursday HEALTH Island for treatment or observation. We thank The general health of the people is good, and Dr. and Mrs. Hales and Mr. Brumm for their the Island has had a comparatively disease-free untiring efforts to clear these Islands from this year, with the exception of a few emergencies, disease. only the usual minor ailments were treated. Two cases of suspected fracture and one miscarriage GENERAL were promptly transferred to Thursday Island for Despite the late start of the wet season, gardens hospitalisation. have flourished and this year's crop of water In August and September, the Island was melons has been the best for several years. visited by Mr. I. Prasad, Dentist, and his Pumpkins are also plentiful and sweet potatoes mechanic, and their services here were greatly are growing well. To date the rainfall has been appreciated. the lowest for many years for the first quarter but it has been steady and spread over more wet At the present time the staff at the medical days than previously. aid post is kept constantly busy with a par­ ticularly virile type of leg sore. Over seventy Three luggers working mother of pearl, and a children and forty adults have so far been affec­ lugger and cutter working trochus employed the ted, and of this number approximately half still men from here last season. Although they spent require treatment. little time at home their return here was greatly welcomed as they usually brought turtle and to give a welcome change of diet to all. MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS This year four mother-of-pearl luggers anci The majority of young men have again been one lugger and a cutter working trochus are employed in the Trochus Industry or have gone skippered by Yorke Island men. Congratulations south to work on railways and canefields. The are due to Samuel Mosby on his appointment as older men and the women of the Island have tutor diver to the central Islands vessels. been actively engaged in agriculture, and In conclusion, I wish to thank the D.D.N.A. extensive plantings of bananas, yams and sweet and his staff, the I.I.B. and staff, G.M.O., radio potatoes ensure a continuous supply. officers and masters of the cargo vessels and others who by their courtesy and efficiency at all ACTIVITIES times have made our task here much easier. The construction and maintenance of roads and bridges and other public works, have been MURRAY ISLAND SCHOOL carried out on "Village Days." Several enter­ (Government Teacher—A. C. Woodward) taining concerts were performed by the Island's various associations, and preparations are under ENROLMENT way for a combined "Southern Cross" and The present enrolment is as follows:— "Welfare Club" concert party to visit Thursday Boys 69 Island later this year. Girls 72 Total 141 BUILDINGS, ETC. No new buildings were constructed during the Pupils are classified into eight grades, Preparatory to Grade Seven. year. Plumbing repairs were made to the Government teacher's residence, and a number STAFF of water tanks were assembled for private use. The school is adequately staffed with seven Island assistants in addition to the head teacher. CONCLUSION In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere PROGRESS thanks for the co-operation and assistance During the first few months of the current year, throughout the year, of the Deputy Director of progress was somewhat retarded awaiting the Native Affairs, the Government Medical Officer, appointment of a Government teacher, but with Radio Operators and the Masters of "Gelam" newly-appointed assistants improving the outlook for the future is promising. and "Melbidir." D

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DARNLEY ISLAND SCHOOL The School Welfare Fund benefited by some (Government Teacher—O. G Smart) £70 as the result of a bazaar held in November. The Christmas break-up was a happy affair for Present enrolment— both children and parents. The carol singing Boys 49 party visited all villages just before Christmas and proceeds were handed over to the Church at a Girls 54 special Christmas morning service. A nativity Total 103 play was presented by senior pupils.

Average attendance daily 100 WELFARE GRADES Members of the Welfare Committee and other Preparatory to Seventh. interested persons were actively engaged in mak­ ing items for the bazaar and costumes for the STAFFING concert. At Christmas, Committee members and School staff, combined to present an impromptu The school is at present staffed by four male burlesque which greatly contributed to the enjoy­ and two female native teachers. Staff changes ment of the children and parents present. The were again made necessary by the resignation of School Welfare Fund pass book still shows quite female members. The replacements are both a healthy credit balance. young people, however, and we should be able to look forward with confidence to several years of VILLAGE ACTIVITIES AND OCCUPATIONS continuous service from the present staff. The majority of able-bodied men have been employed in the trochus and pearl fishing PROGRESS industry either on luggers or working their own Progress in the main has been satisfactory. A and Island dinghies. Gardens have provided a step in the right direction has been made in the good supply of fresh vegetables for home con­ introduction of Correspondence School lessons for sumption and large numbers of water melons all teachers. These, in addition to improving the were sent to Thursday Island and to Murray standard of teaching, also provide material to Island for sale. Pigs and poultry are raised by assist teachers in their preparation and presen­ most Island families for home supply and to tation of lessons. All teachers here have tackled provide for the various feastings during the year. the first series of lessons enthusiastically and In August, a concert party organised by the appear very keen to improve their own standards "Daydream Club" visited Thursday Island to and status. By the end of this school year present two shows at the Memorial Hall. noticeable progress should have been made. BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS STANDARDS Repairs were carried out to the teacher's resi­ dence. New desks and chairs were provided for Mechanical Arithmetic and English have again the senior classes in the school. reached a very satisfactory standard and con­ structive English continues to improve slowly. A further step towards the installation of the Intensive speech training has eliminated many eagerly awaited water reticulation scheme, was common errors in the speech of children in the the arrival early in April of some 6,000 feet of school and the spoken word, at present, is piping. It is anticipated that the "turning on of definitely superior to the written word. The the tap" will soon be an accomplished fact. introduction of geographical magazines has stimulated the interest in Social Studies and the HEALTH standard is thus improved. Some needlework by The general health of the Island people has the senior girls for the school bazaar was out­ been good. One death only has occurred on the standing. Island during the twelve months and that a Kubin pearl diver who was brought to the cottage hos­ pital with diver's sickness. PHYSICAL EDUCATION An outbreak of large leg ulcers caused some All children show great keenness in physical concern but with special treatment under direc­ activities and games. Cricket and vigoro are very tion from the Government Medical Officer at popular with the senior boys and girls. Island Thursday Island the sores responded well and dancing and European folk dancing are also per­ were soon under control. formed with much vigour and enthusiasm. The staff at medical aid post are to be con­ gratulated on the way their duties are carried ACTIVITIES out. The building of the new school on the old play­ A survey team of the Flying Doctor Service ing area made it necessary to provide more space visited the Island during the year to investigate for recreation and the senior boys together with the possibility of extending the service to the the male staff cleared a large patch of grass and Islands. scrub to provide quite a serviceable cricket and vigoro pitch. Although the clearing was per­ GEN ERAL—THANKS formed during the period set aside for gardening, Grateful thanks are due to all Departmental time was still found to clear and plant a large staff at Thursday Island, Doctors and staff of the water melon garden, which provided refreshment Hospitals there, Masters and crews of supply for hot and thirsty children. vessels, and owners of luggers for their co-opera­ A concert, which included new and attractive tion in emergencies. Special thanks are offered scenes to show life in other far-off lands, was to the Base Radio Officers and to the Deputy produced during August and was enthusiastically Director, Mr. P. Killoran for his sympathetic received by the large audience present. understanding of many little problems that arise.

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NORTHERN PENINSULA RESERVE MEDICAL The year has been clear of serious epidemics. BAMAGA AND COWAL CREEK Some influenza was experienced. Cases of ser­ (Superintendent—Mr. A. F. Hamilton) ious illness and operative cases were trans­ STATISTICS ferred to Thursday Island by boats. This ser­ vice functioned most satisfactorily, often under Population of each village— adverse conditions. Dr. O'Leary visited this Bamaga— Reserve and completed the Polio, immunisation Torres Strait Islanders 299 programme. Mainlanders 22 321 The new hospital has been completed and is Cowal Creek- now equipped and occupied. It is much more Torres Strait Islanders 79 efficient and functional than the old building. Mainlanders 204 Child Welfare and Clinic work progresses 283 satisfactorily. The mothers of children attend­ Red Island Point Torres ing are very co-operative and the children show Strait Islanders 98 the advantages of this service. Total Torres Strait Islanders 476, Mainlanders 226, Total 702 There have been no known cases of hookworm but prophylactic treatment is still given quarterly. A dental team has been here for six weeks. HEALTH Total inspection was made and all necessary work Hospital In-patients 202 was completed while here. A survey team of the Hospital Out-patients 8,778 Flying Doctor Service visited this area during the Medical Aid Post Patients . . 24,570 year. Prenatal care and the issuing of milk and CLINIC supplementary foods to children and mothers is Children attending— carried on as usual. Bamaga 52 Cowal Creek 35 The Auxiliary diet centre at Cowal Creek is Red Island Point 15 now functioning in its new building and with its large kitchen and dining room, it now handler Total 102 the ex TB patients most efficiently.

