National Archives of Australia
Darwin Office
Series F1 Item 1951/638 PART 2
Australian Board of Missions, St Mary's Hostel, Alice Springs
Correspondence 20. 3.1953
About return to school of the boy Frank Forrester, a former
resident at St Mary's Hostel.
Correspondence 23. 3.1953
Joseph (not Frank) Forrester and Janice Roberts returned
to St Mary's Hostel on 15. 2.1953.
Correspondence 26. 3.1953
Medical Superintendent, Alice Springs, advised that he examined
two halfcaste children, Doris Green and Bessie Connor who have
been admitted to St Mary's Hostel.
Doris has an old trachoma of both eyes. Bessie has no problems.
Correspondence 26. 3.1953
ST MARY'S HOSTEL, ALICE SPRINGS
The following matters have been raised by Sister
Eileen Heath of the abovementioned Hostel.
1. Approval is requested to the admission of the child Daniel Forrester,
aged six years. Other members of his family are at present inmates
of the Institution.
2. Mrs Ruby Turner has made application to Sister Heath for another of
her children, Joyce, aged 8 years, to the institution. Mrs Turner
is being supported by Tommy Maddern, quadroon, who is contract
fencing on a Station out from Alice Springs. The reason for this
request is that Turner desires to join Maddern. The circumstances
of this family are such that responsibility for fees will rest with
this Branch.
Mrs Turner is dependant on contributions received from Maddern which
are irregular, a circumstance dictated by the nature of his work and
isolation. The child Joyce is a ward of this Branch.
3. Sister Heath reports that a former inmate named Kathleen Taylor, aged
15 years in September, 1952 has proceeded to Darwin apparently without
her parents consent, and is seeking employment there. The child's mother,
who formerly resided at Newcastle Waters, does not desire her daughter's
return provided she is under proper supervision. Sister is also anxious
to know her whereabouts as she is still receiving child endowment
payments in respect of the child, and desires to inform the Department
of Social Services as to the method of future payments.
It would be appreciated if these matters could be investigated and a reply
received in due course.
R K McCaffery
District Superintendent.
Correspondence 2. 4.1953
Kathleen Taylor
You are advised that Kathleen is staying with her brother Jim Taylor
at Mr Herb Collins' residence in Darwin, and is employed at the
Darwin Hospital. Their father visits the children on his periodic
trips to Darwin.
The child is in a good home, and Kathleen is contented in her
employment.
F H Moy
Director of Native Affairs
Correspondence 29. 4.1953
Commital Notices St Mary's Hostel
I refer to the undermentioned wards of this Branch and would appreciate
notices being prepared committing them to St Mary's Hostel, Alice
Springs:-
Name Date of Birth
Joyce Turner 23 March 1946
Kathleen Wilson 1 July 1941
Geoffrey Oliver 1 July 1944
Your early advice in this matter would be appreciated.
R K McCaffery
District Superintendent
Correspondence 28 May 1953
Commital Notices St Mary's Hostel
Kathleen Wilson - Born 1st July, 1941 at Mt Doreen.
Father is Alec Wilson, halfcaste of Mt Doreen
Mother is Aborigine Kitty of Mt Doreen
Father and mother are tribally married
Admitted to St Mary's Hostel 4th March 1953.
The father of Kathleen agreed, through Mrs
Braitling, to pay 7/6d weekly towards the
maintenance of Kathleen whilst in residence
at St Mary's. However, to date, no payments
have been made and this matter is being taken
up further with Alec Wilson through Mrs
Braitling.
Geoffrey Oliver - Born 1st July, 1944 at Alice Springs
Alleged father is William Oliver, whereabouts unknown
Mother Aborigine Georgina Bangarda.
Admitted to St Mary's Hostel 4th March 1953
E C Evans
Acting District Superintendent
Correspondence 12. 8.1953
St Mary's Hostel Committal Warrants
I refer to our telephone conversations of the 10th and 11th August, 1953,
regarding children at St Mary's Hostel for whom no committal warrants are
help and advise as follows:-
Name Mother Father Date of Birth Registered Notes
Laure Burke Marie Burke Unknown 21.12.1939? No
Wendy Burke Marie Burke Unknown 1. 8.1941? No
Rona Glynn Topsy Unknown 24. 9.1936 Yes
Freda Glynn Topsy Unknown 24. 8.1939 Yes
Janice Roberts Alice Roberts Unknown 25. 5.1943 No
Cecily Huddleston No information available 4. 8.1935?
