[“The Pearling Fleet, North West”, The West Australian, Tuesday 17 February 1880, page 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2982608]

THE PEARLING FLEET, NORTH WEST.

(From a Correspondent.)

We have forsaken Exmouth Gulf, partly on account of the threatening aspect of the weather—for the “Gulf” is an ugly place in a ‘willi-willy,’ as was proved towards the end of 1875—and partly on account of the superior attractions of our kind old friend Kate Carney Island, winch always has something for us, and near which we can easily get good shelter. Our take in shells so far has not been anything to boast of. This has been an exceptionally cold season, and the prevalence of influenza—in some cases resulting in inflammation of the lungs and death—has been a serious drawback to our work. Up to this date (9th Jan.) we have had no rain to speak of although we are expecting it every day. Stock I hear are doing well, but would be none the worse off for a little moisture.

At Shark’s Bay, the pearling operations, I learn, are very slack indeed, and the ‘take’ in pearls small. The pearlers all tell me that they are barely making a living, but are looking forward to better times. The want of a magistrate is very much felt, and Champion Bay being the nearest place where a warrant can be obtained, it naturally follows that lawlessness in very many cases goes scot free and only the most flagrant offences are noticed.

From the Gascoigne River, I hear that the Revenue vessel under the command of Capt. Walcott called there a short time ago, and the residents there were exceedingly glad to see him and hear a little of the doings of the world outside.

Another correspondent writes:—“Our existence here (the Gascoigne) seems to be nearly ignored at head quarters, although this is a promising settlement and one where the natives are dangerous. It is, however, satisfactory to know that Capt. Walcott issued warrants for the arrest of some of the ring-leading sheep stealers, two of whom were arrested, tried, and sentenced by him to undergo a little education at the Rottnest college.

I have great faith in the future of this district. There is some excellent sheep country, producing many varieties of salt bush with other shrubs which are good sheep feed as well as splendid grass. Our greatest anxiety is on account of the large number of blackfellows in this vicinity. I should think that within a radius of one hundred miles no less than two thousand natives are to be found. They are fine strapping men—perhaps the finest in the colony. The coast tribe is inclined to be quiet, but the inland tribe threatens to be hostile. The schooner Nautilus took a number of natives from here as divers for the N. W. Pearl Fishery.

Jan. 7th.

AB notes:

This includes what may be the first published use of the term “willi-willy”.