Historical timeline
Annie Lock, a representative of the Australian Aborigines Mission (AAM) stationed at Katanning, writes to the Chief Protector of Aborigines, Charles Gale, seeking support to secure a large area of land at Carrolup (Water Reserve 9098) for a self-supporting Aboriginal settlement. The reserve is located about 30kms west of Katanning near the confluence of the Carrolup and Carlecatup rivers. A local council of the AAM is established to progress the scheme.
At the time, a large number of Noongar families were camping on the outskirts of the township on two reserves gazetted for their exclusive use. Miss Lock had established an Aboriginal school on one of the reserves. At the same time, there were growing objections amongst Katanning residents toward the proximity of the reserve and the presence of Noongar people in the townsite, the number having increased since the establishment of the school.
Mr Gale engages the District Surveyor to assess the proposed site for its agricultural potential. His report gives an unfavourable assessment of the capabilities of the land and goes so far as to state that the only redeeming qualities are the permanent water pools plus the absence of any objection from the Katanning Roads Board. The local council of the AAM respond by maintaining that a better alternative could not be found.
Mr Gale submits a report to the Minister for Aborigines detailing the scheme originally proposed by the AAM and recommends its adoption. The submission is put on hold due to no provision having been made in that financial year to meet the necessary expenditure likely to be incurred. Further reports on the suitability of the land by the Agricultural Department are sought.
The Agricultural Commissioner for the South-West provides a favourable report on the suitability of the proposed site and its potential to be cultivated to adequately address the needs of the residents. The report goes on to say that about 80 acres of land could be classed as good grazing land and would be most suitable for intensive culture, including the growing of vegetables and crops.
A signed petition by residents of Katanning is submitted to the State Government, requesting that immediate action be taken to have all Aboriginal people living in or near the Katanning townsite removed to Carrolup. The Government responds by once again advising that funds are not presently available to give effect to the request.
Mr Gale pays a visit to Katanning where he finds around 150 people camping on the reserve.
Mr Gale re-submits the detailed proposal for the establishment of a settlement to Cabinet, along with estimated expenditure. Cabinet responds by maintaining that the state of finance will not permit anything being done in the desired direction at the present time.
In response to the existing unrest, the Education Department announces the imminent closure of the Katanning Aboriginal School and the requirement for the Department of Aborigines to assume financial responsibility for salaries and contingencies for a teacher. The closure is deferred until an alternative arrangement at Carrolup comes into effect.
Official opening of a new mission room (also serving as a community hall), constructed by Miss Lock and the residents of Carrolup. The building walls are made from timber and tampered earth, along with an iron roof.
A.O Neville replaces Mr Gale as the new Chief Protector of Aborigines.
16 children are attending school (under construction).
Construction of a temporary ‘bush house’ adjoining Miss Lock’s quarters is completed. The bush house serves to temporarily accommodate girls until permanent child dormitories can be constructed.
Influx of people visiting the settlement over the Christmas period.
Mr Neville’s report for the preceding 6 months highlights the following progress:
Reserve number 16370 comprising 10,768 acres of land is vested in the Colonial Secretary as an Aboriginal Settlement, expanding the original size of the Reserve from 700 acres.
Mr Neville makes a fourth visit to the settlement and reports the following:
3 deaths during the month, including 2 elderly residents. The deceased are taken by horse and cart to Katanning for interment.
First Children’s Assistant appointed.
Photographs of Miss Lock’s old quarters, a group of children and one of the families on the settlement feature in the Western Mail on 6 April. All 3 photos may have been taken as early as November the previous year.
Reserve number 16908 is excised from the existing reserve and proclaimed an Aboriginal Cemetery (Kojonup location 4086). The cemetery comprises 2 acres of land and is located a little to the north of the main settlement. Today, the majority of burials are located at the western extremity of the reserve, which has, over the years, reverted back to its original state.
Mr Fryer resigns as Superintendent after his brutal discipline at Carrolup makes news headlines.
Moore River Native Settlement opens at Mogumber, with the first admissions taking place in late May.
John Blake, formally a Major in the Australian Infantry Force, is appointed to replace Fryer as Superintendent.
Mr Blake gives instructions for a carpenter to board up the bathroom window at the rear of the hospital and put a special bolt on the door so that it may be used as a detention cell pending the construction of a new one at the rear of the store.
A second instance of multiple marriages takes place on the same day. On this occasion, 3 couples are married by an officiating Minister of religion before a crowd of 140 people, as well as Mr Neville and other officials. A detailed account of the event can be found in the Southern Districts Advocate, 9 January 1919.
Mr Blake refuses to allow Aboriginal people with symptoms of sickness onto the settlement, fearing the introduction of influenza.
The Secretary of the neighbouring Woodanilling Road Board raises concerns in the local press regarding the failure of the settlement to attain the goals for which it was intended, citing the continued presence of Aboriginal people in the township and nearby Katanning, and the refusal of the administration to accept those seeking admission during the height of the influenza epidemic.
The District Medical Officer, Dr Pope, and the Commissioner for Public Health, Dr Everard Atkinson, pay a visit to inspect Carrolup's Hospital.
A severe epidemic of colds affects the settlement resulting in 1 death.
The number of workers remains relatively stable with 13 men, 4 boys, 7 women and girls in regular employment.
Mr Neville’s annual report for 1919 highlights the completion of an experiment to manufacture clothes for Aboriginal people throughout the state using the labour of women and girls at Carrolup, with several thousand suitable garments having been turned out during the year.
The sale of sheep skins forwarded onto market in Perth brings a return of £28.8.6.
34 people employed on the settlement, including 10 ‘serving girls’ and 4 domestic workers.
The sale of 62 sheep skins forwarded onto market in Perth brings a return of £13.18.10.
Outbreak of influenza within the fenced compound, 25 cases reported.
A reference to the engagement of Aboriginal policemen in residence at Carrolup is cited in the Sunday Times on 4 December (page 19).
An outbreak of whooping cough is reported.
The Department of Native Affairs re-opens Carrolup as a school and institution for children removed from their families.
Carrolup school is shut down and school-age children are transferred to other missions according to their religious denominations.
Carrolup Settlement closes. The Department of Native Affairs reports that the adults were 'dispersed' but that teenage boys were kept there to establish Marribank Farm Training School.
The information contained in this timeline was sourced from the following records: