1832 to 1931
29th August 1833: The Hawkesbury Races
Toby Ryan's memory was at fault in some details of his account of the Hawkesbury
races. While there was a Hawkesbury race on 29th of August 1833, it was not the first
Hawkesbury race, nor is there any record of “Bennelong, Chancellor” or “Black
Lock” having raced at the Hawkesbury on that date. However, “Scratch”, on which
Toby won money, did win a race on September 1831.1
Despite these confusions in an old man's memory, the chapter is of value for showing
that relations between settlers and Aboriginal people were often founded upon
individual and complex dynamics, such as with Mulgoa Joe. “Black Simon playing the
tambourine” was probably the Simeon who escorted Backhouse and Walker from
Marsden's South Creek property in 1835. Ryan uses the phrase “native-born” to
describe settlers.
The extract is also important for its description of the men who would become known
as “cornstalks”. Ryan was correct in his recollection that Kable was there in 1833.
The Sydney Herald 22nd August 18332 reported that “Kable, intends coming to the
scratch during the Windsor Races, with a slashing fighter from Pitt-town”. However,
Kable and Chalker did not fight on the 29th, as Chalker was seconding his brother in a
fight near Parramatta on that date.3 Kable and Chalker did fight together, but it was
for £100 somewhere on the Hawkesbury Road in 1832.
‘The first Killarney Races took place on the 29th day of August, 1833, and are
remembered well by us from the fact of having a sister born that morning before
leaving for the races.
It was a lovely spring morning as George whose name has been frequently mentioned
in these pages, and "Toby" wended their way from South Creek, near Dunheved to
Killarney, two miles east of Windsor, via South Creek, through Shane's Park,4
Clydesdale,5 and Jericho,6 and along the creek where the wild duck flapped its wings
on our approach, and the curlew and spurwing plover were to be seen in myriads. On
the way they pulled up at Marsden's old estate (the tumble-down barn) now belonging
to Mr. B. Richards, where their grandfather and mother, uncles and aunts resided at
the time of the great August flood, and who were rescued from the barn loft, where
they had taken refuge for three days and nights, by that heroine, Margaret
1
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/2202441
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/12847522
3
Sydney Herald, 29th August 1833, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/12847584
4
Shane’s Park was one of Chief Surgeon John Harris’ properties on the east bank of South Creek.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanes_Park,_New_South_Wales
5
Clydesdale was Walter Lang’s 1813 grant of 700 acres on the east bank of South Creek.
http://riverstonehistoricalsociety.org.au/history.html
6
Jericho House was built by Richard Rouse for his son George on a 347 acre land purchase across the
Richmond Road from his Berkshire Park estate. Jericho was on the west side of South Creek. It was
named after the Rouse Home in England. http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/AUS-NSWPENRITH/2009-06/1245713984
2
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Catchpole.7 They then crossed the bush via Mulgrave, and arrived at the racecourse
about eleven o'clock.8 This was the first race meeting of any importance outside the
metropolis, and so received much patronage from all classes. There were about
twelve booths, a grand-stand and a weighing yard, also a military band. The sporting
aristocracy of the day were present. The booths consisted of every kind of shelter,
bushes, bark and tarpaulin, and were filled with people. Blind Loftus, a very ugly man
was dancing, and Black Simon playing the tambourine, at G. Freeman's booth. Every
kind of amusement imaginable was going on, nine pins, poppet shows, the devil
among the tailors, with lollypop and cake stalls in the front at the back, skittles and
gambling of every description, with an occasional fight through the day. The
racehorses were scattered about under the shady clumps of trees. “Black Scratch,"
7
The Tumble-down barn was on the east bank of South Creek near the junction with Eastern Creek.
While Margaret Catchpole was involved in the 1806 and 1809 floods there is no evidence that she
rescued anyone. Page 145, Laurie Chater Forth, Margaret Catchpole, Laurie P. Forth, 2012.
8
The Sydney Gazette in 1809-11 carried several references to a race course which was probably located
around Box Hill. It is mentioned in reference to Copenhagen Farm and Second Ponds. It was located
alongside the farms of Robert Fitz and William Boughton. The Sydney Gazette on 18th August 1810
reported the existence of a race course near lands known as the Riverstone property. This may refer to
either race course. Early journals report race meetings on a straight course on Andrew Thompson’s
Killarney property adjoining Nelson Common before 1809. Killarney was the name given to part of
Andrew Thompson’s land grant by one of his workers. Edmund Redmond, who later acquired the
Killarney property, built Clare House for his daughter and her husband John Scarvill as a wedding
present. Ian Jack, in Exploring the Hawkesbury, argues that an 1814 building was incorporated into
Clare House. Clare House is on Clare Crescent across from Arndell Anglican College. Clare House is
also known as Killarney House to locals. The first reference that I can find to horse racing on the
Killarney property was the announcement of a two day race meeting on 22nd and 24th July 1829 in the
Sydney Gazette. The race committee that organised the race was made up of local worthies. John
Scarvill was a steward for that first race. I believe that the local gentry seized upon the coincidence of
the first race meeting in 1827 of the Killarney Race Course in Ireland to form their own race club.
Being round, the Killarney race course was almost certainly not Andrew Thompson’s old straight track.
“It measures about a mile and a quarter round and is nearly a dead level”, The Australian, 2nd
September, 1831, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/36867203. However, it may have been built
over Andrew Thompsons old course, just as that, may have been built over the “race ground”, which I
think may have been a ceremonial ground. An advertisement in the Sydney Herald, 13th January 1834
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/12848506, for the sale of “two valuable Farms of rich land,
containing 25 acres each, granted from the Crown, during the administration of the late Governor
Hunter in 1798, to John Powell and William Marsden” (these farms were on the southern bank of
McKenzie's Creek and the western bank of Killarney Chain of Ponds); “bounded on the South by the
Windsor Race Course, the property of Captain Scarvell, and contiguous to the extensive agricultural
establishment of John Macdonald, Esq. The high-road from Windsor to Pitt-town passes through these
grants and a ring fence encloses them”, points to the race course as being south of the current
Wolseley Road. The Sydney Herald, 25th July 1831, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/12843328,
described the Hawkesbury races as being “at Killarney, about two miles from Windsor”. The 1867
flood waters broke “over McGrath's Hill down the Parramatta Road on Friday, flooding the whole of
Killarney. Mrs Scarvell and family were taken from the top of their house yesterday, and narrowly
escaped drowning.” Reports in the same article that “The houses on the top of McGrath’s Hill are
under water” and “The Grandstand on the Killarney Racecourse has been full of people all night, and
some have not been taken off” indicates that the race course was higher than Clare House (Sydney
Morning Herald, 25th June 1867, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/13142886). Mr. Geoff Huxley
was quite definite that the “old Killarney race course was where the first galloping course was made. It
started from Mulgrave railway station, straight down past the sale yards, through the school yard,
across the Blue Road (i.e., the tar of the modern Windsor Road) and into the paddock. That was the
first galloping club. I didn’t see it, but I heard people talk about it because I was interested in horses.
Not too many old fellows would talk to a young fellow, but I was interested.
There was no road there. When I was a kid that paddock was a dairy. Where the houses are was just an
open paddock. The houses there now, they’re only late models.” Geoff Huxley.
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with his master, John White, and the jockey, Johnnie Price, of Parramatta, was the
first they saw. Price said he would win the two big races, and as they knew him they
placed confidence in what he said. The first race was a Maiden Plate, and was won by
Otto Baldwin's “Betsy," by "Hector." Then the Town Plate, two mile heats, for which
five fine animals started, viz., "Scratch" (Price up), "Bennilong," Iceley's
"Chancellor," Lawson's "Spring Gun," and Minchen's “Black Lock." After a great
race between “Scratch," Bennilong" and “Chancellor," it was won by “Scratch,"
“Bennilong" being second. Only two started for the second heat, which was won by
"Scratch."
The rest of the day was made up with a District Purse and hack races. This was the
first opportunity they had of seeing any of their countrymen about Windsor - men who
constituted the first generation of native-born colonists. On that day the match was
made between Cable and Chalker for two hundred pounds aside and the
championship. There could be seen the three Chalker's, the Cosgrove's, the Meglin's,
of South Creek, the Dargan's, the Dight's, the Doyle's, the Norris's, and others, of
Windsor. They were immense men standing from six to six feet four inches high, from
fifteen to seventeen stone in weight, without any superfluous flesh, and as straight as a
whip. But they, like our native singing birds, are nearly - all gone.
George and “Toby" took three to one on Scratch," and this put them in possession of
more money than they ever before possessed.
They arranged to escort Ikey Moses and Joe Levy a short cut home to Penrith after
the races were over for thirty shillings; they then retraced their steps home, to tell all
about what they had seen and heard, returning on the third day - to fulfil their
engagement with Moses and Levy. The weather was fine and all that could be desired,
so that a great number of people were present.
The Colonel of the Regiment9 was at Windsor, and a ball was to be given in honour of
his presence that night, and great preparations had been made for his reception. The
races commenced at the usual time, and Scratch," as was expected, won the head
prize. Iceley's horses "Chancellor" and "Councillor" each won a prize, the prizes
being pretty evenly - distributed, and a good day's sport was enjoyed.
After arranging with Moses and Levy as to the time of starting next morning, they
went to Windsor, as they knew Mr. Lovel, a horsedealer, of that town, who invited
them to spend the night; and a great night it was for the little sporting town of
Windsor. There was a bonfire at the "Bell Post," a lovely spot, looking down on the
Hawkesbury River. The town was alive with music. The band played for the ball,
which took place in the large barracks in the square, and was a very imposing sight.
In fact, Windsor was in a blaze the whole night. It commenced to rain at five o'clock,
and at six they started for the racecourse, half past seven being the time appointed for
starting homewards. The rain came down heavily for half an hour, but it was only the
pride of the morning, and all looked well for a fine day before the sun rose. As they
9
The 17th Regiment of Foot formed the Windsor garrison 1830-1836. A party of 1 officer and 26 other
ranks of the 17th Foot were, according to Leonard Barton, stationed at Lower Portland Head, i.e.,
Wiseman’s Ferry as a roving patrol to assist settlers with hostile Aboriginal people and to prevent
convict runaways getting across the river.
Page 50, Leonard L. Barton, The Military History of Windsor NSW, Leonard Barton, 1994.
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crossed the course the busy scene and hilarity of the previous evening had changed,
and all was silent as the grave. The booths were all demolished, the embers of the
black's camp fires throwing up a curl of smoke, and scattered here and there were
parts of a soldier's coat, empty and broken bottles, old boots and broken sticks, giving
indications that a fight had taken place the night before.
They made over to the teams which they were to escort home, and found them all
loaded up and ready, for a start. On interrogating one of the blacks, Mulgoa Joe, the
king of the tribe, who was travelling with the dray, he described the cobborn fight
thus:-" Drunken soldier come down and marn him gin; blackfellow fight him and take
him gin back; believe him kill two soldiers, nother fellow's soldier take him home."
This was the graphic description by Mulgoa Joe.10
They made a start, numbering about twenty whites and the same number of blacks, the
former being composed of fiddlers, actors, old hangers - on from Penrith and "Yarra
Monday's Lagoon." They wended their way through Windsor, and as the cattle were
facing homewards they travelled via the Chain of Ponds, and reached Pat Harper's,
of Allen Water, on the Richmond and Penrith road about noon. There they unyoked
and watered the cattle, made tea, and the whole of the broken tucker was pulled out
and distributed between blacks and whites. Trunks of turkeys and geese, portions of
sucking, pigs and ham bones were all cleared up, and every bottle and keg was
drained. The blacks gave a corroboree and the fiddlers played and sang “Killarney,"
after which they yoked up again and started on the straight road. The guides left them
after being paid, and wended their way home to South Creek.’11
21st of May, 1834: Blanket Return
On the 9th of June 1834, L. North the Windsor Police Superintendent sent to the
Colonial Secretary a “Return of the Aboriginal Blacks” held on the 21st of May 1824.
Aboriginal people had gathered on the 10th as directed, but as the blankets did not
arrive till the 17th they had to return on the 24th. This tardiness may explain why so
many Aboriginal men who had attended a previous distribution of blankets did not
attend in 1834. As there were probably only 35 blankets for a minimum of eighty
three Aboriginal people, there was probably little reason to go except for a catch up.12
The document is curious in that it only registers the names of Aboriginal men, which
from a demographic and genealogical perspective severely limits its usefulness.
However, from a historical perspective, when one considers the urgings of the
Bathurst landholders on the 10th of July 1824, for the Governor to bring Aboriginal
people west of the Blue Mountains to “a state of due Subjection and Inoffensiveness”;
it is possible to advance an argument for why only the men were identified. The
landholders argued that “upon the happy restoration amongst the natives of a
harmless spirit, the chiefs of each Tribe have given to them some personal Badge of
distinction, and be victualled at the Public Expense; and that such supplies, in the
way of blankets and other necessaries, be occasionally offered to the natives, and
Mulgoa Joe’s claim to have killed two soldiers is probably apocryphal. I can find no reference to any
soldier deaths that corresponded with the Killarney races.
11
Page 115 ff., James T Ryan, Reminiscences of Australia, 1894 Reprinted 1982.
12
There is another document in the same reel, “List of Stations to which Blankets are to be forwarded
for distribution in 1834”, in which 35 blankets were to be forwarded to “Windsor including Wiseman’s
and the Hawkesbury”. Reel 3706, page 109.
10
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such kindness exercised towards them by Government or private mode of
subscriptions, as may tend to lessen their wretchedness of condition and prescribe the
spirit of reconciliation between them and the white people in those districts.” The
meeting, in William Cox’s home, was chaired by Samuel Marsden, who in 1804, as a
magistrate, attempted to divide and conquer using similar tactics. The other
signatories were “William Cox J.P., Robert Lowe J.P., Archibd. Bell J.P., William
Lawson J.P., Geo Thos. Palmer, John Wayland, Robert Dawson, Mrs. Walker and John
Wylde”. The logic is that blanket distributions were not acts of humanity but control
measures, based on the old principles of “fraud” and “oppression”.13
Transcribing Nineteenth Century handwriting is not easy, particularly where w, u, n,
and r are close to each other. The following transcription may contain mistakes.
5
10
15
Creek Jemmy
Simon
Long George
Bobby
Billy
Naigungni
Adam
White
Johnny
Johnny
Miles
Young Miles
Jack
Bill Cootee
Marby
Lawyer
George
20
Lazy Jack
Cadjee Jack
Old Jacob
Billy Green
25
Morris
30
Kiriwan
Jemmy
Johngni
Creek Jemmy’s son
Byon
Long George’s son
52
42
47
32
27
32
Childre
n
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
22
Sonny’s brother
Miorang
Wolloboy
Berally
Winderboy
Macoe
Nunnan
Emery
Minanin
Munahinganhill
Gilmeray
Wotang
Coocry
Deniheny
Windeigotty
Winmarry
Bundock
Jollokee
Benaki
Bambi
Billy Jibbinga
Nockmery
32
42
19
32
22
30
37
17
37
31
62
33
42
62
30
30
33
50
25
23
20
52
27
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Designation of
Tribe
Place or
District of
usual resort
South Creek
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Windsor
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Richmond
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Lower Branch
Do
Do
Richmond
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Lower Branch
Do
Females
Native Name
Males
English
Names
Probable Age
No
Number of Wives
‘Return of Aboriginal Natives taken at Windsor 21st May 1834
13
Adam Ferguson, Section I Of The Question Relating To The State Of Nature, Essay on the History of
Civil Society, 1767, http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext05/8hciv10.txt
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Windewrang
Bomangin
Wallabun
Dupihany
Coolery
Creebauy
Colong
Mungin
Netty
Bone Mary
32
52
51
31
22
32
27
22
21
52
22
20
Dundy
No
Native Name
45
English
Names
1
1
Brought forward
Nangui
Wollombine Buckumbull
Kitten
Jolei
Wanele
Big Jack
Weialy
Bibbingui
Total number
1
1
1
1
21
12
5
Children
Probable Age
Georgy
44
Carried forward
1
21
26
31
12
2
2
41
21
40
1
1
1
26
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Designation
of Tribe
Place or
District of
usual resort
5
1
1
1
16
Do
Females
40
32
Males
Monkey
Dick
Harry
Cain Brennei
Number of
Wives
35
Runaway
Jack
Tommy
Tom Dargin
Bobby Blue
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
6
The undermentioned Aboriginal Natives whose names appeared in the last Return did
not attend this year.14
Georgy
Captain
5
Pennyroyal
Jack
10
Cobborn
Little Jemmy
15
14
15
Gindeigiu
Karrigan
Bebbingiu
Nerrinia
Winbuan
Walligan
Nangui
Bobbous
Uackingiu
Jack
Nowland15
Tommy
Bilky
Griabee
Winburn
Kepeppewiong
Gibbewiong
Nemannee
Windsor
Caddie Creek
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
South Creek
Pitt Town
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
North
Richmond
Do
Mangrove
Creek
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
North
Richmond
Do
Mangrove
Creek
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
I have not as yet identified the return referred to.
Probably John Nolan, of the Mangroo Tribe from the 1828 census.
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Wollombine
Jack
20
25
Batty
Little Jemmy
Bill
Morris
Gregory
30
Jack
Nangoa
Peter Baddy
Bulgee Tonaugh
Walleimy
Bunyandy
Yareimy
Coleigobang
Bone
Kingeroo
Yarraneky
Ullanengirll
Bottos
Nungunonong
Do
Wollambine
Do
Wollambine
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
L. North J.P.
Supt of Police
Police Office Windsor
June 1834’16
7th of September, 1835: missionaries
James Backhouse was a minister in the Society of Friends who felt called on a
mission to Australia. With his friend George Washington Walker he travelled over
Tasmania and New South Wales 1831-38. “Simeon” was almost certainly “Black
Simon” mentioned in the previous extract.
‘Samuel Marsden provided us with a guide to South Creek: he was a Black, of that
place, named Johnny, an intelligent man, speaking English very fairly, and wearing a
hat, jacket, trowsers, and shoes. He carried our bundles, and was very attentive, and
by no means meriting the character given to us this morning, of their race by a settler
from Wollongong: “That nothing could be given to these fellows that they valued a
straw.” I could not think the person who made the remark, had attained to much
knowledge of human nature. It is quite true, that the Blacks have not learned to place
the same value upon many things, that the Whites place upon them. It is amusing to
see the disappointment of many of the Whites, at the proofs they meet with of this fact;
especially, when they think to hold out temptations to the Blacks, to work for less than
their labour is worth. Few white people seem to reflect upon the fact that our notions
of the values of things, depend upon our habits and are, in many instances, merely
ideal. It is, however, to be regreted, when benevolent men adopt the notion, that the
circumstance of the Blacks not estimating things by the same standard as the Whites,
is owing to some invincible peculiarity in them; because such an opinion paralyses
their efforts for the civilization of this untutored race.
On the way from Parramatta, we stepped into several cottages, conversed with the
inhabitants, and gave them tracts. We had also many conversations with persons
travelling on the road, on foot, in carts &c. We were kindly received by Charles
Marsden and his family, at the South Creek, sixteen miles from Parramatta, and in the
evening had a satisfactory religious interview with them and their servants. Before
dark, we walked to the side of the Creek, to see the Black Natives, who resort thither.
16
AONSW, Reel 3706, dealing with Blanket Returns is somewhat difficult to navigate as it does not
appear to have been indexed. L. North’s letter to the Colonial Secretary which begins the sequence can
be best located by looking for the number 0224 at the bottom of the reel.
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In comparison with some other tribes, the South Creek Natives may be considered as
half domesticated, and they often assist in the agricultural operations of the settlers.
The wife of our guide can read, she is a half-cast, who was educated in a school,
formerly kept for the Natives, at Parramatta. It is to be regretted that his school was
abandoned; for though many who were educated in it, returned into the woods, yet an
impression was made upon them, favourable to their future progress in civilization.
A few of the Natives were, at one time, located upon a piece of the worst land in this
part of the country, at a place called Blacktown. Here some of them raised grain, in
spite of the sterility of the soil, at a time when they were unable to dispose of it; and to
add to their discouragement, at this juncture, the Missionary, who had been a short
time among them, was withdrawn. The want of success, in this unfair experiment, is
sometimes brought forward, as a proof that nothing can be done for these injured and
neglected people.
8th. We went out, at an early hour, to Penrith, a small, scattered town, on the Nepean
River. Our guide was another South Creek Black, named Simeon.17 His wife was
killed, about two years ago, by some of those whom he termed “Wild Natives:” he
had one little boy, for whom he showed great affection. We tried in vain, to persuade
this man to accompany us to Wellington Valley; he did not like to go to so great a
distance. These people are afraid of other tribes of their own race’.18
On the 23rd of October 1835 when they had returned a “respectable Weslayan, at
Richmond, told us, that he had heard of our visit to Wellington Valley, several days
ago, from a Native, who had had the particulars detailed to him, by a Black from that
country. Our persons, costume, and many other particulars, including our manner of
communicating religious instruction, had been minutely described. And on our
Weslayan friend inquiring what the Black supposed all this meant, he replied, “God
almighty come and sit down at Wellington;” implying, that the Most High would be
worhipped there. The scattered natives of Australia communicate information rapidly;
messengers being often sent from tribe to tribe, for great distances.”19 This incident
clearly puts the lie to the claim that one group of Aboriginal people did not mix with
another.
1829-36: Billy Kootee, King of Mount Tomah
Lt George Bowen took possession of Bulgamatta, a grant of 2560 acres at the foot of
Mt Tomah in December 1829 and sold it in 1836. In his account of these times he
mentioned Billy Kootee, King of Mount Tomah.
‘I had indeed one old fowling piece, but this I lent to my King. How it was that I had a king
under my dominion may require explanation. The aboriginal natives never lived in the mountains,
but there was a tribe who wandered over the neighbouring lowlands and occasionally paid me
a visit One fine young man attached himself to me, and, as there was no king in the
17
This Simeon may have been the same one who was recommended to replace Colebee as a special
constable in 1822.
18
Pages 303-305, James Backhouse, A Narrative of a Visit to the Australian Colonies, London,
Hamilton, Adams, and Co.1843, Johnson Reprint Corporation, 1967.
19
Page 339, James Backhouse, A Narrative of a Visit to the Australian Colonies, London, Hamilton,
Adams, and Co.1843, Johnson Reprint Corporation, 1967.
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Australian Israel or in this portion of it in those days, I had him crowned according to the
approved custom. This required me to get a polished brass plate shaped like a crescent to the
ends of which was attached a brass chain to hang round the neck. On the plate were engraved
the following words "Billy Kootee, King of Mount Tomah", This mountain was the highest and
central elevation of the group and adjoined my land. There was some charm in this
appendage, according to the apprehensions of the natives, since every white man who examined
it repeated his title. When his tribe left me, after a short visit, he chose to stay. My fowling piece
and a weekly allowance of about three loads of powder and shot were sufficient to support
him and, in return, he used to bring me tribute in native pheasant tails, skins of the duckbilled platypus (Omithorinchus paradoxus) also a small porcupine and, occasionally,
lobsters found in the running streams. These had well developed claws and while alive of the
colour of the marine kind after boiling.’20
1837-41: South Creek camp
William Walker in his memoirs provides more information about declining
Aboriginal numbers on the Hawkesbury. From his account it would appear that
the South Creek camp near the junction with East Creek was the last
Aboriginal camp close to Windsor.
‘My parents, with myself a n d a younger brother and sister, arrived at
Windsor one dark night in December, 1837—more than fifty-two years ago. ...
There were few good houses in Windsor then, and my father was obliged to
take an unfinished place in Macquarie-street. We resided there about four
years, during which my father succeeded in establishing a large superior
school of boys and girls, many of whom in after life occupied important
positions.
During our residence in Macquarie-street we were frequently visited by a
small tribe - or rather the remains of a tribe, of local blacks. They consisted
only of King Jamie and his gin, and two sons, Billy and Bobby. Their
camping place was a short distance off, up the South Creek. Jamie wore a
brass plate suspended by a string from his neck, bearing his name, and
which he said had been given him by good Governor Macquarie.21 The old
couple were very harmless, and were the objects of charity. They all,
however, have now passed away—like the Mohicans. First the Queen went,
then the King, then Bobby, who, as well as his brother, was much addicted
to rum, foolishly given them by friends in town. Billy had been taught by one
of the early clergymen to read, was intelligent, and used to work a little on
some of the farms, generally at Mr. Freeman's, Cornwallis. With them the
Windsor tribe of blacks became extinct. It was a common thing then for the
mothers to frighten their children into quiescence by telling them that if they
didn't be still, Black Bobby would be brought to them, and this, I think, was
about the only good use that was ever made of that dark specimen of
humanity.
20
Original Source p. 131: Lt George Bowen, Autobiography, Modern Parables and Predictions, Privately Published. Quoted in
Page 35, Bilpin the Apple Country, Meredith Hungerford, University of Western Sydney, 1995
21
Creek Jemmy.
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... we had at the same time a pleasant establishment in town, namely one of
Her Majesty's regiments of the line - the gallant 80th, or Staffordshires. ...
There were a good many blacks down the Hawkesbury then, and I remember
the officers on one occasion getting up a corroboree in Thompson's Square.
Of course they plied the darkies well with wine, or something stronger. I
never saw a corroboree before, and have never seen one since. I will not
attempt to describe it - such a thing could not be conceived in the present
day. The 80th left Windsor after a year or two,’22
April, 1834: Mrs Felton Mathew
In 1833 and 1834 Mrs. Sarah Mathew accompanied her surveyor husband, Felton
Mathew as he travelled around the Nepean Hawkesbury Rivers and Central Coast.
Her only contact with Aboriginal people on the Hawkesbury appears to have been as a
witness to a wallaby hunt about fourteen miles up the MacDonald River on the 18th of
April 1834.
‘The lofty rocky ranges which border this river on either side I have frequently described,
and there is nothing therefore either to describe or relate during the day’s journey: the
dead, unbroken silence which prevailed all around was extremely oppressive, and the
voices of some natives which broke on the ear after some time, was really quite a relief:
on nearer approach we found they were hunting Wallabi ( a small species of Kangaroo)
or what they call Wallabunging [?], a number of them assemble, and while some run
along the tops and sides of the rocky heights shouting and screaming, drive down the
poor little frightened inhabitants to the flats below where others attack them with their
spears and dogs; we saw three of these little creatures hopping along with all speed,
followed by dogs and blacks in full cry –‘23
Circa 1837: Tumble-down Barn
Around 1837 James Hassall went to the school of the Reverend Thomas Makinson
who had just taken up the Mulgoa parish. The colony was undergoing a three year
drought at the time.
‘Mamre, where I spent so many happy days with my uncle, was a farm on the South
Creek, six miles from Penrith and one mile off the Western Road from Sydney to
Bathurst. Its name – that of the plain where Abraham of old kept his flocks – was
given it by my grandfather, who formed the place.
Then, often, if it were a fine moonlight night, my uncle24 would propose a hunt, order
the horses, clap his hands on his thighs and crow like a cock and so set all the cocks
in the district crowing. As we mounted he would call the dogs and off we would go
through the barren scrubs, with a dozen or fifteen kangaroo dogs, killing opossums,
wallabies, and dingoes, as luck might serve, and getting home again about one
o’clock in the morning.
22
The 80th were garrisoned in Windsor 1834-44.
Pages 6-9, William Walker MLC Reminiscences (Personal, Social and Political) of a Fifty
Year Residence at Windsor, On the Hawkesbury, Turner and Henderson, Sydney, 1890.
23
Page 237, Olive Harvard, Mrs. Felton Mathew’s Journal, Journal of the Royal Australian Historical
Society, Vol. 24.
24
Charles Marsden.
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My uncle had a dairy farm near Windsor, called The Tumble-down Barn – it had no
other name, I believe – which we visited occasionally. We would start at daylight,
take a pony phaeton with a pair of splendid ponies, a couple of black boys with our
saddle-horses, plenty of provender, and all necessities. After travelling the road some
eight miles, we would camp by a waterhole for breakfast, make tea or coffee in a
“billy”-can, and enjoy a picnic. Then we would take the horses after dingoes for two
or three hours, which to me was great fun in those days.’25
26th of March, 1838: Ensign Best defends himself
Ensign Best of the 80th Foot was stationed in Windsor during 1837 and 1838. He kept
a journal of his sojourn there. He did not mention Aboriginal people at all in his
journal. The greatest threats to the military were currency lads. On 26th March 1838
he recorded “I walked into the country carrying for my defence, in case any of the
Currency lads should knock me on the head as they did our Drum Major a few
evenings since, a short Whaling Iron a very nice little tool in such cases.”26
1837/8: Hospital Gully
Hospital Gully is near the tidal limit of Popram Creek which is forty kilometres from
the ocean. I have found several secondary references to a temporary hospital for
Aboriginal people with either smallpox or influenza being located in Hospital Gully in
1837. Apparently there are two Aboriginal people buried next to Owen Maloney in
Hospital Gully.27 I have found no primary source for this information. Influenza raged
through Britain in 1837 and there were outbreaks in Sydney in 1838. There were
smallpox deaths on emigrant ships in 1838, but they were contained.
1838: demographics
‘Return of Aborigines taken at the Respective Stations 1838
District or
Men
Women
Boys
Girls
Station
Windsor
77
25
7
6
Return of Aborigines taken at the Respective Stations 1839
District or
Men
Women
Boys
Girls
Station
Windsor
76
17
5
5
Total
115
Total
103
No Windsor Return of Aborigines taken at the Respective Stations 1840
No Windsor Return of Aborigines taken at the Respective Stations 1841’28
25
Pages 31-32, James S. Hassall, In Old Australia, Records and Reminiscences from 1794, Originally
printed 1902, Facsimile edition 1977.
26
Page 88, Leonard L. Barton, The Military History of Windsor NSW, Leonard Barton, 1994
27
http://freepages.family.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sherring/parry/parryfamily.html
and http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/parks/pomfinalpopran.pdf . “Owen Maloney's
grave is in Hospital gully, Popran Creek ... on the property now owned by the Glenworth valley riding
School and formerley the Kelly family. A road from the Calga to Peat's Ridge Cooks Road runs down
to the valley.” http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/AUS-NSW-CENTRAL-COAST/200604/1145928261 .
28
Pages 282-283, Editor: Niel Gunson, Australian Reminiscences & Papers of L.E. Threlkeld,
Australian Institute of Aboriginal Affairs, 1974
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1840: Burrowell
Andy Macqueen, sourced a 1840 letter to record that in 1840 Aboriginal people were
still living at Wickety Wees, the European name for Burrowell or Illweary (to the east
of Putty). The last report of Aboriginal people living in the area was around 1900 at
Putty.29
Abraham’s way
By the end of Macquarie’s rule not only had Aboriginal culture on the Hawkesbury
been destroyed but the land itself was exhausted. The clearing of land increased runoff, collapsed river banks and increased siltation. Successive floods stripped the top
soil from farms and spread weeds further down river. Increases in grazing animals had
destroyed the native grasses. When Governor Macquarie began issuing large numbers
of grants in his final years, the reason for his generosity often lay in the large number
of sheep or cattle owned by the applicants.
Successive generations of Hawkesbury families replicated the frontier in their
relentless and self-righteous pursuit of free land. 30 In the early 1820s William
Lawson, and George and Henry Cox, followed the Cudgegong River to take up land
on what is now modern Mudgee. Martial law followed in 1824. In 1821 the Reverend
George Augustus Middleton and John de Marquett Blaxland undertook first cattle
drive to the Hunter. Some families such as the Halls and Flemings moved into the
MacDonald Valley and across Wollombi into the Hunter and beyond. Trouble broke
out on the Hunter in 1825.
In 1826 Benjamin Singleton, with young Richard Otto Baldwin, son of an ex-convict
well-to-do farmer on the Hawkesbury opened the way onto the Liverpool Plains.
Conflict soon broke out there.31 In 1827, William Nowland, son of Michael Nowland,
another Hawkesbury ex-convict settler opened up the Murrurundi route though the
Liverpool Ranges.32
Around the same time the Coxs and Lawsons were moving northwards from Mudgee.
By 1824 they had reached Dunnedoo and by 1826 the Coxs were near Coonabarabran.
In 1832 Sir John Jamison, from Regentville, near Penrith ,sent his men and herds
northwards. The sons of other Hawkesbury settlers, Cyrus Doyle, the Baldwins,
Thomas Eather, and Robert Fitzgerald, followed.33
I have not yet been able to trace McQueen’s source: Dunlop, D.to Col. Sec., 16/04/1840. Page 22,
Somewhat Perilous, Andy Macqueen, 2004.
30
“So the squatters, in the genesis of the world, selected their stations, and the story is old and hoary,
thousands of years old. But so also did William Lawson and George Cox, and that day is but little over
75 years from us.” Pages 126-132, Anon, Memoirs of William Cox, William Brooks, 1901.
29
The Reverend Samuel Marsden preached from the pulpit of St John's that “Abraham was a squatter on
Government ground”.Page 11, James S. Hassall, In Old Australia, Records and Reminiscences from
1794, Originally printed 1902, Facsimile edition 1977.
For the following summary of expansion, 1826-1838, I have drawn heavily upon Roger Milliss,
Waterloo Creek: the Australia Day Massacre of 1838, George Gipps and the British Conquest of New
South Wales, McPhee Gribble, Ringwood, 1992.
31
51-73, Roger Milliss, Waterloo Creek, McPhee Gribble, 1992.
32
Page 74, Roger Milliss, Waterloo Creek, McPhee Gribble, 1992.
33
Page 75, Roger Milliss, Waterloo Creek, McPhee Gribble, 1992.
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From his Dart Brook property on the Hunter, George Hall, a prosperous Portland
Head settler, moved northward. In 1836, there was conflict on one of Hall's stations.
Lancelot Threlkeld informed Governor Gipps that the mounted police had killed
nearly eighty Aboriginal people in retaliation for the killing one of Hall's men. James
Oates, who was wounded in the original fighting, was involved in the Myall Creek
massacre in 1838.34 By 1840, George Hall, with his seven sons, had established a
chain of stations form the Hunter to the Gwydir River totalling more than half a
million acres.35 By 1850 Thomas Simpson Hall had spread their holdings to Surat in
Southern Queensland. His nephew and brother-in-law, Joseph Fleming was a
neighbour on Talavera Station.
Settlement moved along the Namoi and north towards the Gwydir in the early 1830’s.