All the above children are ex Mulgoa, New South Wales,possibly the Registrar
of Births, Darwin, might have additional information.
Janet Forrester Mary Forrester Unknown App 17 yrs No 20.??.1936
Ruth Forrester Mary Forrester Unknown 20. 4.1942? No
Joe Forrester Mary Forrester Unknown 27. 2.1940? No
Daniel Forrester Mary Forrester Unknown App 6 yrs No 20. 7.1947
Walter Forrester Mary Forrester Unknown 26. 2.1944 Yes
Doris Bransen Emily Unknown 25. 2.1939 No
Eileen Davidson No information available 29. 9.1940? No
Joyce Turner Ruby Unknown App 9 yrs No 19. 8.1944
Barbara Ansell Lorna Ansell Jack Ansell 30. 8.1945 No
Patricia Ansell Lorna Ansell Jack Ansell App 6 yrs No 20.??.1947
Peggy Arden No information available App 9 yrs No 20. 9.1944
Norma Baxter Ada Baxter Unknown 28. 7.1944 Yes
Kathleen Wilson Kitty Alex Wilson H/C 1. 7.1941 Yes
Nora Davis Maggie Dick Davis 8.12.1939 No
Leo Davis Maggie Dick Davis 20. 8.1942 No
Kevin Davis Maggie Dick Davis 3. 7.1943 No
Jeffrey Oliver Georgina Bangarda William Oliver 1. 7.1944 Yes
Florrie Hansen Lady Unknown 5. 3.1944 No Perhaps Yes
The dates of birth indicated by a question mark are approximate dates only
and were allocated by Sister Heath.
Undated list of Inmates
School Children
Freda Glynn
Laurel Burke
Wendy Burke
Maizie Webb
Patsy Clements
Eileen Davidson
Eileen Foster
Peggy Foster
Josie Foster
Edna Gillan
Janie Roberts
Melva Curtis
Emily Curtis
Shirley Dempsey
Jean Alum
Betty Taylor
Doris Bransen
Barbara Palmer
Marie Palmer
Fay Andrew
Ronda Andrew
Jennifer Turner
Joyce Turner
Barbara Ansell
Patty Ansell
Peggy Arden
Amy Shadforth
Peggy Butcher
Dixie Keighran
Norma Baxter
Ruth Forrester
Beatrice Scrutton
Shirley Silverton
Jean Bathern
Mona Bathern
Rosie Kunoth (away on location with C Chauvel)
Janice Roberts
Kathleen Wilson
Eva Woods
Doris Green
Florrie Hansen
Muriel Turner
Mona Turner
May Turner
Pre-School
Marjorie Horrel
Bessie Connors
School Boys
Walter Forrester
Daniel Forrester
Joe Forrester
Gilberry Alum
Reginald Alum
Brian Alum
Clive Andrew
John Horrel
Ray Shadforth
Eric Shadforth
Tony Liddle
Michael Liddle
Leo Davis
Kevin Davis
John Silverton
Walter Bathern
Harry Bathern
Murray Bathern
Tony Bathern
George Bostock
Charlie Bostock
Bertie Kunoth
Don Kunoth
Jeffrey Oliver
Kenny Woods
Working Girls
Janet Forrester
Rona Glynn
Nita Palmer
Nora Davis
Cecily Huddleston
Ivy Foster
Wards of N.A.B.
Rona Glynn
Cecily Huddleston
Nita Palmer
Janet Forrester
Maizie Webb
Patsy Clement
Nora Davis
Eileen Davidson
Freda Glynn
Laurel Burke
Wendy Burke
Doris Bransen
Barbara Palmer
Marie Palmer
Jennifer Turner
Joyce Turner
Barbara Ansell
Patricia Ansell
Peggy Arden
Norma Baxter
Ruth Forrester
Janice Roberts
Kathleen Wilson
Doris Green
Bessie Connors
Florrie Hansen
Walter Forrester
Daniel Forrester
Kevin Davis
Leo Davis
Joe Forrester
Jeffrey Oliver
Working girls are charged at the rate of one pound per
week board given 10/- p.w. pocket money and 10/- p.w. is
banked on their behalf.
Children other than those maintained out of Govt. Subsidy
for whom boarding allowance of 40 pounds p.a. and Child
Endowment is received.
