Flying Foam Massacre: Alex McRae’s Report

The Inquirer, 1 Apr 1868

Report of Mr McRae to R J Sholl, Esq., Government Resident, Roebourne
Roebourne, Feb 25, 1868

Sir,

I have to honour to report, for your information, the following proceedings of the party placed by you under my charge, to arrest the murderers of P.C. W Griffis, George Breem, and native assistant Peter, who were killed at Nickol Bay on the 7th Feb, by native known as Coolyerberri, Pordigin, and Woolgelgarry, together with eight others, for whose arrest warrants have been issued. the party under my charge consisted of Messrs S Hall, A E Anderson, F McRae, R Sholl, S H Meares, R Bax, assistant Tommy, and a native of the district – all volunteers, who were sworn in as special constables; the cutter Albert being chartered by the government, and placed under Mr Withnell’s directions, to cooperate with the land party, as the natives are supposed to have made for the islands at and about Flying Foam Harbour. We left Roebourne on the 14th Feb, and camped for the night on the Nickol River.

On the 15th we proceeded to the scene of the murder, and buried the remains of George Breem, and made a search for the man Jermyn, who is also supposed to have been killed – but without success. I think it probable he was chased into the mangroves and there met his end, as no tracks could be found in distance from the camp. Griffis and Peter’s saddles and bridles were found on the plain about half a mile from the camp, together with a chain,  some ammunition and pannicans. Camped for the night at the bottom of Nickol Bay.

On the 16th followed up the western shore of the Bay to Hearson Cove. Saw a number of native tracks leading to the west. Here we met the boat party, as previously arranged, and arranged to meet again in Mermaid Straits, opposite the Rosemary Islands. Followed the tracks to the west, which took us to a waterhole on the south shore of Mermaid Straits. Fires were noticed a quarter of a mile farther round the beach, but as it was after dark, we camped for the night.

On the 17th started on foot before daylight, to try and surround the native camp seen last night, as, by the number of tracks, it was supposed to be a large one, and likely to contain most of the men we wanted. They were camped on a clear sandy beach, a few yards from the mangroves; but before we could get within reach of them, they saw us, and made for the mangroves and the hills at the back of their camp. We cut some of them off, but they would not stop to be arrested; so we had no alternative but to fire upon them, when one of the murderers, Chilwell, was shot dead, and several others wounded. I regretted much to have to take this step with those misguided creatures, but we had no alternative for it, for if they cannot be arrested, their escape without a lesson what only lead to further outrages. We found many articles taken from the murdered men – a Crimean shirt and hat belonging to Griffis; also Peter’s cap, together with the quantity of pannicans, dishes, pots, knives, shot, and many other articles. Mr Withnell and some of his party who had landed near Dolphin Island, joined us. They succeeded in taking a lad, about ten years of age, on the way over, and learned from him that several of the murderers were in the camp we tried to surround, has some others on the islands farther to the north. He was put on board the cutter, but, I believe, afterwards absconded with a ship’s water bottle. After several hours in a fruitless scramble over the high rocky hills, led on by occasionally getting sight of some of the scattered natives, who as quickly disappeared among the rocks, we returned to camp.

On the 18th some of the party were left in camp to communicate with the cutter, the rest going out to the east, when we found that the natives had crossed the Straits to Dolphin Island, six of them having just reached the opposite shore as we got down. Returned to camp and found that the cutter had arrived. Mr Withnell shortly afterwards came on shore, and informed us that he had caught two natives on one of the islands, one of whom there was a warrant against, but they both managed to get loose and jump overboard the same evening. We shifted our camp a few miles to the east, where we were to meet the boat to be landed on Dolphin Island.

On the 19th met the boat, and were landed on the island, but found the natives had crossed to some of the islands in Flying Foam Harbour, so were again taken on board the cutter, when some natives were seen crossing the bay in canoes, and chase was given in a small boat, but we could not come up with them, so the party was ordered to fire upon them, as they were close to the island; and one was shot and the others got on the island, when many others were seen standing on the shore; but as they made for the mangroves upon our landing, we found it impossible to arrest any of them, although several were shot or wounded. Returned to our camp in the evening.

On the 20th started for the Maitland River, where we heard some of the natives had gone, Mr Withnell still remaining on the islands with this party, where he was afterwards nearly speared in a skirmish. Camped on the plains a few miles from the Maitland. Mr Hall, Bax and native Johnny returned to Roebourne.

On the 21st went to Mr Venn’s station, and found that his camp had been robbed during his absence a few days before. We also learned that the number of natives were camped at the mouth of the river, and started in pursuit, but only succeeded in capturing a man named Billy, in whose position we found some pipes taken from Mr Venn’s camp. The others got into the mangroves before we could get near them. Returned to Mr Venn’s camp in the evening.

