How The West Was Lost

The Native Question in the Development of Western Australia



Book Summary


Chapter 1 White Man's Law

1889 - Self Government in Western Australia
1898 - Illegal Act to assume authority over native affairs
1905 - Act of Native Affairs


Chapter 2 Blackfellow Law

The Organisation of the Blackfellows
The Law of the Blackfellows
Responsibilities Under the Law
Resolution of Conflict
Arrangements for Ceremonies
Life of the Blackfellow


Chapter 3 Private Enterprise

Subsequent Events at Skull Creek
State Development versus the Blackfellow
Extension of Exploitation
Exploitation of Mineral Resources
Awareness of the Native Questions


Chapter 4 Strike

1942 - Meeting at Skull Springs
1946 - Commencement of the Strike
Heroism of the Blackfellows
Self-help by the Strikers
The March on Port Hedland Police Station
Our Legal Defence
Paradox of Whiteman's Law
Pressure on the Strikers
The Seamen's Support


Chapter 5 The Missions

White Spring Mission
The Demand for Missions
Warburton Range Mission
Wiluna Mission
Jigalong Mission
La Grange Mission
Benedictine Mission
From the Blackfellow's Viewpoint


Chapter 6 The Bureaucracy in Central Moola Bulla Station

Blackfellow's Interest in Mining
Wittenoom Gorge Asbestos Mining
1948 - Northern Development and Mining Pty Ltd
Development of Columbite
Purchase of Pastoral Lands
1955 - Reverse of Progress
1960 - Split in the Group
Proliferation of the Bureaucracy
The Position of the Half Castes
More Bureaucracy


Chapter 7 Attrition

Nimingarra
Need for Direct Payment
Coondina Tin Mining
1971 - Move to Strelley Station
Independent Education for Blackfellows
Independent Printing Press
The Origin of "The Native Problem"


Chapter 8 Resistance

Return to Nookanbah Station
The Malaise in the West
The Rights of the Blackfellows



     
Strelley Home Extract from Proclamation Foreword