48a[“The Aborigines of the State”, The West Australian, Friday 29 November 1907, page 3]

THE ABORIGINES OF THE STATE.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHIEF PROTECTOR.

The annual report of the Chief Protector of Aborigines, Mr. H. C. Prinsep (for the year ended June 30 last), was presented to the Legislative Assembly yesterday afternoon by the Colonial Treasurer.

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The general conditions of health of the aborigines, with the exception of those under relief, has been tolerably good. There has been only one epidemic reported, and but little fever in the northern districts as has sometimes been the case, but the system of supplying drugs here and there to relievers, who understand the use of them, apparently has done much good. But the general prevalence and steady increase of venereal disease has made itself very apparent, and much correspondence has been received on this question. The menace to the white population, although probably the seeds of evil have been sown by them in the first instance, is becoming so great that strong representations have been made, especially by the medical officer at Carnarvon. Some drastic steps should be taken to check the spread of the disease. I advised the establishment of Lock Hospitals, or to set apart an island in some convenient place where patients could be treated under lock and key, and not permitted to leave the establishment until cured; a temporary cure in such cases being of little or no use. The matter is now under discussion. On June 11, at your request, I attended a conference of medical men, presided over by the Principal Medical Officer, to consider the subject of the treatment in numbers of natives suffering from venereal diseases. The subject was well discussed by several medical men present, assisted by information from me with regard to the provisions of the Act and the powers thereunder, and it was generally agreed that the most effectual means of keeping down, if not entirely stamping out, this growing scourge was to provide an island equipped with buildings and staff, and to make certain regulations by which settlers would have to give every assistance to police officials towards sending in any natives whose presence among their fellows, or among the whites, would be likely to help to spread the disease. The actual comparison of the cost between the proposition, namely, an island or segregating compounds on the mainland, was not gone into owing to want of time, but even though the latter system might have been more economic, the members were of opinion that in any case it would not be really effectual. In my opinion the island scheme might in the end turn out to be the more economic after all, as on one of the islands suggested, and what seemed the most favourable spot to me, a considerable number of sheep might be grazed, thus saving cost of food, and returning expenses by sale of wool, and should any contractor be allowed to dig for phosphates, he would in return make communication with land easy and cheap, and might give employment to any of the invalids who were able to do some work.

...

AB notes:

This 1907 piece includes Prinsep’s support in principle for the establishment of “Lock Hospitals”.

48b[“The Native Questions”, The West Australian, Tuesday 10 December 1907, page 6]

THE NATIVE QUESTION.

TREATMENT ON THE ASHBURTON.

REPORT OF TRAVELLING INSPECTOR.

Mr. C. F. Fartiere, one of the travelling inspectors attached to the Aborigines Department, has forwarded the following report on the treatment of natives by settlers on the various Ashburton stations recently visited by him:—

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One great problem in dealing with the aborigines question, is what is the best course to adopt in connection with the venereal disease, that has become so widely distributed amongst them, and beyond doubt it is a most serious condition that requires prompt, severe, energetic, and expensive steps to be taken if the ravages of the disease are to be taken seriously into consideration, and some systematic course adopted towards stamping the disease out. So far as my present observations go, I honestly think that unless some special legislation is brought to bear on the question, in a few more years the disease will have worked such dire results, the aborigines will have passed away, and be beyond causing Government or any others consideration, and I may instance in support of my statement, take Geraldton for example, only one old man there. Syphilis has become widely distributed, first of all taking the gins off and the males follow, and unless the question is taken seriously in hand in a few years there will only be a very small remnant left of the Nor’-West blacks.

In my opinion it is quite beyond the capabilities of the Department to cope with the prevention against spreading syphilis amongst the aborigines, the Department has not command of the necessary funds that would be required, and I am inclined to think that nothing short of special legislation that would mean a large financial vote would meet the requirements of the case.

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I hope you will not think I am going beyond my duties or attempting to assume more than my position entitles me to, and I offer my views with the desire to help to check the ravages of the widely-spread disease that is swiftly and surely wiping out the Australian aborigines from their own country, through the introduction of the white man, and for which the aborigines themselves are not responsible.

In my opinion one of the first steps to be taken would be the establishing of a natives’ sanatorium away from the mainland on one of the islands, say, for instance, Dirk Hartog Island, which could be purchased by the Government on the same lines that land estates are acquired when wanted for closer settlement. This, no doubt, means large outlay, but under skilful management by a practical man it could be worked at a profit. Dirk Hartog Island would be most suitable, it carrying sheep that would show an annual profit, and there would also be pearling and beach-combing, all work the natives are fond of. Once the sanatorium was established the police being already appointed protectors, they can easily find out syphilitic cases, and instead of the present plan of trying to make local cures the natives be deported to the island right away and be under the control and observation of the resident medical officer which would insure a certain, quick, and effectual cure. If this system were adopted it would also meet another difficulty which at present exists. The various local doctors in most cases do not care to have syphilitic patients about the hospital, and will not admit them under the plea that they have no proper accommodation. If the native sanatorium were once started that difficulty would be overcome, and a system once in proper working order, I think it would only mean in a reasonable lapse of time that the disease would be regularly under control. The cases that were not of too long standing would be cured and many lives saved that certainly mean ending fatally under the present conditions.

