National Archives of Australia
Darwin Office
Series A650 Part 1
Transfer of Light Coloured Children (Octoroons, Quadroons, etc) from the
Northern territory to Southern States 1952 - 1958
Copyright P J Mackett 2011
1.10.1952 From Department External Territories Canberra to Social Services Melbourne
Refers to octoroon children transferred to southern states.
Two quadroon girls, transferred in 1939 to the Church of England Home
for Children, Brighton, Victoria and one quadroon girl, transferred
in 1941 to the Methodist Women's Welfare Department, South Australia.
She is at present in the care of a family at Crystal Brook and attends
the Merriton Public School.
One half-caste deaf and dumb boy at St Gabriel's School for Deaf Boys
at Castle Hill NSW, and one half-caste boy, mentally defective, at the
Parkside Home South Australia.
These five are the only children receiving Government Assistance in
Southern Institutions.
3. 1.1956 From Welfare Darwin to Social Services Melbourne
Families prepared to take a part-coloured girl
Mrs Reid, 30 Albert Street, Belmont, NSW
Mrs Pendlebury, 'Whitehaven', Pacific Highway, North Belmont, NSW
Both families recommended by Rev Stanley Dixon of 28 Henry Street, Belmont, NSW
Both girls are 14 years of age and would like to enrol at the Newcastle High School.
4. 1.1956 From Welfare Darwin to Social Services Melbourne
Family prepared to take a part-coloured girl
Mrs B Allen, Warhurst Street, Toronto, Newcastle, NSW
26. 1.1956 Social Worker's Reports on families wanting a part-coloured child
(1) William Hare Reid, 41 yrs
Amy Dorothy Reid, 50 yrs
Douglas Hutchinson, 21 yrs
Jean Reid, 16 yrs
Address 30 Albert St, Belmont, NSW
Family seen 13. 1.1956
Coloured girl would be expected to share a bedroom with Joan.
Both Mr and Mrs Reid have been married before; his former wife and her former
husband, both of whom died about 14 years ago, were brother and sister.
Joan is Mr Reid's child and Douglas is Mrs Reid's son from her former marriage.
Reid's were Salvation Army Officers but now attend the Baptist Church.
The girl they are interested in is Marylin Lowe.
(2) Thomas Richard Pendlebury, 56 yrs
Beryl Pendlebury, 36 yrs
Ann Pendlebury, 17 yrs
Sandra Pendlebury, 16 yrs
Rosemary Pendlebury, 14 yrs
Geoffrey Pendlebury, 12 yrs
Marilyn Pendlebury, 10 yrs
Peter Pendlebury, 2 yrs
Address 'Whitehaven', Pacific Highway, North belmont, NSW
Family seen 13. 1.1956
Coloured girl would share a bedroom with Rosemary who is to start High School
at Belmont this year.
No particular child in mind.
(3) Francis Bernard Allen, 39 yrs
Bernice Beryl Allen, 38 yrs
Paul Allen, 11 yrs
Marion Allen, 9 yrs
Address is Warhurst St, Toronto, NSW
Family seen 11. 1.1956
Coloured girl would share a bedroom with Marion.
Would like the child to be an orphan but this is not a condition.
2. 4.1956 To Social Services Brisbane and Adelaide from Director general
Mentions Aboriginal boy, Bruce Gordon, who is spastic.
17. 7.1956 From Director General to Welfare Northern territory
Re Bruce Gordon, coloured child transferred from Northern territory
Aged 7 years, slightly spastic right side, referred to Queensland
Spastic Children's Welfare League in february this year from the
Croker Island Mission. Behaviour was aggressive to other children who
were more handicapped than himself. Transferred to Ipswich Mental
Hospital. He is intelligent and educable and responds well to
individual treatment. Finds difficulty with a group situation.
6. 7.1956 Enquiry about adopting a white child from
Alice Hill of 37 Glengala Road, Sunshine W20, Victoria
Doctor says adoption is the only hope for a family.
Husband is an ex-Serviceman.