On the 22nd started for Roebourne, first setting our prisoner at liberty, as there was no evidence to convict him with murder, or the robbery of Mr Venn’s camp.

I have now only to record my thanks to each member of the party, for the manner in which they assisted in the performance of the duties connected with this unpleasant trip.

I have, &c.,
A. McRAE

Flying Foam Massacre: John Withnell’s Report

The Inquirer, 1 Apr 1868

Report of Mr Withnell to R J Sholl, Esq., Government Resident, Roebourne
Roebourne, Feb 25, 1868

Sir,

I have the honour of forwarding you a report of the trip of the cutter Albert, under my command, in search of the murderers of police constable Griffis and two or three others.

On the 15th Feb the cutter Albert sailed out of Tien Tsin Harbour with the following party – J Withnell, in charge, G Seubert, G B Fauntleroy, G Howlett, J Field, R Rowland, J McKenzie, J Glover, Fitzgerald, and native Monkey.

16th – Landed at Hearson Cove, where we were met by the land party, and arranged to meet again on the opposite side of the adjacent island; no natives to be seen.

17th – Landed on the south side of the Boat Passage, where we met with the land party, as agreed. They informed us of a skirmish they had had the same morning with a number of natives. A boy was taken whilst crossing the island, from whom we learned that several of the murderers were in the camp surprised in the morning, and more had gone to the north. In the afternoon crossed the Boat Passage in search of water, when two natives came to us, mistaking us for pearl fishers, finding out their mistake only when it was too late to run away. They asked if the white-fellows were angry at the death of Griffis, the murder of whom they confessed to be implicated in; one of them was Mulligang, for whose arrest a warrant is out. We took them on board the cutter and kept a watch over them all  night, but having no chains or handcuffs, could not fasten them securely.

18th – Today the two prisoners managed to slip over the side and swim some distance before they were seen. We called to them to stop, which they took no notice of; so I gave orders to fire upon them, as the mangroves were a short distance off; and had we attempted to retake them, they would probably have escaped. Visited another island in the evening but saw no natives.

19th – This morning the land party were conveyed across to Dolphin Island, after which I landed with the party on an island to the north of Flying Foam Harbour, but saw no natives. Signal fires were seen on an adjacent island. The land party saw some on one of the islands in the harbour, but did not succeed in taking any.

20th – Landed upon the island where the fires were noticed yesterday, and came upon a native camp, in a very rugged piece of country, and as the natives were armed, we had a sharp skirmish with them. I myself narrowly escaped being speared, as did several others of the party. None of them were taken, but several articles belonging to the murdered party were found in their possession in the camp.

21st – Started for Hearson Cove, but could see not signs of natives. Arrived on the following morning at Tien Tsin Harbour.

I have, &c.,
J WITHNELL

 

Flying Foam Massacre: Robert Sholl’s Post-Massacre Report

The Inquirer, 1st April, 1868

Return of the Expedition from Nickol Bay

Government Resident’s Office, Roebourne
To The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Perth
Feb 26, 1868

Sir,

Referring to my letter of 18th inst., No 478, I beg to add that the sea party returned on the 22nd inst., in the forenoon, and the land party on the evening of the same day.

From Mr McRae’s report, herewith forwarded, it will be seen that the principal murderers have not been secured, and that the prisoners captured made their escape. In fact, it was difficult to get at the men at all, and it became necessary to fire upon those who are retreated into the mangroves. If this had not been done, the natives would have been able to attack the party, under the cover of the mangroves. A few – I do not know how many – were killed and some wounded.

Much as I regret that loss of life should have ensued, yet I cannot forget that but for the terror thus created among the natives, it would have been, if not impossible, very hazardous to attempt arresting the murderers with the ordinary police. I shall now send out the policeman with white and black assistants, and do not now apprehend that they will have to encounter resistance in the execution of their duty.

I have the honour also to forward report from Mr Withnell, in which he gives an account of operations on the islands. Had I not chartered the vessel, it would have been impossible to disperse the natives.

You will observe that the natives attacked were in possession of the property of the murdered men, and I may add that from information I have received, they were all either concerned actively in the murder or consenting parties thereto.

I have tended to Messrs Withnell, McRae, and the gentlemen associated with them, my thanks for the services they have rendered, and I have no hesitation in saying that by their action, loss of life among the isolated whites has been prevented, the well-disposed natives confirmed in their amity towards us, the wavering made steadfast, the guilty terrified, and the old feeling of security revived among the whole white population.

I have, &c.,
Robert J SHOLL
Government Resident

Flying Foam Massacre: Lucrative Pearling Industry

In the same newspaper article that reported Resident Magistrate Robert Sholl’s instructions for the punitive massacre, there was a brief item about how financially lucrative the pearling industry is that area. This clearly shows that the punitive expedition was aimed at protecting the settlers financial interests.