The present funds at the disposal of the Department are not equal to the disbursements that would be required to carry out the sanatorium system, and the only way I see is for special legislation, passing a short Bill through the House authorising the additional increased expenditure. The native question as it now stands deserves the special attention of the State, and really becomes one of national interest, and now that Australia has become a united Commonwealth, it certainly will not be to the credit of Australia that the last of her original inhabitants should be allowed to die out and pass away through the unchecked ravages of a vile disease, that merely requires a special vote of money properly expended to wipe the disease out and preserve the lives of the native race that is so rapidly passing away.

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COMMENT BY CHIEF PROTECTOR.

Mr. H. C. Prinsep, the Chief Protector of Aborigines, adds the following note to Mr. Fartiere’s report: With reference to Mr. Fartiere’s remarks on venereal, it would be well to mention that the Bernier and Barrow Islands have been set aside for the use of the aboriginals suffering from syphilis. A report has been received from the Bernier Island, and the Travelling Inspector is now on his way to Onslow to report on the Barrow Island. The sum of £4,000 has been placed on the Estimates this year to meet expenditure in occupying these two islands, and it is to be hoped that by this time next year good progress will have been made in isolating these unfortunate natives.

AB notes:

Travelling inspector Charles Fartiere suggests that the isolation hospitals should be placed on islands.

48c[“Disease Amongst Natives”, The West Australian, Friday 29 May 1908, page 3]

DISEASE AMONGST NATIVES.

ESTABLISHMENT OF LOCK HOSPITALS.

STATEMENT BY THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.

The Colonial Secretary (Mr. J. D. Connolly), referring yesterday to what the Government was doing with respect to the treatment of natives affected by disease in the Nor’-West, stated:—“During the past 12 months the Government has had under consideration the question of treating aboriginals suffering from loathsome disease. Unfortunately a great number are affected in this way in the North-West. After going thoroughly into the question and realising the fact that it was almost impossible to keep natives under close medical observation and treatment on the mainland, it has been decided by the Government to establish two lock hospitals on two islands along the coast for both sexes. Bernier and Barrow islands have been selected as the most suitable for the purpose, and they have accordingly been reserved by the Government for the use of aboriginal natives. As there were suitable improvements made on Bernier Island by the late lessee, Mr. Baston, it was decided to make the first start there with the women, and on May 19 the necessary staff was despatched by the s.s. Bullarra, consisting of a matron, three orderlies (two of whom are carpenters), and one cook. Applications were also invited for a lock hospital doctor, whose duties will be to attend to the natives on both islands. A number of applications were received, many coming from the Eastern States. and Dr. Frederick Lovegrove, recently medical officer at Yarloop, has been appointed. He will proceed to the scene of his duties by the next boat. “In regard to Barrow Island, which will be used for the men, preparations are now being made for the necessary buildings to be erected on that island, and it is hoped it will be ready for use within a few months. A staff slightly larger than that of Bernier Island will be necessary. From reports received from a travelling inspector of the Aborigines Department there is no doubt that Barrow Island is eminently suited for the men, as it abounds with marsupials of all descriptions, from the red kangaroo downward, so that the men will be practically in their native element in this respect. In regard to their native food, this island also abounds with fish and turtle. A short time ago circulars were sent out to all officers of the Aborigines Department. who are giving natives Government relief, asking for returns of the number of natives suffering from the disease, for the treatment of which these hospitals are being established. The Police Department also instructed their officers on patrol duty throughout the State to send in similar returns. “Arrangements have been made for a regular service between the mainland (Carnarvon) and the islands. The natives will be detained on the islands until cured, when they will be returned to the mainland and sent back to their native homes. With regard to both islands, it is hoped that the scheme—which will necessarily mean a heavy increase in the Government’s expenditure on aboriginals, and which has never been tried in any part of the Commonwealth—will in time become partially self-supporting, as it is contemplated to start Angora goat farming on both islands; reports having been received from competent men that the herbage growing there is eminently suited for the establishment of such a farm.”

AB notes:

another euphemism for syphilis: “loathsome disease”

as of 29 may 1908, Bernier and Barrow were the islands selected (Barrow for the men)

There were some buildings on Bernier already (Baston’s summer resort)

The first staff came north by s.s. Bullarra 19 may 1908. Carnarvon, thence Bernier Island:

matron (Lenehan), three orderlies (two with carpentry skills) and a cook.

Dr Lovegrove, recently recruited from Cookernup district, would follow.

The construction of buildings on Barrow to commence “within a few months.”

Barrow thought particularly suitable for the men, because of wonderful game and fish.

Angora goat farming being considered on both islands.