6. 7.1956 Enquiry about adopting a part-coloured child from
Nellie Ruth Howlett of P.O. Box 7, Booleroo Centre, South Australia
Husband is Philip Thomas Michael Howlett, Headmaster of Booleroo Centre
High School.
Have four children, three boys and a nine year old girl.
19. 7.1956 Enquiry about adopting a part-coloured child from
Peggie Thornton of 7 Alan Street Highett S17
peggie and her husband have two sons.
8.10.1956 From Director General to welfare Darwin - Social Worker's Reports
(1) Mrs Alice Hill of 37 Glengala Road, Sunshine, Victoria
Mrs Hill is in her late twenties and is a comfortable, homely
domesticated woman.
Mr Hill is a draughtsman at the Gordon Street Ammunition Works.
Both were born in England and have been married about 5 years.
Want a white child.
(2) Mrs Peggie Thornton of 7 Alan Street Highett
Peggie is about 2 months pregnant and expects her third baby
to be born in May 1957. Her other two children are four months
and nearly two years old.
Now wishes to postpone the adoption.
8.10.1956 From Director General to welfare Darwin - Social Worker's Reports
(1) Mrs Lily Ruth Howlett of Booleroo Centre, South Australia
Husband is Phillip Thomas Michael Howlett
Children are
Phillip George Howlett, born 11. 1.1944
Terence Ralph Howlett, born 8.10.1945
Shirley Ruth Howlett, born 8. 9.1947
Robert Brian Howlett, born 11.12.1952
Would like to adopt a girl aged 8 - 9 years.
28. 5.1957 Cutting from The Age newspaper Melbourne
From Croker Island to Brighton Mansion
Christine Deutsher 4 1/2 yrs, Faye Deutsher 2 yrs and Doris Simpson 19 yrs.
Moved in with Mr and Mrs W A Deutsher of Milliara Grove East Brighton,
Melbourne, Victoria.
28. 5.1957 From Darwin to Social Services Melbourne
Part-coloured children sent to Foster Homes and Institutions in Southern States
Rosie Nicholoff, 16 yrs to Foster parents -
Rev A E and Mrs Vogt, 65 Church Tce, North Walkerville, S.A.
Edna Walker, 16 yrs to Foster parents -
Reb G J and Mrs Gilding, 163 Sixth Ave, Royston Park, S.A.
Fabienne Minchin, 15 yrs, to an Institution -
Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Ashfield, Sydney, N.S.W.
Elizabeth Carter, 15 yrs, to an Institution -
Dominican Convent, Cabra, Adelaide, S.A.
Estelle Gibson, 15 yrs, to an Institution -
Dominican Convent, Cabra, Adelaide, S.A.
Walter Fejo (Fijo), 16 yrs yrs, to an Institution -
Australian Inland Mission, Bible Training Institute, Singleton, N.S.W.
Merle Thomas, 6 yrs, to an Institution -
'Orana' Peace Memorial Homes for Children, Burwood, Victoria
Patrick Thomas, 5 yrs, to an Institution -
'Orana' Peace Memorial Homes for Children, Burwood, Victoria
Marilyn Lowe, 16 yrs, to Foster parents -
Mr and Mrs W Reid, 30 Albert St, Belmont, Newcastle, N.S.W.
Denise Austral, 16 yrs, to an Institution -
Mr and Mrs T Pendlebury, 'Whitehaven', Pacific Highway, North Belmont, Newcastle, N.S.W.
Halpin Hart, 15 yrs, to an Institution -
Central Mission Homes for Children, Magill, S.A.
Rita Fisher, 12 yrs, to an Institution -
'Dalmar' Children's Homes, Chrurch Street, Carlingford, N.S.W.
Maisie Rivers, to an Institution -
'Dalmar' Children's Homes, Chrurch Street, Carlingford, N.S.W.
Margaret Gray, 10 yrs, to an Institution -
Central Mission Homes for Children, Magill, S.A.
Tania Ryan, 11 yrs, to an Institution -
Central Mission Homes for Children, Magill, S.A.
Miriam Stead, 10 yrs, to Foster parents -
Rev F J and Mrs Johncock, 7 Burlington St, Walkerville, S.A.