SCHOOLS SAWMILL Children attending— A reasonably successful year was experienced. Boys Girls Total Although the mill was out of action for eight Bamaga 45 36 81 weeks this lost time was partially made up by Cowal Creek .. 24 27 51 utilising the mill crew as an extra bush gang, so Red Island Point 9 12 21 building up a good reserve of logs. This enabled the mill to work right through the wet 75 155 Totals 78 season. As the logging areas have been cut through SAWMILL before, the grade of logs received is not ideal, Number of logs through mill 1,243 being mostly ladderwood, the hardwoods having Number of log feet 310,325 been cut out. About 16,000 super feet of pre­ Sawn timber hardwood s./ft. 87,100 cut building timbers were bundled and prepared Sawn timber soft wood s./ft. 62,000 for shipment to Gulf Missions. Building timber Sawn timber precut for Gulf was also supplied to Coen and Thursday Island. Missions 16,000 s./ft. Experimental prefabricated radio and engine Firewood supplied to Thursday sheds were also sent to the Islands. Island 150 tons The mill crew of 10 men and 4 loggers are STOCK mostly mainlanders and they show excellent Cattle on books .. 120 aptitude for this type of work. The two No. 1 Pigs on books 42 sawyers are close to first class rating and three men have been trained fully in saw maintenance. FARM IMPROVEMENTS The mill has been reconditioned and all Fencing 8 miles machinery has been checked, realigned where Cleaning 50 acres necessary and painted. Guard fencing has been Desuckering 10 acres painted in safety colours. Reconditioning coconut plantation 20 acres New stock yards 1 acre The year has been clear of all accidents due mainly to strict safety precautions. NATIVE HOUSING Houses commenced .. 14 SETTLEMENT Houses completed 9 Mr. Grenfell commenced duty as Settlement Other buildings completed .. 11 Overseer on 29th January, 1959, replacing Mr. Maintenance on buildings .. 28 Jones. General road work has been carried on. Main road from Bamaga to Red Island Point has ROADS been graded three times and is now being Koad graded . 12 miles resurfaced. Road cleared and graded 18 miles Road remade 2 miles Ex army roads to the airstrip and Mutee Head Culverts made 2 have been recleared and graded to prevent undue

Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 25.4/3 - www.aiatsis.gov.au 50 deterioration. Water reticulation and maintenance Island and the fourteen inhabited Islands in the has been carried on as needed and new mains Torres Strait, also to Bamaga Native Settlement, have been added by 360 feet at Bamaga and 352 Cape York. feet at Cowal Creek. MILEAGE The slaughter house has been reconditioned Torres Strait 2,300 and has passed inspection by a stock inspector. Queensland Coast (East) . 2,800 Maintenance work on the jetty is becoming a Queensland Coast (West) 1,000 major job and progress is slow. Cargo and mail boats have been handled expeditiously as and 6,100 when required. CARGO CARRIED FARM Tons Production of farm produce was low due Merchandise 600 partly to dry conditions and shortage of water. Genera! D.N.A 200 Dressed timber ex Bamaga .. 240 A wide survey of the Reserve area was made Islanders goods and chattels too to assess its value for cattle breeding and the Authorised private 40 possibilities are excellent as the area is well Medical supplies 10 watered with some good natural legumes and grasses. Pasture improvement is being tried and 1,190 results so far indicate that it would be satisfactory on a large scale. PASSENGERS CARRIED Cattle on this Reserve are of rather a low Natives 965 grade being mostly scrubbers and the off-spring Official 43 of dairy types introduced to this district by early 1,008 settlers. It is expected that in the near future these cattle will be gradually improved and a more suitable beef type introduced. REFITTING AND REPAIRS From 1st September to 18th December, 1958, The pig herd is being built up and pig meat the ship was at the State Government Dockyard, has been sold to Thursday Island. South Brisbane, for extensive overhaul and SCHOOLS refitting. The work carried out was very good. All schools made reasonable progress during In April, 1959, the ship was slipped at South the year and conduct generally was good. It was Seas Pearling Company's Slipway, Thursday hoped to commence domestic science and manual Island, for underwater cleaning and inspection. training this year but shortage of supervising staff During the slipping some repairs were carried out has made this advanced instruction difficult. to the propellor. The ship was fully surveyed in Brisbane by the Shipping Inspector, Captain SOMERSET J. Beckinsale and his Foreman Shipwright. The Somerset is a small holding on the east coast large 16-foot skiff was fitted with buoyancy tanks, and has a deal of historical interest. It was the and a new Carley lifesaving float was made to earliest settlement in the north and was origin­ replace one declared unserviceable. ally designed as the bastion of the north but was later supplanted by Port Kennedy on Thursday LIFE SAVING EQUIPMENT, ETC. Island. It was also the scene of the end of All life belts, life buoys, boats, rockets and Kennedy's explorations and the termination of flares were surveyed in Brisbane. Forty new life Jardine's great cattle drive from the south. A belts were provided, also three new lie buoys, large coconut plantation was planted there by and a new Carley float. All life saving equipment Kanakas about 60 years ago, and a number of is in Al condition. Two life belt lockers have graves of early settlers are to be seen. been supplied for emergency use. In order to preserve the historical relics a pro­ gramme of rehabilitation has been carried out MAIN ENGINES, AUXILIARIES, ETC. over the past year. The graves have been tidied The engines have given good service. They and fenced off. The plantation is in the course receive their regular maintenance and overhauls. of being recleared and young trees replanted There have been no breakdowns. A good scale where necessary. A new house has replaced the of spares both for main and auxiliaries is carried. old original building used as Jardine's home and signal station. HEALTH AND CONDUCT OF CREW A small number of Islanders are now living The health of the crew except for minor ail­ there to do the necessary work and already the ments has been generally good. There have been coconuts are proving financially successful. no accidents. The conduct of crew members has The outpost has recently been equipped with been exemplary. radio within the Thursday Island network. SPECIAL VOYAGES "Melbidir" carried the undermentioned PATROL VESSEL "MELBIDIR" M.L.As. to Bamaga and Badu—Mr. Anderson (Master—Captain A. Mellor, M.I.N.) (Toowoomba), Mr. T. Gilmore (Tablelands), Mr. W. Wallace (Cairns), and Mr. H. Adair (Engineer—Mr. A. E. Brown) (Cook). A run was made from Thursday Island As in previous years, the vessel has been busily to Normanton and return with building materials engaged in her routine work, passenger carrying, for Department of Native Affairs Buildings at both outwards and inwards between Thursday Croydon and Normanton.

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RADIO AND SIGNAL EQUIPMENT Mission station installations have been entirely The new AWA 5A radio is giving excellent reorganised with improved aerial arrangements. service. The AWA 4A is still serviceable and TRAFFIC ANALYSIS (1957-1958) retained for emergency use. The radio is Total outward messages . . 16,200 regularly maintenanced by Mr. J. McKenna, Total inward messages 14,800 Department of Native Affairs Radio Engineer. Total radio medicals 1,300 The Aldis signalling lamp and the set of No. 3 Total cases treated 390 International signal flags are in good condition. Daily average words 5,750

FUMIGATION The ship is fumigated quarterly. Mattresses and blankets are aired monthly. Regular treat­ APPENDIX 11 ment by spraying Dieldrin solution has given ISLAND INDUSTRIES BOARD excellent results. What can be produced is bought, what can be PROTECTIVE CLOTHING consumed is sold! Behind the title "Island Indus­ tries Board" lies a microcosm of trade, for the Each crew member is supplied free with two Board is the channel through which the remote pairs khaki shorts and two khaki shirts islands of Torres Strait and the settlements of the bi-annually as working dress. Each member of far northern Cape York area draw the staples and staff and crew are issued with rain coats and luxuries of life and through which, in turn, it sends engine room staff with overalls as required. out to the corners of the world the rich harvest APPRECIATION of its waters and the produce of its peoples. It is desired to express appreciation to the An annual report such as this, bound by Deputy Director of Native Affairs and Island necessity to dry facts and figures, conceals behind Industries Board staff for friendly co-operation at its lifeless data the momentous emergence of a all times, to Island Branch Managers, Island race of people into our modern world of com­ Industries Board, and their cargo workers for merce. The training, by instruction and example, their efforts in landing cargo in other than normal of Torres Strait Islanders in the complex work­ working hours, owing to adverse weather and tide ings of the forms of business now demanded in conditions, to engineer and crew members for our society is the first of two primary responsi­ their cheerfulness and good work, bearing in mind bilities of the Island Industries Board. The "A ship is only as good as her crew". second is the day-to-day safeguarding of the material welfare of the peoples of this area.

RADIO SERVICE In great part the progress made in these basic things can be measured only in terms of the (Engineer-Operator—J. McKenna) Board's trading results and a report on the one is (Assistant—I. H. Mullins) a mirroring of the other. During the past year, traffic handled has shown The Island Industries Board is a Corporation an increase as also has the number of medical established under "The Torres Strait Islanders' cases treated by radio. The latter is due to Acts, 1939 to 1946," for the development of Mitchell River routing its medicals via Thursday trade, assistance in industry and the advancement Island instead of Royal Flying Doctor Service of the material welfare of the Torres Strait Island Base at Cloncurry. people. The board comprises:— At the Base Station, two new remote receivers Mr. P. J. Killoran—Chairman have been installed at Milman Hill which, with Mr. C. L. Waller, Mr. A. G. F. Kirk—Members the existing set, provide seven channels. This Mr. P. P. Hanley—Secretary and Accountant enables Cairns Aerial Ambulance frequencies to be included, giving a much better service between GENERAL TRADING Cairns and Thursday Island. The most notable change that has been wrought A 100-watt two-channel transmitter has also in recent years in the buying habits of our native been installed to augment the existing transmitter customers is the demand for more varied and and, as well as generally increasing facilities, also better-class consumer goods. In the last year give complete coverage against failure of one unit. this trend has continued and although there was The Outstation equipment is deteriorating both a lessening in the earnings of the Strait as a in serviceability and performance and replacement whole our sales of items such as sewing machines, equipment must be considered. In some of the radios, refrigerators, furniture, &c., again showed furtherest outposts, signal level is below the an improvement. Perhaps the lessening of spend­ acceptable minimum. ing power highlighted another radical departure A new installation at Somerset has been com­ from long established custom—but it was very pleted using locally made equipment. Morning- evident last year that our customers were ton Island, Lockhart River and Edward River questioning value against cost.