Perth Gazette, 1868, April 3

Nicol Bay

By the Albert we have news from this the most remote northern settlement on the coast of this colony…

The pearl shell fishery was most prosperous, and if we are to believe the report, notwithstanding the number of boats now engaged in it, the returns average a ton of shells per 27 days for every white man employed, but it must be observed that much of this beachcombing work – for it is but little more – is done by natives, but even then the gain must be enormous, considering that a ton of shells will readily sell in the colony for £100, giving £25 a week for each white man engaged in the venture – something like the palmy days of the Victorian goldfields, when surface digging gave such splendid returns; but like the goldfields such golden harvests cannot last long, and the simple means and the small boats now so successful in the shallow waters along the coast will soon find they have gathered in all the harvest within their reach, and the field of deeper waters will require larger craft fitted with proper diving apparatus, the employment of which will in all probability produce equal if not better results.

Flying Foam Massacre: Instructions for Massacre

The Inquirer, 1st April, 1868, p. 3

Instructions of the Government Resident to Messrs. McRae and Withnell

Government Resident’s Office, Roebourne
Instructions to A McRAE, Esq., Roebourne
February 11, 1868

Sir,

With reference to the conversation between us this day I beg to address you as follows:-

You are aware that murders have been committed by the natives of Nickol Bay, that P.C. Griffis and his native assistant have been killed while in the discharge of their duty, and that at least one (I fear two) white men, whose guests they were, shared their fate.

I had ascertained that the principal murderers, or those who threw the first spears, are Coolyerberri, alias Entire, who killed Peter, Poodigie, alias Charley, who killed George Breem, and Woolgolgarri, alias Ned, who killed Griffis. Warrants will be issued for the apprehension of these men.

There are about twelve others took an active part in the outrage, and many – judging from the tracks, some fifty or sixty – who were consenting parties, if not actually assisting, and who certainly robbed the tent after the massacre.

I have evidence to the effect that and native known among us as Big Monkey – I am not at present aware of his native name – was the instigator of the assault, and against him, and others who can be identified, warrants will be issued.

As we have at present no police in the district, and as the despatch of one or two men in that capacity would clearly be useless and lead to loss of life, it becomes necessary to enforce the law by means of a strong and well-organised party.

I propose to dispatch two parties to follow up the accused, who, with their companions, have proceeded to the westward; one to go by land and the other by water. You have kindly consented to take charge of the former, and I gladly avail myself of the services of so efficient a volunteer.

I shall leave to your discretion the selection of the members of your party and the method of procedure, knowing that you will bear in mind the necessity of protecting your own party from injury and of dispersing around bands whose attitude may show an intention of opposing the execution of the Law.

To enable you more satisfactorily to perform your duty, yourself, and every member of your party, will be sworn in as special constables.

Mr Withnell has kindly consented to take charge of the boat party, and so long as he is afloat, will have an independent command, but should he land his force and combine with your men, you will, if you deem fit, take command of the whole party.

I shall be prepared to assist you by every means in my power with horses, arms, and provisions, and will also spare you such men as may be useful and are at my disposal.

I earnestly trust that the effort of your operations will be to teach these misguided persons to abstain from violence, and to protect the lives and property of the few white people who are scattered over a large extent of country, and who are peculiarly liable to attack.

I have, &c,
Robert J SHOLL
Government Resident

Memo: According to Jacky’s statement, Entire killed Breem, and Charley Peter.

Government Resident’s Office, Roebourne
Instructions to J WITHNELL, Esq., Roebourne
February 13, 1868

Sir,

Having made arrangements for the services of the cutter Albert in the proposed expedition to Nickol Bay or its vicinity, and you having kindly consented to command the boat party, I beg to address you with reference to the business in which you will be engaged.

Warrants will be issued for the apprehension of the murderers Entire, Ned, and Charley, and also against others who were concerned in that crime. These warrants will be delivered to Mr McRae, a gentleman in charge of the land party, to whom I must refer you for further information.

As you will be acting under the section of the Law, it will be advisable that you yourself and the members of your party be sworn in as special constables. They must also be given to understand that in every respect they must obey your orders.

The vessel will be placed at your disposal as far as her movements are concerned, of course you are aware that the master will have sole control as regards working his ship, and that he is not bound to endanger his ship and contents.

The object I had in view in chartering the Albert was that assistance might be rendered to the land party in the event of the murderers escaping to the islands, or attempting to do so. I feel assured that you will cooperate with Mr McRae and render him all needful assistance.

It will be your duty to disperse any armed bands who may be disposed to resist the execution of the Law, being careful that women and children shall, as far as possible, be saved from harm.

As soon as the objects of your expedition – viz. the the murderers and the dispersion of armed men – shall be accomplished, you will be good enough to order the return of the vessel.

I shall not attempt to fetter your movements by giving special instructions, relying fully upon your discretion and judgement.