Joseph Onus, his partner Robert Williams; Edward Cox and James Howe were early
settlers on those rivers. From 1836 settlement moved into the tributaries of the
Gwydir. In 1836 George Bowman sent his overseer, William Waterford, north from
Gunnedah, to take up a run on Terry Hie Hie Creek, a Gwydir tributary.36 Also in
1836, Archibald and Thomas Bell sent a party to take up land on Noogera Creek
which also flowed into the Gwydir River.37 In 1837 settlement moved into Myall
Creek, another tributary of the Gwydir River. Richard Wiseman blazed a trail across
this area. George Dight, son of a surgeon turned settler at Richmond was one of the
first settlers there.38 In March 1837, William Allen a ticket-of-leave man and overseer
for Daniel Eaton, son of a successful Richmond emancipist, brought stock up to a
station near the junction of the Gwydir and Slaughterhouse Creek. Joseph Fleming
and his younger brother, John Henry, descendants of an early Hawkesbury family had
a nearby upstream run. 39
By 1837 conflict broke out along the Namoi River and Gwydir Rivers. Major Nunn
led a party of mounted police into the area in early 1838. On the 8th or 9th of January
1838 Major Nunn spoke to one of the young Bells who requested assistance. A
number of settlers and their assigned servants accompanied Nunn. On the 26th of
January Nunn attacked a camp at Waterloo Creek, south of modern Moree, and
according to his report “a few fell”. Roger Millis is of the opinion that two to three
hundred were killed there.40 Other killings took place at Vinegar Hill, Slaughterhouse
Creek and Gravesend. These killings appear to have been carried out independently
by settlers.
Two of William Faithfull’s sons, William, born in 1806, and George, born in 1814,
earned a degree of fame or notoriety through their involvement in the Broken River
massacre near Benalla in April 1838.41 After a few months at Bontharambo,
34
Pages 100, 169 and 260, Roger Milliss, Waterloo Creek, McPhee Gribble, 1992.
Pages 52 and 74, Roger Milliss, Waterloo Creek, McPhee Gribble, 1992.
36
Page 92, Roger Milliss, Waterloo Creek, McPhee Gribble, 1992.
37
Page 92, Roger Milliss, Waterloo Creek, McPhee Gribble, 1992.
38
Page 97, Roger Milliss, Waterloo Creek, McPhee Gribble, 1992.
39
Page 98, Roger Milliss, Waterloo Creek, McPhee Gribble, 1992.
40
Page 216, Roger Milliss, Waterloo Creek, McPhee Gribble, 1992.
41
On the 8th of September 1853, in a letter to Governor La Trobe, George Faithfull concluded a
description of the retributive expedition by writing “The fight I have described gave them a notion of
what sort of stuff the white man was made, and my name was a terror to them ever after. … I picked up
a boy from under a log, took him home and tamed him, and he became very useful to me, and I think
35
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Wangaratta, they “abandoned their squattage on account of the depredations by the
blacks who murdered six of their men”; William retired to his father’s Springfield
grant on the Goulburn Plains and George to Wangaratta.42 William later became a
member of the Legislative Council.43 The Reverend Joseph Docker, curate of St.
Matthews at Windsor, 1829-1833, resigned and bought John Brabyn’s Clifton at
Clarendon before selling and moving south in 1838 and settling in the Faithfull’s slab
hut at Bontharambo. Unlike the Faithfulls, Docker got on well with the local
Aboriginal people and prospered.
Even further to the south, Oscar Luttrell, the fifth of Edward Luttrell’s sons was killed
by Aboriginal people in 1838 near Melbourne.44
was the means of deterring his tribe from committing further wanton depredation upon my property;
my neighbours, however, suffered much long after this.” Hostage-taking was a time-honoured practice
in guaranteeing self-preservation.
http://www.voea.vic.edu.au/resources/curriculum/pioneerletter_georgefaithful.html.
42
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 30th August 1929.
43
“Mr William Pitt Faithfull, of Springfield, Goulbourn, who died last week, was born in Richmond in
1806, and in October next would have completed his 90th year. Mr Faithfull was a man of fine
physique, being over six feet high The cause of death was senile decay, and his end was very peaceful.
Mr Faithfull's father was Mr William Faithfull, who enlisted for service in the Spanish wars, but was
told off for service in New South Wales The account of his life runs:-"Had he then known the success
that was waiting for him in Australia be would not have suffered such grief as he did at not being sent
to Spain He arrived in the colony in 1791, and served with his regiment for some time. On obtaining
his discharge he was employed by Colonel Foveaux in the management of his farms and runs, and in
the settlement of stock and other business of a pastoral life. For some years he remained in the service
of Colonel Foveaux, until the latter left the colony in order to return to England, when he began
business on his own account. Previous to leaving, his old employer gave him part of his flocks, and a
considerable share of his personal property, including his watch and bible, which have been treasured
since as precious heirlooms by his family. For some years he farmed on various properties, principally
at Canterbury and Jordan Hill, between which he spent most of his time, until be eventually settled
down permanently at Richmond, and resided there until his death, at the age of seventy-three years.
The active spirit that first had incited him to adventure, braving all dangers and fearless of death,
enabled him to win position and wealth in the rude land in which he found himself He went gallantly to
work, and from Nature herself tore the spoils that are the reward of the brave. In 1804 Mr Faithfull
married Miss Susanna Pitt. Mr William Pitt Faithfull left school at the age of 15 and then entered as a
clerk in the office of his uncle, Mr Robert Jenkins, at that time a leading Sydney merchant. On his
uncle's death Mr Faithfull took up country pursuits. For some time he managed a station for Mrs
Jenkins, and then when he was about 21 he took up Springfield, where he had resided ever since. Mr
Faithfull was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1836, and was subsequently made warden of the
district. He represented Argyle during the years 1858-9, and was afterwards appointed to the
Legislative Council by Sir W Denison, resigning the position when Sir C Cowper sought to pack the
Upper House with new members favourable to the policy of his Government. After that Mr Faithfull
retired from public life, and devoted himself to the management of his large estate. In 1844 Mr
Faithfull married Miss Deane, who died many years ago. The family numbered nine, but one, Mr
Reginald Faithfull, is dead. The late Mr Faithfull was one of the pioneers of the colony. He was one of
the first to settle in the Goulburn district, and held in the early days of his country life Stations in
Monaro. With his brother George he was also one of the first "overlanders" to Victoria, where he
helped to open up the Ovens district. Mr Faithfull was, by reason of his retired life, necessitated by his
great age, but little known to the present generation. Perhaps his career is best summed up in the
sentence of a modern writer, who, referring to the deceased, says-"He has lived uprightly and honestly
as a private individual, and has performed all the duties incident to his station in a manner that best
serves his country."
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 9th May 1896. http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72548611
44
http://www.angelfire.com/realm/gotha/Part_h8.htm
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On the 10th of June 1838, 28 Aboriginal people were massacred at Slaughterhouse
Creek on Henry Dangar's run. Of the twelve known participants, eleven were
stockmen for nine squatting families. Of these nine families, five were Hawkesbury
families. The leader, and the only free man, was John Henry Fleming, born in the
Hawkesbury. The twelve men were:
John Fleming
Squatter
John Johnstone
Assigned to George Bowman, worked for the Cox's from
November 1836.
Charles Kilmeister
Stockman for Henry Dangar45
William Hawkins
Lethbridge's head stockman46
Charles Telluse
stockman for James Glennie47
James Lamb
Cobb's superintendent48
Edward Foley
Assigned to Joseph Fleming of Wilberforce. At this time
a stockman under Flemings' young brother, John.
James Oates
Hall's stockman
James Parry
Hutkeeper for Daniel Eaton49
George Palliser
Bell's head stockman
John Russell
Bell's stockman
John Blake
Stockman for James Glennie.
Around the 18th or 19th of June 1838 Sir John Jamison led a deputation to present to
Governor Gipps, a memorial, signed by eighty-two “pioneers of civilization”. The
Memorial had been composed two days before the Myall Creek massacre. The
signatories included two Legislative Councillors - Sir John Jamison and John
Blaxland. Among the rest were some of the best known squatters: Stuart Donaldson,
W. H. Dutton, Thomas Icely, John Easles, Robert Lethbridge, William Sims Bell,
Thomas Walker, H James McFarlane, William Hovell , Hamilton Hume, and Philip
Gidley King, the twenty-two year old grandson of the former Governor and a later
long-term general superintendent of the AA Co's offshoot, the Peel River Land and
Mineral Company.50 The memorial is noteworthy for invoking the precedence of
“coercive measures” to end “outrages”.
Sydney, 8th June 1838
‘Your Memorialists are of opinion that these untutored savages not comprehending or
appreciating the motives which actuate us attribute forbearance on our part solely to
impotence or fear, and are thus rendered only more bold and sanguinary. This
opinion founded on past experience will receive ample confirmation on reference to
the history of this Colony and the acts of former Governments. It is undeniable that no
district of the Colony has been settled without in the first instance suffering from the
45
Henry Dangar was a surveyor of the Hunter Valley who used his position to become a prominent
landholder there.
46
John Lethbridge was the second son of Captain Robert Lethbridge, a retired naval captain who
settled on Flushcombe near Prospect. Robert was a prominent horse breeder. Thomas Iceley’s
Counsellor and Sir John Jamison’s Bennelong came from one of Lethbridge’s stallions. John was a
squatter on the Gwydir. Page 11-9, Keith R. Binney, Horsemen of the First Frontier, Volcanic
Productions, 2005.
47
James Glennie was a property holder in the Hunter.
48
John Cobb was a Hunter Valley pastoralist.
49
Daniel Eaton was a North Richmond farmer.
50
Page 265, Roger Millis, Waterloo Creek, McPhee Gribble, 1992.
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outrages of the Natives, and that these outrages continued, until put an end to be
coercive measures. Conciliation was tried in the first instance but invariably failed in
producing any good effect, and coercion was ultimately found unavoidably necessary,
which, if earlier adopted would have saved much bloodshed on both sides. It is only
when they have become experimentally acquainted with our power and determination
to punish their aggressions that they have become orderly, peaceable, and been
brought within the reach of civilization.’51
Dangar’s overseer , William Hobbs, informed Frederick Foot, a Gwydir squatter of
the massacre and Foot rode down to Sydney to report the Myall Creek massacre
directly to Governor Gipps on the 4th of July 1838.52
Sometime in July or early August John Fleming fled to the Hawkesbury.
The following story is an oral history that I have been given permission to use. Like
all such oral histories in Pondering the Abyss I have chosen not to identify the source.
I do his in the belief that all oral histories are fraught with problems of accuracy and
because the issues are still raw in the Hawkesbury. Certainly it seems consistent with
the statement in his obituary regarding his “stories of the early days of settlement in
the colony, and the trouble he had with the Blacks”. It is not, however, consistent
with the facts that emerged during the trials.
‘John Henry Fleming, led the Myall assault in 1838. He turned 22 years old just days
prior to the disaster. Originally JH Fleming and his men were angered by the
discovery of speared and dying cattle in the bush and then there were attempts to
spear the men who had been camped out in the bush minding the cattle - and that is
what originally ‘lit the fire’ to their anger. The natives had always been given meat to
feed their families, but the cattle were killed & skinned by the farmer because the
natives really weren’t capable of skinning a carcass.
The cattlemen had been leading the captured group around the bush for a while
hoping to attract the real culprits. They were very frustrated at not being able to get
their hands on the ones they wanted – when finally deciding they had to do something.
It erupted into an act of not being a straight forward act of taking aim and shooting,
but a spur of the moment atrocity.
J.H. Fleming raised his gun and aimed at one particular man who he believed knew
more than he was telling them, at first to scare him into talking, so he fired at him, not
to hit him, but to scare him - to his shock and horror in a split second, every man with
a gun had raised his gun and fired at the same time and kept firing until all the
natives were down. John Henry admitted he probably killed one, but claimed he took
no part in the mass killing of the others. He was so distraught at what had been done
that he left almost immediately and rode back to camp – in the morning he went with
the men back to the massacre site to see what he could do. So traumatised and
terrified by what he found that he just got on his horse and rode towards home on the
51
Page 29, Australian Aborigines, Copies of Extracts of Despatches relative to the massacre of various
Aborigines of Australia, in the year 1838, and respecting the trial of their murderers. House of
Commons 1839
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=hTBDAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA29&lpg=PA29&dq This
52
Pages 273-274, Roger Milliss, Waterloo Creek, McPhee Gribble, 1992.
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Hawkesbury. Not on a drunken horse as was written in places later, but at a
measured speed to make sure his horse made the desperate ride to his home. However
by the time he reached the Hunter area his horse was tiring badly and he decided to
call on a relative living in the area, specifically to borrow a fresh horse to continue
on his way to Portland Head. Many Hawkesbury families had moved to the Hunter
Valley and began farming there by 1820.
He left his horse tied to a hitching rail in the village (now known of as Muswellbrook)
so no one would know who helped him in what he knew must soon come!
After he arrived back at Portland Head he was sheltered by a number of related
families still farming at Wilberforce and Ebenezer. By then the Fleming daughters
had intermarried with several Ebenezer and Wilberforce pioneer families and all
were ready to help and protect him. The police never ever came looking for him,
which even to-day is strange.’
Dame Mary Gilmore provided another account of Fleming’s escape.
‘I asked my guest if he knew aught about the blacks in the early days; and looking at
me he asked a question.
'Do you know anything about the massacre at Myall Creek, on the North Coast?' he
said. And then he went on to tell how one of the proudest names of Sydney today (and
equally of that day) was that of a man who had ridden hot-foot all night from a
certain place so that he might have an alibi of distance when what he had commanded
to be done had been informed of, and, I think for the first time in the case of a
massacre, an investigation was ordered. As he spoke I remembered how my father
and my grandparents, in telling the story, used to say that this man, being a
landowner, had been sent word by the head of the police (a messenger having been
ordered out on the fastest horse that could be given him) so that the "gentleman"
could get away before the posse, that had to be sent up in response to the complaint,
could arrive; and that even then he would not have got far enough away, had not the
trooper-in-charge been given secret orders to travel slowly. This the trooper carefully
did, his excuse afterwards being that he had to save his horses. No notable landowner
might be charged or hanged in those days; magnate and official clung together,
however many poor people might be charged, however many convicts could be
flogged or executed.
The trooper, becoming suddenly well-off soon after this, gave no account of how he
made his rise, but let it be put abroad that he had found a bushranger's hoard - a
story no one accepted; for everyone asked how could he keep Crown money, as such
it would be, if he, as a policeman, found it?’53
Toby Ryan provided a slightly different version.
‘Shortly after this, in 1836, 'Toby' proceeded to Muswellbrook for a horse to Boshey
Nowlen's, one of the oldest settlers on the Hunter River, born on the Hawkesbury of
Irish parents, who settled on in that beautiful country in 1830 with others of their
53
Pages 102-103, Mary Gilmore, Old Days, Old Ways, A&R, 1986.
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countrymen - Ben Singleton, John Brown and many others, all enterprising men.
Nowlen was a rough diamond and a thorough Australian born Celt, who kept an hotel
at Muswellbrook, and was also a mail contractor and squatter. He had a great power
of ingratiation, and was very popular. The whole of the country respected him, for
Bosney Nowlen would not let anyone pass his place hungry or thirsty if he knew it. He
also did many good turns for his brother settlers; his was a household name wherever
you travelled … The same Boshey Nowlen was instrumental in getting Flemming
away, who made his escape from Myall creek about 1836, he being the ringleader in
the slaughter of the blacks about that time. He gave Flemming a relay of horses,
which took him to Newcastle in such a short time, he (Boshey) being mail
contractor.’54
Another version comes from the Hall family.
‘Family legend tells of him galloping up to Dartbrook55 on a horse which took three
men to hold while he dismounted. One version says the animal’s state was caused by
a desperate dash through a group of spear throwing blacks; another suggests the
horse was affected more by grog than fear because it was said that John Henry had
maintained speed by wrapping a whisky soaked rag around the bridle bit. Apparently,
reaching Maitland, Fleming left his mount tied to a hitching post and this gave
credence to the tale that he escaped to Tasmania.’56
George Reeve was a prolific twentieth century writer of historical articles on the
Hawkesbury for the Windsor and Richmond Gazette. Reeve was a descendant of the
First Fleet surgeon John White. His works were triumphal in nature and focused on
family genealogies. His accounts were important in helping shape local
understandings of the settlement of the Hawkesbury. In his accounts of the Myall
Creek massacre he displayed an ambivalent attitude. He concluded one article with
the following poorly constructed paragraph. “In my, concluding article I shall write
retrospective results, and of the blood of the pioneers and their work as pastoral
settlementarians and builders of the State, as a family descended from the blood of
heroes likewise. Apart from all black or native spoilation so manifestly apart as of the
other names of squatters, whom history despises. Their names, are not even entitled to
mention here.”57 While he may have positioned himself as a man of honour in taking
such a stance it also let him off the hook when it came to naming names. A year later
he had no such compunctions in defending Fleming. “One, like myself, knowing these
things and happenings can find many excuses for what happened in the year 1838 at
Dangar's “Myall Creek” station near what is now the beautiful town of Inverell.”58
In dealing with the Myall Creek massacre Reeve made a number of mistakes,
particularly in referencing Toby Ryan. According to Ryan, Nowlen gave “Flemming”
a relay of horses that took him to Newcastle, not a race horse, and Reeve was
incorrect in writing that Ryan claimed Flemming went to America. Reeve may have
also been wrong about William Hobbs, Dangar’s station manager who first reported
the massacre. Hobbs may have been an Englishman (this is not to say that Hobbs did
54
Pages 56-58, James T Ryan, Reminiscences of Australia, 1894 .Reprinted 1982.
Dartbrook on the Hunter was an 1831 grant to George Hall, a relative of Fleming.
56
P132-133, Russell Mackenzie Warner, Over-halling the Colony, 1990.
57
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 8th February 1924, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85898883
58
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 1st May 1925, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85902170
55
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not settle in the Hawkesbury with other members of his family who already lived
here. William Hobbs was a Hawkesbury policeman later in the century). There were
two trials, not “many”. Eleven men were tried in the first trial, not “twelve”. Seven
men were hung, not “eight”. Whether “Flemming” was hidden at St. Albans or lived
openly there is a moot point. Reeve’s articles are important not only because they
display ambivalence, hypocrisy and poor research, but also because they show that
settler attitudes towards Aboriginal people were complex and divided.
‘It is said (I do not know with what amount of truth) that a “blood feud”, existed,
from the end of the year 1838 to the day of their respective deaths, between William
Hall (the bachelor) of “Percy Place,” and William Johnston, arising out of the Myall
Creek massacre of blacks near Inverell, or rather the trial in Sydney of the twelve men
concerned, eight of whom on conviction suffered the extreme penalty, of the law,
being hanged in the jail in Lower George-street, Sydney. Mr. William Johnston was a
juryman on the many trials of the prisoners. It is notable that all the twelve men who
were apprehended were “servants in bond,” while one man, for whom the authorities
were searching the country (a free Hawkesbury native) was concealed for a period of
2 years in “the Hills by Macdonald River, near St. Albans.” In the official despatches
to the Home authorities by Governor Gipps, lately printed in the Commonwealth
Historical Records in Australia by Dr. Frederick Watson, Sir George Gipps
scathingly refers to the conduct of this individual. The Myall Creek massacre has
been written of at length by many writers. The version by J. T. Ryan (“Toby" Ryan) is
very interesting and illuminating. In his 'Reminiscences of Australia' (a fascinating
book, by the way) Mr. Ryan states that the instigator-ringleader behind the massacre,
whom he names, while making his escape from the authorities was loaned a racehorse at Muswellbrook, and changes were arranged by “Boshy” Nowlan, a
Wilberforce native (a son of Michael Knowland, the founder of the family, and a First
Fleeter (obit. 1828) who had a ferry punt in the very early days from his farm at
Wilberforce to the Pitt Town side of the river, December, 1819. Mr. Ryan claims that
that man rode day and night to Newcastle, without stopping, and then boarded a ship
for America, where he stayed for many years. Many others say that story is untrue,
and the man for whom search was made for many months, never left the valley of the
Macdonald River, while the search was on. However, as all the principals are long
since “gone to the land whence there is no returning,” it does not matter, only as an
item of history of the early days, over which a black chapter has been cast.
Incidentally, I might mention that it was one of the Hobbs family, of Pitt Town, who
was the means of thoroughly bringing the light on to many injustices shown towards
the native blacks by certain old-time squatters of New England.’59
In 1849 while the Legislative Council rejected the Aboriginal Natives Evidence Bill; a
number of speakers used the debate to condemn the execution of seven men “for the
murder of the blacks at the Gwydir River”, as judicial murder. The Attorney General,
John Hubert Plunkett, 1802-1869, as Attorney-General ,was responsible for the two
Myall Creek Massacre trials. His response to the attacks throws light on the attempts
of pastoralists to pervert the course of Justice in 1838 and highlights the bravery of
59
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 24th April 1925, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85901607
Other authorities state that Hobbs was an immigrant from Somerset. He became a constable at
Wollombi in 1849.
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two Hawkesbury men, Edward Hyland of Richmond and William Johnston of Pitt
Town, who served on the jury in the second Myall Creek murder trial.60
‘The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (in reply): After the remarks that had fallen from
various hon. members in the Council in this debate, felt it incumbent on himself, not
only as a man but a member of the Government he had the honour to serve, to offer
some observations in reply. And he would first allude to the charge brought against
him by the honorable member from Cassilis61—a charge of judicial murder, on which
he (the Attorney-General) was stated to be the prime mover and agent. He must be
permitted to say, that this charge had been brought against him in language which he
was not accustomed to hear in that House — in language, which should be well
weighed and considered before indulged in by any honorable and learned member.
He would venture briefly to narrate the circumstances attendant on the event, which
originated this so called judicial murder. A party of twelve or thirteen stockmen
having received some molestation from the blacks, went out, and rode about the
country in search of no particular tribe of blacks, but of any tribe that might have the
ill fate to fall into their hands. They happened to come up to a tribe of tame blacks —
blacks who were in a manner domesticated, and were useful in their own way to the
settlers around. They carefully surrounded this tribe, and captured, with the exception
of some one or two children, the whole of them, amounting to twenty-seven in number.
They then fastened every member together by the limbs with a rope, which they then
bound round the whole, confining them in a compact mass. In this situation they were
fired at by the party, with guns, with pistols, and with blunderbusses. The party were
completely armed with cutlasses, and with these they hacked the limbs of their
victims, who were then thrown, some while yet living, on a fire, several of the
atrocious band remaining for several days to see them burned. One little girl escaped
from this dreadful scene, and the ruffians, having been indicted for the murder of a
child, were acquitted. But although the murder was proved as clear as possible, it was
not difficult to see how they were acquitted. There was a party of conspirators to
defeat the ends of justice on this occasion, and it came to his (the Attorney-General's)
knowledge that they had taken measures which effectually obtained this end. The
jurors were summoned as usual, alphabetically, but they were all waited upon, many
frightened either into accordance with the views of the conspirators, or to stay away.
When the trial came on only twenty-four or twenty-five jurors attended, and the whole
number allowed by him twenty, were challenged by the defendants. The count being
packed with the creatures of the conspirators, a Jury was selected who returned a
verdict of not guilty, to the great surprise, he would venture to say, of every one who
had heard the evidence on that occasion.
Mr. WENTWORTH : There should have been an end of it.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL : He did not agree with the honorable and learned
gentleman. He did not think that he should have deserved to hold for one moment the
position he occupied in the country, if he let the matter stop there. The Council would
remark that these men had been indicted for the murder of a child. They were
subsequently indicted for the murder of the father of this child — a man so
remarkable in his formation that his identity was indisputable. He stood upwards of
60
http://www.law.mq.edu.au/research/colonial_case_law/nsw/cases/case_index/1838/r_v_kilmeister2/
Edward Hamilton, 1809-1898, trained in law in England, but came to NSW to make his fortune as a
pastoralist and return to England.
61
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six feet high, and so peculiar was the structure of his head that numbers who had seen
him were ready to swear to the skull, even without the hair. This man was named
Daddy, and for his murder the prisoners were again indicted. The counsel for the
prisoner, Mr. Foster, Mr. a'Beckett, and Mr. Windeyer entered a plea of autre de fois
acquit.62 This plea was demurred to by the law officers of the Crown, and was argued
for a whole day; and then, on the decision of Mr. Justice Burton, whose authority as a
criminal Judge could scarcely be disputed, the demurrer was affirmed, and the case
proceeded to trial. Seven of the parties were condemned and sentenced to death. He
appealed to the House, under the atrocious circumstances he had related, could any
Government be justified — could it maintain its place, as a Government in the
civilized world, if it refused to put the law in effect, and make an example of these
men. He would say, too, that every one of these seven men, before their execution,
acknowledged the justness of their sentence. They declared that they had been guilty
of this atrocious crime attributed to them; and yet this was the proceeding which was
characterised by the honorable member for Cassilis as a judicial murder. He (the
Attorney-General), loud as the outcry might be against him, would be ashamed of
himself as a man, and as a public officer, if he had taken a different course on this
occasion. (Hear, hear.)’63
1838: right man - wrong massacre
The following extract from Cooramill’s Reminiscences well illustrates the difficulties
of working with recollections. Bill Allen did provide evidence against his fellows
involved in a massacre, but it was not the Myall Creek massacre as Cooramill asserts
and it did not proceed to trial. Bill Allen was a ticket of leaver and overseer for Daniel
Eaton, son of a successful emancipist. The Eatons were an old Hawkesbury family. In
March 1837, Bill Allen drove cattle to the Gwydir River. Along with the station
superintendent, Charles Eyles and a stockman, James Dunn,64 Bill Allen was involved
in the killing of nine Aboriginal people on Crawford’s station on the Gwydir in
November 1838. Eyles decamped and was later captured in Sydney. Dunn and Allen
were taken into custody, and in March 1839 Allen reluctantly related the killings at
Crawford’s station. Allen also reluctantly gave evidence to Magistrate Day about the
poisoning of Aboriginal people at McKay’s Hut on the Gwydir in July 1837 – this
predated the general assumption that poisoned flour was only used after the Myall
Creek trials. Despite there being another witness the case collapsed because Allen
apparently recanted his confession and the evidence of Aboriginal witnesses could not
be heard in court. Millis is of the opinion that Governor Gipps was not keen to pursue
the case.65 For this work the story is important because it illustrates the close links
between the Hawkesbury and the killings on the ever expanding frontier and the
garbled ways in which history is recalled orally.
62
That is, the men had already been found not guilty.
The Sydney Morning Herald, 29th June 1849, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/12912959
64
On page 275, Cooramill mentioned a Jim Dunn as living on Lennox Street, Richmond, near the Paget
Street intersection. See pages 54-5, Ian Jack, Macquarie’s Towns, The Heritage Council, 2010. I can
find no other evidence to connect Jim Dunn and James Dunn.
65
Pages 98, 256-7, 585-586, 676-9, R. Milliss, Waterloo Creek: the Australia Day Massacre of 1838,
George Gipps and the British Conquest of New South Wales, McPhee Gribble, Ringwood, 1992.
63
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‘I said in my last that old Bill Allen66 lived under a bane among a certain class for
giving information that brought some unfortunates under the lash. But my old friend
Alf Smith, informs me that I let Bill off easy, they were not flogged but hanged.
There were no less than six able-bodied young men – there should have been seven,
but one escaped, and later on became a prosperous farmer on the Hawkesbury –
whose crime was murdering about sixty blacks by poison and otherwise on Myall
creek.’67
1838: Myall Creek trials and executions
On the 15th of September, 1838, a £50 reward was offered for the apprehension of
John Fleming. He was not arrested. The eleven stockmen were brought to trial in
November 1838 and found not guilty. Seven of the acquitted men were rearraigned
for a new trial in late November 1838. Found guilty they were sentenced to death on
the 5th of December 1838. On the 14th of December 1838 the Executive Council
rejected three petitions to the Governor seeking clemency for the convicted men. The
petitions were identical in their phrasing and signed by 227 inhabitants of Sydney, 77
from Parramatta and 186 from the Hawkesbury. On the 18th of December 1838,
Charles Kilmeister, Dangar’s stockman; Edward Foley, Fleming’s stockman; James
Oates, Hall's stockman; John Johnstone, assigned to George Bowman and worked for
the Cox's from 1836; William Hawkins, Lethbridge's head stockman; John Russell,
Bell's stockman; and James Parry, hutkeeper for Daniel Eaton were executed.68 Five
of the executed men had Hawkesbury connections.
1840: John Henry Fleming’s wedding
The third Myall Creek trial of the remaining four men collapsed when the main
witness against them, Davey, could not be found. In February 1839 the case was
dropped and the four men were released. It is likely that the murder warrant against
John Henry was dropped at this time. John Henry Fleming, by now in the MacDonald
Valley, married Charlotte Dunstan in 1840 at Wilberforce, probably in the school
house.69 John Henry signed his name with a double “m”, as in Flemming, possibly to
disguise his identity.70 Both the bride and groom came from old Hawkesbury families
with experiences of the American revolutionary wars. Charlotte’s grandfather,
Benjamin Cusley, an ex-marine with revolutionary war experience joined the NSW
Corps. He married Phoebe Pendarick. Their daughter Maria married David Dunstan in
1815. Their daughter Charlotte married John Henry Fleming in 1840.
John Henry’s aunt, Eleanor, daughter of Joseph Fleming, an ex-revolutionary war
soldier, married David Brown in 1800. David Brown, another ex soldier with
American Revolutionary war experience, was a special constable when he was
speared in the throat in 1799.71
The Allens lived on Francis Street near Benson’s Lane in Richmond.
Page 241, S. Boughton (Cooramill), Reminiscences of Richmond From the Forties Down,
Cathy McHardy, 2010
68
Page 555, Roger Milliss, Waterloo Creek, McPhee Gribble, Ringwood, 1992.
69
The website, http://www.australian-english-genealogy.com/davidduns/pafg02.htm , identifies their
place of wedding as Wilberforce.
70
He signed his will as J H Fleming.
71
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/AUS-NSW-HILLS-HAWKESBURY-HUNTERVALLEY/2005-02/1108263361
Page 721, Roger Milliss, Waterloo Creek, McPhee Gribble, Ringwood, 1992.
66
67
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Early 1840’s: Richmond corroboree
There are some grammatical mistakes in the following extract describing a corroboree
in a paddock in Windsor Street, Richmond, opposite the Onus house, which was built
upon the site of the old Welcome Inn. The Onus’s had a property on the northeast
corner of Chapel and Windsor Streets.
‘It was during the early forties – and in the paddock opposite the house I have been
describing – that I remember an event which made a lasting impression on my
memory. It was a “Blackfellows’ corroboree.”
At the time the blacks were fairly numerous, and it was their custom to pay the
township an occasional visit, chiefly I think, for the purpose of procuring a “blow
out” of rum. There was no prohibition against serving the aboriginals with liquor at
that time. And then there were time they would be fairly well supplied with money.
This would generally occur after Queen’s Birthday, when they had sold their blankets,
for many of them would not keep them long after issue. Besides they were bold
beggars, and would often obtain money from good-natured residents, ostensibly to
buy food, but it very often went for rum, their favourite beverage. They also had other
means of becoming intoxicated. The publicans would sometimes allow them to rinse
out the rum casks – a privilege they never allowed to pass. In fact, at some houses
they looked upon it as their right, and would take possession of an empty rum
hogshead, and proceed with their brew without ceremony. Their mode of procedure
would be to pour two or three buckets of hot water into the empty barrel, and after
rolling it about for a short time, they would have sufficient strong liquor to make a
score or more of their number helpless. If not helpless, riotous, and fit for either a
fight or a corroboree.
Well it was one of these occasions that I witnessed what I was told was a corroboree.
But I should have termed it a fight in earnest, for what with boomerangs and waddies
flying, cracked skulls, and blood flowing, it did not look much like a sham fight. I was
told it was “a way they had” of showing a friendly feeling “towards each other.” I
had my own opinion about it, and kept it.
However, I learned the names of some of the principals. There was Stevy, Emery,
Cocky, Whoolaboy, George Merican72 and Billy Green and Bumba. George Merican
and Billy Green were both known as kings.
Poor old Bumba was the last of the tribe, and can be remembered by many younger
people than I, for he remained with us well into the 70’s. He had certain days for
calling on different old residents for his allowance. One gentleman I knew used to
give him 2/6 per month, and Bumba, I think must have had a calendar, for he was
there as regular as the first of the month came to receive his allowance, until his visits
ceased. It was supposed he must have left for some other land.’73
George Merican may have been from the Cowpastures. In 1824, Jules Dumont d’Urville attended a
Aboriginal gathering near the brickfields. One of the Aboriginal people he spoke to there was “Douel”,
and he was “chief of the bellicose Mericon tribe that lives on the Cowpastures Plains”. Page 87, H.
Rosenman, (ed.), Two Voyages to the South Seas, Vol. I, Melbourne University Press, 1987.
73
One of Cooramill’s many synonyms for dying.
72
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Although this tribe - like all other aboriginals – had no fixed place of abode, they
were known as the Belmont tribe, and as it were, made Belmont their headquarters. 74
They in the early days, were considered somewhat formidable, and were very
troublesome to the settlers. Their deeds of theft and murder and the punishment they
received – sometimes after trial and other times without, but never with a jury – are
recorded by early writers, and, perhaps, it is as well for me not to mention
particulars. How long they were located here before the white man appeared on the
scene it is difficult to say, but it may be conjectured by the imprints of their stone
tomahawks on the rocks under Belmont house. These marks can be seen unto this day,
and as plainly as they were to the earliest settlers a hundred years ago, and, no doubt,
they were there long before the white man came. I can remember them over half-acentury, and they appear to me to be in the same state now as when I first saw them.
However, we may safely conjecture that the aborigines did not trouble to make stone
implements when they could procure iron so easily as they did after the white man
settled among them.’75
Early 1840’s – blanket distribution
‘Years ago Queen’s birthday was a great day in Windsor among the blacks. I
remember they came from Putty and brought wild currants in with them and sold
them. They got sixpence a quart for them. From Colo, Comleroy Road, Putty and
other places they all made to Windsor on this particular day, for their blankets. They
were so numerous at Putty they were called the Putty tribe. I knew two Kings, George
Merrikin and Billy Green. Both were proud of the brass plates they wore, which hung
on their breasts from a chain round their neck. King George Merrikin had a son he
called”Dicky” Powell, because he was born down on Richmond lowlands near old
Mr Powell’s. King George’s gin was lame, and she was known as “Lame Maria.”
King Billy Green’s gin was named Mary. Then I knew old Stevey, a blackfellow.
There was a widow murdered at the Grose by four blacks and a grant of fifty acres
was offered to anyone who could catch these four blacks. Stevey knew their
whereabouts and told Mr James, and he with old William Carver, came on them early
one morning while they were asleep. They sent Stevey away to let Mr Cox of
Clarendon, and Captain Brabyn, who then lived at Clifton (both magistrates and high
officials then) know about it. Both these men went out, and the blacks were hung out
there. Then there was old Bumbah. One hot day he came to the river while I was at
the punt76 and said he was going to have a swim. He dived in and was so long under I
thought he was drowned, when to my great surprise up popped his old black head a
few yards from the other side. Bumbah and Stevey were thought a lot of.