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The income of Torres Strait depends upon the The Branch Stores are staffed by 37 Torres production and marketing of Mother of Pearl and Strait Islanders of which 9 are juniors who are Trochus Shell. A fall in the earnings derived being trained to take their place in the future. from Mother of Pearl (discussed later in this As part of its training programme the Board report) allied to a continuing restriction of the rotates these juniors through different stores and Trochus market affected all business houses here, through the Head Office and Bulk Sections to give but the Board continued to enjoy the support of them the widest possible experience that this its customers and a drop in turnover from organisation can offer. After their appointment £293,335 14s. 9d. in the year ended 31st March, as assistants in Branch Stores their business 1958, to £282,269 19s. lid. is much less than education is followed up as part of the Board's was expected in the circumstances. policy of utilising native staff in all the positions which they are capable of holding. During the year the Board opened a new store at Warraber Island in the Central Group. This Correspondence courses are also arranged by brings the total of Branch Stores to eighteen, with the Board for its native employees desiring such. a further outlet planned for the Red Island Point Statistics of staff are as below with mention made of wages paid to Islanders and amount of gross community in the near future. All retail stores Profit:— are staffed by Torres Strait Islanders, fully res­ ponsible for the ordering, rotation and sale of Island Industries Board Staff—13 white. 72 natives. Wages paid by Island Industries Board to Torres stocks and the keeping of accounts in their stores. Strait Islanders—£34,008. A glance at the table below will illustrate the Gross Profit for Island Industries Board for importance of the part they play in this organisa­ Trading year—£48,869. tion and their manifest capability in controlling Set out hereunder are Branch Store trading considerable turnover. figures during the past financial year:—

ISLAND INDUSTRIES BOARD STATEMENT or STORE TRANSACTIONS FOR THE YEAR 1968-59

Turnover bland Turnover Stock Cash Total 1957-58 1958-59 Cash and Stock

£ «. d. £ t. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ ». d. Badu 30,095 3 6 26,778 8 6 2.835 8 0 72 8 11 2,907 16 11 Bamaga 20,072 19 9 25,343 3 6 2,797 9 4 383 8 1 3,180 17 6 Boigu ; . 7,911 1 9 5,853 9 2 2,291 10 9 82 13 9 2,374 4 6 Coconut 10,070 6 7 8,888 14 11 2,632 17 10 182 9 5 2,815 7 3 Cowal Creek 17,700 11 8 20,313 13 8 2,115 0 7 498 12 10 2,613 13 5 Damley 17.118 8 9 14,747 4 11 4,913 18 10 274 18 1 5,188 16 11 Dauan 5,568 4 11 4,897 16 8 1,956 17 4 125 7 8 2,082 5 0 Kubin 5,851 19 4 4,497 0 9 927 11 1 125 9 3 1,053 0 4 Mabuiag 13,559 1 9 12,145 7 6 2,351 9 9 237 5 3 2,588 15 0 Murray 21,044 0 2 24,962 10 5 5,314 15 6 490 9 10 5,805 5 4 Naghir 1,497 7 8 1,405 10 1 742 5 0 136 2 3 878 7 3 Saibai 11,356 18 11 9,348 17 11 2,723 15 7 37 8 10 2,761 4 6 Stephen 4,155 5 9 4,011 8 2 2.836 4 7 28 4 10 2,864 9 5 Yam 8,902 0 9 9,681 2 2 3,168 12 2 176 9 11 3,344 2 1 Yorke 11,052 5 1 9,715 15 3 2,738 4 0 167 13 10 2,905 17 10 Warraber 690 12 1 662 17 4 6 9 1 669 6 5 Bulk Store 89,887 2 8 89,887 2 8 Kennedy Store 40,472' 0 11 27,904* 13 6 38,706 7 11 38,706 7 11 Tamwoy Store 4,873 17 6 6,742 16 6 965 2 9 966 2 9 Thursday Island Store 62,034 0 0 65,341 14 3 8,542 4 10 8,542 4 1

£ 293,335 14 9 282,269 19 11 179,109 15 10 3,024 11 10 182,134 7 80

BUILDING reduction in value more keenly than would be In the near future the Board hopes to make a expected in a normal year; for there was an start on the rebuilding of its Head Office and in unprecedented quantity of reef shell fished within this project as in all other parts of our rebuilding the season. This reef shell contains a much programme native tradesmen under the direction greater percentage of the lower grades than that of Mr. E. Niblett will be used. Over the last found in deeper waters and during the year the few years the Board has concentrated on the market for lower grades tightened to such an renewal of its Branch Stores, feeling that prefer­ extent that the demand for the mark entirely ence should be given to these in the interest of disappeared. native customers. All of the new stores were Over the years the Board has built up a repu­ built by native carpenters and they are a credit tation for its grading and in the last two seasons to their workmanship and to the training and has had the reward of this reputation in the con­ supervision given by Mr. E. Niblett. sistent demand for its product. No matter what the circumstances or the quality of shell produced, MARINE PRODUCE the Board continues to hold to its own high As mentioned earlier in this report there was standards. This, of course, reflects itself immedi­ a drop in the value of Mother of Pearl Shell pro­ ately in a year such as that under review when the duced in this area generally. The Board, quality of shell fished was lower than that of other although anticipating the restriction, felt the years.

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It is pleasing to report, however, that in the current season little reef shell has been fished and the percentage of higher grades has increased. Production was as under:—

MARINE PRODUCTION FIGURES FOR 1958-59

Name of Vessel Mother-of-Pearl Troehus Total Value

T. c. Q. L. T. C. Q. L. £ «. d. Petta Nona 23 16 2 3 8,702 15 4 Rolsie Nona .. 20 17 2 3 7,625 6 1 Xaianga 20 8 2 9 7,461 17 3 .Way Nona 19 15 0 0 .. 7,213 17 0 Annie Nona 18 10 0 3 6,757 15 4 Tilona Nona .. 15 12 1 6 5,703 11 5 KeWa • . • .. 11 6 2 10 4,138 3 6 Mosby . .. .. 11 2 2 25 0 5 3 11 4,104 7 2 Sarah Nona.. 10 18 2 10 3,992 1 5 Milton 8 16 2 5 0 10" 0 12 3,287 17 9 Cessa .. 8 13 2 7 3,169 15 0 Anna Stephen 5 5 0 15 3 3" 0 25 2,318 6 11 Maria 1 7 3 24 13 18 0 25 2,263 10 0 Macoy 5 19 3 15 0 11 3 11 1,954 0 6 Caroline 0 11 3 0 7 13 1 24 1,178 10 6 Adai ...... 11 2 0 12 1,399 5 6 Yaa . . • •. 2 15" 2 23 1,017 6 3 Loyalty 6 ll" 3 21 831 4 1 H'adumo .. • . 0 ll" 3 8 0 1 2 9 222 18 10 Zunal . 0 9 3 22 0 5 2 2 216 8 0 Cape York 0 9 0 19 0 3 3 7 188 7 7 At liana .. 0 14 1 4 90 0 0 Dinghy 1 7 0 26 20 9 2 12 3,077 17 1 188 16 2 9 65 11 2 7 Trice Adjustments, Ac • * • * 17,796 17 4 £94,711 18 10