Of course I shall be happy to assist you by every means in my power.

I sincerely trust that you will be enabled to take such measures as will tend to deter the natives from the commission of crimes so heinous as those which have lately occurred, and thus renew the feeling of security which has hitherto prevailed.

I have, &c.,
Robert J SHOLL
Government Resident.

Katitjin Notes:

It is clear from Sholl’s statement “It will be your duty to disperse any armed bands who may be disposed to resist the execution of the Law, being careful that women and children shall, as far as possible, be saved from harm” that the intention was a punitive expedition and not simply the apprehension of the suspected killers of Griffis, Breem and Peter. “Disperse” is a widely acknowledged term that meant “kill”.

Flying Foam Massacre Evidence

The following is the report made by the Magistrate Robert Sholl, given in evidence as an eye-witness account of the attack on Constable Griffis. However, as noted in Katitjin Notes at the end of this post, there must be some skepticism about the how accurate this ‘translation’ of Euralgarri might be.

1868, Apr 1 Inquirer Newspaper

Depositions of the natives concerning the death of Constable Griffis, the native assistant, and George Breem

The information of Euralgarri, alias Jacky, a native of the North-West Coast, touching the death of PC W Griffis, Peter, a Swan River native, and George Breem, given through the sworn interpretation of Horace William Sholl [1], taken 8th February, 1868:-

Jacky being affirmed to speak the truth saith: Two nights since I was to the westward of Mr Davis’s boat. I then slept about as far as the river from this house to the eastward of Jermyn’s tent. Griffis and Peter came to me that night, and Peter captured a native named Entire by the whitefellows, but Coolyerberri by the blacks, and put a chain around his neck. The natives all ran away and Griffis and Peter went to the westward to the tent with Coolyerberri. After Griffis went away the natives all collected together and were talking savagely – they were very angry. Pooldalgarry, alias Big Monkey, said “We’ll all be savage, and when they go to sleep we’ll spear them.” I heard his say so. The others said “We ought not to be frightened – we ought to go and spear them.” None of them said we ought not to spear them. There were present at the time Poodegin, alias Charley, Woolgulgarry, alias Ned, Mulligough, an island native, Cooracoora, a native who came to the Government Resident to complain of a whiteman named Woodhouse having flogged himself and his brother, Chilwell, who went with Mr Broadhurst pearl shell fishing, and three others. There were many more natives, but these were all that were savage. They did not speak to me, but I spoke to them, and asked why they wanted to spear them, for the whitefellows would come down and shoot them. They said when the whitefellows came to shoot them they would spear them. Memerri, an island native, said so. I slept that night with the women and children and the native men who were not savage. We all went away over the hill to another place, the others were creeping towards the tent along the track. The moon had not risen high when I left them. Entire came when we were asleep with a revolver in his hand and a chain on his neck, and told us that the whitefellows were dead, and that he and the others had speared them. The other natives came with him. Ned said that he had speared Griffis first, in the chest, and then they all hit him with the back of at tomahawk. They did not use the firearms. Charley speared Peter in the belly just as he was rising up – he tumbled over and never spoke – Griffis never spoke. Entire said that he speared Breem, who ran away frightened, but the others chased him, and he was speared. When he was running away he told them not to be savage with him. The natives took a big gun of Jermyn’s, another gun, one from Peter and a pickaninny gun. I did not see powder or shot or saddles. They went to the westward, to a well, through the water, where their tracks could not be seen. I was frightened and swam across to the boat. I was too frightened to tell what had occurred. The men who speared them are now to the westward at the other end of the Bay. I have no relations among these natives.

Katitjin Notes:

[1] Horace “Horrie” William SHOLL (1852-1927)
Horace Sholl was the son of Robert John Sholl, the Resident Magistrate at Roebourne, whose report preceeds this deposition. Horace arrived in Nickol Bay with his family in July 1866 at the age of 14. Here we find him at the age of 16, having been in Roebourne for about a year and a half, being the official interpreter for these Aboriginal depositions. One would have to ask to what degree Horace’s interpreting skills favoured presenting a point of view that would shortly justify the massacres that occurred, with full knowledge and authorisation by his father. Horace later became a pastoralist on the Yule River, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (1891-1901) and one of the most successful pearlers of the North-West. Talk about a vested interest!

Report on employment of Aborigines

State Records Archive
Consignment: 129
Item: 1468/1884
Title: Sgt. Troy report on employment of aborigines by settlers – Derby.