And it will still be remembered by some, no doubt, how Stevey tracked a man, who
stole a cow from Richmond, as far as Regentville, and got him ten years to Cockatoo.
74
Richmond Hill.
Pages 68-67, S. Boughton (Cooramill), Reminiscences of Richmond From the Forties Down,
Cathy McHardy, 2010
76
Alfred Smith worked on a punt in the 1840’s which I believe was near the modern North Richmond
Bridge. The tide then went up as far as Howell’s mill, at Yarramundi. At the time I speak of the river
was 176 yards from water’s edge to water’s edge. How I knew was by the length of the rope we used on
the windlass or rollers, or whatever their proper names were. Its depth was twenty foot in the middle,
and little did I think then I would live to see the sandbanks and as little water as we see today. Page 3,
Alfred Smith, Some Ups and Downs of an Old Richmondite, Nepean District Historical Society, 1991
75
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Gilmaroy Jack was another well known black, but was thought very little of. Everyone
reckoned you couldn’t trust him, and had to watch him. Johnny Wickeray was a black,
but was thought a lot of. Johnny was the means of laying a man on to a good piece of
cattle country out at Boggy Swamp.77 Blacks as a rule not fond of work, and I knew a
big black who was about as lazy as anyone would wish to see. For this trait he was
called lazy Jack. I remember one black boy, Mudgee Tommy, Mr William Bowman
brought down from Mudgee with him. He was with him for a long time and was a
handy young fellow at fencing, etc. But being among the whites didn’t suit Tommy, so
at last he joined the tribes down here.78 We have had big camps out on the common,
and one time they speared a bullock belonging to Thomas Mortimer, who was keeping
the pub at the time on the corner of Bosworth and March Streets. A few went out and
threatened them what they would do if they speared any more.
There was another big camp out on the Common when I was a boy. Jack Lord
(Yarramundi Jack) and myself were out there one day, when we were bits of boys, and
a big black got feeling us and said we were fat, and would kill us. We began to cry
and told him if he wouldn’t kill us we would bring him some bread and meat back. He
let us go and when we got out of spear reach we ran for our lives. We didn’t take him
any bread and meat. We have had many a laugh over it since, and both lived long
enough to find the blackfellow was only having a “lark” with us.
Once there was a great battle between our tribes and those from the Cowpasture. The
Cowpasture blacks came over after some of the gins. There were some killed on both
sides. Cowpasture Paddy sided with our blacks a bit and was afraid to go back with
his tribe. He used to be a lot about old Mr Thomas Powell’s.79
Blacks are wonders at finding wild bee nests. I remember Cowpasture Paddy finding
a great nest in an apple tree out where the College is, and Thomas Howell got a lot of
honey out of it. Old King Merrikin found one out at the Long Hollow80, and one of the
Howells got two hundred weight of honey out of it.’81
Circa 1840: snakebite
‘Mrs Pitt82, while picking up a piece of wood, was bitten on the hand by a snake, and
her husband, who had often seen the blacks cure snake-bite, adopted the same
method. Unfortunately, in extracting the poison from Mrs. Pitt, it got into his own
system, and he was in a more precarious state than his wife.
In the meantime the blacks arrived, and a doctor had been sent for. There is no doubt
the aid rendered by the blacks in a great measure saved their lives.
77
Probably near Putty.
Cooramill recounted a group who took a bullock team across the Bell's Line of Road around 1840.
“They were William Bell (of Belmont), William Bowman, Joseph Cope, Thomas Dargin, William
McAlpine, William Penton, Senior and a blackfellow named Mudgee Sam.” Pages 97-99, S.
Boughton (Cooramill), Reminiscences of Richmond, The Hawkesbury Herald.
79
Thomas Howell had a mill at near the present Yarramundi Falls.
80
I don’t know where the Long Hollow was.
81
Pages 142-143, Alfred Smith, Some Ups and Downs of an Old Richmondite, Nepean Historical
Society, 1991.
82
Of Trafalgar on Comleroy Road.
78
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It is a great mistake for a European to try an cure snake bite by the same process as
the blacks, for the simple reason that you will not find one in a hundred with a sound
set of teeth, whereas with respect to the blacks it is, or used to be, just the reverse.
Ninety-nine out of every hundred have sound teeth. And it on this the success of the
operation depends. For if a tooth be decayed the gum is more or less broken. And
there lays the danger of the poison mingling with the blood of the would be operator.
Moreover, the blacks always use a quantity of water, and frequently rinse out their
mouths when sucking the wound. Then again there is their little charm. You would not
see a black attempt to suck a snake bite without a little pebble being first thrust into
his mouth.’83
Circa 1840: camp on the Commons
‘Paget Street
We will start in this street at the College84 end, and up to the corner of Lennox Street
there were only two houses when I was a boy. George James lived in one and Thomas
Silk in the other. About where Mr. John Cornwell now lives there stood a very large
bushy apple tree, which was plentiful on the common then. On Sunday evenings
people used to sit there in the hot weather. The blacks were about then, and had their
camp not more than a hundred yards the other side. All about there then was a wild
bush, but just about that spot is was principally gum trees.’85
Circa 1840: marrying a native
‘Two young men arrived in Kurrajong at an early date, and after trying their hands at
various works, more or less renumerative, they decided to get married and settle
down. The elder, in his correspondence with his friends in the old country, informed
them of their progress in Australia, giving a description of the country, and at the
same time informing them of their marriage. He also mentioned that he had married
one of his own countrywomen, but that his brother had married a native, forgetting, at
the time, that the general impression at home was that all native-born were blacks.
The mother was naturally grieved to think her son had married a black woman, and in
her reply expressed her grief at, as he termed it, the ‘lamentabe mischance.’ It was
not until he had received the letter that the brother was aware of the mistake he had
made, and as arrangements had been completed for the old people to come out to
Australia, there was no available way of enlightening them or removing the false
impression, so he had to let them remain in ignorance of the fact until their arrival.
Needless to say, the old lady was delighted, on being introduced to her daughter-inlaw, to find she was a white woman. Aye, and a real white woman too!’86
83
Pages 153, S. Boughton (Cooramill), Reminiscences of Richmond From the Forties Down,
Cathy McHardy, 2010.
84
Now UWS.
85
Page 71, Alfred Smith, Some Ups and Downs of an Old Richmondite, Nepean District Historical
Society, 1991
86
Page 158, S. Boughton (Cooramill), Reminiscences of Richmond From the Forties Down,
Cathy McHardy, 2010
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1846: Birdseye Corner killing
‘At Richmond my mother was born87. Among the sports of the military officers and
landed gentry, was hunting the black.88 Grand-mother told me they went out after
them and packs of dogs "just as they hunted foxes in Ireland." "It was just like foxhunting," she said, for when it was over they made a feast and had a ball." I forbear
to give the description she gave of those hunts, or the names of those who took part in
them. But once, not long before my mother was expected, a hunt was arranged, and
on that day grandfather had to go to Sydney as a witness in a law case. Before he left
he loaded the gun for her and said on no account was she to venture out of doors, or
the dogs might tear her to pieces. After he was gone she began to make some scones
(she was famous as a scone-maker). As she mixed up the dough she heard the dogs,
the guns, the shout of the horsemen, and the cries of the hunted who were being
driven to the river. It was not the first time, and she went on with her work. Suddenly
the door was pulled open and a girl of about twelve rushed in, fell at her feet,
clutched her skirts, and with agonised eyes and broken words pleaded for protection.
There was nothing that could be done, for immediately "two gentlemen" entered the
room, dragged the girl out and beat in her head at the door. The blood was still there
when grandfather came home. Just after that my mother was born.’89
Circa 1850: a pub bet
The date for this extract is approximate. I have included it because it suggests that not
many people were fluent in Aboriginal languages at the time. The event described
took place in a pub on the corner of Bosworth and March Streets, Richmond.
87
Mary Anne Beattie was born 28 May 1846, at Richmond in Kerry Lodge which was just north of the
Wesleyan Chapel, Castlereagh Road, Upper Castlereagh.
88
‘The guards with few exceptions are commanded by young officers without experience, and who from
the want of other sources of amusement, gladly avail themselves of the society of such of the settlers as
casually fall in their way, and insensibly acquire their habits. Intemperance, the bane of the British
army in New South Wales is painfully prevalent. Nor are the officers, I am sorry to say, exempt from
this void. The number of promising youths thus prematurely lost to the service and their families would
exceed all belief, were these facts not attested by every regiment which has in succession served in that
country.’
Page 290, Vol 2, T Bunbury, Reminiscences of a veteran: being personal and military adventures in
Portugal, Spain, France, Malta, New South Wales, Norfolk Island, New Zealand, Andaman Islands,
and India, London 1861.
‘Major Nunn was one of the early colonists who arrived with Sir John Jamison, and their grants were
separated only by the Brenngelly Road, east of Penrith. Nunn’s estate was known as “Frogmore,” and
is now owned by Edward Heaton, where some of the family still reside.
The Major had imported some bloodhounds, and somehow they had been allowed to run wild’
Page 194, James T. Ryan, Reminiscences of Australia, George Robertson and Company, 1894
‘BY ORDER OF THR MASTER IN EQUITY.
In the Intestate Estate of Lieutenant-Colonel Nunn,
AT FROGMORE, NEAR PENRITH.
MR. MORT HAS received instructions to sell by public auction, on the Estate of Frogmore, near
Penrith,
OR MONDAY, 27TH MARCH, At 11 o'clock precisely,
SMH, 14th March 1848’
89
Pages 246-247, Mary Gilmore, More Recollections, A&R, 1935.
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We next have the old low, low, house on the corner, opposite to the side “Dick” Allen
lives on, which was built before my time. When I first knew it was a pub, kept by
Thomas Mortimer. His wife died there. A man named Harris, or Owen, kept it as a
pub also. John Markwell also kept a “pub” there for some time. While Marwell was
there a very funny thing happened. A man who was famous for his non-shouting
propensities was in there, sitting on the seat. Several jolly boys came in for a drink
and invited him to take one with them. The next one’s turn came, and, he too extended
the invitation. And so it went the round of the boys, the invitation being given every
time. They thought they would drag a shout out of the man by this method, but no.
Some of them had been out back and knew a little about the black’s language, and, as
they they knew their guest prided himself of knowing more about the black’s language
than anyone else, they challenged him to a test. Their friend let off with some of the
language and told them they did not know what he was saying. One of them said he
was asking them would they have something to drink, and named their drinks and told
Markwell to draw them.
The old man protested strongly that wasn’t what he was saying, but it was no go. They
were all of the same opinion that that was what he said, and the wind up of it was the
old man had to pay for drinks all round.’90
8th August, 1844: unfavourable comparison with Maoris
The Hawkesbury Courier and Agricultural and General Advertiser reinforced the
discourse of denial by making an unfavourable comparison between the responses of
Aboriginal people and Maoris to having their land taken
‘New Zealand.
THERE is much cause for apprehension, that serious loss of life will occur, ere the
untamed spirit of the New Zealander will submit to those laws and restriction which
civilised man finds necessary for the protection of life and property in a social
condition. The Sydney, which arrived on Friday last, under charter, from the New
Zealand Government, to convey a military reinforcement, brings intelligence of an
outbreak of this spirit at the Bay of Islands, which locality having been the longest
accustomed to the presence of Europeans, one would have supposed the least likely to
be the arena of such an attempt - There has been evidently a spirit of disaffection
lurking in the breasts of the Natives ever since the British Government have
established their sway,- and, no doubt, the turbulent spirits of the savage Chiefs
await, but a fitting opportunity to shake off the trammels of civilized life, and to gain
possession of their birthright, - which, taught by the Europeans' to estimate at its true
value - they at length find they have bartered for a "mess of pottage." The
Newzealander, unlike the Aboriginal of this Colony, is alive to the rights of property,
and may be looked upon as Lord of the Soil –seeing that he exercises those rights by
cultivation as well as fixed residence; and there can be little doubt, now that the
novelty of the gewgaws for which he exchanged his paternal acres, has worn off, that
he will use every stratagem to regain lost possessions.’91
90
Page 68, Alfred Smith, Some Ups and Downs of an Old Richmondite, Nepean District Historical
Society, 1991.
91
Hawkesbury Courier and Agricultural and General Advertiser, 8th August 1844.
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13th February, 1845: Thompson Square
‘THE ABORIGINES.-On Monday evening as three Aborigines were amusing
themselves and several of the Military who flocked around them by throwing the
Boomerang in Thompson's Square, Robert Fitzgerald, Esq., on seeing the crowd and
hearing the noise which they occasioned, ordered the Natives to be confined in the
Watch-house. A constable named Brien, who was present at the time, on hearing the
Magistrate's order, immediately rushed on one of them, and dragged and cuffed him
along until he was fairly incarcerated. We do not question the propriety of Mr.
Fitzgerald's order for imprisoning them - but we do question the right of this
constable to ill-treat them or any of her Majesty's subjects in the manner in which he
is invariably reported to do on similar occasions; and we hope if any of the
inhabitants are spirited enough at any future time to appear against this worthy, and
bring home charges of unnecessary severity against him - the Magistrates will do
their duty in dismissing him from the police, and otherwise punishing him as he may
deserve. We regret to be obliged to notice this man's conduct, but our duty to the
Public will not permit us any longer to remain silent on the subject.’92
11th of December, 1845: Aboriginal sportsmen
‘HAWKESBURY RACES'
Second Race – Hack Stakes for a gold watch. value £20 with £1 each entrance added.
One hat around the course. There were nine horses entered, and the race was a good
one.
Mr. Doyles Wait-a-while …… 1
9
1
Mr. Alexanders' pony (Tommy) 3
3
dr.
Mr. C Robert's Jim Along Josey 7 6
2
Mr. James Roberts' Boon-gong
Jack ............................................ 8 2
3
Mr. North's Shelah ..................... 9 8
dr.
Mr. Higgerson's Retriever …….. 4 4
6
Mr. Dight's Sir Charles ……....... 2 1
5
Mr. Hall's Bobby ……………..... 5
5
7
Mr. Cullen's Jackey Jackey …...... 6 7
4
An aboriginal native, named Jumbo, rode Mr. Doyle's Wait-a-while; and this poor
fellow appeared highly delighted at his success. Indeed, all who witnessed the race
(not excepting the owners of the beaten horses) manifested their satisfaction at the
result.93
On Tuesday last, a foot-race took place at the Peninsula Farm between James
Thomson, of sporting notoriety, and an Aboriginal Native named Ned, in the
employment of Mr. James Doyle, for £5 a-side. Distance - 100 yards. Thomson was
declared the winner by about three inches, having carried off the Judges'
handkerchief while Ned was at his heels. Had the distance been longer, there is no
92
Hawkesbury Courier and Agricultural and General Advertiser, 13th February 1845.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66378288
Apart from owning the Macquarie Arms in Thompson Square, Fitzgerald was the second largest
property owner in the Hawkesbury after William Cox. His attitude may have been shaped by the
ongoing conflicts on his properties along the Namoi and Gwydir Rivers in 1838. See page 234, Roger
Milliss, Waterloo Creek, Waterloo Creek, McPhee Gribble, Ringwood, 1992.
93
Hawkesbury Courier and Agricultural and General Advertiser, 10th April 1845.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/page/6499663
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doubt but Ned would have been the winner. Several persons assembled to witness the
race. We understand Ned will be backed to run Thomson again a distance of 250 or
300 yards, for £10.’94
Everingham reconciliation
The Everinghams, like many Hawkesbury families had complex relationships with the
Hawkesbury Aboriginal people. In May 1804; Matthew Everingham, his wife and
their servant; were wounded in an attack on their Sackville Reach farm. John
Everingham, born in 1814 was thought to have at least one child to an Aboriginal or
part Aboriginal girl, Mildred Saunders. Ephraim Everingham, who was born around
1855 married Martha Hobbs, reputedly the last full blooded Aboriginal person on the
Hawkesbury. Elizabeth Everingham, born on the 10th of June 1805 was John’s older
sister. Elizabeth married Charles Butler, her brother Matthew’s assigned servant in
1822. He was executed for murder in 1826 and in 1827 she married John Harman,
another assigned servant. Upon his death she married Joseph Ladd in 1837. Joseph
and Elizabeth had four children on Mangrove Creek in the 1840’s. Joseph drowned
sometime after moving to Wollembi. Elizabeth returned to the Hawkesbury where she
visited her sister Sarah at Woodbury’s on Milkmaid Reach. Her descendants thought
she was around sixty at this time. She spoke the language of the Aboriginal people of
the river and would visit local Aboriginal people, who were almost certain to have
been relatives. The date of her death and her burial place are unknown.95
Valerie Ross blended two letters of Caroline Love (Sarah Everingham’s
granddaughter) to George Reeve in the 1920’s in which there is mention of the
terrible troubles Matthew Everingham had with Aboriginal people. One is in Reeve
papers, 7/179, Society of Australian Genealogists and the second dated 15 October
1929 being in the Waddell cottage Galston.96 I have as yet been unable to trace either
of these letters.
Darkey: first usage in Australia
In Reminiscences of Early Windsor the following sporting achievements involving
Aboriginal people were recorded. This was the first printed usage of the term darkey
in Australia referring to a Aboriginal.
‘September 13th, 1845, Mad Arthur and Kurrajong Sawyer made a wager to roll from
Freeman's Australian Hotel, Windsor, to Blanchard's Sign Post; the Sawyer won in 9
minutes. The same distance was done immediately afterwards in 5 minutes by Black
Bobby. It was very muddy.
At Windsor, December 9, 1845, a race took place between Thompson and an
aboriginal (Neddy) for £20, distance 100 yards. Thompson won by a foot.
94
Hawkesbury Courier and Agricultural and General Advertiser, 11th December 1845
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66378984
95
Letter of Matthew Woodbury to George Reeve, 12 May 1929, M.S. 3480, NLA, Reeve Records, 7/179,
Society of Australian Genealogists. Page 146-154.Valerie Ross,
96
Caroline Love was born a Woodbury. Matthew Everingham I was her great grandfather. Page 47,
Valerie Ross
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On July 16, 1855, at Wilberforce, a match took place between Bushell and a darkey
for £200, 300 yards. The darkey won by 4 yards.’97
Circa 1850: two old fogies
It is difficult to accurately place the deaths of Jimmy Potatoes and Stringy Bark Jim. I
have made an educated guess of around 1850 based upon John Mayo being born in
1813. While it is possible they were killed by Aboriginal people, there is no evidence
to support this theory.
‘Two old fogies – one called Jimmy Potatoes and the other Stringy Bark Jim – who
thought they would outdo Johnny98 and show him a few points in wallaby hunting.
They provided themselves with sufficient “tucker” and ammunition to last a fortnight
and with their guns proceeded to hunt. But sad to relate, they never returned. Their
rusty guns were discovered in a cave many years afterwards by Johhny Mayo, whilst
he was assisting in surveying a road into Burralo. No other trace of the men was ever
found. It was thought that they had either been lost in the bush or that the blacks had
killed them for their tucker and were afraid to touch the guns.’99
1858: comings and goings
The sons and daughters of early Hawkesbury settler families moved out of the
Hawkesbury in all directions of the compass. Some returned.
Joseph Fleming, born in 1811 moved with his family into the MacDonald Valley. He
was both a farmer and business man. In 1838 he had a run on the Gwydir with John
Henry, his younger brother. By 1839 he was back in the MacDonald Valley. In the
1840s he was in Maitland operating a boiling down factory. Soon after he was in
Ipswich. As well as a boiling down factory there he had extensive land holdings. One
of his neighbours was his uncle, Thomas Simpson Hall, a neighbour and relative from
the Hawkesbury. In 1852 he sold the license for his “Orraba” run to his brother, John
Henry. 100 In 1853, Joseph’s wife Phoebe died during childbirth. In 1858, Prosper
Tuckerman married Joseph Fleming’s daughter, Maria at Brisbane. Prosper was born
at Sackville in 1833. Maria was born at Wilberforce in 1836. Prosper and Maria,
accompanied by Joseph returned to the Hawkesbury. Joseph went back to Ipswich. In
1859 he began his political career as a MLA for the foundation Queensland
Parliament, however, his business interests began to unravel and his political career
came to an end in the mid 1860s. Joseph Fleming died in Ipswich in 1891.101
97
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 12th April 1890, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72561984
Burralow is a tributary of the Grose River that runs northward behind the Kurrajong Heights ridge.
http://www.hawkesbury.net.au/community/hfhg/crier/pdf/2004_2Q_Jun.pdf
99
Pages 172, S. Boughton (Cooramill), Reminiscences of Richmond From the Forties Down,
Cathy McHardy, 2010
100
Whether John Henry went there is unclear. His obituary suggests that he did: “Born at Pitt Town,
early in life he engaged in squatting pursuits in Queensland”, 25th August, 1894, Windsor and
Richmond Gazette, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66444631. Around 1866 John Henry passed it
onto his nephew John Jurd. http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/AUS-NSW-HILLSHAWKESBURY-HUNTER-VALLEY/2005-03/1110169037
98
101
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4th of October, 1861: the visit of Sir John and Lady Young to Windsor
The following extract is important for its highlighting:
 of the growing anglicising of the Hawkesbury;
 the shift away from the convict past to the free settler future;
 the growing militarism of Australian society;
 the push for the railway to be extended to the Hawkesbury which would make it
possible to journey to the Hawkesbury from the city and return in one day.
‘Friday, 4th October 1861
But the visit of Sir John and Lady Young was ... was the most gorgeous public
event which ever took place within my recollection at Windsor. His Excellency
and Lady, with Lady Bowen and suite, arrived in a carriage at Windsor one
Friday afternoon in October, 1861. Every preparation was made by the inhabitants
for their reception. The streets of the town were gaily decorated, and a triumphal
arch was erected over the Fitzroy Bridge. At the Court House, which was reached
a little before 3 o'clock, the Windsor Volunteers were drawn up on the green in
f r o n t ; an address of welcome was presented by me as Member, representing the
town, on behalf of the inhabitants. Other addresses followed, and after three
cheers, the party proceeded to McQuade's Commercial Hotel, where they were
quartered during their stay. A Volunteer Ball took place at the Barracks in the
evening, at which about 200 persons were present. His Excellency, Colonel
Kempt, Lord John Taylour, and Mr. Turville, also Mr. Cowper, Premier, and Mr.
John Robertson (all, alas! now no more except old Sir John) were there. The
German Band played exquisite music. A good supper was supplied, and all passed
off admirably. Next morning the Volunteers from Sydney arrived by the steamer
Victoria - 300 in number. They steamed all night and reached our wharf about 10
a.m. There was no difficulty in navigating the Hawkesbury to Windsor then. The
artillery also arrived by the road during the previous night. A levee took place the first and only one ever held in Windsor - —at the Commercial Hotel. The
great event, however, was the presentation of colours to the volunteers on the
Church green. Lady Young advanced and read a beautiful address, at the
conclusion of which she presented the colours (which had been made by the
ladies of Windsor) to Lieutenant Scarvell, on behalf of the Windsor Volunteers.
Mr. Scarvell read a suitable reply, and, on concluding, called for three cheers for
the Queen, also for Lady Young and the ladies of Windsor, Sir John Young and
Colonel Kempt. After which His Excellency advanced, and, in a voice audible to
the spectators as well as the troops, delivered a lengthy address. [A description
of the united proceedings in connection with the ceremony is given in the
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/AUS-NSW-HILLSHAWKESBURY-HUNTER-VALLEY/2005-03/1110169037
A public dinner was given to the Governor at the Fitzroy Hotel the same
evening (Saturday); it was got up in splendid style; covers were laid for 150
and every seat was filled. Mr. Fitzgerald occupied the chair and myself the
vice-chair.
The usual loyal toasts having been drunk, the health of His Excellency was
proposed in a neat speech by the chairman. The drinking of the toast was
accompanied by vociferous and prolonged cheering. Upon the subsidence of
the applause, His Excellency rose and delivered himself of one of those fine
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speeches for which he was celebrated. I never heard a better of its kind. I
cannot quote all his delightful sayings - time will not permit; but winding up, in
allusion to people of good character, and possessed of some capita coming to the
country, he said :"And if such a class were induced to come out here, I cannot conceive a
district in which they would be more likely to settle themselves in than in this
very district of Windsor, in which we are now speaking. (Cheers.) Here they
would find beautiful cultivated fields, that might recall to the eye and the
imagination the fields of England. The horizon is bounded by blue hills,
which very much resemble those which are beautiful to the eye, and dear to the
recollection of Irishmen and Scotchmen - (cheers) - gardens that perhaps
would produce not only every description of vegetables to reward the English
labourer, but that are rich in the vine, the olive, the fig", the orange, and in
all those varied riches which gleam upon the shores of France or on the
sunny coasts of the Mediterranean. I cannot help thinking this a suitable
locality for the class of persons whom it would be desirable to attract to those
shores. I have now done, and I have only to repeat my thanks for the
cordiality of your reception of Lady Young and myself - a welcome that
unmistakably betokens your loyalty to the Queen." (Loud and continued
cheering.)
Some other speeches were made on the occasion, notably by Colonel Kempt, Mr.
William Bowman, and Mr. Piddington, M.P. I was selected to propose the health
of the Ministry, and I took advantage of the opportunity to say that I hoped before
long we would have a Railway to Windsor.’102
Louisa Atkinson: Recollections of the Aborigines
Louisa Atkinson, 1834-1872, lived between Berrima and Kurrajong Heights. She is
best known for her botanical work. In 1863 several of her articles under the heading
Recollections of the Aborigines were published in the Sydney Morning Herald. While
informative her articles often made general rather than specific references. Among her
Recollections the first and last stand out because of the references to falling numbers;
and the second and third for their insights into Aboriginal spirituality and refutation of
settler condemnation of Aboriginal people. At least twice in her articles Louisa
Atkinson used the word “invaders” without generating a storm of denial. Her
observation that settlers paid Aboriginal workers in rum adds a new perspective to
those commentators who bemoaned the impact of alcohol without acknowledging its
source.
‘These unhappy races have become rather a tradition, than reality, already in many
districts.103
102
Pages 36-38, William Walker MLC Reminiscences (Personal, Social and Political) of a
Fifty Year Residence at Windsor, On the Hawkesbury, Turner and Henderson, Sydney,
1890.
103
Sydney Morning Herald, 22nd September, 1863, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/13086990
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… they believed the white skinned races to be the dead, alive again, and called some
by their supposed former names …
My own impression is, that in all of these customs, connected with the knocking out
the tooth, the severing the female's little finger, the smooth white stone, she carries in
her wallet, and indeed their whole practises, there is a reference to spirits, a
recognising of Deity, in some crude, uncertain, mystic way - a mystery which shall be
carefully kept a mystery from the curious white invader. It is a matter of course to
pronounce them the lowest scale in the human ladder; the last link between man and
monkey; a degraded people incapable of improvement; beyond the pale of
civilisation, and destitute of religion, and recognising only an evil spirit. An idolator
accustomed to worship the ostensible would look on the Christian religion as a
mystery - bowing the knee to the Invisible - our stand point is not such as to enable us
to clearly limit the beliefs of the Australian aboriginal, for my own part I would be
loth to come to any conclusion, and state it as a fact.
…
Many men and lads are employed as drovers and horse breakers- pursuits they like,
and are valuable assistants in these capacities. They likewise learn to reap and hay
make, and succeed well; but the cruel practice of repaying them in great measure
with rum yearly proves fatal to many. They are predisposed to inflammatory attacks,
which are aggravated by intemperance and exposure to weather when stupified, and
the mortality is proportionate. "They give us rum; and lots of blackfellows die every
year," sorrowfully said one sensible man to the writer. That the spirit is greatly
diluted it is true, but a very little will intoxicate them - even strong sugar mixed with
water; the washings of a sugar bag is sufficient.
Soon will the tribes have passed away from the land. The Richmond tribe is reduced
to one; the formerly large tribe is the district of Berrima is nearly, or quite, extinct:
and so it is throughout the settled districts.’104
20th of January, 1874: death of Mr. Hoskisson
S. Boughton (Cooramill), 1840-1910, was the author of Reminiscences of
Richmond, which originally appeared in the Hawkesbury Herald in 1903
provided the following account of John Hoskisson’s life. John was born in 1799
shortly after his father, John Hodgkinson, was killed by Major White and Terribandy.
Young John married Sarah Freebody whose father, Simon Freebody, had been found
guilty of murdering Little Jemmy and Little George in 1799. John Hoskisson was a
successful horse breeder, business man and owner of cattle stations on the Liverpool
Plains. Cooramill’s account of John’s life challenges many stereotypes about Aboriginal and
settler relations. The article has real value in its reference to Hoskisson using Aboriginal terms in
his ordinary language and being able to speak an Aboriginal language which was somewhat
unexpected given the hostility of his mother towards Aboriginal people and his
marriage to Simon Freebody’s daughter. It suggests that in the early nineteenth century
Aboriginal and white people lived closer to each other than history would suggest. Cooramill’s
memoirs contemplating the extinction of Aboriginal people before the onslaught of civilization
were typical of the romantic genre of the doomed savage. Writing in 1905, Cooramill’s
ruminations on Aboriginal place names signals not just the disappearance of
104
Sydney Morning Herald, 25th September 1863, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/13094036
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Aboriginal people from around Richmond but also the disappearance from memory of
Aboriginal people.
‘Reminiscences of Richmond.
By " Cooramill."
XXVIII.
Speaking of the death of old Mr. Hoskisson or rather young Mr. Hoskisson, for he
could not have been very old when he met his tragic end, I have heard his son John
say he was only a boy when the sad event occurred105, and have seen him point to the
Yellow Rock in the Grose Mountains and heard him say, “That is where my father met
his death.” This rock is a conspicuous landmark, and is plainly visible from
Richmond.
There is no one living who can remember the sad event, but there are many who knew
the son, and, since he was a somewhat remarkable man, a few words concerning him
may be of interest.
In the first place, he was a notable type of the early Hawkesburyite – tall, and of good
physique. He attributed his height of stature to the fact of his having been nursed by
his mother for the first three years of his life, and his rearing was continued on good
old hominy. In fact, as there were neither baby comforters nor gutta-percha rings in
those days, he cut his teeth on a corn-cob, and as for boots and socks, the first
mentioned were a very rare article for boys of the period, and the second was
considered necessary only for feminine attire, and even then only as a luxury, to be
worn on high days and holidays. And let me tell you our friend was not the only youth
of his day and even later, who had similar training. There are many boys who have
experienced the pleasant sensation of standing upon the spot just vacated by the old
milker on early frosty mornings, and there warming, his feet. I have heard my old
friend say, he often found a warmer spot than that in the paddock in which to warm
his “mundoies” the native term for the lower extremities106 Old Grandfather
Hoskisson was great on the aborigines’ language, and could rattle off whole
sentences, and interpret them afterwards. I often think if we had the old man with us
at the present day, he could give us the meanings of many places that still retain their
aboriginal names, which are becoming of more interest every day. It is a great pity
that many of them have been superseded by others. Every name had its meaning in the
black’s language. It was very expressive, and often euphonious.’107
23rd May 1874: Cricket tragics
‘Cricket
A MATCH was played at Lower Portland on Saturday last, between Eleven
Aboriginals and Eleven of the Lower Portland Club. The Darkies made a good show,
but after dinner they got lazy and did not do so well. Appended are the scores:
DARKIES.-First Innings.
I think Cooramill was wrong on this point. I believe John was born shortly after his father’s death.
An Aboriginal word probably meaning feet.
107
Page 272, S. Boughton (Cooramill), Reminiscences of Richmond From the Forties Down,
Cathy McHardy, 2010.
105
106
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Hiram, c Mitchell b Christie
Andrew, c Mitchell, b Christie
Jacko, c Eeveringham, b Mitchell
Harry, b Christie
Dick, c Everingham, b Christie
Afee, b Christie
George, b Christie
Perry, not out
Henry Cox, b Christie
Barber, b Christie
Cox, c Eales, b Christie
Total ... 80
...1
..12
...0
...8
...6
…1
…2
...5
...0
...0
...1
PORTLAND HEAD.-First Innings.
Jos. Mitchell, b Perry
J. Mitchell, b Perry
E. Mitchell, b Perry
T. Christie, c Cox, b Perry
F. Watkins, b Perry
J. Smith, b Dick
S. Wall, b George
C. Green, c Afee b George
J. Eales, b Dick
W. Everingham, b George
J. Lowe not out
Sundries
Total
... 12
... 2
... 0
... 5
... 5
... 16
... 5
... 4
... 0
... 0
... 0
... 6
...55
DARKIES.-Second Innings.
Andrew, b Christie
Harry, b Watkins
Hiram, b Christie
Perry, run out
Dick, run out
Jack, c Mitchell, b Christie
Henry Cox, b Watkins
Barber, run out
George, not out
Afee, runout
T. Cox, run out
Total
...0
...6
...0
...0
...8
...0
...0
...5
...0
...1
...0
...19
1st. Innings
Grand Total
…36
...55
PORTLAND HEAD.-Second Innings.
W. Everingham, not out
J. Eales, c and b Dick
E. Mitchell, not out
Total
...1
...0
...0
…1
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..55
..56
Grand Total
Portland Head winning with nine Wickets to spare.’108
30th of May, 1874: blanket distribution
‘THE ABORIGINALS. - On Monday last the remnant of the aboriginals belonging to
this district received their blankets, our old friend S. Tuckerman Esq., J.P. as usual
superintending the distribution.’109
15th of October, 1881: larrikins
‘LARRIKINISM is still rife in our midst. The other day day (sic) an aboriginal went
for his mate with a stick, and disabled him. This was not all the unfortunate nigger
had to endure, for our mischief-loving fraternity soon espied "the subject for a lark."
They proceeded to playfully drag him up and down the street, which did not much
improve his attire nor his personal appearance. Ultimately, the darkie's friends
rescued him from his tormentors.’110
30th of April, 1881: darkies on the farms
‘Sackville Reach.
{From our Correspondent.)
This district has been favoured with a splendid season throughout; the rainfall has
been quite sufficient to meet present requirements, and the farmers, as a body, have
enjoyed a happy time for some few months.
SINCE the melon crop was disposed of, the harvesting of the maize has been the study
of the settlers the last few weeks; and in some instances the farmers have gathered in
their all. The average yield per acre was something like seventy-three bushels, as
nearly as I can guess, from the loads drawn from the field. Of course, this quantity
refers to the richest of our lands about the district.
OUR old friend, Mr. Holmes, will be glad to hear that his property has produced
immensely this season, in the shape of melons, pumpkins, and corn. His tenant expects
to have fifteen hundred bushels of the latter. This prosperous state of things on the
Hawkesbury meets my expectations of the good old time coming, referred to some
time back in your issue. Off the same little farm I once housed an immense crop of
maize- I think as far back as the year 1855. Our youths about the district are
deserving of great credit for their bravery in pulling through the work; and the
darkies, I understand, have rendered much valuable assistance to their employers, in
the neighbourhood of old Mr Hall's valuable estate – a string, as long as fifty feet of
long pepper, working day and night.