MISCELLANEOUS SHELLS AND COLLECTORS SLIPWAY SHELLS During the year the Board has established a A pearling fleet which must put to sea in all section devoted to the marketing of shells found weathers and which must be constantly working in this area which are looked for by collectors or throughout the season must necessarily have are sought by shell curio manufacturers. This behind it facilities for its care and maintenance section, whilst at present quite small, shows signs and a staff skilled in the overhaul of hulls and of considerable future expansion. Shells are col­ masts, engine and running gear and all the appur­ lected by women in the outer islands. tenances of a working fleet. For these reasons the Inquiries have been received from many parts Island Industries Board operates a slipway of the world. These foreign orders are mainly equipped to undertake the building and repair from conchologists and their needs must be of any of the vessels engaged in pearl fishing. attended by a person with a knowledge of the nomenclature and quality of the specimens to be Vessels up to 60 feet can be slipped at the Board's found in this area. For the present the Board yard on Victoria Parade. During the year some is really feeling its way into this market and dis­ 440 gross tons of vessels were slipped. covering how best the openings may be utilised to the greatest benefit of the peoples of Torres Strait. The yard itself consists of three slipping cradles, one derrick, capable of lifting up to 3 tons, cir­ BOATS cular saws of various sizes, band saws, a planing Recently the Board reluctantly accepted resig­ machine, power grinding wheels, a gulleting nation of Mr. T. N. Le Grand, the Master- machine, power drills and a steam box. All Engineer of the vessel "Gelam." Mr. Le Grand machinery is electrically driven and is maintained resigned to go into business on his own account by a trained native staff under the direction of a in . During his years with the Board Mr. Le Grand has given outstanding service not only native foreman. All of the Slipway Staff has been within his job but wherever his assistance was in the employ of the Board for a considerable required. time—some as long as IS years. They are fully In many instances he went to sea under most trained men, capable of undertaking jobbing work adverse conditions to answer calls for medical on any pearling vessel. In addition to usual boat help. He was instrumental in helping to save the building skills they are also versed in rigger's work lives of a number of Torres Strait Islanders and and sailmaking. in his period here he became a much loved figure in the Torres Strait. All supplies required in the operation of the During the year the Board was again fortunate slipway are drawn from a hardware and ships in being able to secure the services of Mr. T. E. Dunwoodie as relieving Master-Engineer. The chandlery store located in the same premises. M.V. "Kebisu" has not been in operation through­ This store, again conducted by native shop assist­ out the year. The vessell has been declared surplus ants supplies not only the slipway and the to requirements. The Board is now endeavouring Islander-owned fleet but many of the boats and to dispose of the vessel. businesses of Torres Strait. It also handles

Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 25.4/3 - www.aiatsis.gov.au 54 builders hardware and the entire requirements APPENDIX 12 for the erection of a home from flooring to ridge EDWARD RIVER MISSION capping can be purchased at this store. (Superintendent—Gordon B. Green) Hereunder is a list of vessels slipped during the years:— STAFF Rev. D. S. Halliday—Chaplain and Teacher. BOATS SLIPPED Mrs. D. S. Halliday—Nursing Sister. (1st April, 1958, to 31st March, 1959) Sister I. B. Johnson—Church Army—Welfare Officer. Mr. N. Wheeler—Head Cattle Man. Boat Date Slipped Gross Tons Rev. E. Gebadi—Relieving Teacher. Launch " Sarah Nona " 17-4-1958 20 Launch " Gelam " 6-5-1958 30 STATISTICS Ketch " Loyalty "" .. 31-5-1958 25 Full blood 246 Launch " Kebisu " 18-6-1958 30 Half blood 2 Ketch "Petta NonaNona"" .. 27-6-1958 25 Cutter " Cape York " 9-7-1958 10 KetcKeteh " Relsie Nona " 16-7-1958 22 THE CHURCH AND PROGRESS TOWARDS Ketch S.S. " Dona " .. 29-7-1958 25 CHRISTIANITY Cutter " Sania " 18-9-1958 15 Ketch " Milton " 18-10-1958 22 One of the greatest events at Edward was the Ketch " AdaiAdai" 10-12-1958 22 completion of a permanent church and the sub­ Cutter " Sania " 9-1-1959 15 sequent opening and dedication by the Bishop on Launch " Gelam " 18-2-1959 30 Launch " Sarah Nona " 20-2-1959 20 the 2nd December, 1958. Attendance at daily Ketch " Tilona Nona " 24-2-1959 22 and Sunday services are good and special Ketch " Relsie Nona " 4-3-1959 22 Christmas and Easter services are very well Ketch " Petta Nona " 19-3-1959 25 attended. There have been five marriages this Ketch " Kelsia " 20-3-1959 22 Ketch " Annie Nona " 21-3-1959 22 year. Hymn practice and Sunday school services Ketch " Cessa " 23-3-1959 20 are held weekly. 444 HEALTH General health of the people is improving and people more willing to be admitted to hospital MINERAL where necessary. Dr. Tuffley (Flying Doctor) The Board during the year under review has has been most helpful but unfortunately he is given assistance to various islands in the installa­ not able to come for about five months of the tion of their water reticulation hookups by the year as there is no all weather airstrip. The provision of the services of the Board's mechanic people badly need regular dental treatment and we are trying to arrange this. Dr. Tuffley has on engine installations and its vessels have attended to some extractions and Salk Vaccine similarly conveyed the necessary gear and equip­ and Triple Antigen has been given to the ment to the Islands of Torres Strait free of all children and most have hookworm treatment cost to the islands concerned. regularly, although the older people are still very frightened of "white man's" medicine and hospital Taking a broad view, it can fairly be said treatment. that the Board's activities throughout the year Sister P. Fittock relieved in the hospital while have met with the approbation of the population Mrs. Halliday was on furlough. of Torres Strait as is exemplified by their support. SCHOOL The Board's policy in past years has provided Attendance is good and the standard of teach­ for stability and with the rebuilding programme ing is improving with the three aboriginal girls nearing completion, the Board looks to the as assistants. One class this year is attempting future with confidence in its ability to continue 5th Grade and sewing classes have commenced and it is hoped to start Domestic Science classes a progressive policy of assistance to all Torres this year. The Rev. Ephraim Gebadi relieved Strait Islanders throughout the area. Rev. Halliday whilst on furlough. Application has been made for a school building as, at APPRECIATION present, school is held in a temporary bush timber The Island Industries Board records with building. There are 47 children on the roll. appreciation the assistance given by the Director of Native Affairs, and the officers of his Sub- WELFARE Department, particularly in the purchasing of Progress towards improved domestic life is goods required for the Board's stores. To the slow but many are showing more interest and the continuing of regular visits to each village officers of State Stores too, a special word of home is showing results. Personal and home thanks for their assistance in filling the require­ cleanliness has improved. All girls' and women's ments of a business that is gradually changing and most boys' clothing are made by aboriginal and evolving as the needs of the people of this girls under the supervision of Sister Johnson. The area become more sophisticated. preschool and school kitchens are well organised and provide good and regular meals for all The Board also records with appreciation, the children. Arts and crafts classes are held regu­ work of its officers throughout the area of Torres larly and it is hoped to have regular supplies Strait which has been unremitting throughout the of crafts available for sale within the next few year. months. The Girl's Club is usually well attended.

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CATTLE and iron for a number of kitchens have been pur­ Many were branded this year and we are chased, and some are already erected. We hope hoping for a first sale of bullocks next year. A to have kitchens provided for all dwellings in the lot of work is necessary such as fencing for near future. New lavatories have been erected various paddocks and yards, &c. to enable this during the year, and a new sanitary system is in section of the mission to flourish. Half of the progress. Water has been laid on in the Dormitory fencing is finished in the bullock holding paddock. kitchen, and the kitchen has also had a new cement floor. The airstrip has been kept in good order and satisfactory to the Department GENERAL of Civil Aviation requirements. This year, apart from routine mission work, much time has been spent on the making of roads, CONDUCT village houses made of bush timber and cabbage Satisfactory. No serious offences. leaf walls and roof, completion of church, new church hall, village wells, &c. The mission wishes to thank sincerely the EMPLOYMENT Director and Deputy Director of Native Affairs, We have no difficulty in obtaining employment the Radio Operators, the Medical Officers of on cattle stations for all able-bodied men not Thursday Island Hospital, the Board of the Cairns required for Mission maintenance. Most of our Aerial Ambulance, the Flying Doctor (Charters men are excellent stockmen and their employers Towers) and others who have given their time speak highly of them. and skill to assist in the welfare of the people and development of the mission. SCHOOL At the end of the school quarter there was a total attendance of 108 children—SO boys and APPENDIX 13 58 girls. The average attendance was 103.29. MITCHELL RIVER MISSION The Head Teacher (Miss M. Card) was assisted by "four native teachers. The syllabus of the (Superintendent—F. W. Currington) Queensland Primary Schools is followed with adjustments made to meet the needs of the STAFF aboriginal children and the work is taken more Rev. D. M. Sutherland—Chaplain. slowly in covering the subjects in the various Miss S. M. Card—Teacher. grades. The older girls have attempted the lessons Mrs. Clarke—Dormitory Matron (resigned of the Primary Correspondence School, three 31-3-59). Sister H. Allcock—Nursing Sister (resigned) being in Grade V. and one in Grade VI. It G. Wheeler—Cattle Manager. has taken about a year to do half the Grade's N. Clarke—Assistant Superintendent. work but the help given from the Correspondence Teachers has given encouragement. The Grade STATISTICS VI. girl is now leaving school but is to continue No. of Full bloods 506 her lessons and is already working part time in No. of Half bloods 20 the Superintendent's Office. Total Population 526 RELIGION No. of Births 15 No. of Deaths 9 Services during the year have been maintained No. of Marriages 6 as usual by the Chaplain and Catechism classes and religious instructions in the Mission school AGRICULTURE have been conducted regularly. During the year Sweet potatoes, pumpkins, cassava, beans, there were 5 marriages, 17 baptisms, and 8 bananas, papaws and mangoes, and other veget­ burials. ables, have been harvested. It is very pleasing to see the increased number of gardens in the HEALTH villages this year. Average of daily treatments—39. Iron and vitamins were given where needed INDUSTRIAL IMPROVEMENTS to people. Satisfactory progress has been maintained during the year. Mr. George Wheeler (Cattle Infants.—Baby Clinic held on Mondays— Manager) has done excellent work with the Weights and check up of all infants, mainly all cattle. New fences with steel posts, which are of three years of age and under. much more satisfactory than wooden posts, have Milk and Porridge are given to mothers on been erected. Killers have been supplied as Monday mornings, and extra milk and porridge usual for the benefit of the Mission inmates. Two is given to mothers with bottle-fed babies, and mobs of cattle have been sold at a satisfactory any child who needs extra. price (station delivery) and we are now negotiat­ ing for another sale. Thirty-five bulls were pur­ Mothers confined in own homes. All meals chased to improve the herd. In the near future are given for five days afterwards. Nursing of we hope to buy a new portable spray dip which mother and babe is done at home. is very essential for the upkeep of the herd. Iron Vitamin B Calcium Lactate Tablets given to all expectant mothers for three months prior to IMPROVEMENTS confinement, and afterwards if needed. Extra Several new houses have been erected in the food is given to any elderly folk as required, and various villages, and others repaired. Timber extra porridge and milk are given where required.