7. 6.1957 From Director General to Social Services Sydney
Light coloured children transferred from the Northern territory to New South Wales
Fabienne Minchin, 15 yrs, to Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Ashfield, Sydney, N.S.W.
Walter Fijo, 16 yrs yrs, to Australian Inland Mission, Bible Training Institute, Singleton, N.S.W.
Marilyn Lowe, 16 yrs, to Mr and Mrs W Reid, 30 Albert St, Belmont, Newcastle, N.S.W.
Denise Austral, 16 yrs, to Mr and Mrs T Pendlebury, 'Whitehaven', Pacific Highway, North Belmont, Newcastle, N.S.W.
Rita Fisher, 12 yrs, to 'Dalmar' Children's Homes, Chrurch Street, Carlingford, N.S.W.
Maisie Rivers, to 'Dalmar' Children's Homes, Chrurch Street, Carlingford, N.S.W.
7. 6.1957 From Director General to Social Services Sydney
Light coloured children transferred from the Northern territory to South Australia
Rosie Nicholoff, 16 yrs to Rev A E and Mrs Vogt, 65 Church Tce, North Walkerville, S.A.
Edna Walker, 16 yrs to Rev G J and Mrs Gilding, 163 Sixth Ave, Royston Park, S.A.
Elizabeth Carter, 15 yrs, to Dominican Convent, Cabra, Adelaide, S.A.
Estelle Gibson, 15 yrs, to Dominican Convent, Cabra, Adelaide, S.A.
Halpin Hart, 15 yrs, to Central Mission Homes for Children, Magill, S.A.
Margaret Gray, 10 yrs, to Central Mission Homes for Children, Magill, S.A.
Tania Ryan, 11 yrs, to Central Mission Homes for Children, Magill, S.A.
Miriam Stead, 10 yrs, to Rev F J and Mrs Johncock, 7 Burlington St, Walkerville, S.A.
29. 5.1957 To Welfare Darwin - Social Service Reports
Edna Walker, 16 yrs to Rev G J and Mrs Gilding, 163 Sixth Ave, Royston Park, S.A.
Rosie Nicholoff, 16 yrs to Rev A E and Mrs Vogt
5. 6.1957 Untitled
Light coloured children transferred from the Northern territory to Victoria
Merle Thomas 6 yrs and Patrick Thomas 5 yrs to 'Orama' Peace Memorial Homes for
Children, Burwood, E13
24. 6.1957 From Methodist Peace memorial Homes to Social Services Melbourne
Report on Merle Thomas and her brother Patrick Thomas.
Both were transferred from Croker Island and arrived 30. 5.1956.
16. 9.1957 From Welfare Darwin to Social Services Melbourne
Applicants to adopt part coloured children from the Northern Territory
Mr and Mrs F S Williams, 19 Coogee Road, Point Clare, NSW
Mr and Mrs A Willett, Lugard Street, Lambridge via Penrith, NSW
6.11.1957 From CofA to Social Services Melbourne
Social Workers Reports for
(1) Rita Fisher 12 yrs and Maisie Rivers 6 yrs, c/0 Mr D Stewart,
Dalmar Children's Homes, Church Street, Carlingford, NSW
(2) Marilyn Lowe 16 yrs, c/o Mrs A D Reid, 30 Albert St, Belmont, NSW
Attends Belmont High School and is in 2nd year.
(3) Denise Austral 16 yrs, c/o Mrs B Pendlebury, 'Whitehaven,
Pacific Highway, North belmont, NSW
Attends Belmont High School and is in 2nd year.
(4) Walter Fijo 16 yrs, c/o Australian Inland Mission,
Bible Training Institute, Singleton, NSW
He intends to be a Missionary and is in his 2nd year.
(5) Fabienne Minchin 15 yrs, c/o Sister Superior, Home of the Good Shepherd
Victoria Street, Ashfield, NSW
29. 9.1957 From Welfare Darwin to Social Services Melbourne
(1) Letter from W Morton
W A Morton, 35 yrs and wife 34 yrs
Children Robert 11 yrs, Bryan 9 yrs, Geoffrey 5 yrs and Ian 2 yrs.