108
The Australian, Windsor, Richmond, and Hawkesbury Advertiser, 23rd May 1874,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/70660309
109
The Australian, Windsor, Richmond and Hawkesbury Advertiser, 30th May 1874,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/70660346
110
The Australian, Windsor, Richmond, and Hawkesbury Advertiser, 15th October 1881,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66358798
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Our stock is in a thriving condition, and our winter's prospects are not amiss.’111
28th of May, 1881: Queens Birthday celebrations
Rambler’s humorous study of the Queen Victoria’s birthday celebrations revealed the
growing militarism of Australian society and the ongoing impact of alcohol on
Aboriginal people.
‘THINGS IN GENERAL.
By "RAMBLER."
SATURDAY was a day redolent of gun powder - long will our inhabitants have cause
to remember it. In this warlike age everybody is a warrior, so fervently has every one
taken hold of the fighting mania. This being thus, anything of a belligerent nature is
received with approval. Well, on Saturday the "beautiful village" literally teemed with
red-coats, who had come from various parts of the universe to play war. They
assembled on the Park, and such a stalwart body of men would create awe in the
breast of a Boer, or a sardine. They were put through their evolutions by Colonel
Holborow and Captain Norris, whose foaming, panting, steeds pranced around a few,
as the volleys pealed forth - to the chagrin of the spectators-but not a warrior
flinched, not a muscle moved, the iron-nerved martyrs stood to their arms like men,
aye-"Whilst all the world wondered." They acquitted themselves nobly, and drew from
the beholders many tokens of approval. Hordes of visitors rendered the scene
enchanting to the view, and the crimson jackets of the soldiers, the verdure of the
sward, the palatial mansions around, the habiliments of the group, and Pat Molloy's
helmet produced in effect as picturesque a pageant as one would wish to behold. The
head-quarters' band discoursed sweet melody, and the dulcet strains seemed to
inspire the fair sex more than those of sterner stuff - indeed, one would have had little
trouble to have raised an Amazonian army sufficiently strong enough to scoot over
and let the sawdust out of the bellicose Land Leaguers. At the conclusion of the
marching, counter-marching, yelling, and counter-yelling, the brave fellows marched
round Richmond, driving all before them (in the shape of dogs, cats, &c). Anyone who
could raise a piece of dimity waved it, and when tired gave it to someone else to wave.
After this gallant sally, they marched for the train, and left Richmond midst
tumultuous cheering. Nothing of note occurred until near Windsor, when several
demonstrative folks fired a volley from the carriage windows. Things then became
lively - horses snorted, dogs barked, ladies squealed, men howled, and everybody flew
here, there, and everywhere; thus converting the charming and peaceful station into a
very chaos - reminding me of the siege of Corinth. When tranquility was restored, the
band struck up a lively air, and a few of the soldiers went in lemons at a break-down all of them appearing as jolly as if they were returning to their hearths and homes
laden with spoil.112 That fellow who played the slide trombone afforded much
amusement; the talent compared it to the Wiseman's Telegraph Span.113 The fun did
111
The Australian, Windsor, Richmond, and Hawkesbury Advertiser, 30th April 1881,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66358449
112
While I have found references to “went in lemons”, particularly in contemporary American sources
I am not sure what the phrase means. In the sources I have located it is used in the sense of “we went in
lemons and came out squeezed”.
113
The telegraph wire spanning the Hawkesbury River at Wiseman's ferry, linking the northern
settlements to Sydney by Morse code.
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not last long - the steam whistle blew and away went the Parramatta contingent leaving many aching hearts behind.
Tarantara!
QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY dawned in as slap up, soul-thrilling, delightful a manner as is
possible this side of Paradise. The scene in the empyrean was one guaranteed to make
the heart of a paddymelon melt away in bliss - the grandeur was some. Therefore, this
being a loyal community, loyal people went in for enjoying themselves in a loyal style,
and Queen Vic. had no more demonstrations in her honor at Woolloomooloo than she
had on the Hawkesbury. Cricket matches were played, picnicers went in for a good
time, and Corinthians held a race meeting "down the long lane"; altogether things
hummed some. The noble aboriginals stalked around as majestically as a Muscovy
duck, and after the blankets had been anted up, they made all sorts of haste to
swallow them (metaphorically, of course). At night, bonfires blazed, rockets ascended,
crackers cracked, tar-barrels rolled, fire balls flew aloft, the talent roared, and peace
loving people prayed for the resurrection. Oh, yes! we had a bully time, and it seemed
to be the universal wish that Her Most Gracious Majesty will live long to witness the
tokens of fealty displayed by her loyal subjects. So mote it be.’114
28th of May, 1881: Blanket Day
The description of this blanket distribution provides a range of information about the
Hawkesbury Aboriginal people. It suggests that most Aboriginal people were living
around Lower Portland and that Aboriginal people of mixed parentage lived with their
Aboriginal relatives and identified as Aboriginal people.
‘BLANKET DAY.-The aborigines of the district assembled at the Windsor Court
House on the Queen's Birth Day, for the yearly distribution of blankets There does not
appear to be any falling off in the contingent; but the aborigines are gradually losing
their distinctive character, and are becoming a whitey-brown nation. The following
are the names and ages of the Lower Portland tribe:-Elizabeth Captain, 28;115
Margaret Shaw, 28; Jane Shaw, 6; Christina Shaw, 5; an infant, one week old; Sally
Barber, 23; Charles Cumber, 50; Matilda, 85 ; Joseph Frederick, 3; Elizabeth Doyle,
27; Bertie Nowland, 24; Totty Barber, 3; Albert Shaw, 3; Andrew Barber, 26: Albert
Andrew Barber, 22; Boney Stewart, 22; Rachael Lenart, 23; Harry Cubrer, (reads)
25; Margaret Cumber, 30; Willie Cumber, 12; Alfred E. Everingham, 10; Emily
Everingham, 2; Sally Bowman, 23; Tommy Cox, 60; George Captain, 37: Johnny
Barber, 55; Elizabeth Barber, 24; Edward Barber, 8; Charles Barber, 6; Arthur
Muley, 4; Jane Barber, 18.116
The bestowal of a suit of clothes in addition to the blanket given annually to each of
the aboriginal natives, is now under the consideration of the Government.’117
114
The Australian, Windsor, Richmond, and Hawkesbury Advertiser,28th May 1881,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66358539
115
Probably a relation of Captain Jack.
116
The Australian, Windsor, Richmond, and Hawkesbury Advertiser, 28th May 1881,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66358538
117
The Australian, Windsor, Richmond and Hawkesbury Advertiser, 8th October 1881,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66358778
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29th of October, 1881: racism and historical confusion
While the racism of the following piece is quite appalling, it is its historical
inaccuracy that makes this piece stand out.
‘St. ALBANS.
(From our Correspondent.)
ONCE again I am upon the warpath. Your readers who are interested in the welfare
of this beautiful spot, will doubtless think your correspondent here very negligent; but
as the course of true love is never smooth, so also, the course of ordinary events
sometimes assumes the appearance of the fretful porcupine, and presents a very
rough aspect. When a man, through inclement weather, has to plough his ground
twice, and plant his corn a second time, the heart grows sick; and he feels, as you are
aware, very much disinclined to write correspondence to a newspaper. Never mind,
Richard is himself again; so here goes. I had a confabulation with a man the other
day, who came into this place when it was only inhabited by our dark brothers. I think
as far as my recollection serves me he said, that he visited the McDonald just after
Captain Cook drove all the blacks up here to be whitewashed. I might remark, en
passant, that the whitewash did not take - it peeled off. Captain Cook abandoned the
idea, and those who came after drove the darkies as far as they could inland, so that
they should be as little expense as possible on the fraternal Government of New South
Wales. The number of blankets now distributed by the Government is so small that the
incumberance is not felt. Poor aboriginal! I intend pumping my old friend, as soon as
opportunity offers, with regard to the early history of this place; as I know he has a
stock of information which, if put into print, would prove interesting to most of your
readers.’118
17th of January, 1882: Courts
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this court case was the fact that an Aboriginal
man was allowed into a public House.
‘Police News
WINDSOR POLICE COURT.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 1882.
(Before Messrs. Gordon and W. H. Johnston, J's. P.)
ATTEMPT TO STEAL.
William Shippy, an aboriginal belonging to Mudgee, was charged with attempting to
steal money from the pocket of Samuel Miles.
Constable Brook said he arrested prisoner on the 12th instant in George-street,
Windsor, about 10 o'clock at night; he charged him with attempting to steal money
from the pocket of one Samuel Miles in the bar of the Railway Hotel, George-street,
Windsor; in answer to the charge he said he knew nothing about it; he was under the
influence of drink at the time; he has been driving for Patrick Ryan for about a fort
night.
Samuel Miles, a labourer at present working on the railway line at Windsor, said he
saw prisoner in the bar at the Railway Hotel, George-street, Windsor, on the night of
118
The Australian, Windsor, Richmond and Hawkesbury Advertiser, 29th October 1881,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66358843
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the 12th instant ; prosecutor went there to get a glass of beer; after he paid for the
beer he put the change, 1s 9d, into his left hand trousers pocket; the prisoner was
sitting down with him on that side; he felt something touching his pocket, and looking
round he saw prisoner's hand as far up as the knuckles in witness' pocket where the
money was; no one came into the bar with witness; they were not dividing money
after coming out of a gambling shop.
Defendant pleaded not guilty, and elected to take the summary jurisdiction of the
Court.
To be imprisoned until the rising of the Court, he having been in gaol since Thursday,
12th instant.’119
1st of September, 1881: more racism
It would appear that the following piece of racism was penned by the editor of the
Windsor and Richmond Gazette.
‘Out in the back country one generally manages to become acquainted with the use of
fire-arms; game is abundant, and a good shot can pot anything from a kangaroo to a
nigger. It is no credit to a man to be able to take home a bag of game every time he
takes his shooting-iron out. Therefore a Parramatta resident was not surprised a
short time ago at receiving a letter from a dutiful son far away in the bush, in which it
was stated that he "was becoming a first-class shot; killed three ducks at one pop
yesterday." But what DID surprise him was to receive, about a week after wards, a
wire - which ran thusly: " Send along some money; the ducks I shot were not wild
ones." The second wire explained itself - the youth evidently didn't want the ducks
when he found they were tame ones - but the owner came in with a double-barrelled
shot-gun and persuaded him to take them.’120
8th of September, 1888: even more racism
The editor of the Windsor and Richmond Gazette would appear to be also responsible
for this piece of public betterment. His ideas appear to be an amalgam of
contemporary religious, philosophical and scientific twaddle.
‘It is a curious and indisputable fact that we can supply missionaries with the
wherewithal to Christianise the "little heathen,"121 and with all the requisites to place
our black brethren in the way of civilisation - whilst some of our white confreres are
on the brink of starvation and ruin. Charity should commence at home, and the
sufferings of those who are of our own household should certainly be alleviated
before any movement is made to extend civilisation to the "little heathen." The "little
heathen" don't care a brass farthing about civilisation, and don't actually want it.
Civilise them, fill them chock full of religious ideas, and - just as the object is on the
point of being completed - they airily wing their flight to the realms of bliss. It is with
the wild races of human beings as with wild animals, and birds, and trees, and plants.
119
The Australian, Windsor, Richmond, and Hawkesbury Advertiser, 21st January 1882,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66359104
120
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 1st September 1888,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72557739
121
A phrase certainly used by Charlotte Bronte in Jane Eyre, Charles Dickens in Our Mutual Friend
and also by Kipling in several works.
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Those only will survive who can domesticate themselves into servants of the modern
forms of social development. The lion and the leopard, the eagle and the hawk, every
creature of earth and air which is wildly free dies off or disappears; the sheep, the ox,
the horse, the ass, accepts his bondage, and thrives and multiplies. So it is with man.
The negro submits to the conditions, becomes useful, and rises to a higher level. The
Red Indian and the Maori pine away as in a cage, sink first into apathy and moral
degradation, and then vanish. Civilisation kills them straight - and acts as did the last
straw on the back of the camel. Civilisation, and rum - which is an outcome of the
former - have almost effectually wiped Out the original - or aboriginal - inhabitants
of this country, and will be as effectual in all other parts where the experiment is
tried. The first step on the part of humanitarians should be to aid their own kith and
kin, - who require it - and leave those who are not in need to take care of themselves.
Teach the white man to bear his troubles bravely, and to use his endeavours to effect
a beneficial change in his worldly affairs, and by so doing, a lasting blessing will be
conferred upon the race, generally.’122
1889: gum leaf band
The “aboriginal gumleaf band” points to the Hawkesbury Aboriginal people
continuing to interact with settler society. It is interesting to contrast this article
with the negative tone of that which follows.
‘In 1889, at a guinea a ticket, 600 people attended a complimentary banquet at
Wiseman's Ferry Inn, given to Peter Kemp on his return from winning the world
sculling championship from Ned Hanlon. The banquet lasted a couple of days.
An aboriginal gumleaf band met Peter and the visitors at Windsor Railway
Station.’123
1st of June, 1889: blanket day and gloomy predictions
‘Once more the few remaining dusky natives of the colony have had their respective
blankets doled out to them. Year by year they are growing beautifully less, and in a
very short space of time it will be necessary to chronicle the demise of the last
genuine aboriginal of the district. On Friday 70 blankets were distributed at the Court
House, but out of that number a very small percentage went to genuine blacks. Most
of those who were recipients were piebald in colour; many were as white as the
average Australian; and one in particular rejoiced in the possession of as good a
head of red hair as it would be possible to see in a day's walk. The whole thing is
becoming a complete farce, and the sooner the practice is abolished the better. These
people, who all earn a good living in various parts of the district, are brought from
their homes, sometimes many miles away, to receive the annual gift of "Mister
Guberment" and oftentimes they do not retain possession of the blanket for more than
a few hours, disposing of it for a few shillings with which to purchase the national
beverage, rum. As a natural consequence, they become intoxicated, and during their
few days' stay in town render night and day hideous, besides proving a source of
annoyance to the residents. It would be far better to allow them to remain in their
bush homes, where at least they do not make themselves obnoxious to the people, than
122
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 8th September 1888,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72557779
123
Page 27, Wiseman’s Ferry, Charles Swancott, Central Coast Printery, Gosford, 1970.
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to entice them into the towns where they commit excesses, and often get themselves
into trouble. They are dying out fast enough-and it would be a mercy to the poor
creatures to allow them to do so in peace and quietness.’124
29th of June, 1889: a court appearance and sanctimonious platitudes
The humanitarian care of the editor of the Windsor and Richmond Gazette to ease the
passing of Aboriginal people should be placed in the context of his attack on the
“philanthropist”s eager and keen to convert the “little heathen”.
‘On Friday last a remark was passed by the Police Magistrate at Windsor, which
deserves mention. It appears that an unfortunate dusky native of the soil had been
before the Bench, and was sent to gaol for a brief term for drunkenness. The Police
Magistrate asked whether boots were not dealt out to these wretched creatures by the
Government, and was informed that they were not, whereupon he expressed an
opinion to the effect that in severe weather such as that prevailing just now they
should be given. And so they should, without doubt. The authorities in their wisdom
have deemed it necessary to annually dole out a blanket to every aboriginal in the
colony - and seeing the rapid manner in which the race is dying out of existence, some
steps should be taken to render their remaining years at least comfortable.
Civilization, and rum - the outcome of it - are doing their work of destruction, and in
another quarter of a century the genuine dusky native will in all probability be a thing
of the past. In the interests of humanity it is but right, therefore, that the few
remaining representatives of the race should have some little care paid them - more
particularly as we find in our midst philanthropists eager and willing to lend their
assistance in securing the speedy conversion of the little heathen in other parts of the
globe, whilst they apparently neglect those within gunshot of them.’125
18th of September, 1889: Sackville Reach Aboriginal Reserve on Cumberland
Reach
The Sackville Reach Aborigines Reserve, of about 150 acres, was proclaimed on the
18th of September 1889. An additional 30 acres was also set aside on Kent Reach.
Despite being on Cumberland Reach, the reserve was apparently so named because
Aboriginal people had lived on Sackville Reach.126
31st of May, 1890: Blanket day and more sanctimony
The following article is revealing in its anticipation that the looming disappearance of
Aboriginal people would remove an eyesore. Truly out of sight, out of mind.
‘The dusky natives of this district are very quickly being civilized off the face of the
land and each Queen's birthday their numbers are growing beautifully less. On
Saturday last the few who remain had handed out to them a miserable dole in the
shape of an inferior, cheap and nasty class of Government blanket. Why this absurd
practice of giving this paltry present to the aborigines should any longer be continued
is rather strange and unaccountable. These people are brought into town from miles
down the river; they hang about the place, drinking and making night hideous, and
finally leave, minus the very article for which they travelled so long a distance. If the
124
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 1st June 1889, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72559534
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 29th June 1889, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72559741
126
Page 17, Jack Brook, Shut Out From The Light, 1994.
125
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powers that be were inclined to be so generous, why not send to the various
settlements in the district a parcel of blankets and have them distributed there, thus
averting the necessity for the poor unfortunate creatures travelling all the way to
town, and doing away with the encouragement afforded to them whilst here to fill
themselves up to the throats with fighting-rum. Of those who presented themselves on
Saturday there were but half-a-dozen men and women who could claim to be really
black, the remainder of the tribe being made up of children of a half-and-half shandygaff colour. In a year or two hence, rum and "civilization" will have cleared this
district of the few genuine aboriginals who remain, and perhaps it will be a good
thing, too, not only for themselves - as they most, most assuredly, hang out a most
miserable existence - but for our boasted civilization, - as it will have removed one of
the eyesores which most people who believe this is an age of progress and
enlightenment see in the remnants of an ignorant, uncultivated, unintellectual and
inferior race, such as the dusky natives of this Colony have proved themselves to be.
This reminds me of a story which was told me the other day respecting the proposed
distribution of blankets at the Windsor Court-house some years ago. It was during the
time that Sir Hercules Robinson (the Governor) was away at Fiji,127 and, as most
people remember, his place was temporarily occupied by Sir Alfred Stephen. The
blankets had arrived some days previous to the 24th, but were found to be damaged
and were returned. The fresh supply did not come to hand in time, but the aboriginals
mustered in great force at the Court-house, unaware of the non-arrival of the annual
dole. The Senr-sergeant called from the crowd one of the men, and sought to explain
to him the reason for the non-delivery of the blankets. He said, "You see, white fellar
down there send'em bad blanket - me send'em back; not good bought for you – twigevous. Me get'em blankets next week send'em down to you - twigevous." This
explanation the sergeant repeated several times, finishing up with " twige vous " on
each occasion, until at last the dusky native got wild, and ejaculated, much to the
amusement of the congregated crowd, "To - with your - twigevous; I want my
blangry;" and turning round to an aged savage close by he explained, "That fellar
Gubernor down there not half a - Gubernor; our good Gubernor gone away in Fiji."
Then he left, and the whole tribe, much disappointed at the result of their trip from the
back-blocks of the Hawkesbury quickly followed.’128
13th of December, 1890: oral recollections
The following recollections from Prosper Tuckerman indicate again the problems of
oral history. Governor Phillip had left the colony before the Hawkesbury was settled
in 1794. The “severe measures” he referred to were probably Lieutenant Abbott's
activities in 1795. The Reverend James Steele’s use of the word “troublesome” in his
only reference to Aboriginal people in his 1916 work Early Days of Windsor (“the
natives were troublesome, some troops from the N.S.W. Corps were sent up, and the
settlement of Windsor, then called Green Hills, was fairly launched”) suggests that
Prosper Tuckerman’s article in the Windsor and Richmond Gazette was the source of
his research.
‘When the first pioneers of the Hawkesbury were fighting their way in the year 1794,
and bringing into cultivation the land their successors now occupy, the blacks were
127
128
Between October 1874 and June 1875.
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 31st May 1890,
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somewhat troublesome and Governor Philip was obliged to take severe measures to
prevent them from interfering with the settlers. …
By this time the tribe of blacks had been reduced to somewhere about a hundred.
About 200 yards from my homestead129 there are a lot of very old marks on the rocks,
where they used to grind their stone tomahawks. The ridge appears to have been a
favourite spot for them in the early days.’130
1890: Sackville Reach Public School
There were six Aboriginal children attending Sackville Reach Public School in
1890.131
4th of July, 1891: stereotypes
The following confection from the pages of the Windsor and Richmond Gazette
appears to draw most of its inspiration from North American mythologies.
‘In days gone by, when the aborigines desired a corroboree on a scale of greater,
magnificence than ordinarily, it was the custom for the Great Medicine Man to retire
into a sort of sacred seclusion for a short period prior to the event. He sought some
wild, romantic spot, usually some lonely precipitous headland or waterworn shore
where, amidst the sounds of nature and the "harmony of the spheres," the voice of the
Great Spirit came to him and whispered in his ear the words and tune of the great
song the tribes were to unite in singing. These, when mastered by him, were taught to
certain individuals who were despatched to the different tribes, to whom they
imparted the instructions they themselves had learned from the Medicine Man. When
all were thus proficient in the "service of song" and its accompaniments, a grand
gathering of the clans took place, and the corroboree was duly celebrated. This old
custom has been recalled to my mind by the similarity of the tunes lately sung by the
various political candidates. They all seem to "harp on the same string." If you hear
one, you hear all - one plaintive, melancholy, monotonous refrain, remarkableneither for its, originality, "depth, nor comprehensiveness," but replete with timehonored supplications and semi-decayed aphorisms. Undoubtedly, the great political
medicine man in Sydney imparted some of his inspirations to these itinerent singers,
who, catching a few of the "Grand Old Man's" precepts, are now diffusing his
teachings throughout the various electorates in their own monotonous whang-doodle
styles.’132
30th of May, 1891: blanket day and indignation at government handouts
The following piece is most telling in its determination to remove any presence of
Aboriginal people from the Hawkesbury, particularly those Aboriginal people of
mixed parentage who identified as Aboriginal people and were accepted by their
Aboriginal relatives, but not by settler society.
129
At Sackville Reach.
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 13th December 1890,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72564142
131
Windsor and Richmond Gazette 31 May 1890
Page 19 Jack Brook, Shut Out From The Light, 1994.
132
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 4th July 1891, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72540345
130
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‘THE ABORIGINES.-A motley array of aboriginals - men, women and children pervaded the precincts of the Court-house on Monday, waiting to receive the
customary blanket which constitutes the " Queen's bounty" to these benighted people
on her august Majesty's natal day. Upwards of 50 townspeople assembled to witness
the proceedings, and shortly after noon, close upon 100 blanket were served out, to
the evident delight of the darkies, who gave three cheers for the Queen, but they were
very feeble cheers. There is no gainsaying the fact that the race is becoming rapidly
extinct, for there were not above a dozen full-blooded aboriginals in the whole lot.
Indeed, it would be difficult for the casual observer to understand by what right some
of them were entitled to share in the distribution.’133
30th of May, 1891: Minstrel entertainment at Sackville School of Arts
“Bones” and “Tambo” were two stock characters in minstrel show, both drawing
their names from the instruments they played, i.e., bone castanets and the tambourine.
Apart from their musical ability, both characters were the butt of the “Interlocuter's
nigger jokes”.
‘Sackville Reach.
There was a fair attendance at the tea-meeting held in connection with the School of
Arts, at Sackville Reach on Monday last. A counter attraction, in the shape of a
cricket-match and tea-meeting at Leets Vale, took away a number of residents, who,
under other circumstances, would have patronized the Sackville demonstration.
A good number of ladies and gentlemen sat down to an enjoyable repast at 1 o'clock.
The edibles were provided by the School of Arts Committee, and the following ladies
kindly assisted at the table: Mesdames Aspery and Wright, and the Misses Dunstan,
Aspery, Stephens, Stephen, Woods, and Stubbs. At 4 o'clock another meal was
partaken of, and weird and wonderful games such as " Jolly Miller," " Bachelor in
search of a Wife," &c, were engaged in until 7 o'clock, when the School of Arts hall
was packed by a crowd of members of both sexes, who patronized the minstrel
entertainment given in aid of the Park Villa C. C. funds. The following gentlemen took
part:-A. D. Wright, Interlocutor; J. Aspery, Bones; and G. Hastwell, Tambo. The
following were the songs, interlarded with numerous nigger jokes, &c:-Overture,
"Spirit of the Ball"; "Old Folks at Home," Company; "Good Old Jeff," Bones; "Little
Brown Jug," Company; "Rustic Bridge," Bones; "Bally Hooly," Tambo; "Uncle
Jefferson," Company; "Nelly Bligh," Tambo; "Moriarty," Mr. Woodhouse; "Poor Old
Joe," Company; ."Cock Robin," Company; Lecture, "Woman's Rights," G. Hastwell.
Mr. A. D. Wright then gave a stump speech on "Temperance," and a sketch entitled,
"The Haunted Room" followed. Afterwards a dialogue, "Pat and the Magistrate," was
given by Messrs. L. White and A. Watkins, and the farce, "Waxination Gratis" brought
the performance to a close. The entertainment realized £2 11s 6d. Dancing followed,
and was kept up until a late hour on Tuesday morning. Altogether a very pleasant day
and evening were spent, and the thanks of all were due, and were awarded to Messrs.
T. J. Bennett, A. D. Wright, A. Wood. Wall, and many others who rendered valuable
assistance.’134
133
134
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 30th May 1891, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72540013
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 30th May 1891, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72539983
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18th of July, 1891: Dora Dora Blacks pass through Kurrajong
Apart from travelling through the Hawkesbury the two “Dora Dora Darkies” had no
connection with Dora Creek. Dora Dora is near Albury. The two men apparently
came from Queensland and made their way back there after killing a man at Dora
Dora. They were captured not far from home in Queensland, tried and executed in
1894.135
‘Dora Dora Blacks wanted for murdering a Russian
The Dora Dora Blacks, we hear, are on their way to the Kurrajong Mountains. A
reward of £200 is offered for their apprehension, so Kurrajongers had better look
out.136
Two darkies, carrying swags, traversed George-street on Wednesday, and the town
was informed by some practical jokers that they were identical with the Dora Dora
blacks. They were, however, able to prove a 'halibi" as the elder Weller called it.’137
17th of October, 1891: Dora Dora Blacks at Colo
‘THE DORA DORA BLACKS.
REPORTED TO BE AT COLO.
On Wednesday information was conveyed to the police at Windsor to the effect that
the residence of a settler at Central Colo, whose name is Charley Whately, was
entered whilst he was at work in his orchard some little distance away, and a gun,
ammunition, and some food taken away. Mr. Whately, heard a noise inside, and
fancied it was a stick which had fallen out of the fire. When he entered the house and
discovered the facts of the case, he raised an alarm. The police was sent for to
Windsor, and Constable Rogers, of Wilberforce proceeded to Colo. In the meantime,
a search party, organized by Mr. C. Blundell, scoured the adjacent country. They took
up tracks issuing from Mr. Whatley's residence, and followed them for a considerable
distance. The tracks were those of two persons, one of whom had boots on, the other
being barefooted. The pair had evidently walked in the same track for a long distance.
‘The official record of the murder at Dora Dora states that on the 2nd May, 1891, two blackfellows came stealthily behind a Polish settler named Sovran Mursezkvitz at Bassen Creek, Dora Dora,
Albury, New South Wales, and speared him between the shoulders. They then demanded his money,
which he gave them. In handing over his money to the blacks Mursezkvitz made a remonstrance, when
one of the blacks returned him two notes and the other one note. They then disappeared. The injured
man was found and conveyed to the Albury Hospital, where his dying depositions were taken. The
description of two black trackers who had absconded from the Victorian police service was read over
to the wounded man, who stated that they corresponded with his assailants, and that when they had
made the attack they carried a tomahawk. He also gave the numbers of the bank notes taken from him.
A reward of £50 was offered by the New South Wales Government for the capture of either of the
offenders, but they in- variably eluded their pursuers. The descriptions given of the deserted trackers
were as follow : - Jack, 22 years old, 5ft. 6in. in height, light build, small features, small moustache,
active appearance. He was said to speak English fairly well. Willie, 20 years of age, about 5ft. 5in.
high, round full face, medium build. On the 18th March, 1891, prior to committing the murder, the
deserters were seen at Tatong. The difficulty, of capture in bush districts is always largely increased in
the case of aboriginals, but in the capture of the Dora Dora blacks the police have a particularly hard
task set them, as they are pursuing men trained in every feature of bush travelling, and especially
selected for the work of tracking on account of this knowledge.’
The Brisbane Courier, 16th December 1892, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/3552765
136
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 27th June 1891, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72540276
137
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 18th July 1891, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72540478
135
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The searchers at last came upon a camp, where a rude gunyah had been erected, and
found near the ashes, where a fire had been kindled, the remains of a native bear, off
which the fugitives had evidently made a hearty meal. Further than this, no trace of
the whereabouts of the persons "wanted" was discovered.
On Thursday, Senr-constable McMahon, armed to the teeth, was sent away to assist
Constable Rogers. As there is a reward of £200 for the Dora Dora darkies, they are
well-worth running to earth.
A report received by Senr-Sergeant Fitzpatrick from Senr-Constable McMahon on
Friday morning states that two men have been tracked some distance, but nothing
farther has been learned of their whereabouts. They are supposed to be making in the
direction of Wendo Mountain. It is believed that they crossed the river at Colo on the
11th instant.’138
21st of October, 1891: more stereotypes
‘A district darky the other day solicited 3d from a townsman. Possibly he wanted to
buy a loaf of bread. "Why don't you work, and earn money," asked the latter. "Waal,
boss, work's right enough when you'b got nothing else to do, but there's no plurry fun
in looking for it," replied the dusky warrior.’139
12th of December, 1891: cricket
‘Cricket.
The Agricultural College Club met the Sackville players in Windsor on Saturday last,
and received a crushing defeat. From the start it was evident they were over matched,
but, nevertheless, the College boys took their gruel splendidly and pegged away with
dogged persistence when they hadn't a ghost's show of winning. The aboriginal,
Barber, for Sackville team, exhibited good form behind the wickets. He is a clever
wicket-keeper - too clever in fact, for in one case at least he whipped the bails off
before the ball reached the wicket, and appealed. The umpire, falling a victim to the
darkey's outeness, gave the batsman out.’140
23rd of January, 1892: Dora Dora blacks all over the place
‘The chase after the Dora Dora blacks, who murdered that unfortunate Russian some
nine or ten months ago, is getting amusing, if not monotonous, and one is inclined to
think that, even if the job has been one of difficulty, the troopers will have to look to
their laurels. Narandera, Breadalbane, Windsor, Tamworth, and Quirindi have
successively seen the fugitives, or known of their presence, and they are always traced
to within a mile or so, but never found. Darkness always comes on, too, just when
their pursuers are upon them; and it is not remarkably likely that the blacktracker will
run down his compatriots if he can help it.’141
138
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 17th October 1891
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72541210 and Page 6, Diana Hazard, The Coloites, History of the
Colo River Valley 1789-1945 Colo River Valley Historical Society, 2003.
139
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 21st October 1891, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66442232
140
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 12th December 1891,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72541698
141
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 23rd January 1892,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72542105
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23rd of January, 1892: court
‘Charlie Comfort, the darkie, was too cute for the Bench the other day. He was
arrested for drunkenness, and was asked who supplied him with liquor. Charlie
winked both eyes, and promptly replied, "a gen'leman up the street."
The Bench smiled.’142
16th April 1892
The failure to count First Peoples in the census points to determination to remove
their presence that extended through all levels of Australian society.
‘The last census sets the population of the Hawkesbury Electorate down at 10,339.
Males, exclusive of Aborigines, 5411, 2926 being under and 2485 over 21 years. The
females, exclusive of Aborigines, number 4928, 2700 being under and 2228 over 21
years. The number of Chinese in the district is 41.’143
13th of August, 1892: Peter Jackson
Peter Jackson was born in 1901 in the West Indies, a free man and a grandson of a
slave. He came to Australia about 1880, became an Australian citizen, and a boxer in
1882. He won the Australian heavyweight title in 1886. In 1891 John L. Sullivan, the
world heavyweight champion refused to fight him because he was black. In 1892
Jackson fought and defeated a fellow Australian, Frank Slavin, in London.
The Windsor and Richmond Gazette carried the following report of the Jackson Slavin
fight. “John L. Sullivan's brief comment on the Jackson-Slavin fight: "The man who
fights a nigger deserves to get licked."”144 Jackson died in 1901 in Queensland of
tuberculosis.
27th of May, 1893: blanket return and more questions about identity
‘The local "darkies" rolled up in great force on Queen's Birthday, went to Windsor,
and returned in the afternoon to their quarters on the Blacktown-road.145
The Holiday.
The Queen's 78th birthday passed over very quietly in the Hawkesbury district on
Tuesday. The weather was cold and showery at times, but still the great bulk of the
people went somewhere or other for an outing. Windsor was well-nigh deserted. The
Aborigines from all parts of the district rolled up, to the number of about 100, and
received their blankets. By the way, the race seems to be rapidly dying out, and by far
the greater number of those who presented themselves at the Court-house on Tuesday
were a long way from being genuine "darkies." In fact, many of them would require
"another dip" before they could even claim to be called copper coloured,
nevertheless, they got there just the same.’146
‘Anyone going along the roads on Tuesday morning would have observed the darkies
and half-casts rolling in dozens seeking for their annual dole of blankets, and at night
they could be seen wending homewards in their vehicles and on foot. Some with a
142
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 23rd January 1892, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72542067
Windsor and Richmond Gazette 16th of April 1892. http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72542697
144
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 13th August, 1892, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72544776
145
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 27th May 1893, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72546943
146
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 28th May 1892, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72543008
143
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drunken leer yelled out as they passed other vehicles on the road, "We got our
blankets ole fellah."’147
9th of September, 1893: problems with memory
John Charles Lucas Fitzpatrick (1862-1932), founded and edited the Windsor and
Richmond Gazette between 1888 and 1899. James Padley, a reporter for the paper
used the pseudonym Yeldap, in publishing V. – The ABORIGINES, one part of a series
called The Good Old Days, published in the Windsor and Richmond Gazette during
the 1890s. In his version, Yeldap acknowledged that his account was based on the
recollections of an “old resident” who must have been well into his nineties. The
events described included the aftermath of killings at Emu Plains; the killing of three
settlers in a hut; a massacre on the other side of the Blue Mountains; and encounters
with Aboriginal people while droving. The killings at Emu Plains may have been
those described by Toby Ryan, which would date them to 1816. The killing of the
three men in the hut and the subsequent massacre would have happened in 1824.
Rupees were in circulation for many years before sterling became legal tender in
1825, so it is likely that the incident described, happened before 1825. Padley, being
born in 1861 was not an eyewitness to these events, and nor was Fitzpatrick who was
born in the following year.