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Hookworm Survey was carried out by Mr. cows during the wet, over 30 gallons of milk O'Shea in November, 1958. Hookworm treat­ are distributed daily. In the dry months there is ment was given to all people away six months at less milk yield, but fodder is conserved during the least, more if hookworm were present. wet and used to feed the cows as the feed dries Dental.—Flying Dentist every three months. off. More introduced grasses were planted out Last visit was on 24th March, 1959. also for cattle feed. These included Rhodes Grass, Buffel Grass, Green Panic, Elephant Grass Medical.—Flying Doctor at end of every month and Legumes as Centro, Puro, TownsvUle Lucerne for a Clinic. and Stylo Lucerne.

Radio Network.—Doctor on Thursday Island CATTLE on call to give any advice to any questions on Sixty bullocks were killed for local con­ any illness and orders the Ambulance plane when sumption. 144 head were sent to Marina Plains required. and were taken south by the "Wewak." 980 DORMITORY calves were branded and new yards were built The number of children being fed at the at Bamboo and fencing on large paddocks in dormitory is 113. They receive three meals daily different parts of the run was carried out. and clothing quarterly. The dormitory was under Bulls which were brought to Edward River last the supervision of Mrs. Clarke (Dormitory year and had to be left there owing to dry con­ Matron), who has recently resigned, and until a ditions were brought to the run. The cattle work new Matron arrives it is under the care of native is in the care of Jerry Hudson. women supervised by Mrs. Sutherland. ENGINEERING AND MACHINERY RECREATION This work is under the care of Mr. T. S. General sports, football, rounders, native Bartlett: Trucks, tractor and all engines were kept dancing, and talkie pictures are frequently shown. in good running condition. One Ford Blitz truck was sent to Mapoon, one Blitz was brought here APPRECIATION from Weipa. This latter vehicle is in the process of being completely overhauled. Pipe lines and The assistance given at all times by the hand pump were installed at Wutan for new Director and Deputy Director of Native Affairs Banana plantation. The hand pump does not and their staffs, and including the Base Radio pump sufficient water and the Department is Operators, is much appreciated. kindly assisting this work by forwarding a power pump. Pipe lines were laid at the Mission for irrigation on a small scale. An open air working APPENDIX 14 bay was built. This bay gives 350 square feet under cover and is used for repair work. Steel AURUKUN MISSION girders to take 18-foot span were made out of old (Superintendent—Rev. W. F. MacKenzie) railway lines and scraps of iron rod. This gives freedom of movement. A boat carrier or trailer STAFF was built to enable the workboat and dinghies Mrs. MacKenzie, B.A., Dip. Ed.—Matron and to be brought up from the anchorage to the work­ Head Teacher. shop where repairs are carried out. Sister A. A. Cameron—Medical. Mr. T. S. Bartlett—Engineer and Mechanic. BUILDING AND CARPENTRY Mrs. Bartlett—Teacher. This work is under the direction of Mr. J. Mr. H. Henderson—Builder and Carpenter. Henderson. The Girls' Dormitory was painted. Mrs. J. Henderson—Assistant Matron. Mr. J. Hudson—Cattle. The Dispensary was finished and painted inter­ nally, furniture and cupboards were made and Rev. and Mrs. G. L. Filmer who were with us installed. The head stockman's house was for three months left in May to go to Mapoon finished and painted inside. A second staff where Mr. Filmer took over as Superintendent. house is nearing completion. Eight new houses were built by the men, under supervision. These AGRICULTURE houses were built of adzed timber, round timber, Owing to the lateness of the wet, much of the split slabs and bark. Sheets of bark were cut out work put into cultivation work was lost. The in the bush and stock piled at the Mission for early rains did not continue and the young plants use in repairing village houses. The older boys died off. As soon as the paddocks could be are learning to express themselves in wood- worked after the heavy rains came, the season carving, and very creditable models of crocodiles, was too far advanced. Fortunately, a good area turtles, snakes, &c, have been carved. of cassava was planted and this was able to struggle through the dry period. In preparation SAWMILL for planting, many truckloads of humus was The sawmill from Weipa was shifted here by brought from a dry swamp, spread over the Enterprise Exploration Co., by means of barges. paddocks and ploughed in. Sweet potatoes died Employees of the Company assisted by Mr. out and fresh tubers had to be obtained from Henderson and Mr. Bartlett and Mission workers Cairns. Consequently, only a small area could be erected the building and installed the 40-h.p. planted. Southern Cross engine, drive shaft, saw benches, trolley lines, &c. Timber roads were cut out of DAIRY HERD the bush, logs were brought in to the mill. Teams Milk from the dairy herd is given to the also went up the river cutting logs and floated school children and the young children in the them to the landing from where they were hauled village. While there is plenty of feed for the to the mill.

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ARTS AND CRAFTS the older girls go back to school as pupil teachers, The village women make table mats, fruit and others are taught domestic work. All receive baskets and serviette rings out of pandanus instruction in plain and fancy sewing. leaves. Dyes from various roots are used to The Mission was greatly honoured last Sep­ obtain different colours. The Mission handles the tember by a visit from the Governor, sale of these articles, a small percentage being Sir Henry Abel Smith. kept to defray handling costs. The men welcomed him in full tribal dress and decorations. They lined up in two lines and as SCHOOL the Governor walked between the lines the front There are 138 children on the roll, as against rank turned about and crossed their spears with 125 last year. Four of these children came from those of the rear rank, making an effective arch­ Coen; their bush-bred mother, originally from the way through which the Governor passed. In the Holyroid River at the southern end of the evening special tribal dances which had not been Reserve wanted her children to learn to read and shown in public previously were danced. A great write. The rest were village born, second, third deal of preparatory work had been done in mak­ or fourth generations. As usual now and for ing totemic objects as figures of birds, fish and many years past the school has its annual long animals. These were brought out and set up holiday after the wet season is over, Christmas while the members of that particular totem per­ time being anything but a holiday time in this formed the appropriate dance. part of Australia's monsoonal belt. An experi­ ment is being tried to assist discipline and pro­ gress. The children have been divided into POPULATION school houses, each with their colours and flags. Births 9—6 males, 3 females. The girls' houses are called after local flowers, Deaths 5—3 males, 2 females. Alamander, Hibiscus and Orchid, while the boys' Marriages 6. houses are named after aeroplanes, Helicopter, Total population 580. Drover and Cessna.

SPIRITUAL WORK HEALTH Morning prayers are held each day in the Health maintains a fairly good standard. The church, and the usual Sunday services. Atten­ diet for the children is kept to fresh foods as far dance is good and good interest is shown. as is possible. Fresh food is traded from the Classes of instruction are held for those who surplus hunting by the village people. Fish, wish to join the Church. In the bush, work is still crabs, shell fish, wallaby, pig, birds, eggs, roots, faithfully carried out amongst the bush people by yams, and papaws, and also from the Mission Archiewald. cultivation, items such as sweet potatoes, cassava, pumpkins, beans, and some bananas, fresh beef FUTURE ACTIVITIES and milk are all supplementary to rice and flour. There are still a few who have regular Tuber­ The slaughter house will soon be finished. culosis checks, but these numbers are decreasing Plans have been drawn up for a new type of and with the B.C.G. we hope that Tuberculosis house for the people in the village. When these will be completely checked. have been approved, work will be started on the houses. This will involve the felling of logs out For the period under consideration, there were bush and carting them or floating them in to the nine births and five deaths. Four out of the five sawmill, cutting the required timber for the con­ who died were very old people. The fifth was a struction of the houses. The banana plantation middle-aged woman who had a bad heart. at Wutan is to be extended. A new cook house The Flying Doctor from Charters Towers con­ for the children and workers is to be built. We tinues to visit us and his advice and help is would like to build a dormitory for the older invaluable. We appreciate the great help given boys where they could have room for hobby work to us in cases of emergency by the Cairns Aerial and recreation. We hope to build a large work­ Ambulance. Daily contact through the Native shop combining building and engineering work­ Affairs Wireless Network is also invaluable as we shops. On the cattle side a new hut is planned are able to get advice from a medical officer in for Bamboo and installation of tank and trough- cases of emergency. ing for water for the cattle during dry spells. A spray dip is also to be installed at Bamboo for Mass Hookworm treatment is carried out six the cattle work. monthly, or more often in known infected cases. Mr. Sheppard of the Hookworm Control, Cairns, visited this Mission and tested all the population. THANKS We are pleased to be able to report that the num­ Our thanks are given to the Honourable the ber of cases is less than half the number in the Minister for Health and Home Affairs, and his previous 1955 survey. Department, also the Director of Native Affairs, Baby clinic is held every week. All pre-school the Deputy Director and their respective staffs in children are weighed and examined. There are Brisbane and Thursday Island, the Secretary for 63 under school age children in the village this Missions and his staff, the Ladies of the Church year. Triple Antigen is given to all babies. Missionary Organisations, the Flying Doctor and the Pilot, the Medical Officers and Nursing Staff at Thursday Island Hospitals and the Convales­ OLDER CHILDREN cent Centre, the Cairns Aerial Ambulance and all The boys as they leave school get instruction other friends who have helped and encouraged in carpentry, engineering and general main­ us here at Aurukun to enable us to look after the tenance work, also agricultural work. Some of people in our care.