Peggy Foster
Eileen Foster
Josie Foster
Edna Gillan
Janie Roberts
Melva Curtis
Emily Curtis
Shirley Dempsey
Jean Alum
Betty Taylor
Fay Andrew
Ronda Andrew
Amy Shadforth
Peggy Butcher
Dixie Keighran
Beatrice Scrutton
Shirley Silverton
Eva Woods
Mona Turner
Muriel Turner
May Turner
Gilberry Alum
Reg Alum
Brian Alum
Clive Andrew
Ray Shadforth
John Silverton
Bertie Kunoth
Don Kunoth
Ken Woods
Eric Shadforth
Beetaloo and O.T. children who are covered by
H M Bathern Estate at the rate of 25/- p.w.
beard and for whom no C.E. is received.
Mona Bathern
Harry Bathern
Walter Bathern
Tony Bathern
Murray Bathern
Jean Bathern
George Bostock
Charlie Bostock
Michael and Tony Liddle for whom Boarding
Allowance 40 pounds p.a. only is received.
Marjorie and John Horrell parent pays 25/-
p.w. plus Child Endowment.
Correspondence 18. 8.1953
St Mary's Hostel
Following your telephone conversation with Sister
Eileen Heath of St Mary's Hostel on Monday 17th August, 1953
Sister Eileen interviewed me this morning and furnished the
following particulars regarding children at St Mary's Hostel
who have not been committed there by this branch:-
Name Gilbery Alum
Date of Birth 17. 4.1940
Father Pompey Alum, butcher employed on Newcastle Waters Station
Mother Whiskey Alum
Name Reginald Alum
Date of Birth 18. 6.1942
Father Pompey Alum, butcher employed on Newcastle Waters Station
Mother Whiskey Alum
Name Brian Alum
Date of Birth 4. 6.1945
Father Pompey Alum, butcher employed on Newcastle Waters Station
Mother Whiskey Alum
Name Jean Alum
Date of Birth 1947? (15.??.1947)
Father Pompey Alum, butcher employed on Newcastle Waters Station
Mother Whiskey Alum
Name Clive Andrew
Date of Birth 19. 5.1943
Father Mervyn Andrew, well sinker in the Alice Springs area
Mother Myrtle McDonald, formerly married to Andrew but now divorced
Name Fay Andrew
Date of Birth 7. 8.1941
Father Mervyn Andrew, well sinker in the Alice Springs area
Mother Myrtle McDonald, formerly married to Andrew but now divorced
Name Ronda Andrew
Date of Birth 2. 7.1945
Father Mervyn Andrew, well sinker in the Alice Springs area
Mother Myrtle McDonald, formerly married to Andrew but now divorced
Name Peggy Butcher
Date of Birth 3. 1.1945
Father George Butcher, owner manager Robertson River Station?, Borroloola area
Mother Unknown believed to be full-blood
Name Eric Shadforth
Date of Birth 30.10.1946
Father Willie Shadforth, Rocky Valley Station, Borroloola
Mother Full-blood name unknown
Name Ray Shadforth
Date of Birth 15. 8.1945
Father Willie Shadforth, Rocky Valley Station, Borroloola
Mother Full-blood name unknown
Name Amy Shadforth
Date of Birth 23. 9.1943
Father Willie Shadforth, Rocky Valley Station, Borroloola
Mother Full-blood name unknown
Name Emily Curtis
Date of Birth 1946 (10. 5.1946)
Father R Curtis, occupation unknown, resides in the Wauchope area
Mother Unknown
Name Melva Curtis
Date of Birth 1942 (4. 7.1942)
Father R Curtis, occupation unknown, resides in the Wauchope area
Mother Unknown
Name Shirley Dempsey
Date of Birth 1945
Father James Dempsey
Mother Full-blood name unknown
Notes Dempsey is a rather poor type of individual who is
not in regular employment. Sister Eileen queries
that he is the father of Shirley.