The “old resident” may have been an amalgam of sources. Robert Farlow interviewed
Alfred Smith, 1831-1917, in 1909-10, when Smith was nearly eighty, and published
his recollections in the Windsor and Richmond Gazette. Smith's description of a
droving trip around 1850, published on the 8th of January 1910, suggests that he was
the source of Yeldap's account of a droving trip. The problems with oral history and
old people's memories become evident through a close reading of Smith's
recollections published in 1910. It is likely that the killings both Smith and Padley
described took place before either man was born. Smith's description of a
conversation that he had with a Aborigine regarding God's attitude to swearing bears a
strong similarity to one described by Watson and Handt at Wellington in 1833.148 This
is not to say that the events described by Smith and Padley did not happen, they
probably did, but not necessarily when described, and not necessarily to the person
telling the story. As well, the articles well illustrate the dangers posed by oral
recollection in times of low literacy and a public education system that paid little
attention to Australia's past.
The articles are a fine example of the doomed savage discourse. The author used
language designed to generate fear and loathing of satanic savagery that predated
Conrad's Heart of Darkness by six years. “Huge fires were lighted, and men and
women almost nude, with faces and limbs painted, danced round the blaze, uttering
all sorts of wild gibberish. … The whole scene by the glare of the fire was wild and
devilish, and one not to be easily forgotten. The noise was deafening, whilst the facial
contortions and gesticulations of the blacks would make the flesh creep.” By 1893,
however, the author was certain that civilisation in the form of “the keg of gunpowder
and the rum” would be responsible for their extinction. The phrases, “miserable
147
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 28th May 1892, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72543014
Page 246 of the Church Missionary Record, Church Missionary Society, London 1834.
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=HykPAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA246&lpg=PA246&dq
148
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remanent, swarthy blacks”, (later changed to “stalwart blacks” in the book),
“unhappy beings”, “poor wretches”, and “poor blacks” reinforced the passive,
recipient role that the author created for people that the author perceived to be on the
edge of extinction. These articles should be contrasted with Fitzpatrick's description
of the May 1890 distribution of blankets: “The dusky natives of this district are very
quickly being civilized off the face of the land and each Queen's birthday their
numbers are growing beautifully less.”
“Fire-water” and “bury the hatchet” were Americanisms, suggesting that in the late
nineteenth century settler understandings of the First People of Australia were shaped
by experiences elsewhere. Elsewhere, Fitzpatrick used the phrase “medicine-man”,
another Americanism, to describe a Aboriginal man. The enthusiasm in the
Hawkesbury for minstrel shows at this time suggests that Australian perceptions were
becoming increasingly distorted by American perceptions of their own First Peoples
and Afro-American populations.
Historically, the articles are of interest because their distortion of history. The
following assertions about the local history of the Hawkesbury were exercises in
denial of the Hawkesbury's past that would only mislead and deceive younger readers:
 “They were not a warlike tribe, and used frequently to come into town and hang
around the pubs.”
 “The Blacks were never very troublesome about this district, and I don't
remember any disturbances.”
 “A paternal Government which robbed these unhappy beings of their land,
afterwards gave to each member of any tribe who would work it, grants of land.
At one time the greater portion of the land in and around Blacktown belonged to
aboriginals.”
‘"THE GOOD OLD DAYS."
[For the GAZETTE, by YELDAP].
v.-THE ABORIGINES.
There is but a remnant now left of the native tribe that once lorded the Hawkesbury.
That there was a large tribe of blacks here at one time is well-known, but with the
advance of civilisation - (the keg of gunpowder and the rum) - the race is surely
becoming extinct. The few who now remain, and who make their appearance annually
at the Courthouse to receive the Queen's bounty in the shape of the customary
blankets, is but a miserable remnant of the once swarthy blacks who roamed the
banks of the Hawkesbury.
Our aboriginals to-day retain few of their natural instincts - in every way they have
learned to imitate the white man. By-and-bye the race will disappear, and all that
future generations will have to remind them that such a tribe did once exist will be the
records of history. The little we have to say about them in this paper dates back to the
time of the white man's first recollection of them and will, no doubt, be read with
interest.
An old resident has given an interviewer some interesting recollections of them.
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The principal camp in this district was on a creek between Windsor and Riverstone,
and the King who ruled the tribe was called King Creek Tommy.149 This warrior a
brass plate, attached round his neck by a chain, bearing an inscription of his name
and the name of the tribe over which he ruled. They were not a warlike tribe, and
used frequently to come into town and hang around the pubs. They were fond of "firewater" (rum), which has done its work, for this tribe no longer exists.
There was another camp at Blacktown, and from the blacks this township derived its
name. A paternal Government which robbed these unhappy beings of their land,
afterwards gave to each member of any tribe who would work it, grants of land. At
one time the greater portion of the land in and around Blacktown belonged to
aboriginals, and some of it is still held by half-castes who are descendants of the tribe
that once lived there.
Corroborees were of frequent occurrence. Once the local tribes issued a challenge to
fight the Capertee blacks, and the two parties met for combat. The fight, however, was
averted by the strategy of Sir John Jamieson's overseer, who, seeing that the tribes
meant hostilities, had slain and suspended on the battle-field a useless old bullock. On
the arrival of the hostile tribes next morning, they saw a feast awaiting them, and
decided to bury the hatchet and eat and be merry. The meditated fight culminated in a
corroboree, which lasted three days, over 300 blacks being present. Huge fires were
lighted, and men and women almost nude, with faces and limbs painted, danced round
the blaze, uttering all sorts of wild gibberish. Some of the females rushed about,
pointing out their relatives to members of the other tribe, whilst others were beating
sacks, filled out tight with leaves, with sticks, and singing. The whole scene by the
glare of the fire was wild and devilish, and one not to be easily forgotten. The noise
was deafening, whilst the facial contortions and gesticulations of the blacks would
make the flesh creep.
The wonderful dexterity of the aboriginals in the use of the spear, shield, and
boomerang was some thing remarkable. He had seen them with the greatest of ease
turn off a spear with their shield, the weapon being hurled at them from short range;
and, unless taken unawares, it would be impossible to spear them, so quick were they
in protecting themselves with their shields. In the use of the boomerang they were
particularly skilled, and could almost cut a man in two at one or two hundred yards
with the sharp-edged weapon, so great was the force with which they could throw.
They could throw it at birds with deadly aim, and the weapon would be made to
return to almost drop at the hurler's feet. They were also very clever at climbing trees.
Their method was to cut a small hole in the bark of the tree with their sharp stone
axes. Many of these implements have since been found in this locality whilst
ploughing up the ground. They then ascended the tree in zig-zag fashion, making
holes, first on the right-hand side, then on the left, and so on until the limbs were
reached. The whole of the weight of the body rested on the toes. The old man stated
that there were marks still to be found in trees at Gosper's Groves, made by the
Blacks. I have often, 'he continued,' watched their culinary operations, and some of
them were not bad cooks, either. I have, on more than one occasion, partaken of their
hospitality. One way of cooking was to dig a long trench, clear it out flat, and line the
bottom with boulders, on which a fire was made. When the boulders became red-hot,
149
Was this the six year old Tommy admitted into the Native Institution in 1816?
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the embers would be cleaned out and a steak would be thrown on to it, and in this way
they could turn out a very appetising meal. Once, when I was partaking of their food,
an opossum was being cooked. The hair was first singed off; it was then opened and
thrown on the boulders. After being cooked, a piece of the meat was handed me,
which, for want of a plate, had to be eaten in the hands. The gins, who were squatted
about near the fire, had their morsel thrown to them in much the same fashion that
white men would throw meat to a dog, it not being Aboriginal etiquette to hand meat
to their women. Some of the half-castes in those days were very hospitable, and I have
often partaken of good meals with them, some of them having learned European
cooking from the families amongst whom they lived.
I remember a very pious old black woman who had been brought up in Lieutenant
Bell's family, and who, no doubt, had had her religious training attended to, for, in
fine weather, she could be often seen in Windsor sitting under a tree reading her
Bible. The Blacks were never very troublesome about this district, and I don't
remember any disturbances; this condition was different to that existing at Bathurst,
were several outrages were committed. In later years, when the Government allowed
the annual blanket, those who annually came to the Windsor Court-house for it year
by year became less and less numerous, until at the present time their number is very
small indeed. When they first came for their blankets, I remember they numbered
about 300. At first they used to sell the gifts to people for a trifle, or barter them to
publicans for rum, but this was rightly put a stop to by the Government.
When a young man, I remember news came from the settlers that the Emu blacks were
very troublesome, and had been spearing the settlers' cattle; and the soldiers
quartered at Windsor were sent in pursuit to what is now known as Emu Plains, and
caught some of the culprits red-handed, the spears sticking into some of the bullocks.
Notwithstanding the fact that no opposition to their capture was made by the blacks,
the soldiers shot several of the poor wretches down, and when I went over the place a
day or two afterwards, I counted seventeen of them lying dead with in about four rods
of ground. On another occasion, when was travelling in the Bathurst district, - I used
to go away droving - I came across the remains of a burnt hut in the bush, and the
charred remains of three poor fellows who had been murdered by blacks. It
afterwards transpired that these three men (settlers) had .been attacked by the blacks,
whom they had kept at bay for some time with their guns until resorting to cunning,
the blacks threw a fire-brand on to the bark roof, and set the hut on fire. Strange to
say, the settlers stuck to their post, and would not come out, preferring rather to be
roasted alive than to make an effort for freedom.
A few days afterwards, a publican who once, lived in Windsor got a party of men
together, armed with carbines and cutlasses, and set out in search of the hostile
blacks, the king of whom was named after the publican.150 They came upon the blacks
after some days search, and the king came forward, asking for the blacks to be
spared. "Is that you, ------?'' (mentioning his name) said the publican, and receiving a
reply in the affirmative, he rushed, with .an oath, at the king and cleaved his skull
open with his cutlass. Report states that King Ebony ran several yards with his skull
cleft in twain, and then dropped dead. The party then attacked the blacks, and a
150
Using first names it is not particularly difficult to work out who the publican was. As I have found
no other corroborating evidence I have declined to name the individual.
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butchery ensued, none of them being spared, men. women, and children being
slaughtered to the number of seventy. The massacre - it could be termed nothing else is a standing blot in Australian history.
There is no need to mention the cleverness of the blacks as trackers, as their capacity
for finding trails or tracks in the bush is well known, and even to this day are
employed for this purpose. I was droving up over the mountains when a young man,
and, in endeavouring to get to a small township, lost the track. Shortly afterwards I
met an Aboriginal who was well known to me, and asked him to put me on the right
track, telling him that if he would go to the township with me, I would give him a
rupee - a coin which would pass in those days - and which I held in my hand and
offered to him. To show that they did not appreciate the value of money in those days,
and would rather have the equivalent in tobacco or spirits, Billy consented to conduct
me to my destination on condition that he received some tobacco. Having a little in
my pocket, I gave him a smoke or two, and rewarded him when we arrived at the
store. Alas for the poor blacks, their services were generally rewarded by rum, and
this helped to remove them from the face of the earth. It having been said that the
early blacks were a lazy lot, the old man said some of them made splendid workers,
and he saw them do a day's toil in the wheat-field that would make many a white man
ashamed of his own work. Strange to say, many of the blacks who became civilized
became fairly educated and acquainted with European customs, yet in after years
most of them were seized with nomadic habits again, and went back to their tribe.
The reminiscenses (sic) here given were told by an old resident, and as there are no
doubt other records that can be given by residents, we intend, on another occasion, to
give some more particulars of the early records of the Blacks in this district.’151
21st of October, 1893: Dora Dora blacks at Colo.
‘When the Dora Dora blacks were alleged to be in the Colo district, and a search for
them was being made, the barrels of a double breasted gun were discovered near the
remains of a camp-fire. These barrels were mounted on a stock by Mr Charlie
Blundell, who is now waiting with the weapon for a pot-shot at the dusky marauders if
ever they come round his way again.’152
John Henry Fleming and St John’s Church Wilberforce
Governor Macquarie marked out the site for the school house at Wiberforce in 1813
and John Brabyn built it in 1820. The first school master was William Gow who
married Maria Dunstan in 1821, establishing an ongoing link between the Dunstan
family and the school and church. In 1825 regular church services began in the
upstairs of the school house.153
When John Henry married Charlotte Dunstan in 1840 in the school house he also
entered into a relationship with the church. He was probably very familiar with the
men who formed a committee in 1846 to build a church at Wilberforce. Members of
151
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 9th September 1893,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72543762
152
Dusky marauders carried echoes of the Sydney Gazette. Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 21st
October 1893, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72544107
153
Pages 2-5, D. G. Bowd, A Short History of Wilberforce, Privately Published, 1960.
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the committee were the Rev. T.C. Ewing, John Donston, Tristam Dunstan,154 Joshua
Vickery,155 Christopher Vickery, Richard and John Cobcroft, David Dunstan,156
Michael Nowland157 and Paul Bushell, all from Wilberforce; Reuben Greentree158 and
Robert Farlow159 from Freemans Reach; Thomas Tebbutt of Windsor and Stephen
Tuckerman160 from Portland Head.
Edmund Blackett drew up plans for both St John’s in Wilberforce and St James in Pitt
Town. Both churches were in the same parish and both were consecrated in 1859.161
St. James and St. John were brothers. St John’s was named for St. John the Apostle
and Evangelist. As well, William Wilberforce attended St John’s College, Cambridge.
A centenary church service, 18th December 1920, identified the church as being
“enlightened by the doctrine of Thy blessed apostle and evangelist, St. John.”162
There were a number of associations between John Henry Fleming and St John that
may have influenced John Henry’s decision to become a pillar of the church and to
lead an exemplary public life. The two Johns shared a common first name. As well, in
the 27th, they shared a common birthdate. John Henry was the youngest of four
brothers, St. John was the youngest of the disciples. St. John’s feast day is the 27th of
December and John Henry was born on the 27th of March 1816. St John was one of
twelve disciples, and the only one not to have died violently. John Henry led eleven
stockmen at the Myall Creek Massacre. He was the only one to escape arrest. There
was one significant difference between the two men: John was the youngest and
perhaps the strongest disciple in his loyalty to Christ, staying by his side during the
Passion and Crucifixion - John Henry, however, abandoned his eleven stockmen to
their fate.
After the crucifixion John went on to become one of the “Pillars of the Church”. It is
generally accepted that John stayed in Jerusalem, moved to Ephesus, was exiled to the
isle of Patmos, and eventually returned to Ephesus where he died. John is commonly
believed to be the author of the Books of John and Revelations. Perhaps this
difference drove John Henry to have such a strong public life in the Hawkesbury.
154
Dunstons and Dunstans are branches of the same family and descended from David Dunstan who
was a carpenter on the Ebenezer church. Tristam Dunstan was the eldest of Charlotte Fleming’s
brothers.
155
Joseph Vickery married Stephen Dunstan’s widow and acquired Joseph Fleming’s Wilberforce
property after Joseph left for the MacDonald Valley. Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 31st October,
1924, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85898353.
156
I am not sure whether this is Charlotte Fleming’s brother or father. Charlotte’s brother David was
married to Sarah Margaret Cobcroft.
157
The “Boshy” Nowlan who supplied John Henry Fleming with horses in his flight from arrest after
the Myall Creek massacre, was “a Wilberforce native (a son of Michael Knowland, the founder of the
family, and a First Fleeter (obit. 1828) who had a ferry punt in the very early days from his farm at
Wilberforce to the Pitt Town side of the river”, according to George Reeve in the Windsor and
Richmond Gazette, 24th April 1925.
158
Reuben Greentree was married to Ann, daughter of Robert Farlow. John Dunston was his wife’s
brother in law. http://australianroyalty.net.au/individual.php?pid=I60076&ged=purnellmccord.ged .
159
It is unclear whether this was the father or the son.
160
Stephen Tuckerman’s son Prosper, born on 1833, would marry Joseph Fleming’s daughter, Maria,
born in 1836. John Henry Fleming was Maria’s uncle.
161
http://www.wilberforce.anglican.asn.au/index.php/history/st-johns-church
162
Order of Service of the Centenary of the Church School-House at St. John’s at Wilberforce on
Sunday, December 18, 1920, Local History Pamphlet Collection, Windsor Library.
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St. John’s Church on the left and the school house on the right. Photo: Barry Corr.
The earliest record (that I have so far found) of John Henry Fleming’s life in St John’s
Church appears in the Parish Minute Books, 1869, where he is identified as the
“Clergyman’s Warden”. In 1870 he was appointed Minister’s Warden. He was
appointed as a lay representative to the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney in 1874, in
1882 and in 1889. Also in 1889, he was elected “trustee’s warden for the ensuing
year” and in 1894, he was appointed “Trustees Warden”.163
While I have not been able to locate any primary documentation, it would appear that
in 1877 John Henry Fleming installed a memorial window 164 in the south wall of the
nave of St John’s church.165
The donation of a stained glass window of St. John to a church consecrated to St. John
would not be noteworthy if it were not for the unusual nature of the window. The
majority of stained glass windows dealing with St. John show him as a young man
with writing instruments, with an eagle, or at the Crucifixion. However, John Henry’s
window has a less common theme, St John and the Poisoned Chalice at the temple of
Diana at Ephesus.
Microfilm, Reel 15, St John’s C of E, Wilberforce, Local History Collection, Windsor Library.
‘In one of the windows in the nave is a stained glass memorial to the late Mr Fleming, a
church warden of 24 years.; Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 20th February, 1904,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85894631 .
165
Page 75, D. G. Bowd, Macquarie Country, Library of Australian History, 1979. Dr. Beverley
Sherry, University of Sydney, has been extremely helpful in identifying the window as almost certainly
coming from the London stained glass window manufacturers, Clayton and Bell. Dr. Sherry has located
a similar window in All Saints church, Shrub End, Colchester. Edmund Blackett was probably the
source of the window as he was importing windows from John Hardman & Co. Britain, for St.
Andrews Anglican Cathedral and St Marys Catholic Cathedral at this time.
http://www.dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/stained_glass
163
164
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Ephesus was a large Greek city
incorporated into the Roman
Empire. The temple of Artemis in
Ephesus was one of the seven
wonders of the Ancient world. In
the First Century A.D., the Roman
goddess Diana supplanted the
Greek goddess Artemis in her
temple at Ephesus.
The Apostle Paul visited Ephesus in
52-55 A.D., and incurred the wrath
of Demetrius, who made silver
shrines for Diana.166 Demetrius and
the other silver workers were
concerned not just for the loss of
their own trade, but also that the
temple of the great goddess Diana
should be despised and her
magnificence should be
destroyed.167
There are many non-Biblical stories
of St. John’s miracles in Ephesus
found in fragments of Greek and
Latin texts and rewritten by later
authors. St John brought people back to life several times resulting in a number of
conversions. A pagan servant, brought back to life with his mistress Drusilla, declared
that he would rather die again than be converted to Christianity. According to
Voltaire, upon the second death of the servant, St. John exclaimed, that a “bad tree
always bears bad fruit”.168
The subject, St. John the Evangelist and the Poisoned Chalice, has no Biblical
authority. The story comes from fragments of Greek and Latin texts rewritten by later
authors. According to Voltaire, Aristodemus, the high priest of Diana’s temple of
Artemis challenged St. John to drink from a poisoned cup. To prove the efficacy of
the poison, two criminals were killed by drinking from the cup. St. John blessed the
cup and, according to various stories, a snake or a dragon, emerged from the cup. St.
John drank from the cup, restored the two criminals back to life and Aristodemus was
converted to Christianity. On another occasion, when St. John was preaching in the
temple of Artemis the altar collapsed and half the temple as well. Whether John
Henry Fleming fancied Jesus’ nickname for the brothers John and James,
“Boanerges”, i.e., sons of thunder, must remain a matter of conjecture.
166
The Acts, 19:24.
The Acts, 19:27.
168
Voltaire, A Philosophical Dictionary,
http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/v/voltaire/dictionary/complete.html
167
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At its simplest level the poisoned chalice story celebrates the triumph of Christianity
over paganism. However, the three elements of this window: the capping suggesting
the New Jerusalem of Revelations; the youthful and Anglicised St John holding a
Bible and a chalice containing a dragon; and five eight-petalled leaves; as well as the
windows location, indicate more complex and sinister layers of meaning.
The five eight-petalled flowers link the poisoned chalice with Diana (the Roman form
of the Greek Artemis) of Ephesus. Eight-petalled flowers are a rarity, they mostly
belong to the genus dryas, so named because their leaves resemble oak leaves and the
Dryads, or Greek nymphs lived in oak trees.169 Diana or Artemis, was the virgin
goddess of the hunt, the moon and birthing. She made up a triad with the nymph
Egeria, and the woodland god Virbius. As Artemis, she was a favourite of the Dryads.
The linking of nature, paganism and Aboriginality can be also found in the frequent
references by settlers to Aboriginal people as “savages”, a word derived from the
Latin silvaticus, meaning wild, woodland, or nature. Judge Barron Field articulated
this most clearly in his Geographic Memoirs, 1825: “They have been brought up by
us from infancy in our nurseries, and yet the woods have seduced them at maturity,
and at once elicited the savage instincts of finding their food in the trees, and their
path through the forest, — propensities which civil education had only smothered.”
Located on the southern or shaded wall of the nave, its proximity to the chancel
means that any incumbent of the pulpit cannot help being aware of a youthful and
anglicised St. John staring directly at them. The combination of the New Jerusalem of
Revelations, and a dragon coming out of the cup – rather than a snake, references both
Luke and Revelations and suggests that the window was a coded, but defiant apologia
for the Myall Creek Massacre.
Luke 10:18-19: “I beheld Satan as lightning
fall from heaven. Behold, I give you power
to tread on serpents and scorpions, and
over all the power of the enemy: and
nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Revelations 12:7-9: “And there was war in
heaven: Michael fought and his angels
fought against the dragon, and the dragon
fought and his angels, And prevailed not;
neither was their place found any more in
heaven. And the great dragon was cast out,
that old serpent, called the Devil, and
Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he
was cast out into the earth, and his angels
were cast out with him.”170
It is one of the great ironies of
Hawkesbury history that there is
another memorial stained glass window
169
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1924/#b
In the USA a number of Pentecostal churches embraced serpent-handling, citing the above verses
from Luke and Mark 16:17-18: “In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with ne
tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them.”
170
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on the north wall, looking across to St. John. This window is based on Holman
Hunt’s, The Light of the World painted in 1853-54. Jesus, lantern in hand, looms out
of the dark, knocking on an overgrown handless door that can only be opened from
the inside. The window draws upon a number of Biblical references: Matthew 5:14;
Ye are the light of the World; John 8:12; “I am the light of the world”; the parable of
the blind man in John 9; and Revelations 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock;
if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with
him, and he with Me".
John Henry also led a prominent secular public life. Fleming’s appointment as
a justice of the peace probably occurred around 1880. “Mr. Fleming was a good
citizen of Wilberforce for many years, a neighboring farmer of my father's. He took
an active interest in politics, chiefly supporting Messrs H. Moses and Alex. Bowman.
The latter gentleman had Mr. Fleming appointed a Justice of the Peace. When that
took place the late Mr. Joseph Palmer Abbott raised a storm in Parliament House
about it, and referred to the Myall Creek affair. Mr. Fleming was honest in his
convictions as a Justice of the Peace, and was a better J.P. than some who have been
appointed since.”171
He became a magistrate in 1882. The Metropolitan Magistrates Act, 1881, made
possible his appointment as a magistrate. The act did not require Stipendiary
magistrates to be trained lawyers. They were selected. On the 10th of October before
“District Court Judge Dowling” at Windsor: “Messrs. George Thomas Collins,
Stephen John Dunston, sen., and John Henry Fleming, were sworn in as magistrates
of theTerritory”.172
John Henry Fleming also appeared to have a long involvement with the Hawkesbury
Benevolent Society. The Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 23rd February 1889,
recorded that Fleming had been involved with the Hawkesbury Benevolent Society
for almost 30 years.173 A John Fleming was recorded as making a donation to the
Hawkesbury Benevolent Society in 1846.174 Fleming was re-elected in 1890, 1891
and 1892.175 In 1893 he resigned because of ill health.176
He was a trustee of the Wilberforce Common in 1874.177 He may have held this
position continuously for a number of years as the Windsor and Richmond
171
Article by H. N. Bowd, 7th of August, 1925, Windsor and Richmond Gazette,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85896857
172
The Australian, Windsor, Richmond, and Hawkesbury Advertiser, 14 October 1882,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66359744
173
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 23rd February 1889,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72558867.
174
http://www.hawkesbury.net.au/lists/1846HBSDonations.html
175
15th February, 1890, Windsor and Richmond Gazette,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72561504, 14th February, 1891, Windsor and Richmond Gazette,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72539055 and 20th February, 1892, Windsor and Richmond
Gazette, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72542280.
176
18th February, 1893, Windsor and Richmond Gazette,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72546154.
177
J. Steele, Early Days of Windsor NSW, Tyrrell’s, 1916,
http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks13/1302241h.html
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Gazette, 16th of January 1892 reported that Fleming was elected as a trustee of
the Wilberforce Common.178
On the 23rd of April, 1892, the Windsor and Richmond Gazette reported “Mr. J. H.
Fleming, J.P., of Wilberforce, has been and is still very seriously ill” 179
20th of August, 1894: Burial of John Henry Fleming
‘FUNERAL OF MR FLEMING.
The funeral of the late Mr J H. Fleming took place on Tuesday last at St John's
Church of England Cemetery, Wilberforce. The deceased gentleman was for many
years one of the Wardens of this Church. At the building the cortege was met by the
Public-school children, marshalled by the headmaster and his assistants, who formed
a double line, through which the mourners passed. Many wreaths were placed upon
the coffin. In the church the "Dead March in Saul" was played. The burial service
was conducted by Rev H Guinness, assisted by Rev T Dunstan, Mr R W Dunstan was
the undertaker.’ 180
John Henry Fleming’s obituary
‘MR. J. H. Fleming.
After a long illness, attended by much suffering, an old and respected resident of
Wilberforce, Mr John Henry Fleming, passed away on Monday. Born at Pitt Town,
early in life he engaged in squatting pursuits in Queensland.181 He ultimately settled
down at Wilberforce, and for many years followed a farming life, where he acquired
a comfortable competency. He was a member of the Committee of the Hawkesbury
Benevolent Society for many years, and the old folks lose a kind-hearted sympathiser
by his death, He was appointed a Justice of the Peace about ten years ago. Deceased
used to tell some stirring stories of the early days of settlement in the colony, and the
trouble he had with the Blacks. Mr Fleming had been gradually declining during the
past few years, and added to this he lately had a severe attack of influenza. For weeks
past he has been undergoing much suffering, but through all his pain he was
remarkable for his patience. As a resident he will be much missed for his kindness of
heart and generosity to the poor; he was never known to refuse to anyone in want.
Deceased was 78 years of age, and was a brother to Mrs William Hall of Cattai. His
remains were interred in the Church of England Cemetery, Wilberforce, on Tuesday
last. Deceased leaves a widow, but no family. Mr R W Dunstan was the undertaker,
and the Rev. H Guinness conducted the burial service.’182
178
16th January 1892, Windsor and Richmond Gazette, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72542004.
23rd April, 1892, Windsor and Richmond Gazette, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72542747.
180
25th August, 1894, Windsor and Richmond Gazette,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66444607.
181
In 1861 Joseph Fleming transferred his Queensland Orraba station to John Henry. By 1866 John
Henry had transferred it to his nephew, John Jurd. http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/AUSNSW-HILLS-HAWKESBURY-HUNTER-VALLEY/2005-03/1110169037. During Joseph Fleming’s
1864 insolvency case evidence was heard that John Henry Fleming had 3,800 sheep on a Warrego
River run. Brisbane Courier, 22nd November, 1864.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/1264758
182
25th August, 1894, Windsor and Richmond Gazette,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66444631.
179
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The Fleming vault
John Henry Fleming and his wife Charlotte
are buried in the Wilberforce cemetery which
lies on the western face of a hill. Their grave
is a vault, like a number of others in the
cemetery. Many of the vaults contain multiple
burials and the names of family members
extend around the walls of the vault. The
Fleming tomb which contains only the bodies
of John Henry and his wife Charlotte stands
out, not only for being on the western edge of
the main area of graves, but also for the
placement of their plaques. Charlotte’s plaque
faces towards the rising sun, the traditional
direction of Christian salvation. Charlotte died
in 1908, fourteen years after John Henry. John
Henry’s plaque faces towards the west and the
setting sun. Perhaps someone was making a
statement.
16th of March, 1895: a camp on Ham Common?
This article is interesting because it suggests Aboriginal people may have been still
living on what was left of the Ham Common after the establishment of the
Agricultural College
‘Professor Adair and Miss Essie Viola, of balloon fame, declare that they never
before experienced such ill-luck as they have had at Richmond. When the balloon was
well-nigh inflated on Wednesday, a volume of smoke was seen issuing from the top,
and orders were given for it to be let go. It happened, however, to be fastened
somewhere, and turned wrong end up. This caused a general scatter, and nearly
everyone got clear. The balloon came down immediately the hot air had escaped,
falling on a fence. Two boys were under her when she fell, but were quickly released,
and no damage-other than to the balloon-was done. The promoters intend to make
another attempt on Saturday from Mr Mitchell's ground on the opposite corner to the
Royal.
… On Wednesday afternoon, after the balloon show, a race up Windsor-street took
place between Harry Fong in his vegetable cart, and a Darkie on foot. Harry was
leaving the Royal for Clarendon, and had a start, but the darkie who wanted a lift made chase. Eventually Harry succeeded in out-distancing his competitor.’183
1st of June, 1895: An Aboriginal suicide
Throughout the pages of the local newspapers in this period it is possible to glimpse
the effects of alcohol abuse and mental health issues on Aboriginal people.
183
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 16th March 1895
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66446256
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‘Eighty-eight darkies turned up at the local court-house on Friday last to get their
blankets, amongst whom was Florrie Morgan, who committed suicide by taking
poison on Sunday last. Last year the number of blankets distributed was 97.’184
15th of June, 1895: the view from Archie Bell’s tomb
The following extract was from an article The Country’s Pioneers which first
appeared in The Stock and Station Journal. By referencing the Carline wife from
Kipling’s poem The Sea Wife, the author attempted to perpetuate the myth of a racial
imperative dating back to the Vikings that drove the English on a path of relentless
expansion. In this myth the “blackfellows” conveniently “disappeared”.
‘Very wonderful is it now to sit on Archie Bell's tomb and look abroad thus and see
the change that a century has made in this district. The blackfellows have
disappeared, and the free, white men, the children of the Carline wife185 reign
supreme. Great houses are rising on all the fair hills about, and it requires no stretch
of imagination to look forward to the time when grand mansions will deck the
landscape, as "Belmont" has made the beginning. The air is pure, the grass is green,
the sky is bright, and there is no lovelier place in all our beautiful country, than can
be seen from the oleander-shaded grave of Archie Bell. But no corn is grown there
now. The broad plains of the west, beyond the Blue Mountains, produce our wheat.
Here, however, we have the Hawkesbury Agricultural College, and here, too, we have
one of the finest stock breeding grounds in Australia.’186
11th of January, 1896: feast and sports at Sackville
Mr. Jones’ humanitarianism had a religious foundation.
‘ON New Year's Day, Mr. J. Jones arranged and carried out a feast and programme
of sports for the Aborigines at Sackville Beach. The darkies, men, women, and
children, were regaled with a square meal, and the more athletic among them took
part in races for articles of clothing, handkerchiefs, &c, which had been collected by
Mr. Jones from the business people and others, of Windsor. Besides those who won
races, the clothing, &c, was equally distributed among other Aboriginal families. Mr.
Jones desires to thank all those who assisted him in the good work of providing
innocent amusement and useful articles, by their donations, and states that in no case
did he receive a refusal.’187
184
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 1st June 1895, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66446954
185
From the same article:
“Rudyard Kipling has sung There dwells a wife by the Northern march,
And a wealthy wife is she ;
She breeds a breed o' rovin' men
And casts them oversea.
And some they drown in deep water,
And some in sight of shore,
And word goes back to the carline wife
And ever she sends more.”
The quote is from Kipling’s poem The Sea Wife.
186
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 15th June 1895, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66447074
187
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 11th January 1896, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72547601
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25th of January, 1896: Ike Hopkins’ black boy
Both “Ike Hopkins' black boy” and “Jim Gosper's boy, "Sago,"” were objects of
humour in this account. Yellow-fellow is a Aboriginal term for one of mixed
parentage.
‘Ike Hopkins' black boy, from "the Gulf," (and he is black, without a doubt), has a
passion for music. A resident struck up a yarn with him the other day, in the course of
which the coloured lad exclaimed with intense fervour, "Oh, me wish me had big
pfellah money." "Why, what would YOU do with money," asked the resident. "Buy 'em
big pfellah music," came the rapid reply. He entertains an unfeigned contempt for Jim
Gosper's boy, "Sago," and says "him only yaller-pfellah."’188
8th of February, 1896: mental health
The fate of Aboriginal people with mental health issues in Victorian Australia is, I
think, an unexplored issue.
‘Senior-Constable McNeely and Constable Jackson made a post-haste journey up
Windsor-street about noon on Wednesday. A darkie, supposed to be of unsound mind,
was the cause of the hurry. He was, however, soon captured by the officers in
question, and safely landed in the lockup.’189
8th of February, 1896: Aboriginal entertainment
‘A couple of darkies caused more than a little turn on the Park on Saturday afternoon,
doing a hop, step and jump for "shouts" the latter coming off at the public drinking
fountain.’
8th of February, 1896: low water on river
I am unclear whether the falling river level was a result of drought or siltation brought
about by land-clearing.
‘The water down the reach is very shallow just now. The darkies were unable to get
their little boat over it at low tide last week - in fact one can almost walk across with
his boots on.’190
15th of February, 1896: Mohawk Minstrels
The “Mohawk Minstrels” appear to a curious, but perhaps not unsurprising, mixture
and appropriation of the minstrel show and Native American culture.
‘Messrs C Robbins, J Rone, and H Smith are arranging a benefit for Mr Hodge, who
met with a serious accident at the meat works some time ago. Besides a number of
ladies and gentlemen who will take part, the Mohawk Minstrels have promised to
assist, and for the past couple of weeks have been rehearsing and give promise of
making a very creditable show. Since their last appearance several new members
have joined, and we anticipate the darkies will be much appreciated.’191
188
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 25th January 1896, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72547673
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 8th February 1896, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72547816
190
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 8th February 1896, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72547797
191
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 15th February 1896, ttp://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72547860
189
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7th of March, 1896: Sackville School of Arts
‘On Saturday evening next, 14th instant, a meeting will be held in the Sackville School
of Arts, under the auspices of the Windsor Branch of the Salvation Army in
connection with the local aborigines. The meeting will be led by Mr. J. Jones (assisted
by his family), who has lately been interesting himself in the welfare of the darkies.