Keywords: Yeeda Station, Lulingui Station, Liveringa Station, Kimberley Pastoral Company, Patrick Troy, Edward Lemon, John Pollard McLarty, William McLarty, Francis Gregory, Augustus Gregory, Robert Fairbairn, George Rose, Munbine, employment

[Memo]
21.07.1884
To Sergt Troy
In the report sent in by PC Lemon of his trip up the Fitzroy, no mention is made of the natives employed by the whites. I should like to know how many natives (male and female) of the district are on each station and how they are employed and also whether he saw and conversed with any of the natives on the stations.
R Fairbairn, Govt Resident

[Letter]
21.07.1884
To R Fairbairn Esq, Govt Resident
Sir,
In reply to your memo re the employment of natives by settlers, I beg to state that owing to your not giving any special instructions, the police are not in a position at present to give all the information you required. I am supplying all I can, and what is wanting can be obtained the next time the police visit the Fitzroy.
I may state that hitherto the police have carefully observed how the natives were being treated by their employers, and when they saw anything that ought to be noticed have not failed (to my knowledge) to note and report it.
P Troy, Sergt

[Memo]
21.07.1884
To P C Lemon
You will be good enough to supply as fully as possible the information required by the Govt Resident.
P Troy, Sergt

[Memo]
21.07.1884
To Sergt Troy
In addition to my journal of this day I have to state that there are about 20 natives employed on the Yeeda River Station and about 10 at Lulingui. These natives are employed as shepherds and general servants. There are no women employed by the managers of either of these stations, but the shepherds have their women with them, and these assist their husbands in looking after the sheep.
I saw two natives on the branch of the Fitzroy who were signed to Mr W McLarty and I believe there are a great many more natives signed by Messrs J P and W McLarty who live entirely in the bush. I saw natives on the above-mentioned stations and conversed with them, they appeared to be well fed and perfectly contented and made no complaints against anyone whatever. Messrs Gregory Brothers employ no natives as yet. I did not visit Messrs Daly Brothers – they having shifted, I followed their track a few miles and as they were going in the direction of Yeeda Station, I summised they were going to that station to shear and dip and therefore I did not follow them any further. I found however on my arrival at the Yeeda that they had not arrived there but had come down within a few miles of it. They however employ one native who has two women.
Edward A Lemon P.C.

[Report]
21.07.1884
Kimberley District, Derby Station
I have to report the following journal for the information of the Superintendent of Police:-
July 9th, 1884
PCs Lemon, McAtter and native assistant Charlie left station at 8.30am for the purpose of visiting settlers on the Fitzroy River and of making enquiries into the alleged cattle-killing by natives near the Fitzroy River a few months ago. Police horses Sentinel, Senator, Soldier and Jarvis.
Arrived at Nobby’s Well at 1.30pm. Left Nobby’s Well at the Yeda River Station at 6pm. Distance 22 miles – no complaints of natives at this station. Mr G Rose, Manager.
July 10th
Left Yeeda River Station at 7.30am, camped on the Fitzroy River for dinner. Left Fitzroy at 2pm and arrived at the Kimberley Pastoral Company Station at 4.30pm. Distance 15 miles. No complaints of natives at this station. Mr J P McLarty, Manager.
July 11th
Left K P Company’s station at 7am – met a traveller – Mr J Gregory proceeding to Derby – camped at 11am. Left camp at 2pm and arrived at the station of Messrs Gregory Bros at 6.30pm. Distance 25 miles. No complaints of natives at this station. Messrs Gregory Bros, Managers
July 12th
Left camp at 7.30am. Arrived at an outstation of the Kimberley Pastoral Company at 11am – distance 12 miles. No complaints of natives. Messrs Logue and Lamb at this camp.
July 13th
Sunday – remained at camp
July 14th
Left camp at 7am for a branch of the Fitzroy River for the purpose of obtaining further particulars relative to the alleged killing of cattle by natives a few months ago. Crossed the Fitzroy at 8am and struck the branch about 9am – about 4 miles from its junction with the Fitzroy. Camped at 11am. Left camp at 2pm and followed river until 6pm and camped. Distance 25 miles. Can hear natives shouting on the other side of the river. Will visit them for tomorrow morning. This branch has been running for the last 8 miles.
July 15th
Left camp at 6am to visit native camp. Found a small party of natives. These natives state that they do not know of any cattle killed. A native named Munbine alias George says he has seen the cattle further on up the river very recently. Followed on the river with the native George. Struck old cattle tracks at 11am. Went on until 2pm – could not see any more natives or any indications of cattle having been killed. There are very recent tracks at this waterhole – probably not more than a week old. These cattle are, I believe, the ones that were supposed to be killed. As I have followed this river for about 40 miles and the tracks here being recent, I do not think it necessary to go on any further. Left camp at 4pm on return track. Camped at 6pm. Distance 22 miles.
July 16th
Left camp at 7am and camped at 11am for dinner. Left camp at 2pm and arrived at the Fitzroy at 5.30pm. Distance 25 miles
July 17th
Left camp at 7am for Liberinga [sic]. Arrived at Liberinga at 1pm. Found that Messrs Daly Bros had shifted. Distance 18 miles.
July 18th
Horses strayed a long way, causing a late start. Left camp at 9am – camped for dinner at 12 noon. Left camp at 2pm and arrived at Lulingui (K P Camp) at 5pm. Distance 15 miles.
July 19th
Left Lulingui at 7am and arrived at the Yeeda River Station at 1pm. Distance 15 miles. The country around this station is in flames, caused by natives.
July 20th
Left Yeeda River Station at 9.30am (horses having strayed as all feed is burnt). Arrived at 4.30pm. Distance 22 miles.
Backs of horses sound
Edward A Lemon PC