Interested in a little girl 3 - 4 yrs of age.
Address 9 Yathong Road North, Caringbah, NSW
(2) H Allen Taylor
Husband and wife are in their mid 40s and have a son 19 yrs.
Like to adopt two small girls of school age or younger
Address 17 Railway Place, Fairfield N20, Victoria
16.12.1957 From Director General to Northern territory Administration
Report on H Allen Taylor of 17 Railway Place, Fairfield, Victoria
who wish to adopt two coloured children. Now wish to foster.
Mr Taylor, 48 yrs
13.12.1957 From Welfare Darwin to Social Services Melbourne
Mr and Mrs V R Ready of 'Kuitpo' Colony, South Australia
wish to be foster parents.
19.12.1957 From Director general to Social Services Sydney
Need Social Worker reports on the following
Mr and Mrs F S Williams of Point Clare, NSW
Mr and Mrs A Willett of Lambridge, NSW
16.12.1957 From Welfare Darwin to Social Services Melbourne
Need Social Worker reports on the following
Mr and Mrs D M Hounalow, 'Florel Del', Taylors Road, Croydon, Victoria
31.12.1957 From Social Services Adelaide to Welfare Darwin
Children visited in the last 6 months at the Central methodist Mission Home
Halpin Hart, Margaret Gray, Tania Ryan, Eva Knowles and Edna Walker
Elizabeth Carter and Estelle Gibson, now aged 16 years are placed
at the Dominican Convent, Cabra, South Australia.
Rosie Nicholoff
Miriam Stead, 10 yrs, placed with Rev and Mrs F J Johncock at
7 Burlington Street, Walkerville, South Australia.
14. 1.1958 Social Service Report on Mr and Mrs D M Hounslow
George Henry Hounslow, born 15.10.1908, English
Dorothy Mabel Hounslow, born 31. 5.1921, came to Australia from England in 1952
and married 11. 4.1954
No children
Address is 'Florel Del', Taylor's Road, Croydon, Victoria
5.12.1957 From Darwin to Social Services Melbourne
Requests for adoption from
Mrs Ewen, 42 Torrens House, New Hindmarsh, SA, phone LU4643
Mrs G H Clarkson, 3 Honorah Street, Largs Bay, SA
6. 1.1958 Social Workers foster parent report
(1) Mr A Willett, 38 yrs
Mrs Willett, 36 yrs
Two boys 10 yrs and 6 yrs
One girl 3 1/2 yrs
Address Lugard Street, Lambridge via Penrith, NSW
(2) Mr Frederick Williams, 46 yrs
Doris Williams, 40 yrs
Daughter, 17 yrs
Family doctor is Dr Craig Duncan of Gosford
Interested in a 7 year old boy named Keith Boase who they
would like to adopt legally.
Address 19 Coogee Road, Point Clare, NSW
25. 2.1958 From Director general to Darwin
Social Workers report on Merle and Patrick Thomas
Both at 'Orana' Methodist Peace Memorial Homes, Elgar Road, Burwood, Victoria
Patrick is now 6 years
Merle spent her holidays with a Mr and Mrs Smithett of Oakleigh
Patrick went to a familt at Pascoe Vale
20. 2.1958 From Darwin to Social Services Melbourne
Adoption requests from
Rev and Mrs B J Moxon, Sherwood Street, Birchip, Vic
Mrs D A Shea, 'Glen Leather', Shelford, Vic
Reports for
Mr and Mrs F S Williams, 19 Coogee Road, Point Clare, NSW
Mr and Mrs A Willett, Lugard Street, Lambridge via Penrith, NSW
21. 2.1958 From Social Services Adelaide to Darwin
Social Workers report
(1) Mr Clarkson, 38 yrs
Mrs Clarkson, 34 yrs
Mary Clarkson, 11 yrs
John Clarkson, 9 yrs
Peter Clarkson, 5 yrs
Address Largs Bay
(2) Mrs Ewen, 42 Torrens House, New Hindmarsh
Already has a part aboriginal child in her home who
had been adopted about 12 months ago.