Name Eileen Foster
Date of Birth 17. 4.1942
Father W Foster, employed by Mr Harris on McLaren Creek Station
Mother Bessie Full-blood
Name Josie Foster
Date of Birth 20. 4.1944
Father W Foster, employed by Mr Harris on McLaren Creek Station
Mother Bessie Full-blood
Name Pegy Foster
Date of Birth 1. 4.1939
Father W Foster, employed by Mr Harris on McLaren Creek Station
Mother Bessie Full-blood
Name Marjorie Horrel
Date of Birth 13. 6.1948
Father Tom Horrel, painter employed by Simms of Alice Springs
Mother Martha Walker
Notes Parents are not living together
Name John Horrel
Date of Birth 16. 4.1945
Father Tom Horrel, painter employed by Simms of Alice Springs
Mother Martha Walker
Notes Parents are not living together
Name Rosie Kunoth
Date of Birth 2. 1.1939
Father Alan Kunoth, employed on McDonald Downs Station
Mother Ngarla full-blood
Name Bertie Kunoth
Date of Birth 4.11.1941
Father Alan Kunoth, employed on McDonald Downs Station
Mother Ngarla full-blood
Name Donald Kunoth
Date of Birth 6. 2.1946
Father Alan Kunoth, employed on McDonald Downs Station
Mother Ngarla full-blood
Name Dixie Keighran
Date of Birth 1945 (28. 1.1945)
Father J Keighran, of Seven Emus Station Borroloola area
Mother Unknown believed to be full-blood
Name Janie Roberts
Date of Birth 14. 1.1939
Father A Roberts, employed on Stirling Station
Mother Jean Roberts
Notes Parents not living together
Name Rosie Gordon
Date of Birth 1943 (20. 4.1943)
Father
Mother
Notes At present at St Mary's Hostel by arrangement
with Mr & Mrs Charlie Schultz of Humbert River
Station during their absence on holidays.
Name Beatrice Scrutton
Date of Birth 9. 4.1946
Father Joe Scrutton, employed on Napperby Station
Mother Full-blood name unknown
Name Elizabeth Taylor
Date of Birth 5. 7.1943
Father Fred Taylor, drover believed to be in the Elliott area
Mother Kittty Taylor, employed at Alice Springs Hospital
Notes Parents no longer live together
Name Mona Turner
Date of Birth 19.12.1942
Father Ray Turner, drover
Mother Unknown
Notes Sister Eileen knows little of Ray Turner and rarely hears from him
Name Muriel Turner
Date of Birth 6. 5.1941
Father Ray Turner, drover
Mother Unknown
Notes Sister Eileen knows little of Ray Turner and rarely hears from him
Name May Turner
Date of Birth 11.10.1944
Father Ray Turner, drover
Mother Unknown
Notes Sister Eileen knows little of Ray Turner and rarely hears from him
Name John Silverton
Date of Birth 1946 (10.??.1946)
Father Unknown believed to be European
Mother Polly Silverton, half-caste
Notes Polly is an irresponsible type and is subject
to fits. She resides with Mrs Pope of Alice
Springs.
Name Shirley Silverton
Date of Birth 1945 (10. 9.1945)
Father Unknown believed to be European
Mother Polly Silverton, half-caste
Notes Polly is an irresponsible type and is subject
to fits. She resides with Mrs Pope of Alice
Springs.
Name Eva Woods
Date of Birth 1.12.1945
Father Jim Woods, employed on Mount Ester Station near Ti Tree
Mother Full-blood, name unknown
Name Kenny Woods
Date of Birth 1. 6.1943
Father Jim Woods, employed on Mount Ester Station near Ti Tree
Mother Full-blood, name unknown
Name Tony Liddle
Date of Birth 1940 (11. 1.1940)
Father Milton Liddle, part owner of Angas Downs Station
Mother Polly Liddle
Notes The Liddles have two other children admitted to the
Convent at Alice Springs
Name Michael Liddle
Date of Birth 1942 (15. 3.1942)
Father Milton Liddle, part owner of Angas Downs Station
Mother Polly Liddle
Notes The Liddles have two other children admitted to the
Convent at Alice Springs
Name Mona Bathern
Date of Birth 6.10.1939
Notes All costs are being met by the Bathern Estate.
Bathern Family 1
Name Harry Bathern
Date of Birth 30. 3.1942
Notes All costs are being met by the Bathern Estate.
Bathern Family 1
Name Walter Bathern
Date of Birth 1944 (10. 6.1944)
Notes All costs are being met by the Bathern Estate.
Bathern Family 1
Name Murray Bathern
Date of Birth 15. 9.1942
Notes All costs are being met by the Bathern Estate.
Bathern Family 2
Name Tony Bathern
Date of Birth 16.11.1944
Notes All costs are being met by the Bathern Estate.
Bathern Family 2
Name Jean Bathern
Date of Birth 6. 7.1946
Notes All costs are being met by the Bathern Estate.
Bathern Family 2
Name George Bostock
Date of Birth 23. 4.1942
Notes All costs are being met by the Bathern Estate.
Name Charlie Bostock
Date of Birth 1944 (9.10.1944)
Notes All costs are being met by the Bathern Estate.
Name Ivy Foster
Date of Birth 13. 2.1936
Father William Foster, of McLaren Creek Station
Mother Unknown
Notes Ivy is now employed by Mrs Neil Hargrave and
is in receipt of wages at the rate of two
pounds per week from which she pays her board.