21.07. 1884
I also have to state that shearing is going on at the Yeeda River Station and the Kimberley Pastoral Company Station. The scab on both these stations are very bad. The sheep are dipped as they are shorn and removed to clean country. The sheep of Messrs Gregory Bros are clean as also are the sheep belonging to the Kimberley Pastoral Co in charge of Messrs Logue and Lamb. A great many scabby sheep have been lost by shepherds in the employ of Yeeda River Company and if their sheep should eventually find their way among clean sheep, they (clean sheep) would no doubt be again infected. The condition of the sheep that are clean is good. The scabby sheep are more or less in bad condition. The cattle and horses all appear in good condition. The branch of the Fitzroy River which I followed up was through principally pindan country. There was also open country slightly wooded. The pindan country appeared to be very good. The natives state that there are large plains about two days journey further on. About 30 miles up the river there is a deep permanent pool about 5 miles long, evidently supplied by springs as it causes the river to flow for a distance of 15 miles. Further up the river, I saw other pools, some fresh and some very brackish – but they were not permanent. There is a great deal of salt left on places where the water has dried up.
Mr McLarty of the Kimberley Pastoral Company Stn reports the following articles having been stolen from the home station during the latter part of last month. One fleam[??], one gold wedding ring and a portion of a silver watch chain – William Parker suspected. These article were extracted from a box, the property of Mr J P McLarty – Parker, who was cook at the station, left the district in Mary Smith on the 1st inst. Mr J P McLarty had missed the articles prior to this and suspected Parker; in fact, Mr McLarty was at Derby prior to and at the time the Mary Smith sailed and yet failed or neglected to give any information until after the man had left the district.
Edward A Lemon

1868 Flying Foam Massacre

Picture courtesy of Julie Dowling

17th Feb 2018 marks the 150th anniversary of the Flying Foam Massacre that occurred in 1868. However, this day was only the start of the massacre, which continued for some months and occurred not just in the Flying Foam Passage area but was a systematic punitive expedition designed to decimate the Yaburara people who owned and occupied Murujuga country, now known as the Burrup Peninsula. It is estimated that about 150 men, women and children were killed between February and May, 1868, with the punitive party “committing the most cowardly and diabolical acts on women and children”. This genocidal act had a devastating impact on the Yaburara community that continues to be felt with deep pain today.

But where are the news programs announcing this anniversary? Where is the media attention? Did anyone at all commemorate this tragedy? Why is there still such a deafening silence about the history of genocide in Australia?

Postscript:
There will be a commemorative event on the Burrup Peninsula on Sunday April 15th at 10am. More information can be found on Facebook event page Annual Flying Foam Massacre Event

 

Natives at Yeeda not in need of Govt relief

State Records Archive
Consignment: 255
Item: 1900/0006
Title: Yeeda Station – natives not in need of Govt relief

Keywords: Yeeda Station, Wallal Station, Arthur Clifton, rations

[Memo]
28.11.1899
To Officer in Charge, Police Dept, Derby
The Manager of the Yeeda Station informs me that he has been feeding 10 or 12 decrepit old natives for some years past and asks whether he can get any compensation for doing so in future.
The opinion expressed in Parliament is that employers of natives should in all charity support the natives who have worked for them or their immediate relatives when they come destitute and past work and if I am to comply with requests like these from all the stations in each district, the vote allowed me will be expended before half the year is over. I should be much obliged if you would from time to time collect information for me from your officers instructing them to enquire into the condition of the natives at each station they may visit and whether the destitute ones have been former labourers thereon. This would assist me very much in deciding how much relief I can fairly allot. Please reply as soon as possible.
Henry Prinsep

[Memo]
30.12.1899
Mr Prinsep,
For your information as game of all description is very plentiful on the Fitzroy, I think it would be an unwise precedent to give relief to any of the natives.
I also think that the stations who have had natives in their employ from their childhood should be made to provide for them in their old age.
M H Brophy
Sub Inspt Police

[Memo]
29.12.1899
To Corpl Buckland
Please report for the information of Mr Prinsep if you are aware of any old or decrepit natives at the Yeeda Station who require relief.
M H Brophy
Sub Inspt Police