The public are cordially invited to attend, and a real good time is anticipated.’192
25th of January, 1896: the bait
The following brief observation was probably designed to engender the brief storm of
correspondence that followed. It is of interest that the author refers to ethnologists as
his authority when his source was published in 1804, before ethnology existed. His
referral to the “Australian wilderness” carries the implication that the First Peoples
had no impact on their environment.
‘Ethnologists are agreed that in their primitive estate savage men are found at the
lowest known point of human development in the Australian wilderness.’193
8th of February, 1896: hooked
J. P. Collins was at that time the headmaster of Richmond Superior Public School and
was taken, hook, line and sinker.
‘The Australian Aborigines.
To THE EDITOR.
Dear Sir,-The following remarkable statement appeared in the last issue of the
GAZETTE " Ethnologists are agreed that, in their primitive state, savage men are
found at the lowest known point of human development in the Australian wilderness."
As the paragraph appeared in your "Scissors and Paste" column, it may be inferred
that the GAZETTE is not altogether responsible for this outrageous libel on our
aborigines, but that the authorship may be traced to some other source. I shall be
pleased, as no doubt will many others as well, if you will kindly supply us with your
authority for the above, and the names I of any ethnologists who rank our blacks in
such a low state of human development. Possibly some recent discoveries in the
"Australian wilderness" mentioned (wherever that may be) have brought to light some
human beings heretofore unheard of, in such a low-level state of civilisation as to
have them classified as "the lowest of the low." If so, it will be of extreme interest to
those who have studied the manners and customs of the Australian natives, and who
have been led by the research of men who devoted their lives to the work, to look upon
the Australian blacks as by no means the lowest race on earth, either physically,
morally, or intellectually. Any light you can throw upon what must have been a recent
discovery will greatly oblige,
Yours &c., J P COLLINS
[We can only offer our correspondent the following expressions of opinion on the
questions at issue: Linnaeus' "Historia Natura," which was improved, corrected, and
enlarged by J. Frid Gmelin, M.D., and published in the first decade of this century, 194
gives the following account of the aboriginals of New Holland -'The natives of the
192
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 7th March 1896, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72548064
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 25th January 1896,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72547694
194
This English edition of Linnaeus’s 1735 work was translated, enlarged and published between 1794
and 1810.
193
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coast of New Holland, which is situated in the sixteenth degree of south latitude, and
beyond the island of Timor, are perhaps the most miserable of the human species, and
approach nearest to the brutes. They have remarkably thick noses and lips and large
mouths.' They pull out, it would appear, one of the fore-teeth of the upper jaw, for in
neither sex, nor at any period of life, are these teeth to be seen. They have short
beards; their visage is long, without a single feature that is agreeable: their hair is
short, black, and crisped, and their skin is as black as that of the Guinea negroes.
They have no clothing but a piece of the bark of a tree tied round their waist, with a
handful of long herbs in the middle. They have no houses, and they sleep on the
ground without any covering. They associate, men, women and children,
promiscuously, to the number of twenty or thirty. Their principal nourishment is fish,
which they catch in the sea, and they are totally unacquainted with bread, and every
species of grain. In another part of the coast of New Holland, about the twenty-second
or twenty-third degree south latitude, the natives seem to be of the same race with
those above described. They are extremely ugly and disgusting, and have nearly the
same brutal manners, their skin is black their hair crisped and their bodies are long
and slender. Governor Philip after settling the English convicts at Botany Bay and
Port Jackson gives the following account of the natives. - The inhabitants of New
Holland and New South Wales (which is the most eastern extremity of the island) are
the most miserable and savage race of mortals perhaps existing on the face of the
earth. They go entirely naked, and though pleased at first with some ornaments which
were given them they soon threw them away as useless. It does not appear however
that they are insensible of the benefits of clothing or of some of the conveniences
which their new neighbours are in possession of. Some of them whom the colonists
partly clothed seemed to be pleased with the comfortable warmth they derived from it
and they all express a great desire for the iron tools which they see the English make
use of. Their color in the opinion of Captain Cook is rather a deep chocolate than a
full black, but the filth and grease with which, like, the Hottentots, their skins are
covered prevents the true color of them appearing.'--ED G].’195
27th of August, 1898: A bee story
‘A LOCAL bee-farmer tells a very good story of the clever manner in which he was
once "taken down" by an aboriginal- who, by the way, is not altogether unknown
along the verdant banks of the Hawkesbury. The apiarist in question had just started
in the bee business, and as he had room for a few more swarms, he one evening had
an interview with the dusky native of the soil referred to, and that worthy promised to
bring along a couple of good swarms the next time he came to town - on
consideration that he was to get half a-crown for each. Anyhow, to make a long story
short, the aboriginal arrived one night at the residence of Mr. Beekeeper, and
announced that he had captured three good swarms. An examination of the bags in
which the bees were brought was sufficient to convince the experienced eye of the
purchaser that they rather small, (sic) and after a brief consultation the darkey
readily agreed to accept a trifle less than was originally promised him - and went his
way rejoicing. The three swarms were then promptly placed into three different hives.
Next morning, as soon as he arose from his virtuous couch, their new owner went to
have a good look at them, and, to his astonishment, found them all in ONE box. The
truth then dawned upon him that he had been "sold" - for the cunning aboriginal had
195
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 8th February 1896,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72547789
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caught one swarm and divided it into three - the result being that when they were
emptied out of the bags, they all made tracks for the box which contained the queen
bee. The gentleman on whom this trick was played is one of those jolly good sorts who
rather enjoy a joke - provided, of course, that it doesn't happen too often.’196
7th of August, 1897: Yeldap on The Hawkesbury Blacks
Yeldap’s treatise on declining Aboriginal numbers was based on the premise that their
numbers were never large to begin with. One curious argument that he employed to
justify this claim was that attacks “on the whites by the natives are occasionally
mentioned in the early newspaper, but in hardly any cases were the conflicts made in
large numbers, but merely raids by a few starved out wretches, driven to desperation
for want of food, or repelling the cruelty and sensuality of the depraved and lustful
white men who had established themselves on their hunting ground”. It raises the
question of whether Aboriginal aggression was exaggerated by early settlers.
‘The Hawkesbury Blacks
(COMPILED BY YELDAP.)
THE history of the Blacks of Australia has given much scope to several local and
other writers to investigate the origin, races, customs, habits, languages, religion,
etc., of this fast disappearing nation. Some writers make a distinctive feature of
vocabularies of the languages of the numerous tribes scattered over the face of the
continent; others make a hobby of explaining the rude rook carvings to be seen in
some of the caves, whilst others look at them from a religious point of view, and, from
the meagre information at their command, try to show the native forms of worship. In
reading many of the opinions expressed, one becomes bewildered by the many
theories put forth by these experts, as great confliction exists, and much of the
information is very unreliable. It has been found difficult to obtain correct
information from the blacks themselves; they are intellectually an inferior race, and
their lack of intelligence baffles the searcher after trustworthy information; whilst the
many different dialects of the tribes in one district (who, although speaking different
tongues, were still able to converse with one another) made the task of supplying
equivalent English words, in many cases, a difficult and doubtful one. Some of these
writers stated that the blacks were numerous in the vicinity of Port Jackson, between
there and Broken Bay, and warlike. It is not the present writer's intention to add any
thing further to the literature concerning the dusky tribes of the primeval days; but he
desires briefly to contradict the statement regarding the number of blacks from Port
Jackson to Broken Bay. The following information will prove that the blacks were far
from numerous. Very shortly after his arrival, Governor Phillip sent inspectors to
various parts of Port Jackson, to ascertain what the approximate black population
was. One hundred and thirty were accounted for; but it is only fair to add that others
were in the bush getting timber for boat-building. Even with the addition of these, the
number would not have been very materially increased. Governor Phillip estimated
the native population from Botany Bay to Broken Bay at 1500 - or about five to the
square mile. As the aggregate number was divided into several tribes, they could not
have been so powerful in single tribe as writers would have us believe, from a warlike
point of view. Instances of attacks on the whites by the natives are occasionally
mentioned in the early newspaper, but in hardly any cases were the conflicts made in
large numbers, but merely raids by a few starved out wretches, driven to desperation
196
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 27th August 1898, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66438775
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for want of food, or repelling the cruelty and sensuality of the depraved and lustful
white men who had established themselves on their hunting ground. The attacks were
mostly made in the Hawkesbury district, during the early settlement of the country.
Their numbers were too few to engage in battle. Had their numbers been large it is
doubtful whether they would have decreased at such a quick rate, for we learn from
an official source that nearly 50 years after Phillips' census was taken, there were
only about four natives to every three miles in the same district, and 57 years after the
establishment of the colony, we are told by the magistrates in certain districts, that the
Windsor blacks all told only mustered 65, and adjacent at Wollombi and McDonald
River 73, and 47 at Brisbane Water, which would make a total of blacks at the
Hawkesbury of 185, and it is not unlikely the Port Jackson blacks at that period would
have been as much as this. Another official calculation computes the decrease in
numbers during 1835, 1886 and 1887 of the Sydney and Windsor blacks at 825, which
were included in ten returns. The following interesting extracts from official
publications will bear out the foregoing remarks:"In the first year of the settlement of New South Wales, 1788, Governor Phillip caused
the amount of the population of Port Jackson to be ascertained, by every cove in it
being visited by different inspectors at the same time. The number of natives found in
this single harbour was one hundred and thirty, and they had sixty seven boats. At the
same time it was known that many were in the woods making new canoes. From this
and other data, Governor Phillip estimated the population between Botany Bay and
Broken Bay inclusive, at fifteen hundred, or about five in the square mile. In 1837, Sir
Edward Parry made a statement to a committee of the House of Commons, which
gave about four natives to three square miles, for a district north of Port Jackson.
[From the Second Annual Report of the Aborigines Protection Society, presented at a
meeting at Exeter Hall, May 21st, 1889.].
In a reply to an official communication from the N.S.W. Legislative Council, made by
D. Dunlop, magistrate at Wollombi, he stated that the number of adult blacks in that
district and Macdonald River, in the year 1845, amounted to 65, 44 males and 21
females; of children 8, 5 males and 8 females; total 78. These were the remnants of
three tribes. In the Windsor district the magistrates supplied the following
information:- Adults 49; 40 males and 9 females; children 16; total 65. Brisbane
Water information also supplied by the magistrates - 40 adults; 27 males 18 females;
children 7; 4 males and 8 females; total 47. As regards the moral character of the
Wollombi blacks, Dunlop, in his report, said: "The female aborigines are as modest in
demeanour, and quite as morally conducted as the native, or otherwise free women.
There is no instance of their leaving their tribe, or connecting themselves with the
white labouring population." Mr Dunlop, in the report he sent in, appeared to have
considered the subject with the warm interest and the inspiring hopes of a religious
mind. In referring to the distribution of clothing and provisions, the same gentleman
described the plaintive but indignant remonstrance of the native chief at the
discontinuance of the miserable dole on the part of the Government (they had
restricted their liberality for two or three years) "to his very few old women and sick
young ones, all so cold - no hut, no blanket, no light fire on white-fellow's ground." In
an abstract from the official general Returns of the Blacks, taken at the annual
distribution of the Government donations of blankets to each tribe within the four
divisions of the colony for the years 1885, 1886, and 1887 it was found that there was
a decrease of 1220 in the North and North western district, from Sydney to Port
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Macquarie inclusive -10 returns; and 825 in the Home district –Sydney and Windsor
inclusive-8 returns.’197
20th of January, 1899: Nigger Minstrelsy
While the article makes clear the relation between settlers and Aboriginal people, it
would be a moot point as to who laughed at whom in the performance.
‘NIGGER MINSTRELSY. - On an early date, due notice of which will be given, a
happy band of darkies will give an entertainment in the Windsor School of Arts. The
programme will be replete with gems of a vocal and instrumental character, and from
what we hear the entertainment will be at once novel and interesting.’198
24th of February, 1899: Tizzana vintage
The Tizzana vineyards appeared to have been a major source of Aboriginal
employment.
‘Sackville.
Vintage at Tizzana finished this week, and Mr. Laraghy deserves credit for the able
manner in which he attends to his duties.
The darkies had several socials (no less) whilst vintage was proceeding. If hullabaloo
constitutes enjoyment, then they enjoyed themselves immensely’.199
3rd of February, 1899: cricket
‘A Military team tried conclusions with a team of coloured gentlemen in Windsor on
Wednesday. The Military made 81, Boyd 16 Meyers (not out) 14, Allen 11. The
darkies put together 112, W. Barber 45, E. Barber 17, Charlie Smith 10. Bowman
bowled best for Windsor, and the Barbers for the winners.’200
3rd of March, 1899: traditions
The running of the eels continued to be a traditional food source for Hawkesbury
Aboriginal people.
‘Something's up with the weather conditions. The darkies are spearing eels about the
long arm, and silver eyes are plunging in all directions. Probably we will have
showery weather next month and get our turnip crop on the way. Years past it was the
case after three very droughty seasons’.201
197
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 7th August 1897, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72552565
The Australian, Windsor, Richmond, and Hawkesbury Advertiser, 20th January 1899
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66416192
199
The Australian, Windsor, Richmond and Hawkesbury Advertiser, 24th February 1899,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66416377
200
The Australian, Windsor, Richmond, and Hawkesbury Advertiser,3rd February 1899,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66416270
201
The Australian, Windsor, Richmond, and Hawkesbury Advertiser, 3rd March 1899,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66416408
198
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25th of March, 1899: boat repairs
‘The Aborigines Board has accepted the tender of Mr. P. Kemp for repairing a boat
belonging to the Hawkesbury darkies.’202
28th of April, 1899: Aborigines Protection Board
‘At a meeting of the Aborigines Protection Board in Sydney last week a petition was
received from the residents of Sackville Reach, urging the issue of meat to the
aborigines on the Hawkesbury, in addition to the usual ration of flour, tea, and sugar.
It was decided to inform the petitioners that the aborigines in that district had two
good boats, and, fish being plentiful it the river, the board saw no necessity for the
issue of meat rations.’203
25th of May, 1899: blanket day
‘Queen's Birthday passed over with all due eclat. The holiday was observed
generally, and towards mid-day the town was the acme of commotion. The volunteers,
under the command of Captain Paine, with his subordinates in attendance,
Lieutenants B. Paine and J. T. Fitzgerald, presented a smart appearance in their new
scarlet uniforms, and we must compliment the band upon their performance. They
journeyed to the park, fired a feu-de-joie, and were dismissed. The darkies mustered
in goodly numbers at the Court House, and had their blankets doled out to them. They
gave three cheers for the Queen, and went on their way rejoicing. Races were held at
Wilberforce, Bill Adams, the hero of Waterloo, again distinguishing himself’.204
3rd of June, 1899: buskers
‘During the long wait in front of the Royal Hotel last Tuesday evening for the coming
of Mr. T. Rose, M.P., a couple of darkie acrobats gave a performance in the street.
They raised a substantial collection for the skilful performance. By the way, this
reminds us that some of the federal speakers visiting Richmond are pretty good
acrobats.’205
6th October 1899: Curragundi Joe
‘MILITARY SPORTS.
A Grand Success.
Graced with beautiful weather the annual sports, promoted by Richmond Company of
the 3rd Infantry Regiment eventuated on Saturday last on Richmond Park, and proved
most enjoyable and successful. Not alone was the programme of athletic events highly
interesting, but it was so diversified and comprehensive as to please and gratify all
tastes. The splendid band of the Regiment, under Bandmaster Daley, was in itself a
decided attraction, and added in a very large measure to the pleasure of the
proceedings. The pavilion was crowded with spectators and there must have been
nearly 2,000 people on the ground. The committee who have worked so hard to make
the sports a success deserve high commendation. They are: - Captain Lamrock,
Lieutenants Holborow and Greenwell, Color Sergeant Johnston, Sergeant Bennett,
202
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 25th March 1899, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66440600
The Australian, Windsor, Richmond and Hawkesbury Advertiser, 28th April 1899,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66416585
204
The Australian, Windsor, Richmond, and Hawkesbury Advertiser, 25th May 1899
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66416677
205
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 3rd June 1899, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66441186
203
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Sergeant Inall, Sergeant Sly, Private Drayton, Corporal Brooks, Bugle-Major
Travers, Sergeant Boughton, Bugler Spay, and Privates Knott, Hanchett, and Powers
and the members of the Regimental Staff. Corporal Tomkinson, the energetic
secretary, who appeared to be here, there, and every where, and who proved most
courteous and obliging in giving information wherever needed, deserves more than
passing notice, as his efforts tended in day's sports. Lieutenant Colonel Guest
appeared to have the helm of affairs and was kept busy throughout the day. The
committee would allow no one on the oval which was certainly a wise move as by so
doing one and all on the ground had equal opportunities of witnessing results.
Captain Lamrock, Lieutenant Holborow, and Mr. H. Stevenson judged the different
events and their decisions were never disputed. Dr. Helsham acted as referee and he
was only once called upon for advice. In the boxing contest Mr. J. M. Pitt acted as
judge assisted by Mr. H. Skuthorp, this resulted in a rather easy win for Wilson who,
though rather rough, proved himself too good for his opponent; the display
throughout in this event was very inferior. Probably the most attractive events of the
day were those in which the children of the Richmond Superior Public School took
part. The drill exercise of the boys appeared faultless and Mr. Henry, the Principal,
deserves no small amount of credit for the way in which he has trained them.206 The
Indian Club swinging exhibition, by ten of the girl pupils of the above school was
really pretty and graceful, though in our opinion Miss Alma Johnston showed to best
advantage. Miss Helen Holmes, the lady teacher, had charge of the latter and
deserves no end of praise for the manner in which she has brought the children out.
There was no dancing contest, on account of a lack of entries, but a handicap flat
race was substituted in its place; for this event a " dark'un " was nominated with the
aristocratic title of "Curragundi Joe," a black-fellow, and who looked as if he could
not catch the proverbial snail; he received a 14 yards start, with the result that after
the starting pistol was fired, he went away and won how he liked. After the display it
was a forgone conclusion that he was a "cert" for the final, which he won as easily as
his former heat.’207
Black’s Town
One of the few reminders of a Aboriginal presence in the Hawkesbury is Blacktown
Road at Freemans Reach. Blacktown Road, originally Black’s Town Road runs above
Bushells Lagoon along the Highlands208 from Gooricks Lane to Kurmond Road.
During the Nineteenth Century there was a Aboriginal camp in this area.209 Located
between Bushells Lagoon and the Wilberforce Common, Aboriginal people were
probably able to continue a traditional lifestyle and work on settler farms for many
years. During the late Nineteenth Century the camp came under increasing pressure:
206
I think mained is a typographical error for trained.
Hawkesbury Advocate, 6th October 1899, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66370777
208
http://www.hawkesbury.org/?c=placenames&action=view&placenameid=7 and a proposal to:
“Construct a light line of railway from Windsor station across the Windsor bridge which spans the
Hawkesbury at Thompson Square and Bridge-road, thence carrying it along the Freeman's Reach road
to the High lands, or what is better known as "Black town"; from thence we could make a branch line,
one portion leading to the left over the table-land to Kurrajong, and the other across Wilberforce
Common to Sackville Reach.”
Windsor and Richmond Gazette 11th of November 1899,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66442413
207
209
http://www.hawkesbury.org/?c=placenames&action=view&placenameid=85593&term=Blacktown%2
C+Freemans+Reach
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Settlers began to take up land above flood levels;210 the Wilberforce Common was
broken up for sale during the 1890s; an Aboriginal reserve on the Wilberforce
Common appears to have been resumed in 1896;211 and the 1901 Census has no
record of Aboriginal people at Wilberforce or Freemans Reach.212 Thus the
disappearance of “Mr. Jim Gosper's darkie known better as "Sago,"” in 1899 may
well have been part of the Black’s Town diaspora.213 “Mr. Jim Gosper's darkie known
better as "Sago," who did a guy214 one night last week, has not turned up since. His
companions, who hail from Sackville, and who disappeared at the same time, were
seen going up George-street on Thursday morning whistling "Home, Sweet
Home."”215
18th of November, 1899: cricket
“Billeroy aboriginals defeated Coonamble Warwicks the other day. The scores were:
Warwicks, 53 1st innings and 16 2nd innings; Aboriginals, 187 for 4 wickets, Boney
(not out 105) being the principal scorer. This is the same old "Boney" who used to
play with Sackville years ago. He was regarded as one of the prettiest batsmen ever
seen in the Hawkesbury-and physically he wasn't a repulsive nig either. Boney must
be approaching the "sere and yellow" of his life.’216
16th of December, 1899: Have you heard the one about …
Any doubts about Yeldap’s partiality to Aboriginal people will be resolved by the
following joke.
‘COLLECTED FROM VARIOUS SOURCES,
[BY YELDAP]
WE know a man who can grub up 40 achers a day, stumps and all. He is a dentist.
There is an Australian black woman who has never tasted strong drink. She must beer
rum gin.’217
17th of December, 1899: morals were shocked
Whether or not Alfred and Henry Barber were having a good laugh at their court
appearance or missionaries had finally convinced Aboriginal people to clothe
themselves is a moot point. The fact that Aboriginal people appeared in court as
witnesses is probably the most interesting aspect of this extract.
‘Windsor Police Court
Monday, December 17, 1899.
210
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=garryn&id=I1540 and
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/AUS-NSW-HILLS-HAWKESBURY-HUNTERVALLEY/2009-05/1243748295
211
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 24th of October 1896,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/72550111
212
http://www.hawkesbury.net.au/lists/1901Census_RWilberforceFreemansReach.html
213
The Gosper’s have been continuous settlers of their original land grant near Bushell’s lagoon.
214
A slang expression meaning to slip away, decamp, disappear.
215
Hawkesbury Advocate, 17th November, 1899, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66367780
216
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 18th November 1899,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66442459
217
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 16th December 1899,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66442741
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(Before Mr. Wilshire, P.M., Messrs J. B. Johnston. J. Ross, W. H. Dean, Mahoney and
D. Mayne.)
Reginald Wilbow. Jas. Fairs, and Sydney Watts, were charged, with bathing in a
public place and in sight of the public, at Ebenezer on Sunday, the 16th inst.
Mr. G. McCauley appeared for the defendants.
Constable Hughes, stationed at Wilberforce, deposed that from information received
he had prosecuted the defendants on the above charge.
John Byron, residing at Boston Ridge deposed: I know the defendants before the
court; I remember Tuesday the 10th, inst., I saw defendants that day at Ebenezer
about 10 o'clock a.m., they were bathing in the water in a nude condition, and in view
of the church. I was not at church; I never attend; I was going home when I noticed
them. I saw two there whom I recognised as Wilbow and Fairs, I do not know the
third one, Watts. The bathing took place near where Mr. Norman Hall lives; there is
no town there. I have, never given information to the police before about anyone else
in that locality. I never did this from malice.
Albert Barber and Henry Barber, two blackfellows gave evidence corroborating that
of the previous witness, and stating that when they saw the defendants, their morals
were shocked, etc.
This closing the case for the prosecution. Mr. McCauley asked for a dismissal of the
case on account of the information being wrongly laid. He did not wish to go into the
case, as it was only wasting the time of the court. The charge, considering the
locality, was a frivolous one, and really no merits.
The Bench upheld the point, and the defendants were thereupon dismissed.’218
23rd of March, 1900: more court appearances
‘George Symonds was charged with unlawfully assaulting George Hunt at Sackville
Reach on March 3rd.
Constable Hughes deposed that he saw the accused and said -to him, "Were you at|
Fiaschi's vineyard on March 3rd?" said "Did you see Hunt there?”He replied "Yes,
down at the back of the stockade"; witness said, "How did that fight end"; Symonds
replied, "they parted us "; said to accused, "Did you know Hunt got cut on the head";
he replied, "Yes, I think one of the Johnston's threw a brick at me, and it struck Hunt";
asked him if they were drunk; he replied, "Yes, we were both drunk"; after further
questions were asked, witness brought accused to the lockup, and charged him with
the assault; a piece of batten (produced) was handed to witness' by Hunt, as the
weapon used in the assault.
George Hunt, an Aboriginal, who appeared with his head bandaged up, deposed that
he knew the accused; he was at witness' place about 3 weeks ago; two young fellow's
were sparring at the, camp; witness was present; Symonds, came up to witness and
218
Hawkesbury Advocate, 22nd December 1899, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66368134
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pushed him away; witness told him he pushed a man about as if it cost anything,
Symonds said, "Yes, and I'll hit you too"; with that Symonds made a charge at
witness; witness then pulled off his clothes and they had a few rounds; Symonds then
cleared towards the cellar; about an hour and a half after Fred Barber struck witness
and tore his shirt; Symonds again struck witness with his fist, and afterwards with a
piece of batten; witness afterwards had five stitches put in his head by Pierro
Fiaschi;219 was certain the accused was the man who struck him; the two Johnston's
were present at the time.
To the accused: Was not standing behind yon when you struck me with the batten.
To the Bench: Had a little drop of wine in me at the time.
The Bench decided not to hear any more evidence, and dismissed the case.’220
23rd of March, 1900: snakebite
‘Joseph Alok, an aboriginal, residing at Sackville Reach, who was recently bitten by a
black snake with no effect, was bitten a fortnight ago by another of the reptiles on the
finger, and it was not until this week that he felt the effects, when he was compelled to
see Dr. Gibson, his hand having become much swollen. The dusky Sackvilleite is
apparently snake proof.’221
6th of April, 1900: more predictions of the coming extinction of Aboriginal people
The observation “those terrible scientific people, have ventured to class them among
the lowest of mankind until Stanley found something lower in Africa” clearly
demonstrated that Science as an objective study had little impact on the common
mind in the late Nineteenth Century.
‘Hone Heke, M. P.
THE Maori Parliament, -which was to assemble on Thursday, was to consider the
question of sending Hone Heke, one of their number, to England to lay their
grievances before the Imperial authorities. We are not aware that the Maori's have
any great grievances which require ventilation, the purpose of this paragraph is to
draw attention to a few interesting facts which surround the name of Hone Heke. He
is a pure blood Maori, a member of the House of Representatives, the son of a King in
former times, a man of great intellect, of easy and graceful language, with a perfect
command of the English tongue, as well as his own, a good acquaintance of the
English literature, and an attractive presence. He stands as a proof of the very
superior qualities which the Maori race possess, which entitles them to be considered
one of the most highly talented of coloured races. This fact is the more remarkable
when it is considered that their origin must necessarily be almost entirely different
from the Australian aboriginal, for that person cannot be considered by the most
enthusiastic admirer as possessing any of those qualities which go to make a great
race. On the contrary, those terrible scientific people, have ventured to class them
219
Thomas Fiaschi was a doctor in Windsor at this time. In 1882 he established Tizzana winery at
Sackville Reach. The vintage season was around March and he employed about 30 people at this time.
Page 108-09, D. G. Bowd, Macquarie Country, Library of Australian History, 1979.
220
HawkesburyAdvocate, 23rd March 1900, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66368819
221
Hawkesbury Advocate, 23rd March 1900, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66368843 Not all
snake bites are venomous.
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among the lowest of mankind until Stanley found something lower in Africa. There is
great future before the Maori people but extinction is all the future has for our
aboriginals.’222
20th of April, 1900: languages
The extract is important in that it persists in using the term “tribe”, despite its
inappropriateness to the First Peoples of Australia. The words in the list belong to the
Hawkesbury, not to the “Kamilaroi” who are to the north of the Hawkesbury.
Comleroy Road was the Hawkesbury link to Kamileroi country in the Hunter.
“Kamileroi” was the name of Ben Richards’ mansion at Richmond. It was named not
after the Kamileroi people, but one of Ben Richards’ racehorses.
‘Dr. Cameron has received a communication from the Anthropological Society, of
Sydney, asking him to endeavour to find out the meaning of the subjoined aboriginal
words. They are all supposed to originate from the Kamilaroi tribe, as this tribe was
the one which inhabited this district in days of yore. The names are: Colo, Maroota,
Cattai, Wheeney, Toohi, Bilpin,223 and Tuwullewah. Anyone who is conversant with
the meaning of any of those names, by forwarding same to Dr. Cameron, would
greatly oblige that gentleman.’224
25th of May, 1900: Sackville darkies
‘LOCAL AND GENERAL
A troupe of Sackville darkies gave an entertainment on Monday night last in the
School of Arts hall.’225
5th of October, 1900: religious discrimination
From the following newspaper report one can probably conclude that God was of a
pinkish white hue in the eyes of some Hawkesbury residents.
‘Sackville Reach
(From our own Correspondent)
The services held in the Wesleyan Church on Sunday last were conducted by Messrs
Morton and Collbrook, members of the committee of the La Perouse Aboriginal
Board. Special services were held in the darkie's Church in the afternoon and on
Saturday evening.’226
27th of April, 1900: patriotism
‘The following comes from Tuesday's Windsor Police Court: -An aboriginal was
convicted and sentenced by Mr. Wilshire, P.M., to two months for vagrancy. When
being led away by the "trap, "the nigger" let out "at the Bench: " Anyhow, boss, de
Boers'll beat de British, boss!" "With hard labour" roared the P.M.’227
222
Hawkesbury Advocate, 6th April 1900, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66368927
That Bilpin was recognised as an Aboriginal word in 1900 puts to rest the claim that the township of
Bilpin is a diminution of Bell’s Pinnacle.
224
Hawkesbury Advocate, 20th April 1900 , http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66369080
225
Hawkesbury Advocate, Friday, 25th May 1900 , http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66369384
226
Hawkesbury Advocate, 5th October 1900, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66370345
227
Hawkesbury Advocate, 27th April 1900, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66369119
223
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4th of May, 1900: blanket day
‘The aboriginals have commenced to apply for their year's supply of blankets. They
require them this weather.’228
27th of May, 1900: Breelong massacre – the Hawkesbury connection
‘Four Persons Brutally Murdered.
HORRIBLE INJURIES TO OTHERS.
FIENDISH CRUELTY.
A terrible tragedy was enacted on Friday night at Breelong, about 10 miles from
Gilgandra, at the residence of Mr. Mawbey. A messenger galloped into town on
Friday night, and reported that the whole family of Mawbeys had been brutally
murdered by blacks. Constable Berry at once proceeded to the house, and found that
Miss Kerz, Miss Hilda Mawbey, and Percy Mawbey were dead and horribly
mutilated. Evidently a tomahawk was used, their skulls being smashed completely in.
Miss Elsie Clarke (a niece of Mawbey's), Miss Grace Mawbey, and Mrs. Mawbey
were found to be wounded to such an extent as to give small hopes of recovery. The
police had not returned up to noon, but a messenger who arrived on Saturday
morning from Mr. Mawbey's states that the victims were murdered in bed about 11
o'clock on Friday night, and the perpetrators were believed to be a couple of
aboriginal blacks engaged by Mr. Mawbey. The family is amongst the pioneers of the
district and is fairly well to do, owning a large area of land on the banks of the
Castlereagh. Miss Kerz, a provisional school teacher, who was murdered, comes from
Girilambone, and has only been in the district a short time, and was boarding at Mr.
Mawbey's. No men were sleeping in the house on Friday night. Mr. Mawbey being
away at the old Breelong Post-office, which belongs to him, while the family were
residing in a new house at another part of the run about a mile away. The inmates of
the house were all in bed, and as fast as they arose and tried to run away the
murderers felled them. A report states that one little boy, seeing what was happening,
crawled under a bed, and the blacks missing him endeavoured to find him, but were
unsuccessful in their search. A large party of townspeople have left for the scene of
the murder, some being armed.
It appears that the blacks had been to Mr. Mawbey's old place and asked him if he
was going to stay there all night. On his answering in the affirmative, they said, "All
right. We want some chaff in the morning.''
Mrs. Mawbey has since died.229
Mrs. Mawbey, one of the victims of the Breelong massacre, was a native of
Castlereagh, in the district of Penrith.230 She left the district over 20 years ago. Her
father and brother were for some time employed by the late Mr. John Colless at
Castlereagh and Emu Plains. She has an aunt residing at present in Sydney named
Mrs. T. Appledore. The Clark family were very highly respected. Miss Kerz was a
niece of Mr. Carl Kerz, of Warwick-street, Penrith.’231
228
Hawkesbury Advocate, 4th May 1900, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66369198
Hawkesbury Advocate, 27th July 1900, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66369885
230
Mrs Mawby was a Clark.
231
Hawkesbury Advocate, 27th July 1900, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66369829
229
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10th of August , 1900: a ghastly failure in nomenclature
‘FRIDAY, AUGUST IO 1900.
THE FEDERAL ELECTORATES.
The Federal Electorate Commission has at length finished the work of dividing New
South Wales into 26 electorates. The work has not yet been finally confirmed, and we
have no doubt there will be one or two amendments in the scheme. Giving to the new
electorates native names is much condemned by the majority of the members of the
Legislative Assembly, and not without reason for the names are hideously unmusical,
and have no recognised bearing, beyond being an unnecessary attempt to preserve
the aboriginal dialect of the degraded blacks. It is to be hoped that sufficient pressure
will be brought to bear on the Government to prevent the perpetration of this ghastly
failure, in nomenclature. The following, styled the Tomah Electorate will prove
interesting to Hawkesbury electors:-District No 9 includes the Parliamentary
electorates of Parramatta, Granville (that part west of the Dog Trap road),
Sherbrooke, the Hawkesbury the Nepean, Hartley, that; part of Canterbury lying west
of George's River and Prospect Creek, immediately around Liverpool, and the St.
Alban's part of the Northumberland Electorate, this .will include Harris Park,.
Toongabbie, Seven Hills, Blacktown, Doonside, Mount Druitt, St. Mary's, Glenbrook,
Springwood, Lawson, Katoomba, Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Hartley Vale, Eskbank,
Lithgow, Bowenfels, Wallerawang, Rydal, Jenolan Caves, Castlereagh, Richmond,
Windsor, Pitt Town, Wilberforce, Kenthurst, Mulgrave, Baulkham Hills, Smithfield.
All of these are served by the Western and the Hawkesbury River railway lines.’232
24th of August, 1900: the good old days
Whether the editor was just engaging in wishful thinking or repeating what was one
common knowledge, there is now no way of knowing. The intent and attitude,
however, is clear.
‘In the early days, When there was not a hundred acres of cleared land in the whole
district, and settlers were armed with ancient blunderbuses, and muzzle-loading guns,
that would only kill with surety at about the same distance as a spear - at that time
three or four of the brave-hearted pioneers of colonization would follow a mob of 40
or 50 marauding blacks for days, and eventually dispatch the most of them to the
'happy hunting grounds' of the aborigines. Nowadays, when a party of 30 or 40 police
and civilians, equipped with modern rifles, revolvers, etc., see a couple of murdering
black-fellows taking to the scrub, they give up the chase-and go home. Are we
deteriorating?’233
7th of September, 1900: a pleasant change tinged with some regret
‘PARKES ELECTORATE.