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APPENDIX 15 Regular dental work has been carried out by visiting Departmental dentists, and this is greatly MORNINGTON ISLAND MISSION appreciated. Improvement in hygiene and sani­ (Superintendent—Rev. D. L. Belcher) tation continues.

STAFF SCHOOL Mrs. Belcher—Matron. (Report by Miss M. S. Bain) Mr. W. D. Page—Industrial Assistant. Number of Pupils, 100— Mrs. Page. Mr. E. C. Butler—Builder. Preparatory I. 4 Mrs. Butler. Preparatory 11. . . .11 Sister N. Graham—Nurse. Preparatory III. .22 Miss M. S. Bain, B.Sc.—School Teacher. Preparatory IV. 18 Grade III 19 STATISTICS Grade IV 14 Births 13 Grade V. 12 Deaths (4 aged, 1 premature birth) 7 Native Teacher—Mrs. Ellen Richards. Stillbirth 1 Native Monitors—9. Marriages 6 Exemptions 3 Mrs. Ellen Richards continues to teach the Transfers to Mission 3 Transfers (pending) 3 First Grade and has made good progress. Mrs. Population (Half Bloods 43, Full Bloods Butler is teaching reading to the Preparatory 308) 423 children and they are becoming much more con­ fident in this vital subject. All other Grades RELIGION receive concentrated instruction in reading and are Daily services are held and the Sacraments are improving noticeably. The old method has been administered. Eighteen young people were con­ discarded in favour of the Reading Method firmed and became communicant members of the adopted recently by Queensland Schools. Pro­ Church. Twenty-nine adults were baptized, of gress is attributable to the method, to the use of which seventeen were Bentinck Islanders. many excellent Readers which were procured from the South (including the First Australian AGRICULTURE Readers written by Mrs. W. F. MacKenzie of Sweet potatoes, tomatoes and other vegetables Aurukun) and to the personal teaching by the are raised on a small scale; pineapples, bananas Staff of each Grade in this subject. and papaws have been established. Village This year two girls are attending Blackheath gardens are attempted on a small scale. A rotary College, Charters Towers; Shirley Richards, hoe has recently been provided by the Govern­ daughter of the Teacher Mrs. E. Richards, is in ment through Loan Funds. Two hundred coco­ the sub-Junior Grade and Lorna Wilson is study­ nuts have been planted. ing Grade V. Recent reports indicate that both girls are making encouraging all-round progress. CATTLE We are now slaughtering two beasts per week GENERAL and the quality of the beef is good. One bush There is steady progress in the social develop­ cattle yard has been erected, and a beef house. ment of the people and the acceptance of responsi­ The head stockman and six others are engaged bility. The Bentinck Islanders are included in in this work, which is limited to the provision of this pattern. There is some difficulty in persuad­ beef for local consumption. ing mothers to collect regularly the specially pre­ A small quantity of milk is produced for the pared food, &c, for small children and babies; use of children. there is felt the need of a child welfare nurse. BUILDING One of our young women, Sister Ina Richards, One staff dwelling has been completed, also a who has recently obtained exemption, returned girls' village dormitory. Fifty-five concrete- here for a holiday and has now gone to Atherton floored earth closet toilets have been erected in the to complete obstetric training. During her stay village, and six 30 feet by 10 feet prefabricated here, Sister Richards assisted in the medical work. dwellings for native families have been completed. The conduct of the people is satisfactory, a The erection of buildings of a permanent nature trend which has continued for some years. Dis­ has been continued and material is now available putes are readily settled. from Loan Funds for erection of Ration Store, Ablution sheds, Engine and Cold Room shed. Mr. Ted Butler's appointment as builder has accelerated construction work. Also, he is doing EMPLOYMENT good work amongst the Scouts and Cubs. Normally, fifty men are employed on cattle stations and droving in the Gulf area, and twenty- Mr. and Mrs. L. J. McMillan were transferred five women and girls are employed on cattle to Mapoon in October, 1958. Mr. Ted Butler, stations as domestics. Other men are employed Builder, and Mrs. Butler were appointed in July, on M.V. "Cora." 1958.

HEALTH THANKS Anaemia is a problem and expert investigation We thank the Director of Native Affairs and is being undertaken. One T.B. case required Staff, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service for further hospital treatment, and has responded. their interest and practical help.

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APPENDIX 16 EMPLOYMENT Marine industries have provided employment HAMMOND ISLAND for the majority of the men. Francis Sabatino (Priest-in-Charge—Rev. O. McDermott) brought in 30 tons of pearl shell last season; he is doing a splendid job training younger divers STAFF for deep water work. For 1959 season, more Residential Priest—Rev. R. J. Docherty, M.S.C. men than usual have signed on trochus boats; Two Sisters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. this is due in great measure to the retrenchment Lay-Worker—Francis Dorante. in the number of pearling boats. Some men, too old for marine work, have found difficulty in STATISTICS obtaining regular work in their calling as car­ Births ... .. 2 penters and boat builders. Marriages ... .. 2 Deaths 1 STAFF CHANGE School Children . 38 Residents 110 Shortly after Easter, Father Collins, who had spent four years on the Mission left on transfer DISCIPLINE to Alice Springs. His place has been taken by Father Richard Docherty, a very experienced Discipline has been very good. A good com­ missionary from the Northern Territory, who munity spirit is evident and there is splendid founded the Port Keats Mission for the primitive co-operation between the residents and staff. Fitzmaurice River natives and over a period of Church services are well and regularly 23 years, moulded this Mission into one of the attended. The parish Mission conducted by Rev. best in Northern Territory. Father Docherty is Father Hogan, C.S.S.R., of Townsville was most a keen and accomplished gardener and he hopes successful and the Missioner was very impressed to repeat at Hammond Island the success that by the response he received. marked his Territory garden efforts.

HEALTH BISHOP'S VISIT No serious illness or epidemic occurred during The Most Rev. J. P. O'Loughlin, M.S.C., the year and an excellent standard of health has Bishop of Darwin, visited Hammond Island in been maintained. The Mission folk need no May during his triennial visitation of Thursday urging when it is advisable to seek the excellent Island parish and expressed his pleasure at the medical facilities provided by Thursday Island improvements made since his last visit. He was Hospital and the Town's two dentists. Sister delighted by the new school. The Bishop Burchell of the Children's clinic pays regular administered confirmation to 25 adults and visits to the Mission. The children regard her as children. a good friend and parents are most appreciative of her unflagging interest in their youngsters. CONCLUSION Opportunity is here taken to extend the thanks A good standard of housing has been achieved of all on Hammond Island Mission to the and die rules of hygiene are well observed. Con­ Honourable the Minister for Health and Home crete foundations have been laid for two new Affairs, Mr. C. O'Leary, Mr. Killoran, and their homes. Work has commenced on the installation staff for their sympathetic interest and support of septic systems and the provision of more during the past year. adequate water supply, which will be of great benefit during the dry weather in the closing months of the year. Water from a perpetually- flowing spring will be pumped to an elevation APPENDIX 17 and reticulated. LOCKHART RIVER MISSION The sea and the home gardens yield their (Superintendent—J. A. Warby) quotas of nourishing foods to sustain a healthy community. STAFF Mrs. J. A. Warby—Bookkeeper. EDUCATION Sister H. D. Conn—Nursing Sister. Good progress has been made in all Depart­ Mr. J. Kaines—Cattle Manager. ments of school work. Domestic science, arts Mr. J. Cook—Farm Overseer. and crafts and instrumental music have been Miss E. Somerville—Teacher. taught with gratifying results. Attendances at Mrs. J. Cook—Teacher. school have been excellent. A former pupil of Mr. W. Namok—Carpenter. the Mission school will be a candidate for the Junior examination this year and another girl GENERAL is a full-time pupil in the Thursday Island Con­ Advance has been made in the character of vent commercial training class. A couple of boys the people and the operation of the Lockhart who left school last year are gaining useful River Aboriginal Christian Co-operative Society experience assisting Francis Dorante in the many Limited has assisted considerably in this. Self- tasks that fall to his lot as carpenter, tinsmith, respect and initiative have shown significant boatbuilder, mechanic and generally handyman increases and today situations which once could of the Mission. The installation of a film pro­ not have been handled by our people are dealt jector in the school has given the Mission a with successfully with complete confidence. medium of education which is must appreciated. While every effort is being made to help the Educational and general films are screened people to uplift themselves and their standards to regularly. where they constitute a new way of life, it is