It is appreciated that a lot of this information supplied
by Sister Eileen is incomplete and reveals an unsatisfactory state
of affairs. It is apparent that the births of quite a number of the
children have not been registered. This matter will be fully
investigated and registrations effected where necessary.
Where the parent is shown as unknown this has been included
on Sister Eileen's information. Because of the urgency with which
you require this memorandum I have not checked Branch records to
ascertain if the parent is known to this office.
E C Evans
Acting District Superintendent
Correspondence 25. 9.1953
Halfcaste Child - Irene Edwards
I refer to your memorandum H/C dated 11th September,
1953, concerning proposed admittance of the abovementioned
girk to St John's Hostel.
The whole question of part aboriginal children at
present in residence at St Mary's Hostel has been discussed
with Sister Eileen Heath and it would appear that there are
certain objections to the suggestion that more accomodation
could be made available for wards of this Department at St
Mary's by the transfer of children from St Mary's to St
John's Hostel. Each child was discussed with Sister Eileen
in relation to the possibility of the parents being in a
sufficiently financial position to meet the cost of admission
of their child or children to St John's Hostel. Although
she was not in a position to speak with any confidence Sister
Eileen considers that possibly the parents of the following
children may be in a sufficiently sound financial position
to pay the increased fees charged st St John's Hostel :-
Clive Andrew
Fay Andrew
Ronda Andrew
The father of these children is Mervyn Andrew. He is
in full employment in Alice Springs and should at least
be in a position to pay more than he is doing at the
present moment. However, there may be some doubt as
to his ability to pay the prescribed rates at St John's.
Peggy Butcher
The father of Peggy Butcher is George Butcher of, I think,
Seven Emus Station, via Borroloola. Butcher is making
little effort in relation to this child and should be in
a sufficiently sound financial position to pay the in-
creased rates.
Marjorie Horrell
John Horrell
These children were at one time residents at St John's
Hostel and were transferred to St Mary's by their
parents.
Mona Bathern
Harry Bathern
Walter Bathern
Murray Bathern
Tony Bathern
Jean Bathern
George Bostock
Charlie Bostock
As you are aware the educational and accomodation costs
of these children are being made from the Bathern estate.
It is not known but it is presumed that this estate would
be able to bear the additional cost involved were these
children transferred to St John's.
However Sister Eileen is of the opinion that a change-
over from St Mary's to St John's at this stage would not
be in the best interests of the children concerned and she
would be most reluctant to allow them to leave the atmosphere
of St Mary's after they have been resident children for
such a time. In any case the position is now somewhat
complicated by the Committal Orders which have been issued
in respect of all children at St Mary's, and in this regard
Sister Eileen desires advice relative to certain children.
Gilbery Alum - Gilbery will be 14 years of age in the near
future and he has shown poor results at
school. There is no possibility of his being
admitted to a secondary education and
according to the Boarding Allowance payable
in respect of this boy will cease next year.
It is Sister Eileen's opinion that Gilbery
should be permitted to return to Newcastle
Waters at the end of the year where his
parents reside and where, it is understood,
the Manager of Newcastle Waters is prepared
to give him employment.
However the Committal Order states that Gilbery
shall remain at St Mary's Hostel until he
reaches the age of 18 years.
Peggy Foster - Peggy is now 14 years of age and her aptitude
at school does not justify her continuing next
year. Sister Eileen is anxious to place her
in employment in Alice SPrings. She will be
residing at St Mary's during such employment.
Rosie Kunoth - Sister Eileen desires to be advised as to the
position regarding Rosie as she has now been
committed to St Mary's Hostel. As you are
aware Rosie will be proceeding to Sydney with
the Chauvel Film Unit.
Rosie Gordon - Rosie Gordon was formerly given into the care
of Mrs Charlie Schultz of Humbert River and
will be returning to that Station in the near
future. A Committal Order has been made out
in respect of Rosie committing her to St
Mary's Hostel until she is 18 years of age.
Mona Bathern - Mona Bathern is now 14 years of age and intends
to return to her people next year. In view of
the Committal Order Sister Eileen intends to
endeavour to place Mona in local employment,
however she anticipates resistance from Mona's
parents.
Ivy Foster - Ivy Foster married Stuart Hampton on the
18th September last. It is presumed her
Committal Order is automatically null and void.
Nona Davis - These two girls are both employed in Alice
Rona Glynn Springs but reside at St Mary's Hostel.
E C Evans
Acting District Superintendent
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