The Mountaineer (Katoomba) has the following: - The select committee on the names
of the Federal electorates have discarded most of the aboriginal names and adopted
instead the names of statesmen and present names for the localities. We regret this for
some reasons, but it is pleasant to see such names as Cook, Wentworth, Lang, Parkes
and Robertson perpetuated.
232
233
Hawkesbury Advocate, 10th August 1900, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66369960
Hawkesbury Advocate, 24th August 1900, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66370069
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The name of the electorate that includes the Mountains has been altered from Tomah
to Parkes.
It was pointed out by Mr. W. H. B. Piddington, the chairman of the committee, that in
the case of the electorate of Parkes part of the district chosen for the name was for
many years a place of residence of the late Sir Henry Parkes.
We might further add that it is, too, the last renting place of that great statesman.
Whose grave is here on the lovely and bright Blue Mountains that the veteran loved
so well.’234
J. C. L. Fitzpatrick: The Good Old Days, William Dymock, 1900
John Charles Lucas Fitzpatrick (1862-1932), founder and editor of the Windsor and
Richmond Gazette reworked Yeldap’s V. – The ABORIGINES, during the 1890s. In
1900 William Dymock published Fitzpatrick’s work, The Good old days: being a
record of facts and reminescences (sic) concerning the Hawkesbury district compiled
from the columns of the "Windsor Richmond Gazette" which contained, on pages 6267, virtually the same 1890’s text with some omissions and alterations. The most
significant of the omissions was any reference to the “old resident”. As a result the
work appears to be based upon the personal experience of Fitzpatrick. Given that
Fitzpatrick was born in 1862 and worked from the age of 14 in various newspapers,
the experiences he described were certainly not his.
‘V.—THE ABORIGINES.
THERE is but a remnant now l eft of the native tribe that once lorded it over the
Hawkesbury. That there was a large tribe of blacks here at one time is well known,
but with the advance of civilization the race is surely becoming extinct. The few who
now remain, and who make their appearance annually at the Courthouse to receive
the Queen's bounty in the shape of the customary blankets, is a miserable remnant of
the once stalwart natives who roamed the banks of the Hawkesbury.
The principal camp in this district was on a creek between Windsor and Riverstone,
and the King who ruled the tribe was called King Creek Tommy. This warrior wore
a brass plate attached round his neck by a chain, bearing an inscription of his
name and the name of the tribe over which he ruled. They were not a warlike tribe,
but used frequently to come into town and hang around the pubs.
There was another camp at Blacktown, and from the blacks this town derived its
name. A paternal Government, which robbed those unhappy beings of their land,
afterwards gave to each member of any tribe who would work it, grants of land. At
one time the greater portion of land in and around Blacktown belonged to
aboriginals, and some of it is still held by half-castes who are descendants of the
tribe that once lived there.
Corroborees were of frequent occurrence. Once the local tribes issued a challenge
to light the Capertee blacks, and the two parties met for combat. The fight, however,
was averted by the strategy of Sir John Jamieson's overseer, who, seeing that the
tribes meant hostilities, had slain and suspended on the battle-field a useless old
234
Hawkesbury Advocate, 7th September 1900 , http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66370140
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bullock. On the arrival of the hostile tribes next morning, they saw a feast awaiting
them, and decided to bury the hatchet and eat, drink, and be merry. The meditated
fight culminated in a corroboree, which lasted three days, over 300 blacks being
present. Huge fires were lighted, and men and women almost nude, with faces and
limbs painted, danced around the blaze, uttering all sorts of wild gibberish. Some
of the females rushed about, pointing out their relatives to members of the other
tribe, whilst others were beating sacks, filled out tight with leaves, with sticks, and
singing. The whole scene by the glare of the fire was wild and devilish, and one not
to be easily forgotten. The noise was deafening, whilst the facial contortions and
gesticulations of the blacks would make the flesh creep.
The wonderful dexterity of the aboriginals in the use of the spear, shield, and
boomerang, was something remarkable. They could with the greatest of ease turn
off a spear with their shield, the weapon being hurled at them from short range;
and, unless taken unawares, it would be impossible to spear them, so quick were
they in protecting themselves in this way. In the use of the boomerang they were
particularly skilled, and could almost cut a man in two at one or two hundred yards
with the sharp-edged weapon, so great was the force with which they hurled it.
They were also very clever at climbing trees. Their method was to cut a-small hole
in the bark of the tree with their sharp stone axes. Many of these implements have
since been found in this locality whilst the ground was being ploughed. They then
ascended the tree in zigzag fashion, making holes, first on the right hand side, then
on the left, and so on until the limbs were reached. The whole of the weight of the
body rested on the toes.
One way of cooking was to dig a long trench, clear it out flat, and line the bottom
with boulders, on which a fire was made. When the boulders became red-hot, the
embers would be cleaned out and a steak would be thrown on them, and in this
way they could turn out a very appetising meal. Once, when I was partaking of
their food, an opossum was being cooked. The hair was first singed off; it was then
opened and thrown on the boulders. After being cooked, a piece of meat was
handed me, which, for want of a plate, had to be eaten in the hands. The gins, who
were squatted about near the fire, had their morsel thrown to them in much the
same fashion that white men would throw meat to a dog, it not being aboriginal
etiquette to hand their food to the women. Some of the half-castes in those days
were very hospitable, and I have often partaken of good meals with them, some of
them having learned European cooking from the families amongst whom they lived.
I remember a very pious old black woman who had been brought up in Lieutenant
Bell's family, and who, no doubt, had had her religious training attended to, for, in
fine weather, she could often be seen in Windsor sitting under a tree reading her
Bible. The Blacks were never very troublesome about this district, and I don't
remember any disturbances; this condition was different to that existing in
Bathurst, where several outrages were committed. In later years, when the
Government allowed the annual blanket, those who came to the Windsor Courthouse for it year by year became less and less numerous, until at the present time
their number is very small indeed. When they first came for their blankets, I
remember they numbered about 300. At first they used to sell the gifts to people for
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a trifle, or barter them to publicans for rum, but this was rightly put a stop to by
the Government.
When a young man, I remember news came from the settlers that the Emu blacks
were very troublesome, and had been spearing the settlers' cattle; and the soldiers
quartered at Windsor were sent in pursuit to what is now known as Emu Plains,
and caught some of the culprits red-handed, the spears sticking into some of the
bullocks. Notwithstanding the fact that no opposition to their capture was made
by the blacks, the soldiers shot several of the poor wretches down, and when I
went over the place a day or two afterwards, I counted seventeen of them lying
dead within about four rods of ground. On another occasion, when I was
travelling in the Bathurst district, - I used to go away droving I came across the
remains of a burnt hut in the bush, and the charred remains of three poor
fellows who had been murdered by blacks. It afterwards transpired that these
three men (settlers) had been attacked by the blacks, whom they had kept at bay
for some time with their guns, until resorting to cunning, the blacks threw a
fire-brand on to the bark roof, and set the hut on fire. Strange to say, the
settlers stuck to their post, and would not come out, preferring rather to be
roasted alive than to make an effort for freedom.
A few days afterwards, a publican who once lived in Windsor got a party of
men together, armed with carbines and cutlasses, and set out in search of the
hostile blacks, the king of whom was named after him. They came upon the
blacks after some days' search, and the king came forward, asking for the
blacks to be spared. "Is that you,———————" (mentioning his name) said the
publican, and receiving a reply in the affirmative, he rushed, with an oath, at
the king, and cleaved his skull open with his cutlass. Report states that King
Ebony ran several yards with his skull cleft in twain, and then dropped dead.
The party then attacked the blacks, and a butchery ensued, none of them being
spared, men, women, and children being slaughtered to the number of seventy.
The massacre - it could be termed nothing else - is a standing blot in Australian
history.235
There is no need to mention the cleverness of the blacks as trackers, as their
capacity for finding trails or tracks in the bush is well-known, and even to this clay
they are employed for this purpose. I was droving up over the mountains when a
young man, and, in endeavouring to get to a small township, lost the track. Shortly
afterwards I met an Aboriginal who was well-known to me, and asked him to put me
on the right track, telling him if he would go to the township with me, I would give
him a rupee - a coin which would pass in those days - and which I held in my hand
and offered to him. To show that they did not appreciate the value of money in those
days, and would rather have the equivalent in tobacco or spirits, Billy consented to
conduct me to my destination on condition that he received some tobacco. Having a
little in my pocket, I gave him a smoke or two, and rewarded him when we arrived
at the store. Some of the early blacks made splendid workers, and could do a day's
toil in the wheat-field that would make many a white man ashamed of his own work.
Strange to say, many of those who became fairly educated and acquainted with
235
Using first names it is not too difficult to work out who is being referred to. I have declined to
identify the man, a one-time Windsor publican as there is no other evidence to support the claim that I
am aware of.
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European customs in after years were seized with nomadic habits again, and went
back to their tribe.’236
1901 census
The 1901 census identified that there were one hundred and ten, or one hundred and
eleven Aboriginal people in the Hawkesbury. They appeared to be concentrated on
the Blacktown on the old Lock grant, at Lilburnedale, and at or around the Sackville
Aboriginal Reserve.
‘Sub-District
Windsor
Richmond
Riverstone
Riverstone
Riverstone
Riverstone
Riverstone
Riverstone
Riverstone
Riverstone
Riverstone
Riverstone
Brought in from
another
collector’s subdistrict.
Pitt Town
Common and
Nelson
Maroota
Pitt Town and
Bottoms
Lower
Hawkesbury
Lower Portland
St. Albans
Webbs Creek
Putty
Capertee
Colo and District
Bell’s Line and
Wheeny
North Kurrajong
North Kurrajong
Location
Name237
M.
F.
Blacktown
Blacktown
Blacktown
Blacktown
Blacktown
Blacktown
Blacktown
Blacktown
Blacktown
Studdy
A. Anoleck
J. Lock
T. Castles
C. Lock
W. Lock
R. A. Lock
S. Lock
G. H. Stubbings
J. A. Shaw
W. Castles
2
1
4
4
2
4
1
3
3
2
2
6
0
7
2
4
1
2
6
1
3
Wheeny
Wheeny
Daniel Packer
Abner Douglass
North Kurrajong
North Kurrajong
LowerPortland
Lilburnedale
Andrew Barber
Graham
Remarks
3 or 2
1
8
Charlie
Everingham is
a half Caste
Half Caste
2
236
Pages 62-67, J. C. L. Fitzpatrick, The Good Old Days, William Dymock, Sydney, 1900.
These names are not necessarily Aboriginal; they can include white people that Aboriginal people
were living with.
237
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North Kurrajong
North Kurrajong
Lilburnedale
Lilburnedale
North Kurrajong
North Kurrajong
North Kurrajong
North Kurrajong
Lilburnedale
Lower Sackville
Lower Sackville
Aboriginals
Mission House
Lower Sackville
North Kurrajong
Everingham
George Symon
Edward
Sanders
Henry Barber
John Barber
Charles Smith
John Bryant
1
3
3
3
6
1
2
0
2
8
1
6
1
1
Mission House
South Kurrajong
Wilberforce and
Freemans Reach
Wilberforce
Common’238
20th of February, 1903: Mental health
What happened to Aboriginal people when admitted to mental institutions at this time
is an area that bears investigation.
‘UNSOUND MIND.
John Gubra (aboriginal) was brought up and charged with being of unsound mind.
Doctors Gibson and Callaghan gave evidence as to his insanity, and the bench
ordered him to be sent to Parramatta Hospital for Insane.’239
8th of January, 1910: Alfred Smith, Some Ups and Downs of an Old,
Richmondite
While most of the following extract from Alfred Smith’s article that originally appeared
in the Windsor and Richmond Gazette is not relevant to the Hawkesbury I have included
it as I think it shows where Fitzpatrick got his account from.
‘MY FIRST SIGHT OF THE BLACK COUNTRY
This came about 64 years ago last June, with old Mr John Roberts, of Richmond. We went
up country for cattle. I was to get 4/- a week and rations. I had always wanted to go up
country, so the people who reared me (and who I looked upon as a father and mother) got a
boy to mind the town cattle while I was away. I was away two months. We crossed the falls at
Lower Castlereagh and went up to Springwood. I will never forget those days, as there were so
many horse teams and bullock teams on the road at that time. I have seen as many as
eight to ten teams travelling together at a time. It was nothing new to see five and six horses
travelling together. Little did I think then I would ever see the trains going over the
mountains. In those days I saw land you would not have if you got it for 5/- per acre. Now it
is selling by the foot, and bringing large prices. I little thought to see places like
Katoomba, Wentworth Falls, and Blackheath. What is now Lithgow used to be called
Brown's Swamp, where I camped many a night with fat sheep, to come over Bell's Line, and a
cold "shop” it was. The late Mr William Bowman offered to buy 40 acres of land near the
foot of the mountain for a man I knew (a blacksmith by trade) very well, and he would not
accept it. This offer was made about 60 years ago. Mr Bowman told him there would be a
238
239
Source: http://www.hawkesbury.net.au/lists/1901Census.html .
Hawkesbury Herald, 20th February 1903, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/66353584
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deal of stock coming over Bell's Line, and he thought it would be a good place for a
blacksmith. Drovers would want their horses shod, and his wife could keep a boarding
house, as drovers would want rations to carry them over as far as Mount Tomah, 26 miles to
the stone house. Mudgee at this time had two hotels. One was kept by a man named
Blackman and the other by a Mr Sampson. At that time it was not much of a town either, for it
only had a very few houses. From Mudgee we went on to the Macquarie for cattle. A
fortnight before we reached our destination, the station, 40 blacks surrounded the men's hut.
Five men were there (four stockmen and the cook) and they happened to have six guns and
plenty of ammunition. They shot eighteen of the blacks through the port holes in the slabs they made these provisions in those days on account of the blacks being troublesome and burnt them about 300 yards from the hut. I saw where they had burnt them, and there
were some very small pieces of the bones left. I saw plenty of blacks on the journey, both going
up and coming down, at every station in their wild state. There were plenty of sly grog sellers
about who sold other things besides, to turn suspicion off the real trade they were
engaged in. At one place on the Marthaguy Creek, near the Macquarie, we saw a lot of
fires about a quarter of a mile away one night and could not understand its meaning. I
mentioned to the overseer about the blacks' dogs yelling, and he told me it was the blacks
themselves making that noise, as a young black gin had died some three or four days
before. Next morning a black gin came to the station and her head was all covered in mud,
which had dried and was very hard. The overseer gave me to understand that this was
their way of mourning for their dead. I thought it a strange custom then, but have grown
used to similar sights since.
As they gathered the cattle a blackfellow and myself used to mind them. It was very windy one
day and he said to me "I no like urn windy weather, debbil, debbil, makeum wind" I said "No,
Jacky, God make him wind." It was surprising how this appealed to the blackfellow.
After that everything he could think of he put the question to me "God makee that too?
God good pellah, I nebber been hear of him from your countryman before." He was in
the habit of swearing a great deal before, and I told him a few times that God didn't like
it, and it seemed to check him a lot.
After we left Richmond and had been about three weeks on the road it was reported I had
been speared by the blacks, and killed. News travelled slow in those days - no post or
telegraph service like we have today - but by some means it reached my foster
parents, old Mr and Mrs George James, in Richmond. Naturally they were greatly
upset. I will never forget the day I got back to Richmond. My dear old adopted father
and mother caught me in their arms, and thanked God I had come back to them safely.
This grand old couple were good to me - good as any natural father and mother. I am
thankful to be able to say I was always grateful for their kindness, and never forgot to
do all within my power for them while they were alive. I still respect their bones in the
grave today.’240
12th of November, 1910: denial of Aboriginal identity
A report on the death of John Lock, one of Robert and Maria Lock’s children, in the
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 12th November 1910 provoked an anonymous
response in the following issue that provides important insights into settler
perceptions of Aboriginal identity. The anonymous correspondent asserted that John
240
Alfred Smith, Some Ups and Downs of an Old, Richmondite, Nepean Family Historical Society Inc,
1991.
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Lock was not “one of the original of the tribe of blacks in the district” as his father,
Robert Lock “was an Englishman”. The anonymous correspondent went on to deny
John Lock’s Aboriginal identity by further asserting that “I fail to see how the Locks
them selves can be classed as blacks. There are two of them who are dark certainly,
but that is only natural, the mother being a half-caste.” The fact that John Lock had
married Jane Starkey,241 the daughter of a convict and a Aboriginal woman indicates
that the anonymous correspondent had no understanding of Aboriginal identity. There
is no evidence to support the assertion that Maria, John Lock’s mother was one of
“four half-caste girls”.
‘An old identity of the district passed away on Tuesday night in the person of John
Locke, of Blacktown road. Deceased was 80 years of age, and suffered from
bronchitis. Locke was one of the original of the tribe of blacks in the district.242
The Late John Lock.
A correspondent writes : — I write to ask you to make a correction in the par in last
week's Gazette, re the death of John Lock, in which it reads: “Lock was one of the
original of the tribe of blacks in the district.” This part is wrong, as the following will
show: -— Robert Lock senr., John's father, was an Englishman, and was sent out here
“for the good of his health” for some trivial offence. There were at the time four halfcaste girls in the employ of two residents. - The order was given from the Governor of
the Colony that whatever four men married these four girls should have their free
pardon, and a grant of land each for both men and girls. Lock, senr., married one and
got his land at Liverpool, and his wife got hers at Plumpton. How on earth people can
make out that the Locks were aboriginals, I don't know. Some of them lived with, or
married, dark women. In fact three of them did, and these women belonged to a tribe
that lived on Pye's place (R. A. Pye's grandfather)243 I believe, but I fail to see how the
Locks them selves can be classed as blacks. There are two of them who are dark
certainly, but that is only natural, the mother being a half-caste.’244
1910: centenary
R. Farlow took an early lead in trying to get the 1910 centenary festivities started in
Richmond. His proposed parade and celebrations formed a template for many later
celebrations. Whether the tribe of Aborigines was rounded up or not remains
unknown. His description of them as denisons of our bush neatly avoided recognising
prior ownership. Farlow’s phrase CELEBRATING OUR CENTENARY was
paraphrased for the 2004 bicentenary celebrations. It was not an inclusive theme.
‘1910: Centenary
241
Pages 100-101, James Kohen, The Darug and Their Neighbours, Darug Link, 1993.
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 12th November 1910,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85944799
243
The Pye property was originally known “at the time it was settled upon as Waawaarawaa, the
aboriginal name for Fresh Water, no doubt meant for the Eastern Creek, which traverses the
property.” It was later known as “Liberty Hall”, and was “close to Schofield's Siding, on the
Blacktown-Richmond railway line.” Windsor and Richmond Gazette, Saturday 2 March 1912.
242
Wikipedia contains the following information for Eastern Creek: “The Dharug name for Eastern Creek
is rendered variously in English as Warrawarry, Wawirrawarry, Warawara & Waawaar Awaa.”
244
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, Saturday 19 November 1910,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85944560
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CELEBRATING OUR CENTENARY.
(To the Editor.)
Sir,— …
On the outskirts of Richmond, say about the R.C. Chapel, a procession could be
formed. It could be made up something as follows: A very early type of conveyance,
such as "the old blue block cart," without any springs, with passengers aboard, to
represent the way our forefathers drove out to business and divine worship; an old
water cart, driven by an old-timer, representing the time in our history when the town
was supplied by this means from Pugh's Lagoon. On the water-cart could be
prominently erected a calico sign such as 9d. a cask. A lorry might be loaned and
loaded with empty, casks, representing our old "pub" days. Around the lorry could be
placed calico signs displaying the names of the old pubs, such as "The Lion and the
Unicorn," "The Bow and Arrow," etc. Then the historical Parson Fulton could be
represented riding his horse from Castlereagh to hold divine service at Richmond.
And Parson Fulton could head the procession. Then we could have old-time
policemen, such as George James and Tiernan. 'A few bushrangers, mounted, would
help the procession, as we had them amongst us once. A tribe of aborigines could be
worked in with advantage, as they were denisons of our bush. An effigy of a game
cock would represent a popular sport years ago. The old reapers, millers, and other,
which do not occur to me in my hurry, could be thought out and worked in to
represent our earliest history.
The procession could comprise all stages in our growth down to the present day,
when we could seek the assistance of the waiter brigade, the fire brigade, the military
(mounted and dismounted), the Army Medical, the benefit societies (Oddfellows,
Druids, Hibernians), could make an important part in the pageant.
The procession could move off at a suitable hour to enable it to travel down Windsorstreet to the, site of the old church school. On the very site of the old school an
address could be given on its early history by someone, and as it is contiguous to the
old cemetery, a few facts, figures, and information could also be given in connection
with it by someone well up in the subject. While here the rector of the old C.E. could
give a short open air address to the assemblage. The procession could then re-form,
and arrangements could be made at the out set as to its route after leaving the old
spot back to the park. The afternoon could, be devoted to sports of various kinds, both
for young and old. A good pile of wood might be erected, with a Guy Fawkes on top.
After te (sic) it could be set on fire, and a black fellows' corroboree held; also campfire songs could be introduced. If possible to have the State Governor at the function,
by all means have him. If not, there should be no difficulty in making up one.
Whether these suggestions will be adopted I cannot say, but if they do no more than
galvanise the local folk into celebrations of any kind on the 8th of December, 1910, I
shall be amply repaid. If we have the College boys with us, then I am sanguine they,
will enter into the affair with the spirit, characteristic of them, and that they will not
be hampered in their movements is almost certain;
Trusting, Sir, something will be done in the matter. — Yours, etc.,
R. FARLOW.
P.S. — Should it be preferred for the procession to make no halt, the address spoken
of at that site of the old church school could be given in the park. Members of the
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Historical Society could be invited. Some, no doubt, would be in quest of information
in connection with Windsor, and they could attend there. Members who prefer
Richmond could attend here, and be handed over to someone capable of showing
them round and explaining over old buildings, etc., to them.— R.F.’245
10th of December 1910: A Chronological Table of Events of the Hawkesbury.
On the 10th of December 1910, the centenary of Governor Macquarie's naming of the
five towns was held at Hawkesbury race course. There was a military band, horse
races, motor car races, sporting contest, wood chopping etc.246 It was a format not that
different from the modern Hawkesbury Show. The Windsor and Richmond Gazette
provided a history of settlement that was to become a template for many similar
accounts in the future. It also made no mention of Aboriginal people.
‘Chronological Table of Events of the Hawkesbury.
1788:— 15th May, Governor Phillip discovered Broken Bay the entrance to the
mouth of the Hawkesbury River.
1789:— 6th June, Hawkesbury River discovered by Governor Phillip. 1st July,
junction of the Hawkesbury and Macdonald Rivers discovered. 6th July, site of the
town of Windsor reached and the Hawkesbury River named.
1790: — Several excursions to the Hawkesbury made.
1791: — May, expedition headed by Captain Watkin Tench, and others to the
Hawkesbury, course of the Nepean and Hawkesbury Rivers settled. 1st August, 12
prisoners settled between Prospect Hill and the Ponds on the Hawkesbury road.
1794: — April, Major Grose placed the first settlers on the banks of the Hawkesbury,
22
farms.
1795: — June, settlers and families in the Hawkesbury numbered 400 persons. First
troops stationed at the Hawkesbury N.S.W. Corps).
1797: — Roads ordered to be made to the Hawkesbury settlement.
1798: — A convict performed the duties of surgeon at the Hawkesbury.
1800: — July, Deputy Surveyor Grimes appointed Magistrate and Superintendent of
Public Works at the Hawkesbury.
1803: — 19th April, Roman Catholic services to take place, in rotation at Sydney,
Parramatta and Hawkesbury. 15th. May, first Roman Catholic service held in
Hawkesbury.
1804: — 4th March, insurrection at Castle Hill. 7th May, shock of earthquake at
Windsor. 12th August, Ham Common given by Governor King. 13th August,
subscription for Church of England started.
1805: — 11th August, Divine Service performed at the Hawkesbury. 25th October,
floods at South Creek. First coach or waggon ran between Windsor and Sydney by
William Roberts.
1806: — 20th March, great flood at the Hawkesbury, crops destroyed, wheat 70/- to
80/- per bushel. 7th. September, heavy hail storm at the Hawkesbury. 24th September,
earthquake felt at Richmond Hill. 19th October, 300 acres of wheat inundated at
South Creek. 22nd November, £1 paid for one bushel of seed maize.
1807: — Andrew Thompson in charge of Bligh's farm at Hawkesbury.
1st April, colonial schooner, Governor Bligh, launched at Hawkesbury.
245
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 23rd July 1910, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85943260
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 10th December 1910,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85944671
246
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1808: — Flood at the Hawkesbury as high as the one of March, 1806.
1809: — Floods, working gangs sent out to assist settlers, great loss of life. First
Presbyterian Church erected in N.S.W. at Portland Head, Hawkesbury,
Ebenezer Chapel.
1810: — 13th September, Hawkesbury Races first run. 15th September, Rev. R.
Cartwright appointed resident chaplain of the Hawkesbury district. 6th November,
Governor went on tour to Hawkesbury district. 8th December, Windsor named,
formerly Green Hills, 15th December, towns of Windsor, Richmond, Pitt Town,
Wilberforce, and Castlereagh proclaimed. Governor established tolls along the roads
to the Hawkesbury.
1811: — March, floods at the Hawkesbury. 2nd March, Thomas Hobby gazetted first
coroner of the Hawkesbury. 14th May, burial grounds in township consecrated.
September, a man called Ralph Makin sold his wife publicly in Windsor street for £16,
to Thos. Quires, for which act he was punished. Windsor Benevolent Asylum and
Hospital erected.
1812: —Governor Macquarie made a tour of the Hawkesbury district in January.
Subscription started for fencing in school and cemetery at Richmond. March, a cow
race at Windsor, cows ridden by owners. 1st April, discovery of illegal distillation
near Windsor. 25th April, a punt erected between Pitt Town and Wilberforce.
1813: — 10th November, Howe's Bridge at Windsor completed and named. Parish of
Richmond separated from Windsor and Castlereagh.
1814: —Great ravage of caterpillars in the Hawkesbury. 11th October, foundation
stone of St. Matthew's Church laid. 11th November, carrier called Highland
advertised to carry between Sydney and Windsor.
1815: — 4th February, Highland's Hawkesbury Caravan started. March, a horse mill
working at Windsor. 26th July, Macquarie Arms opened by Mr Ranson, innkeeper.
22nd October, the removal of the site of the town of Pitt Town.
1816:— 26th February, Governor Macquarie returned to Sydney in 'Lady Nelson,'
from exploration of Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay.
1817:— A Relief Fund Society formed, to aid sufferers by floods. March, towns on the
Hawkesbury ordered to be re moved to a higher level.
1819: — October, brig 'Glory' built by Jonathan Griffith, of Richmond, sailed into
Sydney Cove from Hawkesbury.
1821: — Governor Macquarie's tour of inspection to the Hawkesbury. 2nd May,
death of Surgeon Thos. Arndell, South Creek. Old Court House at Windsor completed.
1822: — Portrait of Governor Macquarie executed for Court House, Windsor. 8th
December, opening of St. Matthew's Church of England, Windsor.
1823: — 5th March, road from Richmond to Wallis Plains thrown open to the public.
Earthquake at Windsor, Howe's Bridge wrecked.
1824: — January, "Competitor," Captain Ascough, first ship to sail up the
Hawkesbury.
1828: — March, Bennelong, Hawkesbury launch, 272 tons, launched from Captain
Grono's yard into the Hawkesbury for whale fishery. 11th. August, launching of a
punt ferry at Pitt Town.
1829: — 27th June, marriage of Captain William Wiseman to Miss Grono at Portland
Head.
1832: — Capture of three bushrangers at Hawkesbury. 24th July, first trip of William
4th steamer up the Hawkesbury. 4th September, sale of the Red House, Richmond.
1833: — 7th March, sale of Duggan's farm at Hawkesbury. 17th August, sale of
Retreat Farm, at Hawkesbury.
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1834: — Windsor Royal Mail advertised to leave General Post Office, daily.
1838: — 12th January, death of Solomon Wiseman, age 61 years.
1841: — 3rd June, foundation stone of St. Mary Magdalene's Church, Wiseman's
Ferry, laid.
1846: — A railway projected to Windsor.
1857: — A debating Society formed at Windsor.
1861:— October, £60,000 voted for horse rail to Windsor and Richmond.
1863: — 15th January, first sod of railway to Windsor turned.
1864: — £15,000 extra for railway, to be locomotive, voted. 12th June, great floods at
the
Hawkesbury.
1867: — June, disastrous floods at the Hawkesbury. Much loss of property. The wife
of Thomas Eather and five children, and the wife of William Eather and five children,
drowned, at Richmond Bottoms.
1871: — 4th March, Windsor proclaimed a Municipality.
1872: — 18th June, Richmond proclaimed a Municipality.
1874: — Big fire at Windsor, when many buildings, including the first Wesleyan
Church, were destroyed.
1879: — September, Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association formed.
1882:— First Masonic Lodge opened at Richmond.
1888: — Opening of Hawkesbury Railway Bridge. "Windsor and Richmond Gazette "
established in Windsor.
1891: — Hawkesbury Agricultural College opened.
1895 : — Castlereagh incorporated.
1906 : — Appointment of Colo Shire Temporary Council. November 24 first Council
of Colo Shire elected.
1910:— 10th December, Centenary Celebrations of Hawkesbury District.’247
17th of December, 1910: The day we celebrate.
In the following week the Windsor and Richmond Gazette carried the speech of the
Hon. Joseph Cook, M.H.R., celebrating the triumph of civilization over “nature —
with the blacks by day and with the kangaroos by night.”
At the banquet, the “Hon. Joseph Cook, M.H.R., was called upon to propose "The day
we celebrate." After expressing his indebtedness to Mr Fitzpatrick and warmly
congratulating him on his book entitled 'The Good Old Days' Mr Cook proceeded to
ask the question, what did 'The day we celebrate' mean? Did it mean the mighty
flowing river of our present day civilization, or that trickle or rill which was but
barely traceable a century ago. Did it mean the noonday and the refulgent248 glory of
the present, or the mist and twilight of its dawn in the days of long ago. He thought it
included both. If they measured the present by the past the contrast would be great
indeed, but yet if they looked closely they would find that though the externals of
progress and civilization had changed, though, may be, they had changed their color
and shape and form, they would find that the inside bad changed, perhaps less than
they thought. What he meant was that ~ in the days of long ago there was the same
human nature expressing itself in its infinite and varied forms just as they saw it today. Then, as now, men sought to realise their life and destiny through many and
247
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 10th December 1910,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85944629
248
Brightly shining.
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varied exercises of that mental heritage which was our God-given birthright. And just
as they differed in their qualities so did the expression of their life shape itself. Not
only did they fight nature — with the blacks by day and with the kangaroos by night
— but they also fought as strenuously as now on the fields of sport. He had been
looking over the roll of honor on the wall behind him. He noticed that amongst all the
splendid horses which the district had produced 'Jorrocks' was singled out for the
supreme place. Perhaps this was right. He read, how ever, that Killarney was
eventually the master of old Jorrocks. So perhaps they might go together. Then he
noticed on the cricket roll the name of their old and good friend, W. Howell. But while
they rightly honored his prowess on the field in these modern days, they must not
forget George Freeman's six wickets for seven runs. He (Mr Cook) had seen Howell
do the hat trick, but he did not know if he could beat George Freeman's record. Then
if their old friend Dan Mayne were still here he could speak of the cock-pit of 'ye
olden time,' a thing they had now left behind them. He also noted that in the boxing of
the olden days the place of honor was given to Norris. From his reading, however, he
was not sure if Teale was not equally entitled. Then if they came to political fighting it
would be found that this was in every way as vigorous, as picturesque, as interesting,
as the fights of today. In this respect they remembered such gladiators as Messrs.
Fitzgerald, Bowman, McQade and their late good old friend Mr Walker. Wherever
they looked they found the civilization of 'the long ago' as varied, as vivid, as agitated,
and sometimes as confused as now. Perhaps they might best measure their progress
by reference to those attributes of civilization which had to do with justice and liberty.
They might remember how the woman, Ratkins, was sold by her unworthy husband in
the street for £16 and some cloth, and how the unfortunate woman went gladly to her
purchaser, believing that he would make a better husband than her former one. This
kind of thing was now and again done even in our day, though not longer he was glad
to say, in the Empire. Then there were banks of burglars just as now, and they knew
how to charge interest too in those days. They read of £2/10/- being paid as interest
on a loan of £5. Let them think of the poor convict, who, for running away, received
150 lashes; and of the unfortunate who for stealing a keg of rum paid the forfeit of his
life; or again of the boy Bennett, a 17 year old youth, who for breaking and robbing a
tent was executed. All these incidents shocked them as they read and pondered the
record. He, however, wanted them to remember that such a criminal code was not
peculiar to Australia at that time, but was the penal code of England. They were too
apt to think that these happenings were due to some entirely unprecedented and
abnormal administration. It was, however, simply the full and effective, if sometimes
harsh, administration of the laws of the realm. They were told, for instance, by
Blackstone that in the reign of George III there were no fewer than one hundred and
sixty offences which were punishable with death. They heard of the splendid thirst of
the men in those days, and it is recorded that one man sold his 100 acres of land for
£20 to a publican, and did not leave the pub until the whole of it had gone.
(Laughter). But what occurred at that time elsewhere? Macaulay told them that "It
was a favorite amusement of dissolute young gentlemen to swagger by night about the
town (London) breaking windows, upsetting sedans, beating quiet men, and offering
rude caresses to pretty women."249 He further speaks of the "Mohawks"250 those "sons
249
Macauley's, History of England, published between 1848 and 1861. The quote refers to London in
1685.
250
The Dutch encountered the Mohawks early in the seventeenth century in what is now New York
State.
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of Belial flown with insolence and wine."251 These things prove that if such manners
and habits prevailed now the old laws would be still in force. Let them remember his
point, which was, that though the externals of their civilization had greatly changed,
their internal human nature had changed but little. They might also look at the other
side of the picture. Let them think of and hold in honor the bravery of the men in their
fight with wild nature; or their efforts to construct and multiply the facilities for
intercourse, such as roads and bridges. He had travelled from Parramatta that
morning in three quarters of an hour. Once upon a time it took 21 days to get from
Parramatta to Windsor. It is true 16 days of this was spent at Magrath's Hill.