18. 2.1958 Social Workers report on Mr and Mrs Morton
William A Morton, 35 yrs
Doris Morton, 34 yrs
Robert Morton, 12 yrs
Bryan Morton, 10 yrs
Geoffrey Morton, 5 yrs
Ian Morton, 2 yrs
Address 9 Yathong Road North, Caringbah, NSW
28. 2.1958 Social Workers report on Mr and Mrs Donaldson
George Donaldson, 35 yrs, originally from a Queensland country town
Jane Donaldson, 29 yrs, English
Robert Donaldson, 5 1/2 yrs
Stella Donaldson, 2 1/2 yrs
Address 81 Nelson Street, Annandale
28. 2.1958 Social Workers report on Mr and Mrs Wilson
John Wilson, 62 yrs
Joan Wilson, 29 yrs
Address 1 Waratah Road, Engadine
14. 3.1958 Social Workers reports
(1) Victor Noel Ready, superintendant of Kuitpo Colony
Agnes Ruth Ready, wife, Kuitpo Colony via Willunga
Mark Robert Wilson, born 10. 6.1955
Bruce Sydney Wilson, born 15. 1.1957
(2) Sheila Emilie Nicholas, 38 yrs, war widow, husband died 9 years ago
Margaret Mary Nicholas, born 20.11.1940, recently entered the Sisterhood of St Joseph
Michael Edward Nicholas, born 15. 2.1942
Judith Anne Nicholas, born 26.10.1944
John Arthur Nicholas, born 16. 3.1946
Elizabeth Olive Nicholas, born 4. 9.1948
Address 25 Goodall Avenue, Challa Gardens
(3) Mrs George, late 30s, deserted by her husband
Edward George, 2 yrs 9 mths, hearing aid
24. 3.1958 From Darwin to Social Services Melbourne
Foster application from Mr Douglas Peterson of William Street,
Beaudesert, Queensland. There are 3 children Alan 9 yrs,
Kay 7 yrs and John 4 yrs.
3. 4.1958 From Darwin to Social Services Sydney
Administration approves of the following people to adopt a part coloured child.
Mr and Mrs Willett of Lugard Street, Lambridge via Penrith
Mr and Mrs Frederick Williams of 19 Coogee Road, Point Clare
Action has been taken to obtain the consent of the parents of
Lana Marie Clancy and Keith Boase for the adoption of these children.
15. 4.1958 From Social Services Melbourne to Darwin
Social Workers report on Mrs D A Shea and family
Mr Philip Charles Shea, born 1914
Dorothy Amy Shea nee Sherriff, born 14.11.1918
(married 13. 8.1942 Shelford, Victoria)
Jennifer Maree Shea, born 20. 3.1945
Angus Bruce H Shea, born 23. 5.1948
Gilbert Grant Shea, born 30.10.1949
Rosemary Olive Shea, born 15. 8.1951
28. 4.1958 From Social Services Melbourne to Darwin
Social Worker's report
Rev Brian Jack Moxon, born 3.12.1923
Alva Moxon nee Carmichael, born 28.12.1920
William John (Billy) Moxon, born 11. 5.1950
Address c/o Methodist Parsonage, Haywood, Victoria,
formerly Sherwood St, Birchip, Victoria
Mr Moxon is the middle member of a family of three. Older sister, married
with a family of her own, is now living at Mudgee, Victoria. Three years
younger brother, unmarried in Sydney, is described as 'one of the idle rich'
- a company secretary with a string of letters after his name.
Mr Moxon's mother died when he was 7 years old. The father finally remarried
in 1942 and is still living in Sydney.
Mrs Moxon is the eldest of three children, brother and sister both now married.
The Moxon's, for medical reasons, will probably not have more children.
Would like a boy about 2 years old.
28. 4.1958 Social Workers report
Fabienne Minchin, c/o Convent of the Good Shepherd, Ashfield
where she has been a boarder for the past year.
28. 4.1958 Social Workers report
Maisie Rivers, 6 yrs, c/o Dalmar Childrens Homes, Church St, Carlingford
Came from Croker Island. She is in 1st Class, Primary School at Carlingford
Primary School.
