[“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.