[“The Aborigines”, The West Australian, Friday 05 April 1912, page 6]

The Aborigines.

Chief Protector’s Annual Report.

Native Labour and the Lock Hospitals.

...

Dealing with the question of the lock hospitals, Mr. Gale states:—

“During the early stages of the work of segregating the aborigines suffering from contagious disease the principle of allowing patients to live according to their own natural customs was carried out as far as possible, and the natives were allowed to sleep out in the open, shelter sheds being provided for them during the winter months. Experience, however, taught the management that there were many cases that required constant attention and cleanliness, which it was impossible to obtain for patients camped out in their natural way. Representations in this direction being made, proper hospital wards, suitable to the climate and inmates, have been erected on both Dorre and Bernier Islands. The women’s ward contains 20 and the men’s 12 beds. Up-to-date operating theatres are attached to the buildings, and patients are now treated in the same manner as those in any similar institutions elsewhere. The total cost of constructing these wards was £2,389, and both islands are now possessed of up-to-date hospitals.

“Through the resignation of Dr. Steel as superintendent medical officer Dr. Pritchard was appointed to the position. The staff at Dorre Island, where the female patients are segregated, consist of a matron and two trained nurses under her. The convalescent patients are taught to become useful servants both in hospital and household duties. Generally speaking, the native women lead a happy and contented life, finding their own amusement by corroborees at night time and hunting and fishing during the day. Amusement is found for the inmates of the wards in various ways with the appliances at the command of the staff, a small cinematograph and magic lantern being supplied, and the pictures are much appreciated by those who are confined to their beds. The male patients on Bernier Island are under the constant supervision of an orderly and assistant, the superintendent medical officer periodically visiting from Dorre. The convalescent patients are employed at light work, and fish and game are plentiful. Every possible consideration is given to the care and comfort of both sexes. Speaking generally, the native race is wonderfully patient under great suffering, and very obedient to the orders of the medical officer and staff. Notwithstanding their apparent contentedness they all have an inherent love for their native country and it is a day of rejoicing to those who are told that they are fit for discharge.

“During the year 78 male and 80 female patients were admitted to the islands suffering from venereal disease in various forms, and 30 males and 54 females were discharged by the superintendent medical officer as having been cured, and they were sent back to their respective homes. Up to the end of the year a total of 353 patients have been treated and 125 discharged since the establishment of the lock hospitals. A special expedition was sent out to collect as many diseased natives as possible between the Ashburton River and the eastern goldfields. Unfortunately the bush natives suffering from disease will not voluntarily submit themselves to treatment, and I regret to say that at times force has to be used. Every care is, however, taken of cases during transport to the islands. The work of cleaning a district would be considerably decreased if natives would only come in themselves as soon as the disease is contracted, but instead of doing this the knowledge is hidden as far as possible, and as soon as it is known that an officer is in the vicinity to take patients to the hospital in many instances those diseased clear away as far as possible to avoid capture. I am pleased to say that the more intelligent ones who have been working on stations since childhood, realising the benefit of being specially treated by a medical man, submit themselves cheerfully to isolation until cured. Fifteen deaths occurred during the year. This is a large percentage, but it must be remembered that a great nurber of cases of old and infirm natives are sent over to the hospitals which are practically incurable.”

AB notes:

Some useful statistics here on lock-hospital admissions and discharges.

During the year (to June 30, 1910?), 158 admitted and 84 discharged as cured, 15 deaths (including some who arrived incurable).

Total to [? June 30, 1910]: 353 treated, 125 discharged

The report includes an admission that force had been used to bring some to the islands.

Dr Pritchard became medical superintendent after resignation of Dr Steel.

A ‘cinematograph’ was on hand for the entertainment of the ward-bound patients.

Quotable:

“Speaking generally, the native race is wonderfully patient under great suffering, and very obedient to the orders of the medical officer and staff. Notwithstanding their apparent contentedness they all have an inherent love for their native country and it is a day of rejoicing to those who are told that they are fit for discharge.”