29. 4.1958 Social Workers report
Rita Fisher, 13 yrs, c/o Dalmar Childrens Homes, Church St, Carlingford
Has been at the Home for about a year. In her first year at High School.
10. 4.1958 Social Workers report
Denise Austral, c/o Mrs Beryl Pendlebury, Pacific Highway, Belmont.
Passed second year of High School and in Intermediate.
Part of this record has been censored (marked .....).
Mrs Pendlebury is to have an operation for cancer.
Also mentions Anne Pendlebury, eldest daughter 19 yrs .....
Rosemary Pendlebury, 16 yrs, one one months sick leave from Cessnock Hospital
suffering from nervous strain.
Marilyn Pendlebury, 12 yrs, ....., is another problem for her mother to face.
While Mrs Pendlebury is in Hospital Rosemary will take charge of
household arrangements.
One page closed access
24. 4.1958 Social Workers report
Walter Fijo, 18 yrs, single, c/o Aborigines Inland Mission,
Bible Training Institute, Singleton, NSW
Completes his course at the end of 1958 and will be going to his family
in Darwin for 6 months before being employed as a Missionary by the AIM.
13. 5.1958 From Director to Welfare Darwin
Social Workers report
Mr Douglas Peterson
Wife and 4 children, son 9 yrs, daughter 7 yrs, son 4 yrs, son 1 month
20. 5.1958 From Darwin to Social Services Melbourne
Application to adopt a part-coloured child
Mr and Mrs Walter J Taylor of Lot 21 McIntosh Avenue, Padstow Heights, Sydney.
Mr Taylor is 38 years old and his wife 34 years. They have one daughter
aged 8 years.
6. 6.1958 From Darwin to Social Services Melbourne
Application to adopt a part-coloured child
Mr and Mrs K Newnham of Browns Road, Plenty via Diamond Creek, phone JM8418
13. 3.1958 Social Workers report
Marilyn Long, 16 yrs, single
c/0 Mrs Reid, Albert Street, Belmont
Pupil of Belmont High School in her third year
At visit the second son was preparing for marriage and
his sister Joan as well as Marilyn were to be bridesmaids
7. 6.1958 From Darwin to Social Services Melbourne
Adoption application from Mr and Mrs Billy Creswell of
18 Eastwood Avenue, Eastwood, NSW. They have three children namely
a girl 10 yrs, a boy 9 yrs and a girl 5 yrs.
23. 6.1958 Social Workers report as to suitable foster parents
Mr and Mrs Walter J Taylor
Lot 21, McIntosh Avenue, Padstow Heights, NSW
Daughetr Elizabeth 9 yrs
They wish to adopt Phyllis Kitching
8. 7.1958 Social Workers report as to suitable foster parents
Kevin Albert Newnham, born 6. 1.1932
Betty Valmai Newnham, born 26. 2.1931
Janine Newnham, born 14.12.1955
Address Browns Road, Plenty via Diamond Creek
30. 7.1958 Social Work and Welfare Branch
'Attention Senior Welfare Worker
State Ward Caroline Pul aged 14 part Singalese incorrigible child
proceeding Home of Good Shepherd Plympton 11th July. Arrive Adelaide
per TAA 5.40pm. Please meet and escort to Home. Child has escaped
custody Northern territory several times suggest you have extra
escort. Advise by return is unable to escort.
Sec. State Childrens Council.'
31. 7.1958 Social Workers report
Keith Boase, born 1. 6.1950
c/o Mr and Mrs F Williams, 19 Coogee Road, Point Clare
31. 7.1958 Social Workers report
Walter Fijo
c/o AIM Bible Training College, Singleton, NSW
31. 7.1958 Social Workers report
Marilyn Lowe, 17 yrs, single
c/o Mrs Reid, Albert Street, Belmont, NSW
25. 6.1958 Social Workers report
Denise Austral
c/o Mr and Mrs Pendlebury, Pacific Highway, Belmont, NSW
Denise's future uncertain after end of year.
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