ENPages
1
THIS ITEM IS TOP-NUMBERED TO 7756/1889 Benches H
F. T. Wimble.
[Stamp] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE . QUEESLAND 02813 29 . MAR . 89
[Margin] Previous 89 . 2573 Benches H.
A scheme - Re the depredations of the Blacks in the Barron Valley.
March 20th 1889
To the Hon B.W. Morehead Colonial Secretary
In view of the necessity for protecting the selectors from the depredations by the blacks and also to afford the aboriginals relief, so that they may obtain the means of subsistence, I respectfully submit the following suggestions.
It is the general opinion of the residents in the Barron Valley that a Reserve say of 200 to 300 acres partly forest and partly scrub lands should be set apart as an Aboriginal Reserve. This area would be fully sufficiently for the purpose and could be made into a sort of mission station, similar to those established in Victoria. The reserve would have to be situated close to running water, which would serve both for irrigation purposes and domestic use. There would be no difficulty in selecting a suitable site, such as good land &c because there is abundance of Government land available in the Barron Valley and near to Atherton which is centrally situated and easy of access. In such instance it would afford the following advantages. There would be less expense
2
THIS ITEM IS TOP-NUMBERED TO 7756/1889 Benches H
F. T. Wimble.
[Stamp] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE . QUEESLAND 02813 29 . MAR . 89
[Margin] Previous 89 . 2573 Benches H.
incurred in working such as the saving in cost of carrige of food and material, which necessarily would be increased if the reserve was isolated and far distant. Selectors would have every communication with the Superintendant
The myalls would feel more confidence towards the selectors by frequent intercourse, which would serve to familiarize them with the habits and methods of cultivating the land.
The Reserve having been proclaimed the Government would then require to appoint a man possessing a thorough knowledge of bush life, of industrious and sober habits and well acquainted with the district. This last qualification is most necessary, for unless the superintendant knows the habits of the blacks and where their big camps are situated he would to a large extent be incapable of carrying out the object in view.
Serjeant Hansen, to whom great praise is due for his indefatigable efforts in subduing the myalls, has lately given some excellent examples as to what can be done by creating confidence in them. His method is to follow up their tracks through the scrub until he comes upon their camps, and then induce them to come into Atherton with the promise of "Ki Ki" viz food. This
3
THIS ITEM IS TOP-NUMBERED TO 7756/1889 Benches H
F. T. Wimble.
[Stamp] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE . QUEESLAND 02813 29 . MAR . 89
[Margin] Previous 89 . 2573 Benches H.
This is preferable and more humane than carrying out the old regime of the native police force whose simple but evasive reports invariably stated "Inspector So & So had visited the scene of such and such depredation and with his Troopers followed up the tracks of the offenders who had now "been dispersed"; "a phrase which is capable of being significantly translated". After the myalls have been brought into Atherton, the difficulty arises as to the best method of bestowing them so as to afford them a regular supply of food. It is felt that tempory relief in this direction is insufficient and will not prevent the blacks from resuming their acts of plunder. Should the Reserve be established the difficulty would be overcome; but to make it thorough and effective it would be necessary for the Government to subsidize the camp until such time that it could be made self supporting.
Experience has proved that the Barron Valley blacks are capable of being brought into a semicivilized condition. Several instances are known where the myalls have been regularly fed by the selectors they have proved themselves trustworthy
4
THIS ITEM IS TOP-NUMBERED TO 7756/1889 Benches H
F. T. Wimble.
[Stamp] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE . QUEESLAND 02813 29 . MAR . 89
[Margin] Previous 89 . 2573 Benches H.
and useful. They take kindly to light work such as hoeing, wood splitting and especially in looking after cattle, as well as rendering various services which are of advantage to selectors in a new country. One very important fact stands out in their favor, which is, the selector who has one or two aboriginals attached to his homestead and working on his land, can rest perfectly assurred [sic] he will not be robbed by the blacks.
This should be especially noted, as it will be seen further on, that this point in their favor can be utilized and become an important feature in making the scheme of relief a success.
It is the general impression that the blacks plunder the selector for food owing to the land having been taken up by the white people whereas there is nothing in this assertion. The aboriginal's instinct tells him that the cultivated produce of the selector is superior to his usual diet of grubs, roots, berries, &c which grow in abundance on the fertile scrub land of North Queensland. He therefore helps himself at the selectors cost to food which experience tells him is best. The general opinion entertained by those who know the habits of the aboriginal is that he could easily be made to understand that food would be given to him at the Government Reserve on
5
THIS ITEM IS TOP-NUMBERED TO 7756/1889 Benches H
F. T. Wimble.
[Stamp] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE . QUEESLAND 02813 29 . MAR . 89
[Margin] Previous 89 . 2573 Benches H.
condition that he left the selectors produce unmolested. Provided this solution was established the aboriginal would cease committing depredations and locate himself upon the reserve.
Desired intercourse being thus established with the myalls there would be no difficulty teaching them to cultivate the land.
It would not entail any very heavy expense to cultivate say from 10 to 20 acres of land as a commencement, the produce of which, such as yams, sweet potatoes corn &c would provide sufficient food for a considerable number.
The greatest expense would be incurred in starting the station and during the period which would elapse before the produce would be ready for gathering. From the time of gathering the first crop the expenses would annually decrease for with proper management, increased cultivation could easily be carried on with the assistance of the myalls.
Another feature in connection with the reserve would be to allow selectors to hire the myalls to assist them in cultivating their holdings