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recognised that the material aspects of this are, to vessels and to build and repair dinghies. A after all, the lesser part, arid that any new way second shipwright is undergoing training in of life should be as firmly based on a strong Sydney at present. spiritual foundation as the people's old way of life was on their original beliefs. COTTON FARMING Advance also has been made materially, An area of 70 acres was ploughed last year, especially with housing. but only 40 acres of this have been planted to date, the balance being too wet to work MARINE at present. The varieties planted were Miller. Empire and Oklahoma Triumph. The engine of the "Mary Lockhart," the Mission cargo boat, was replaced with a new The cotton farm is situated 13 miles distant "Southern Cross" 3-cylinder marine diesel. This from the Mission in the Lockhart River Valley. boat is 30 feet 6 inches long and has done a This pioneering effort is still in its experimental magnificent job. stage but high hopes are being held for its suc­ cess as it could be the basis of a stable economy The construction of a slip for slipping boats here. The future plan is to bring new areas of up to 50 feet is being proceeded with. Work on the Lockhart River alluvial flats under the plough the breakwater to protect the slip has temporarily each year for cotton production, and to sow the ceased but suitable timber to erect the breakwater old cultivation with pasture grass for the pro­ is cut and ready for transporting to the job. duction of fat cattle.

CHURCH PADDLE INDUSTRY The Rev. J. B. Goodman completed his period The production of paddles for Thursday of service here last October, since when we have Island commenced and about 200 pairs have been been without a Chaplain. However, the Rev. made. E. Baldwin is expected to arrive here next Sep­ tember for this vital work. Meanwhile the Church MINING services continue to be taken by the lay people Alluvial was discovered at Alpha Creek of the Mission. We are very glad to welcome and negotiations are in progress regarding per­ the Lord Bishop of Carpentaria, who was able to mission to work certain areas. be with us in January, and were fortunate in hav­ ing the Rev. R. S. Campbell from Thursday CO-OPERATIVE CONSUMER STORE Island present with us at Easter. This has been operating satisfactorily under the Numerous language hymns with original words Manager, Peter Creek, who has proved most and music by the people have been composed efficient at this type of work. This store handles this year. most of the smaller retail goods previously sold through the Mission Store. LOCKHART RIVER ABORIGINAL CHRISTIAN CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LIMITED HANDICRAFTS The Board of Directors has assumed greater These are now sold through the Co-operative responsibilities in the past year and discharged its Society instead of the Mission and there is a duties satisfactorily. growing trade in these.

When the Co-operative Society was first estab­ ADULT EDUCATION lished in 1954, it was concerned solely with the production of Trochus Shell. Since this time, Owing to lack of staff, the Adult Education and especially in the last eighteen months with Class has been temporarily discontinued, but the trochus market not as prosperous as formerly, should receive new life on the arrival of Mr. steps were taken to establish other industries to J. Eldridge our new Headmaster, who is afford gainful employment for our people. Pro­ expected to arrive here in September. gress has been made in cotton farming and Harry Rokeby and Victor Macumboy were paddle making, while handicrafts are being con­ sent to Sydney for 6 months training in butcher­ stantly developed. Negotiations are in progress ing and oxy and arc welding respectively. On in an endeavour to establish gold mining as an their return, Frank O'Brien and John Butcher industry. were sent to be trained as a mechanic and ship­ wright respectively for 10 months. This train­ TROCHUS ing is carried out in conjunction with the Aus­ The past year has been a poor one for trochus tralian Board of Missions Co-operative Depart­ production, both for "Yola" and "Cape Grey." ment. The engine of the "Yola" deteriorated to the Michael Omeenyo who was sent to St. Aidans point of being most unreliable, and although Teachers' College, Dogura, Papua, at the every effort was made to keep the boat at sea, it beginning of 1958 has now qualified as an "A" proved fruitless as the engine was worn out. It Grade Teacher and is expected to return home was a great relief therefore, when we were able to take up his duties here at the end of this year. to purchase a hew 58-h.p. Perkins Marine Diesel to replace the old one, and this has been operat­ VILLAGE HOUSING ing very satisfactorily. Shell production on this boat rose immediately. Six rammed earth houses were completed and occupied in time for the wet season. These houses are built on raised concrete foundations-, DINGHY BUILDING and have wooden floors throughout except in the The Co-operative now employs its own kitchen and on the patio, which are both cement. aboriginal shipwright to carry out repairs Roofs are of galvanised iron. Each house has its

Digitised by AIATSIS Library - RS 25.4/3 - www.aiatsis.gov.au 61 own shower recess and laundry under the one FENCING roof. They are warm, durable and handsome The Mission paddock is completed except for houses, and extremely popular with the people. one small gap of J mile and has been divided The two largest size are 950 square feet. Two into two. A small paddock has also been are 700 square feet and two are 500 square feet. re-fenced. The exteriors and interiors are sealed with cement. Work is also proceeding on three timber houses. DAIRYING An eight-stand dairy shed has been built with STAFF HOUSING yards and walk-through bails. Milking machines A large veranda and two bedrooms were can be simply installed when desired. Beef cows added to the Agriculturist's house. Better are at present being milked but it is hoped that houses are required for the Hospital Sister, they will shortly be replaced with a suitable dairy Cattle Manager and the second school teacher. breed.

ENGINEERING PASTURE Mr. W. Bailey resigned in January, 1959, and Ground is being prepared in the Lockhart since then this side of the Mission work has been Valley for experimental pasture stands. It is handled by Mr. J. Cook. The five mechanics expected that seed will be sown in July. are becoming more capable. Victor Macumboy is showing the advantage of his Sydney training GENERAL in welding, while another, Frank O'Brien, is at The year 1958-59 has been one of develop­ present in Sydney training as a mechanic. The ment in accordance with a long range plan. The mechanics gain valuable experience in the con­ results will not show in spectacular form but will tinual overhauling and maintenance of machinery rather allow a far greater general improvement in use at the Mission. Eight men are now capable in the running and management of cattle. truck and tractor drivers, while another eight are good tractor drivers. HOSPITAL REPORT Births—10 (males, 7; females, 3). ST. JAMES' SCHOOL Deaths—3 (2 aged, and 1 infant eight months with No. of Scholars 80 Chronic Meningitis). Attendance 79.6 Inpatients—56 General, 10 Obstetric. School held 192 days Transferred to Cairns—3. Transferred to Thursday Island—7. General health of the people is good. STAFF In September Miss A. Hann retired after twelve EXTENSIONS years as Head Teacher, during which time she saw The Hospital has shown a tremendous many changes in the school. One of her most improvement this year with the addition of an cherished possessions is a model exercise book Obstetric Ward, a bathroom, and two water containing the work of many of her scholars. closet toilets and a small veranda. This was Mr. John Eldridge has been appointed in her made possible by donations to the Mission raised place and takes up his appointment in September by Sister H. D. Conn. All the above are lined next. In the interim, Miss Ena Somcrville is and sealed with fibro and painted in pastel acting as temporary teacher. Miss Somcrville colours. The bathroom is of the modern type has had Hi years experience in and with separate shower recess, bath and hand basin. is endeavouring to raise the scholastic standard The obstetric ward is louvred on two sides and of the school. also fitted with a hand basin. The Hospital has Weekly tests have been instituted and the best been further improved by certain equipment sup­ composition appears in the monthly paper plied by the Department of Native Affairs, such as The Lockhart News. Samples of art work an obstetric bed, two hospital beds, cosybye cot, have been sent south and there is a keen spirit steel cupboard and six bedside lockers. of competition amongst the scholars. HEALTH INSPECTOR'S VISIT A Domestic Science Course has been com­ A visit was made by Inspector Sheppard of menced, the girls gaining practical experience at the Children's Centre. Hookworm Control Office, Cairns, when all people were tested and treated for hookworm. Manual Work—Classes V. and VI. are show­ The Mission now has a new microscope which ing promise in the making of paddles, one of the was specially donated to investigate hookworm new industries of the Co-operative Society. infestation. REMOVING PATIENTS FOR FURTHER TREATMENT IMPROVEMENTS During the year ten patients were evacuated to The Upper and Kindergarten Schools have Cairns or Thursday Island for further treatment. been painted with paint supplied by the Depart­ ment of Native Affairs, and it is hoped shortly CHILDREN'S CENTRE that water will be laid on to the schools. All children receive two meals each week day at this centre. The floor of this is now cemented CATTLE REPORT throughout, and donated paint is on hand to paint Beef.—Due to good brand-ups over the last it. An extra stove has been installed on which three years, there is a notable increase in bullocks are prepared special foods for pre-school children to be found on the Mission. This will allow as young as four months. Pre-school children yearly sales to take place from now on, which receive Pentavite and Colliron twice daily or three was impossible before. Four hundred and twenty times daily, if and when necessary. School cleanskins were branded in the last twelve months, children receive Vitamins A, D and C twice daily and four new yards built. and Ferri Ammon Cit. when necessary.