(Laughter). No, he did not mean internal irrigation, but that which even now
sometimes caused them trouble — he meant a mighty flood. But when this was
subtracted from the total it left five days for the journey. Then again, only the other
day in Sydney one of the members of the Art Society had soundly rated the members
because he said they were doing nothing but painting in oils now-a-days. It reminded
him of the time when the residents had to send to England to get Governor
Macquarie's portrait painted in oils as a memorial of the success and justice of his
tenure of office. The fact was some of these early pioneers builded better than they
knew. In the scantiness and deprivation of their own liberty which they suffered some
of them watered and fructified the soil on which their liberty to-day grew so
luxuriantly, that it almost tended to run to license. In building these bridges and roads
they ministered to their own daily necessities and wants, all unconscious of the fact
that they were at the same time providing facilities for the dissemination of knowledge
end influence over all Australia. They little dreamt in their hard lot that around them
were thousands of millions of latent wealth in the sheep pastures of the continent, and
many more hundreds of millions in the mineralised grounds of Australia. Nor should
we forget amid these more material considerations the efforts of the good and brave
and self-sacrificing men who held aloft the torch of truth and carried the banner of
freedom. They did their best amid untoward surroundings to impress the altruistic
and spiritual ideals upon the life and movements of their day. The evidence of this was
to be found in the old sacred edifices which still stand to bear witness to the truth of
things. We might well at a time like this ask ourselves what had the century brought
us? The answer was — better social relations. A justice that can neither be bought
nor sold — a justice also penetrated with wisdom, intelligence and sympathy, as
becomes the spirit of the twentieth century. A justice that in its exercise amongst the
unfortunate is oftimes linked with the quality of mercy. It had also brought them a
kindness and humanity which expressed itself in hospitals for the sick, in pensions for
the poor, in better conditions of employment for the men — indeed for all. It had
brought them also an increase and diffusion of knowledge and in the facilities for
cultivating the spirit and training the mind of the nation. To this our public and
private, our primary and secondary schools, bore witness; and last though not least
the great agricultural college on the old common yonder. It was a most fitting thing
that here in the birthplace of the agricultural and industrial enterprises of the people,
there should be founded the best school of its kind in all Australia — here where the
roots of the native were first displaced by the more refined grains of civilized man.
Long may it prosper and lay in the future the basis of a healthy and numerous
yeomanry which was the only enduring guarantee of the nation's future prosperity.
And what of that future? They were today measuring the range and scale of their
advances during the past hundred years. Bright as that page of progress was, the next
251
A quote from Milton's, Paradise Lost, Book I.
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hundred years would eclipse it. With "freedom slowly broadening down from
precedent to precedent"252 and with the economic ideals of the nation tinctured and
influenced by the altruistic spirit which was abroad, they need have no fear to step out
into the next century of national existence. They believed in their race and hoped to
preserve this continent as the home of a great white people who in all the time to
some would hold this outpost for the Empire and for the good of humanity at large.
(Applause)".”253
In the same issue of the Windsor and Richmond Gazette, another piece of historical
triumphalism was reprinted from the Daily Telegraph. This particular piece of fancy
had the early settlers alternately battling floods and “an aggressive tribe of blacks”
who, in terms of landownership conveniently lived between the Hawkesbury and
Parramatta.
17th of December, 1910: More memories
‘Centenary,
100 YEARS OF HISTORY. A FEW REMINISCENCES.
(From 'Daily Telegraph.')
In the beginning, Sydney. Next came Parramatta, then Windsor, Richmond, Pitt Town,
Wilberforce, and Castlereagh all at once. A hundred years ago on Thursday,
December 8, Windsor was named, and a week after these five towns were proclaimed.
The history of the Hawkesbury goes back further still. Governor Phillip discovered
Broken Bay on March 2, 1788, when he took a long-boat and cutter to examine the
coast to the north of Port Jackson, which had been remarked on by Captain Cook. A
year later Phillip sent two boats to explore the bay, and this time they discovered the
Hawkesbury River, which flows into it. They rowed up the river for a couple of days,
but provisions ran out, and they returned. Another start was made, and now they went
right up to South Creek, where in 1794 Lieutenant-Governor Grose founded the first
settlement of the Hawkesbury. Ever since the district has been renowned for the
strength of the 'men' and the horses that have been reared there, for the great ages to
which its buildings, and people have lived, for floods, and fertility of soil. The early
settlers needed plenty of strength and much courage. Between them and Parramatta
dwelt an aggressive tribe of blacks, who contracted a habit of making periodical raids
on the homesteads. No sooner would trouble from this quarter be checked than the
river would come down in flood, and farms, houses, and crops would accompany it to
the sea.
The Hawkesbury in Flood.
Hawkesbury history provides a flood every few years. The first that records tell of was
in 1795 There was a bigger one in 1799, and in 1806 a third, in which several lives
were lost. Moreover, crops suffered so badly that wheat was after wards worth 70/- to
80/- a bushel, and a bushel of seed maize realised £7. More floods occurred in 1809;
more lives wore lost. In the sixties Mr John Tebbutt, whose work as an astronomer is
known throughout the world's scientific circles, began to keep authoritative records of
the river's risings, and in 1864 he measured the Hawkesbury's height, when it rose
252
Apparently a quote from Tennyson. I have not yet sourced it.
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 17th December 1910,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85944824
253
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48ft. above summer level. For miles round the country was submerged. Farms
disappeared, live stock died. Mrs William Eather and her five children were drowned;
Mrs Thomas Eather and her five children shared their fate. Then came the great '67
flood, when the river reached its highest point. Sixty-three feet it rose. Houses and
haystacks, cattle and cash went down in the broad current. Walk round Windsor and
people will show where the top of the waters touched. Having looked, you gaze
towards the horizon level with the mark to see what formed the bank of the great lake
which, must have existed. You see nothing that could have held back the water; then
you remember that as far as the eye would reach it was all water. There have been
plenty of floods since 1867. In 1870 the river rose 45 feet; in 1873 41ft., in '72 43ft.,
in 1900 46ft. 2in. Floods have been a vexation to the district from the beginning. Had
it not been for floods Windsor would not have been in its present position. It was built
at first lower down the banks of the river, but a few years' experience showed the
urgency of a move.
A District of Long Livers.
The Hawkesbury has been the home of many people who have lived to 90 and 100
years. There was old William Magic of Richmond, who died in i860. He was 108.
Another was John Whitehurst, who lived till he was 98. That was in 1875. Even now
there are dozens of men and women over 80. Take old Mr Matthew Nowland, who
lives at Mountain View, Richmond. He is 93, and he drives into Windsor regularly on
business. Even if he misses a word or two in conversation occasionally, what does it
matter? He is hale and hearty. On Tuesday last Mr Nowland called on his comrade,
Mr John Ryan, who lives across the river from Windsor, and they had an argument as
to the exact age of the latter. Mr Ryan would only own up to 87, but, having been
taught to respect the opinions of his elders, he gave way when Mr Nowland insisted
that he was 92. So they left it at that. They both came out from Ireland when young
men, and when Johnnie Ryan's fame as a bullock driver had gone through the land,
Matt. Nowland was winning ploughing matches all round. At the inauguration of the
Hawkesbury Agricultural Association in 1879 Mr Nowland won a huge bronze medal
for ploughing, and he treasures it vastly. How is it these old pioneers have lived so
long? By dint of hard work and a life of strenuous endeavour, they say. Mr Nowland
says he does not like the young man who decides whether to work or not in the
morning by tossing a brick in the air — work if it stays up, rest if it comes down. The
graveyards are full of tomb stones bearing almost incredible figures.
Memories of the Past.
Windsor has a history right enough. Governor Macquarie built many of the buildings
now standing. The Court House was completed in 1821. Business was brisker at the
Court then than now. It sat every morning in the days that have gone, and for offences
which would now be punished with "the rising" or "24 hours" men were taken outside
and given a dozen or two dozen lashes. There is very little doing at the Court
nowadays. Before the Court House was finished, repairs and improvements were
effected to the old Government House, which was en closed by a wall and fence, and
provided with a coach-house and stable. Governor Macquarie in 1811 also erected
the Benevolent Asylum and Hospital, which has recently been torn down to make way
for the new hospital now being erected. This Benevolent Asylum and Hospital was a
flourishing institution. Besides a comfortable banking account, it had in 1834 600 odd
head of cattle out grazing. Churches were established while the district was still
young. A curious thing happened in connection with the laying of the foundation-
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stone of St. Matthew's Church of England. Governor Macquarie did the business on
October 11, 1817, and under the stone a "holy dollar" and other coins were care fully
placed. That night a mean thief ran off with the "dollar." Consternation reigned, but
two days later the townsfolk had sufficiently recovered to allow of another
foundation-stone-laying. Again Governor Macquarie officiated, and again that night
sacrilegious hands carried off the "dollar." They laid the foundation stone a third
time, and sealed it. Doubt less the "dollar" is still there. The church had been in use
less than four years when it was again the centre of a certain excitement. The funeral
service of Thomas Arndell, a surgeon, was being conducted when one Doyle, a settler,
interrupted the preacher with irrelevant questions. The enormity of the offence,
"which, for turpitude and atrocity," says an old account, "we believe is unparalleled
in our colonial records," led to a special court of magistrates dealing with Mr Doyle,
who ended up with three months' solitary confinement on a bread and water diet,
after which he had to find two approved sureties of £500 each, in addition to his own
bond of £1000, that he would behave aright in the future. As records do not mention
otherwise, presumably he sinned no more. Other things have happened. There were
horse races on September 13, 1810, and a cow race in 1812 — the owners rode their
own cows. In 1811 a man sold his wife at public auction. She brought £16, and the
law dealt with the husband. Caterpillars ate everything green in 1814, and an
earthquake in 1823 wrecked Howe's bridge, which was the first large bridge in
Australia. It spanned South Creek, and was completed in 1813. Its length was 214ft.,
and it stood on four series of piles. Andrew Thompson, who had the contract, died
before its completion, and Governor Macquarie was so pleased with John Howe, who
finished it, that he named it after Howe. Fitzroy Bridge now takes its place. A railway
was talked of in 1847. Previously there were two ways of getting to Sydney — by river
or by road. The former was not very speedy, and the second was nearly as bad. In
1805 a coach carried passengers over the 30 odd miles separating Windsor from
Sydney in 16 hours (guaranteed) at 7/6 a head. The vehicle also carried wheat at 1s
4d a bushel, and other goods at equally reasonable rates. Public subscriptions helped
to keep the coach running. By 1861 a horse railway to Windsor and Richmond had
been approved, and on January 15, 1863, the first sod was turned. Later on steam
engines arrived. The first Masonic lodge was opened at Richmond in 1882,
Castlereagh was incorporated in 1895, and four years ago the first council of Colo
Shire was elected. The Modern Hawkesbury Windsor is the largest of these five
centenary towns .About 2500 people live there. It has 14 miles of roads in the
borough, and rateable property to the amount of £111,000. Richmond is next, with
1300 people and rateable property to the value of £138,000, Castlereagh,
Wilberforce, and Pitt Town have each about 350 people. The district was formerly
entirely devoted to agriculture; now dairying is being followed as well. Irrigation
plants have been established, and vegetables are grown for the Sydney market.
Cabbages cauliflowers, and beans do very well. Some farms have a crop of 100,000
cabbages and cauliflowers in a season. Fodder conservation is being followed.
Several farmers have gone in for up to date concrete tub silos. Once tanning was an
established industry. It declined but has revived. Already judgement has been given
on the competitive essays on "The Past History and Future Possibilities of the
Hawkesbury District." The prizes were 15 guineas and 5 guineas. Miss Grace HendyPooley, whose work as a recorder of Australian history is well-known, was first, and
Mr John Ferguson second. Prizes were also given for children's essays. Mona
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Melville was first among the girls, William Liddle among the boys. A souvenir of the
centenary will be issued,’254
When Mona Melville wrote in her centenary essay that “The aborigines of the
Hawkesbury were numerous in Hunter's time, but gradually became less and less,
until to-day they are nearly extinct,” she was expressing a common view in the minds
of most White Australians that the extinction of the First Peoples of Australia was
imminent. No mention was made of the many Australians on the Hawkesbury of
mixed ancestry. If any thought was given to them it was assumed that they would
simply melt into the lower classes of settler society and make themselves useful as
domestics and farm hands. Of course this was another misunderstanding on the part of
the settlers. There are more people now who identify with their Aboriginal ancestors
of the Hawkesbury than there were Aboriginal people in 1788. As William Liddle
made no mention of Aboriginal people in his essay I have not included it.
‘Centenary Essays.
First Prize Essay. — Girls. While Captain Phillip and his party were exploring
Broken Bay they came to what they thought to be an arm of the bay, but finding it was
a river they named it after Lord Hawkesbury. After sailing some miles up the river
they camped at Richmond Hill. They found the soil extremely rich, and as grain
growing round Sydney proved a failure, they thought it a good plan to make a
settlement here. Leaves and trees dying year after year for centuries, and constant
floods bringing down rich deposits of alluvial soil, all added to its richness. When
Governor Hunter arrived in 1795, he brought many free settlers, mostly farmers, who
settled round here. In Governor King's time a serious mutiny occurred among the
convicts. During Macquarie's period the Hawkesbury settlement advanced with
greater strides. Some blame him for being too free with the land of the colony. At this
time the road from Sydney to Parramatta was continued through Windsor to
Richmond. In 1810 the sites of five towns, Windsor, Richmond, Pitt Town, Wilberforce
and Castlereagh were chosen. Only two, Windsor and Richmond, can really be called
towns. Up till 1874 the river was navigable as far as Richmond, but a flood about that
time practically closed it for 30 miles. The Windsor Post Office is the third oldest in
the State. It was erected soon after the Sydney one of 1810. Till 1835 the rate of
postage varied. In the same year stamps were introduced. These were not adhesive
stamps. From 1855 to 1856 is an important decade in the history of the Hawkesbury.
In 1858 a branch of the N.S.W. Bank was erected on the same premises that it now
stands on. In 1859 the Telegraph Office was opened. £51,000 was granted by
Parliament in 1860 for the extension of the railway from Blacktown to Richmond. The
same year a successful meeting to inaugurate a volunteer corps was held. Men from
Windsor, Richmond, Pitt Town and Wilberforce joined. Schools of Arts were erected
in Windsor and Richmond in 1861. In 1871 Windsor was incorporated as a borough,
Richmond the following year. Both towns have greatly increased in area and
population since. The Agricultural College was completed in 1895. It is situated on
Ham Common, near Richmond and has an area of 4,000 acres. Here men and boys
are taught to farm. The Pitt Town Labor Farm was started as a co-operative society
with help from Government; when Government withdrew, quarrelling commenced. It
has been taken over as a Government Labor Farm. The aborigines of the Hawkesbury
254
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 17th December 1910,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85944838
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were numerous in Hunter's time, but gradually became less and less, until to-day they
are nearly extinct. The industries of Hawkesbury have chiefly been agriculture and
dairy farming. Being limited to 500 words places fetters on one's literary limbs, the
weight of which confines one to solid matter of fact statements and prevents
heavenward, flights on the wings of poetical fancy. Mona Melville.’255
Post centenary mythologizing
In the quarter century following the celebration of Macquarie’s proclamation of the
Hawkesbury towns the pages of the Windsor and Richmond Gazette were used by a
number of writers to mythologise the past. Curiously, neither John Abbott, Henry
Fletcher, William Freame, John Ferguson, nor George Reeve were born in the
Hawkesbury. They romanticised the past, sanctified settlers and demonised
Aboriginal people.
Between 1917 and 1927, the Windsor and Richmond Gazette repeated on five
occasions a story of an attack that never happened. The Sydney Gazette in 1805 first
reported how hordes of Aboriginal warriors burnt Henry Lamb’s Portland Reach
farm. The Lamb family then sought shelter with Abraham Yeouller, whose barn and
stacks were in turn burnt. No mention was made by the Windsor and Richmond
Gazette of a later report in the Sydney Gazette that an Aboriginal girl taken as an
infant by Henry Lamb had burnt the Lamb and Yeouller farms and was caught
attempting to set fire to the Chaseland farm where the Lamb’s had next sought shelter.
Curiously, there was an arsonist on the Lamb farm. Elizabeth Chambers, Henry
Lamb’s partner had set fire to her master’s house in 1791 to cover her thefts.
The repetition of these stories of an attack that never took place only makes sense
when it is realised that the rapidly decreasing Aboriginal population of the
Hawkesbury were gathered downstream from the old Lamb farm.
30th November 1917: OLD RIVER HISTORY
‘OLD RIVER HISTORY
(Written expressly for the 'Gazette'.)
(By WILLIAM FREAME).
(No. 12).
A learned member of one of our Historical Societies, in preparing a paper on some
district history, took up a good deal of time explaining how the aborigines originally
roamed through tho wild bush and hunted the wallaby and the opossum, where now
stands the town, etc, etc. So far as the Hawkesbury is concerned we may take such
information “as read,” but there is no doubt the aboriginal natives during the early
days of European settlement committed many acts of aggression, including attacks
upon the white people, and the killing, of their cattle, along the banks of the
Hawkesbury River. Corroborees were of frequent occurrence, and we find in the
pages of the early Sydney newspapers accounts of tribal conflicts, and also accounts
of depredations by these people, who not only speared the settlers' cattle, but tried to
burn them out of their farms and homes.
255
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 17th December 1910,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85944845
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While the first David Dunstan was building his home near Wilberforce, he used to
walk to Sydney on Saturday mornings, returning to the Hawkesbury on Monday
afternoon; this practice became known to the blacks, who on one occasion decided to
waylay him on the journey. After setting out and going some distance, Mr. Dunstan
remembered that he had left his rule behind him, so he returned and his journey was
thus delayed. The blacks in the meantime dispersed, being either frightened away, or
else mistaken as to Mr. Dunstan's intentions. In the “Sydney Gazette” of 2nd June,
1805, we read of the destruction by the blacks of the farm of Mr. Henry Lamb, at
Portland Head. In the same issue of the “Sydney Gazette” is the account of the
accidental death of “a most respectable pioneer,” Mr. William Stubbs, who was
drowned, in the river.
During the same month of June, 1805, evidently a black month with the Hawkesbury
River pioneers, the natives assembled in great numbers in the vicinity of Portland
Head, and made an alarming demonstration near Cuddy's farm, the small homestead
being menaced by a sudden and determined attack, and it was not until attempts had
been made to burn the dwelling down that the natives were driven off, after having
severely damaged the farm. A few days after they turned up again; this time the small
farm of Abraham Yeouller was their objective. There again they did considerable
damage fences were burnt down, crops destroyed, and the whites driven to secure the
shelter afforded by their slab hut which was only preserved from destruction with
extreme difficulty. Had it not been a wet season, the white population, would most
probably have been all burnt out of this locality. We read of occasional
demonstrations and depredations by the blacks, in various parts of the Hawkesbury
districts, but none so determined as those made on the white settlers during 1805-6.
For several years afterwards various tribes fought amongst themselves battles of a
sanguinary character that were very alarming to the white population.’256
18th January 1924: - Ebenezer Pioneers Of The Hawkesbury
‘Ebenezer Pioneers Of The Hawkesbury.
(By Geo. G. Reeve.)
JOHN HOWE—PIONEER, PATRIOT AND EXPLORER. PART II.
“For many a year on many a sea and in
many an alien land,
Wherever is need of a fearless brain and
a happening hefty hand,
Valley and mountain, prairie and plain,
forest and shore have rung
With the pluck which mounts in our
British blood and sings in the English tongue.”257
THERE is no place in Australia quite like Windsor — there are no people anywhere
like the Hawkesbury natives. They are typical Australians of our time. For are they
not the direct descendants of the first real Australians. The Hawkesbury Valley is the
cradle of the Commonwealth, and it was from these rich lands that Australia was
really colonised. From these wide and rich flats, where first grew wheat and maize,
came the real “Cornstalks” whose descendants spread over the continent. The
256
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 30th November 1917,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85880873
257
From a poem, The English Tongue, by Harold Begbie.
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destinies of Australia were actually shaped in this part of New South Wales — long
before the gold field days of the rich nuggets and places where towns sprung up in a
night. When you go to Windsor, it is up to you — if you are an Australian like the
writer — to go at least with your hat in your hand. The old town is worthy of some
respect - the old settlement of “The Green Hills” which Governor Macquarie
renamed Windsor when he visited it with his famous wife and a large retinue in the
year 1810. That Government House party were entertained by the notabilities of the
time. By Andrew Thompson and his wife, Mrs. Thompson. Concerning the wife of
Andrew Thompson the emancipist, there is much mystery. No satisfactory solution has
yet been given as to who she was, when she died, etc. Some writers have affirmed to
me that Andrew Thompson was a veritable Brigham Young, for the wide and large
selection of wives which he is said to have employed at various establishments on the
Hawkesbury. Other writers have praised Thompson to the highest pinnacle as the
Hawkesbury' s greatest citizen, and look upon Thompson as the personification of all
the attributes of the Archangel Michael. Listen to what John Macarthur said referring
to Thompson's decease:—
“Thompson's death was an interposition of Providence to save the colony from utter
ruin. Never was there a more artful or greater knave.''
The latter portion of Macarthur's opinion might be fully justified if one looked more
into Andrew Thompson's character under the surface as to how Thompson was able
to amass such great wealth as he possessed at his death in so few a number of years.
The value of the “Story of John Howe” in the series “Ebenezer Pioneers of the
Hawkesbury” is twofold. It has the personal urgency of any life story that reveals
heroic struggle and self-sacrifice, that shows purpose clearly grasped in
consciousness and unfalteringly carried out, as it was in all the lives of that noble
band that came in the 'Coromandel,' 1802. The one exception is that of Mr. William
Stubbs the First, who unfortunately met his end so early as 1805 by drowning. John
Howe was more than an individual, and his story has a bigger significance — good
father, good husband, good citizen that he was, and meaning so much to his adopted
country. He represented the transition that is Australia. Endeavor for National Good.
Howe almost represents the ideal of an English sailor, turning settler-farmer,
bettering his fortunes and founding his family in Australia. Although the illustrious
name has it- self died out, descent is continued through the names of his seven
daughters who intermarried with other good families. One has only got to cast the
mind back to what the wild bush was like in 1802. When these pioneers came to the
Hawkesbury there was no Windsor nor other villages by their side. Here is an extract
from the “Sydney Gazette” of June 2nd, 1805 :—
“Last Wednesday (May 29th, 1805) a number of natives assembled near the farm of
Henry Lamb, of Portland Head, who at the time was absent from home. After
remaining some considerable time without manifesting any disposition to violence,
they all ascended a ridge of rocks at a trifling distance from the house, where they
kindled their fires, and rising suddenly commenced an assault upon the settler's little
property, against which it was impossible to devise any means of security. A number
of firebrands were showered about the house and different sheds. They were thrown
from a considerable distance by means of the moutang or fizzgig, and the premises
being by this device set fire to, were in a short time wholly consumed, the family being
able with difficulty to save themselves. The settler on his return went immediately in
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pursuit of the wanton assailants towards the interior of the mountains, but by a feint
they eluded pursuit, having first taken that route and afterwards struck off for the
head of the Nepean.”’258
1st February 1924 - EBENEZER PIONEERS
‘EBENEZER PIONEERS.
A NOTE FROM GEO. G. REEVE
In No. II. article of “John Howe,” W. and R. Gazette, January 18th, 1924, is an
historical extract from a Sydney paper where mention is made of natives (aboriginals)
making an attack and firing the settler's home of Henry Lamb, opposite Portland
Head, a real headland on the original land grant of Mr. Andrew Johnston (I.), which
is on the left bank, of the Hawkesbury River going seaward. Henry Lamb's 70 acre
grant is on the Maroota side, or right bank, going down stream, and is the identical
place (with a few more acres added) where Mr. John Warr Turnbull lived for many
years with his late good wife (nee Miss Ann Manning, who died April 9th, 1922), and
where Mr. J. W. Turnbull still resides with his son Mr. Charles Turnbull and
daughter-in-law. “Kelso” is the name by which Henry Lamb's one-time grant is now
known. The original stone and plaster cottage is there still which Lamb built. “Kelso”
is located at what is now called Sackville North, and right opposite on the river to the
residence and stone wine cellars of Dr. Fiaschi's Tizzana vineyard, which property
(largely increased by purchases) was originally the home of Mr. Denis Benjamin
Kirwan (40 acres grant) (obit 1851), and where that gentleman once conducted the
Victoria Steam Mills for gristing wheat. Mr. John Sanday, who was married to Mr.
Kirwan's fifth daughter, Phoebe, later came into its management. Mr. John Warr
Turnbull, who was born on August 9, 1840, is approaching his 84th year of age, and
is the seventh son of the late Mr. George Turnbull (I.) and wife, Miss Louisa
Chaseling. It should be stated that Henry Lamb's 70 acres (now Turnbull's “Kelso”)
was sold on April 8th, 1824, by the order of the Provost Marshal at Sydney through
an official order obtained by Thos. Clarkson, an old-time Sydney merchant (his grave
is at La Perouse) to Mr. George Turnbull (I.) and Rafe (Ralph) Turnbull (I.), these
two full brothers, one Australian-born and the last named English-born, sons of the
Pioneer Turnbull. The ridge of rocks where the natives descended and terrified the
people 124 years ago is still to be seen. I mention these facts for accurate historical
data for the future generations.’259
19th October 1926: - Martha Everingham
The pre-occupation with demonising Aboriginal people at this time may have had
something to do with the death on the 19th of October 1926 of Martha Everingham,
“one of the original Hawkesbury aboriginals”.260 Shortly after her death the Windsor
and Richmond Gazette on the 5th of November reported that the Reverend Stanley
Howard, rector of Pitt Town and Wilberforce proposed “to appeal for subscriptions to
erect a tombstone over the grave of Mrs. Martha Everingham, the last member of the
full-blooded aborigines of the Hawkesbury, who was buried in the Church of England
258
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 18th January 1924, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85901916
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 1st February 1924, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85901517
260
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 22nd October 1926, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85952839
259
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cemetery at Sackville on Wednesday of last week”.261 On the 12th of November 1926
the Windsor and Richmond Gazette brought the Reverend Stanley Howard’s altruism
into perspective with the following correction. Given that the Reverend Stanley
Howard proposed that “nine other gentlemen” make a contribution one must question
whether gender as well as race were factors in the failure of his proposal.
“Martha Everingham Memorial
THE Rev. Stanley Howard, M.A., wishes us to state that our reference last week to the
above was without his authority. He suggested a simple kerb and headstone, similar
to that erected by Newcastle people in memory of Jack Dillon, the last full-blooded
Hawkesbury male.
Mr. Howard will back up his suggestion by guaranteeing five pounds, if nine other
gentlemen will do likewise within six months from date. The 'Gazette' will be pleased
to receive cash and promises, pending the appointment of a committee. Reminiscences
of the Hawkesbury tribe and further suggestions will be welcome.’262
26th January 1927: - peaceful penetration
The address by John Alexander Ferguson, Procurator to the New South Wales
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, during the “HISTORIC EBENEZER
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY DAY CELEBRATIONS” on the 26th of January 1927 was
truly “INTERESTING”. After a brief tribute “to the earliest heroes of Australian
history” such as Cook and Phillip, Ferguson moved onto “the Ebenezer Pioneers.
Indeed, it may truthfully be said that no section of our early heroes did more for
Australia than those, who, by their peaceful penetration of this country, developed its
latent wealth, and by the efforts of themselves and their descendants raised Australia
to its present proud position”.263 Whether there were blushes or sniggers at what was
the most sexually-charged imagery in this study remains unrecorded. Certainly there
was no voice of protest that the “peaceful penetration” was more like a rape. Again
the 1805 attack on Henry Lamb by savage hordes was revisited.
‘118 YEARS OLD
HISTORIC EBENEZER CHURCH ANNIVERSARY DAY CELEBRATIONS
INTERESTING ADDRESS BY MR. J. A. FERGUSON, B.A.264
The sense of insecurity arising from the large numbers of escaped convicts was
increased in many quarters by the danger of attacks from aboriginals. An extract from
the 'Sydney Gazette'' of June 2, 1805, States:—'Last Wednesday, (May 29, 1805) a
number of natives assembled near the farm of Henry Lamb, of Portland Head, who at
the time was absent from home. After remaining some considerable time without
manifesting any disposition to violence, they all ascended a ridge of rocks at a trifling
261
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 5th November 1926,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85956105
262
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 12th November 1926,
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85950438
263
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 4th February 1927, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85950670
264
Sir John Alexander Ferguson, 1881-1969, came to NSW when his father, a Presbyterian minister,
was transferred from NZ. Ferguson was a distinguished judge, historical bibliographer and member of
the Presbyterian Church. While he may have done the research for his talk alone, I am inclined to think
that he may have collaborated with Freame and Reeve as both wrote on the attack on Lamb’s farm in
1805, which in fact never took place.
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distance from the house, where they kindled their fires, and rising suddenly
commenced an assault upon the settler's little property, against which it was
impossible to devise any means of security. A number of firebrands were showered
about the house and different sheds. They were thrown from a considerable distance
by means of the moutang, or fizzgig, and the premises, being by this device set fire to
were in a short time wholly consumed, the family being able, with difficulty, to save
themselves. The settler on his return went immediately in pursuit of the wanton
assailants towards the interior of the mountains, but by a feint they eluded pursuit,
having first taken that route, and afterwards struck off for the Nepean.' Living thus in
dread for the safety of his wife and family, removed from medical and all other
comforts, the settler had to clear his land, and plant it.
A stall of soft drinks and sweets also helped to increase the funds of the Australian
Inland Mission.’265
29th April 1927: - Henry Lamb again
On the 29th of April 1927 George revisited Henry Lamb for the last time. Why Reeve
so determinedly repeated this story is puzzling. The “two furious onslaughts made on
the house and women and children inmates of the Lamb family by the Maroota
Blacks” probably did not happen. Certainly there is no record of an 1808 attack as
Reeve claimed. The Sydney Gazette on the 7th of July 1805, blamed a young Koori
girl taken in by the Lamb’s for firing the Lamb’s and Yeouller’s farms. No-one drew
attention to Lamb’s partner, Elizabeth Chambers, who had set fire to her master’s
house in 1792.266 It was certainly one of the most curious distortions of the
Hawkesbury’s historical record, which only makes sense when it and the other articles
relating to Henry Lamb are placed within the context of Martha Everingham’s death
in 1926 and the subsequent attempts to place a memorial on her grave. As well,
attention must be drawn to Reeve’s 1933 poem, St. Matthew’s Windsor, in which
Reeve deliberately distorts factual evidence to demonise Aboriginal people.267
‘SIDELIGHTS FROM HAWKESBURY HISTORY
SHOWING WHAT THE EARLY FORE-FATHERS OF WINDSOR THOUGHT
OF EACH OTHER WITH ANNOTATIONS OF THE PRINCIPALS.
(BY GEO. G. REEVE)
(For the 'Windsor and Richmond Gazette')
PART II.
Mr. Edward Abbott was a Major in the 102nd. Regiment (New South Wales Corps)
and came to this State with that Regiment, arriving at Sydney on the 26th June, 1790.
When a detachment of the soldiery were sent to Windsor to guard the settlers against
the attacks and looting of their farm produce and stock by the blacks, Major Abbott
was placed in charge, and he resided at the first military barracks built in the old
town. Joseph Holt, in his informative work entitled "Memories of Joseph Holt,"
speaks very highly of Edward Abbott and another officer, Captain John Piper. Abbott
265
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 4th February 1927, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85950670
http://australianroyalty.net.au/individual.php?pid=I52464&ged=purnellmccord.ged
267
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 21st April 1933, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/86051578
266
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left Windsor about the year 1814, having been appointed Deputy Judge Advocate for
Van Dieman's Land by Governor Macquarie.
Henry Lamb had a farm on the Hawkesbury River opposite Johnston's, Portland
Head, or “New Berwick” Farm. The place is owned by Mr. Chas. Turnbull. The wellknown grandson of pioneer John Turnbull, Mr. John Warr Turnbull lives on the farm
with his son. The property, which is known by the name of “Kelso” was acquired in
the early twenties by Mr. Ralph Turnbull, the first, and his Australian-born brother,
George Turnbull, the first. The surrounding ridge near the old "Lamb" homestead is
indeed a very historic place as being the exact site of two furious onslaughts made on
the house and women and children inmates of the Lamb family by the Maroota Blacks
(Aboriginals) during the year 1805, and again in the year 1808. So it will be seen that
the Lambs are a very old Hawkesbury family, and some of the pioneer Lamb's
descendants are still on the old river. I am of the opinion that the founder of the
family, Mr. Henry Lamb, had been a soldier who had been induced to become a
settler.’268
1931: Martha Everingham memorial
Six years after her death the Evening News on the 20th of February 1931 reported that
“residents of the district are making arrangements to erect a memorial over the grave
of Mrs. Martha Everingham, the last member of the full-blooded Hawkesbury
aborigines”,269 I can find no evidence to suggest that the memorial was ever built.270
14th July 1933: Reeve’s memorial
Shortly after the publication of his last work, St. Matthew’s Windsor, George Reeve
died. His wish to be buried in the church yard at Ebenezer was realized.
‘LATE GEO. G. REEVE MEMORIAL TO BE ERECTED
AS a result of the efforts of the children of the Wilberforce Public School, a fund has
been opened for the purpose of erecting a suitable memorial to perpetuate the
memory of the late George G. Reeve, the well-known historian and authority on the
early pioneers of the Hawkesbury. By their efforts the children raised the sum of
£1/1/5, which has been augmented by a donation of 10/- from Miss Elizabeth Betts, of
Gladesville, a granddaughter of the late Rev. Samuel Marsden. The late Mr. Reeve
provided many valuable contributions to the early history of the colony, and it is felt
that a suitable tombstone erected over his grave in the Ebenezer cemetery would at
least be some small tribute to his great work. The 'Gazette' will be pleased to receive
any donations, towards the fund for that purpose.’271
268
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 29th April 1927, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/85952668
Evening News, 20th February 1931, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/115399867
270
‘Martha Everingham, the last full-blood member of the Hawkesbury, N.S.W., tribe of
blacks, has departed to the happy, hunting grounds. The Hawkesbury residents have
decided to raise funds; for a memorial. Which, when achieved, will probably be the first ever
erected to the memory-of an Australian aborigine’ (sic).The Australian Worker, 10th November
1926, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/145984178.
271
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 14th July 1933, http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/86055554
269
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Conclusion
The death of Martha Everingham saw the comfortable convergence of philosophy,
religion and science in the minds of settler society. The extinction of the First Peoples
of Australia was a matter of fact to them.
If any thought was given to those Australians of mixed ancestry; it was that they
would simply melt into the lower classes of settler society and make themselves
useful as domestics and farm hands. Of course this was another misunderstanding on
the part of the settlers. There are more people now who identify with their Aboriginal
ancestors of the Hawkesbury than there were in 1788.
“Heritage” and “civilisation”, the past and future, were defining parameters of
Europe’s self concept. When Europe lurched to a halt in a terrible act of self
immolation in 1914 settler society, without pause for reflection or self examination,
abandoned the cliché of “the march of Civilisation” and shifted its focus to “heritage”
and a sanitised past. Arguably the Language of Settlement and Terra Nullius still runs
their poisonous course in the minds of many Australians and continues to distort our
understandings of the nature and consequences of the settlement of the Hawkesbury.
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