[Memo]
29.12.1899
To Sub Inspr Brophy
For the information of Mr Prinsep I have to report that I do not know of any old or decrepit natives at the Yeeda Station. The Yeeda is a cattle station and they do not employ a great many natives, most of those employed are young boys without women.
About two years ago, the Yeeda employed a large number of natives as they had both sheep and cattle, but they have shifted all their sheep to Myroodah about 70 miles further up the Fitzroy and most of the natives are there. There are thousands of kangaroos and plenty of fish within 2 or 3 miles of the Yeeda, so I do not think that any natives who may be at the Yeeda should require any relief.
A M Buckland

[Memo]
15.01.1900
See report from P C Buckland and remarks thereon by Inspr Brophy
Acknowledge and say I’m glad to hear that the aborigines there can get plenty of game and do not need government relief.
HP

[Letter]
19.02.1900
To Secretary, Aborigines Protection Board, Perth
Sir,
I beg to remind you it is now three months since you promised to communicate further, with regard to decrepit natives I reported requiring assistance.
I must remind you, I have had no further reply. And would like to know why! At present there is an old native and his woman on the homestead I have been keeping in food and medicine for some weeks passed as the man cannot hunt for himself and it doesn’t seem fair that stations should be called on to provide for its aged natives when something like £10,000 a year is spent in providing for them in other places of the colony.
I believe the system has been abused in places and I think it likely to continue unless there is more strict supervision. It is not my intention to dictate to the Board what is right and what is wrong. But if one can believe all one hears that goes on at some of the distributing centres. There is room for improvement in places. I think perhaps a close inspection of matters at Wallal Statoin (below La Grange Bay) would reveal a state of things far from satisfactory. I would like it to be distinctly understood my opinions are entirely based upon hearsay from travellers. But as I am stationed on the Broome-[illegible] road junction, I see nearly all travellers and consequently have the statements of many on the matter. And if half of them are true things must be in a disgraceful state. I do not wish my name used as informant in this matter but felt it was my duty to repeat this.
Yours truly,
Arthur E Clifton
Manager
Yeeda Station

[Memo]
25.05.1900
See letter from Mr A Clifton of Feb 19th 1900
Acknowledge and say that I am now in receipt of further information regarding the conditions of the natives on the Fitzroy River – their ability to get food which is abundant. In a country where there is as much game and as many able young men in the tribes to catch it and feed their old relatives, I do not think the time has arrived for the government to pamper them with too readily afforded relief, which in some other parts of the colony has been said to have pauperised them needlessly – I regret to have delayed so long in my further communication to him but other matters supervened and prevented the subject from coming up for which I must apologise – I take note of the reports which have come to him verbally from travellers and will keep an eye on the places mentioned – as to Wallal as strict measures as possible in such a distant spot are now being taken.
HP

[Letter]
02.07.1900
To Chief Protector Aborigines, Perth
Dear Sir,
I am in receipt of yours of 26th May and carefully note what you say re natives.
I extremely regret you find it unnecessary to grant relief to any of the Fitzroy natives.
It is neither my business nor intention to dictate to you what should be done.
Your source of information is if I mistake not, from one whose sympathies are not with the squatter and one who shares the opinion of a few others that the squatter should keep all the decrepit natives in the district, which is as unfair as I would be to expect a landlord to maintain all aged tenants on his holding.
There is a lot to be said on the matter which I do not care to enter into.
And I feel sure if you were to send a capable and impartial man through the district, you would gain much valuable information which you cannot get from either the Resident Magistrate or the Police for reason I will not explain.
I thoroughly agree with you that it does not do to afford relief too readily to the natives. It does an erroneous amount of harm. And I am afraid those who distribute rations at times abuse the privelege.
I can honestly assure you the cases I have brought under your notice are thoroughly deserving of relief. But I cannot in fairness to my employer continue rationing them.
Yours Faithfully,
Arthur E Clifton

[Memo]
20.07.1900
Reply and say that if there are any really urgent cases of distress among the natives in the vicinity of Yeeda Station and on reference to the Govt Resident he approves of relief being given I will certainly confirm his approval and acknowledge the account for payment. These accounts should be sent in monthly on the form prescribed (3 copies enclosed) and duly certified by someone who knows of the service having been performed. A travelling inspector will before very long be visiting his district.
CPA

[Letter]
10.08.1900
To Chief Protector Aborigines, Perth
Dear Sir,
Yours to hand re natives
As there appears to be an Inspector travelling though our district shortly I shall wait his arrival before doing anything concerning relief of natives. One of the old natives I spoke of requiring relief has since died.
Yours Truly,
Arthur E Clifton

Katitjin notes:

Clifton, Arthur Ernest (1873-1952)
The Clifton family were a prominent settler family in the Bunbury-Australind area. Their family homestead, Rosamel, in Australind, was a large dairy and sheep farm that remained in the family for subsequent generations. The Rosamel property was next door to Parkfield, the family farm of George Canler Rose, who, with other Rose family members, were also pastoralists in the Kimberleys. Furthermore, Arthur’s uncle was Archibald Gervase Clifton, who was the Resident Magistrate and Warden for the Kimberleys Goldfields District between 1892 and 1901, although his wife and four children remained living another family farm, Upton, which was adjacent to Rosamel. Arthur married in 1901 and returned to the family property in Australind.