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Three women are employed full time and now was also erected last year, and its value in sup­ make most of the children's clothing. plementing the diet of the people cannot be overestimated. WATER SUPPLY This continues to function satisfactorily. Water A cold room is now in course of building, and this will enable us to keep quantities of fish and is reticulated to all houses in the new village. beef for much longer periods without the D.N.A. RADIO necessity of salting. The fowlruns have been A new high aerial was installed, which resulted repaired and three paddocks are now bearing in improved reception. crops of pumpkins, water melons and grain sorghum. The banana plantation has been APPRECIATION rejuvenated and several dozen papaw trees are Our thanks are due to many people and showing promise. organisations, especially to the Director of Native HEALTH Affairs and his staff, the General Medical Officer There has been considerable improvement in and Thursday Island Hospital Staff, the Queens­ the general health of the people, especially the land Aerial Ambulance Brigade, the Department children, and any showing signs of under nourish­ of Native Affairs Radio Network and the Aus­ ment are given special attention. Iron pills, Cod tralian Board of Missions, and to all who have Liver oil and Pentavite are given to each child assisted us in many ways. daily. Care is taken to see that daily rations are of the best possible quality. Half-yearly hookworm treatment has been APPENDIX 18 given to every person on the Mission. A survey MAPOON MISSION in this field conducted by the Cairns Health (Superintendent—Rev. G. L. Filmer) Department in September showed an incidence Of 36 per cent, which is somewhat disappointing STAFF in view of the dry conditions prevailing at that Mrs. Filmer, S.R.N.—Matron and Medical Work. time. Every effort is being made however to Mr. L. J. McMillan—Assistant. combat the disease. We express our appreciation Mrs. McMillan—Temporary Teacher. to Inspector Shepherd of the Department for his assistance and helpful .advice generally. We STATISTICS Births 9 record our thanks to the Cairns Aerial Deaths 1 Ambulance, and to the Doctor and staff of the Marriages .. 1 Royal Flying Doctor Service. Three patients School children .. 67 were flown out, two to Cairns and one to Resident full bloods 106 Thusday Island. Resident half bloods 154 CATTLE In reviewing the work of our mission during This work continues to have difficulties. the past year, we must place on record the debt Trouble is experienced with wild pigs as they we owe to folk in the south and elsewhere, with­ pollute scanty water supplies in the dry season. out whose continued help our station could not Two grand musters during the year were succesful, possibly carry on. and the state of the pastures at the moment Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Green left the Mission in promises even better things in the year to come. October, 1958, their places being taken by Mr. and Mrs. L. J. McMillan, who were transferred EDUCATION from Mornington Island. There are 67 children attending school at present, and average attendance for the yearly GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS period has been 60. Much more progress has A bush road has been cut to the out-station, been made since Mrs. McMillan took over res­ and a short road of compressed stone has been ponsibility in teaching, assisted by native helpers. made from the beach to the bulk store. These We feel however, that the appointment of a roads were made for the Ford blitz truck, which teacher would relieve one of our most pressing was very generously handed over to us from needs. The boys who have got beyond the Aurukun last August. It is giving excellent stage of regular classes are trained in carpentry service. or catde work, while the girls are taught sewing, Our thanks are due to Aurukun also for repair­ cooking and other domestic activities. Several ing and refitting our motor dinghy. The large entries were made in an exhibition of child art flat-bottom dinghy has also been repaired and in Brisbane. with this being towed behind the motor boat, the work of unloading cargo from the ships has EMPLOYMENT been much facilitated. The small bud-dinghy Owing to reduced labour requirements, is now serviceable again, this being invaluable Aluminium Laboratories of Canada Ltd., for many small jobs. A two-paddock fish trap employed only 10 men during the past year.

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Some who could not be given work locally on the floor and foundations. It affords accommodation Mission have gone to outside stations. Unfor­ for the Principal and twelve students. Number tunately the trade in crocodile hides had to be of students 1958—9, and 1959—12. discontinued during the year owing to bad prices, but there are indications that we may be able RETREAT to commence again shortly. The women continue A Retreat for priests was held in September, the making of fans, feather flowers and shell conducted by Rev. Father Sutherland, Chaplain necklets. of Mitchell River Mission. The Mother's Union supplied the material needs of the retreatants CHURCH SERVICE with its usual efficiency. Attendances have been fair, although there is much room for improvement. The Christmas SCHOOL Nativity Play was very well received, and Easter Days open, 302. Average number of children, Attendances were very gratifying. There have 65. Teachers, 5. Water has been laid on both been several additions to the roll of membership. to the Primary and Kindergarten schools. The If this side of our work is progressing, then all annual prize giving took place on 12th December, else is very worthwhile. followed by a nativity play presented in the church by the children under the direction of Miss Ivy. GENERAL We wish to thank the members of the mission Committee in Brisbane for their constant atten­ COUNCIL The annual election was held in January, tion to our needs, and we are especially grateful Councillors elected—Napau Pedro, Nasonah Kris, to the ladies of the Presbterian Women's Andai Ware, Jacob Abednego, Sammy Lowah, Missionary Union for the packing and despatch Napau Pedro was appointed Chairman. of the boxes of Christmas gifts. To all those who have assisted the Mission COURT by work and prayer we express our thanks and Six cases came before the Court during the with the future of Mapoon still to be decided as year. regards position and general policy, staff, coun­ cillors and people look forward to the future with POLLING BOOTH hope towards progressive development. The Mission was granted the facility of a Polling Booth for the Federal Elections in November, 1959. Votes were recorded. APPENDIX 19 HEALTH ST. PAUL'S MISSION The Health Officer (Mr. J. P. O'Shea) paid a (Priest-in-Charge—Archdeacon C. G. Brown, second visit to the Mission in December. As a B.A.) result of his visit it is pleasing to report that the hygiene conditions of the Mission have con­ STAFF siderably improved. All lavatories are fitted with Rev. J. A. Dobbs, Th.L. regulation cabinets, the nightsoil is deposited in Mr. F. A. Ayre. the sea, and incinerators are in use at every Miss E. M. Ivy, B.A. house. Further, the swampy area in the middle Miss M. St. George. of the village has been cleared of dense under­

STAFF CHANGES growth and effectively drained with the result Rev. J. A. Dobbs was ordained priest in March that mosquito infestation has been substantially and left the Mission to become assistant curate reduced. of St. John's parish, Cairns, Mr. Ayre left in MEDICAL SURVEY October to take up Diocesan work at Alice Dr. G. Hales and party, including a radio­ Springs, Miss Ivy left in December to return grapher and two nurses visited the Mission in to Africa, and enter upon her novitiate with January. A thorough examination by skin test the Community of the Sacred Passion, Zanzibar was made of the whole population, together with diocese. people from Kubin and Gerain Settlements.

THE CHURCH OBITUARY The clerestory windows, eleven in all, have Two deaths have to be recorded, unfortunately been glazed with tinted Cathedral glass. Services both infants. One was due to drowning in a are held daily, morning and evening. Baptisms well. As a consequence of this fatality all wells 3, marriages 1, burials 2. are now covered. In the other case, removal to hospital was prevented by bad weather. THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE The new college was solemnly blessed by the CO-OPERATIVE Lord Bishop on the 13th December. The build­ The registered office of Moa Island Christian ing is of fibrolite roof and walls with concrete Co-operative Society Ltd., is now situated at the 8

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Mission. The Society numbers 120 shareholders. Ware and Mrs. Ware at Booval Rectory, all The Board of Directors consists of eight mem­ expenses being met out of Australian Board of bers—four elected, four appointed, two each by Missions Co-operative funds. At present the Lord Bishop and Director of Native Affairs employed in the Diocesan office, it is expected respectively. The present chairman and vice she will be appointed Secretary of the Society chairman are Jacob Abednego, St. Paul's and later. Educational classes for Co-operative Wees Nawia, Kubin Secretary Fr. Brown. members were conducted by Miss Ivy during the year. Rev. W. A. Clint, Australian Board of Missions, Director of Co-operatives visited the Island in October and attended the annual VISITORS meeting at Kubin. Mr. W. H. Williams, His Lordship the Bishop, Rev. W. A Clint, Australian Board of Missions, Mining Consultant, Messrs. W. H. Williams, Ian Splading, Mr. and visited the Island in December and attended a Mrs. Toohey and children, Miss L. Schoedler, meeting of the Board. Having informed the Mrs. Johnson and children, Mrs. G. Hales, Mr. members that under present circumstances and Mrs. H. Bennier and children. Wolfram mining was impracticable, he suggested an investigation of the possibilities of a market THANKS garden project. This suggestion was accepted by Thanks are due to Archdeacon Knight of the Board together with proposals for pig and Brisbane for a gift prize of school books, also poultry raising. Flora Namok of this Mission the Director of Native Affairs, the Deputy returned in December, after a year's tuition in Director of Native Affairs and staff for their commercial subjects at Ipswich High School, courteous and unfailing help at all times in the during which period she resided with Rev. Colin affairs of the Mission.

7/P S. C. REID, Government Printer, Brisbane

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