Brophy, Michael (1858-1923)
Inspector Michael Brophy, born in New Zealand, started his police career in the Kimberley region as a trooper in 1891, before being promoted to Inspector at Kalgoorlie in 1902. He went on to Bunbury and then to Fremantle, before retiring in 1922. While in the Kimberley, Brophy led a punitive expedition which resulted in the shooting of 30 Aboriginal people. Brophy reports that, “‘In all my experience with natives I have never known them to make such plucky and determined fight as those blacks.”

Buckland, Arthur (1880-1942)
Arthur Buckland was a police officer in the Kimberley region for over twenty years. He married Amy Walker in Derby in 1905. He was officer in charge of the Wyndham Police Station during the Forrest River Massacre incident and his evidence as a witness was used in the subsequent Royal Commission.

Prinsep, Henry Charles (1844-1922)

Accidental shooting of Annie by Mingo

State Records Archive
Consignment: 430
Item: 1889/1745
Title: Report re accidental shooting of Aboriginal Native woman Annie, by her man Mingo, whilst kangaroo hunting.

[Report]

15.12.1889

Southern District Vasse

Sub-district Hamelin Station

Corpl Hogan

I have to report for the information of Sub Inspr Back that in accordance with instructions from you to accompany P C Sutton to make enquiries as to the shooting of Aboriginal native woman Annie by her man Aboriginal native Mingo about 4 weeks ago near the mouth of the Warren River.

Myself and P C Sutton left the Hameling Station at 9.30am on the 8th Dec 1889 and arrived at Mr Scott’s on the 10th. The native woman Coriann who made the report was not at Scotts. On the morning of the 11th we left for the Donnelly River accompanied by Mr William Scott to try and find Coriann. We found her about 2 miles the other side of Fly Brook in company of her daughter Clara and Comical and two Aboriginal females. I got the following statement from Coriann, who is an intelligent Aboriginal native woman and can speak good English.

I am Comical’s sister and the deceased woman Annie was our aunt. About four weeks ago on a Saturday myself, my daughter Clara, Mingo, Annie, Noble and an old deaf native named Coryann were kangarooing. The latter two split out from us and was a long way off. Mingo kept shouting for Noble to come on Annie told him not to shout so or he would drop dead as the day was so hot. She said he ought to shoot a kangaroo. A short time after this we saw a kangaroo. I sent the dogs after it – they rounded it up in the direction of us. We were standing as follows Mingo about 30 yards from Annie and myself and Clara about 50 yds from Mingo. The kangaroo ran between Mingo and Annie and as it came nearly opposite to Annie Mingo fired. He should have waited until the kangaroo passed Annie and then fired. I heard the report of the gun and heard Annie scream and saw her fall. She was shot under the left breast and the blood was coming out of her mouth. Mingo threw down his gun and ran to her crying. I ran to her also but Mingo was there before me. He said he was sorry and did not mean to shoot Annie. Some time after Annie was shot Noble and the old deaf man came up. Noble said he thought one of his dogs was shot as he heard the report of the gun and heard them crying. I did not see Mingo raise his gun to fire but I saw him in this position (Here Coriann took Mr William Scott’s gun and held it in what is called the caping position; ie. against the right hip). The reason I could not see him fire was because my attention was engaged on the dogs and kangaroo. I am certain no other natives were about at the time of the occurence except Noble and the old native Coryan and they were about half a mile off. The shots were swan drops made in a mould of Mr Brockman’s. I cannot say why Mingo shot Annie but I think he must have aimed at the kangaroo and shot Annie instead. I do not think he meant to shoot her. Myself and my daughter, Noble, Polly, and Mingo buried Annie near the mouth of the Warren River on the same evening. We told my brother Comical that his aunt was bitten by a snake as we were afraid he would shoot or spear Mingo. Annie and Mingo are very old people (about 60 years old) and lived together many years. They have often quarrelled the same as the natives.

From inquiries made by P C Carroll from settlers and natives Mingo had took to using a gun only about six or seven months and was not a very good shot. The following is a sketch of the position of the natives at the time of the occurrence as described to me and roughly pencilled by the female Corian.

[Memo]

17.12.1889

Forwarded to Sub Inspr Back

I have reported this to the Resident Magistrate who will authorise no action to be taken until he receives a reply from the Aborigines Protector Board to which he is making a full report of the matter.

Corpl John Hogan