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For Their Own Good : Aborigines and Government in the Southwest of Western Australia 1900-1940
single work
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description
'This book is a powerful and moving history of Aboriginal people in the south west of Western Australia covering a time when they experienced profound changes in their way of life and status in the community. Their independent life in the bush, on stations and on their own small farms was progressively eroded by discriminatory laws, bureaucratic interference and overt racism. The Aborigines' dignity and strength as they battled to maintain their independence and pride offer lessons for all people. ' (Publisher's blurb)
Notes
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Contents: 1. Aborigines and agricultural development –2. New policies and laws – 3. Implementing the 1905 Aborigines Act: 1905-1911 – 4. Clash in the wheat belt – 5. A new broom – 6. Institutional life – 7. The town reserves – 8. New directions – 9. Aborigines and the depression – 10. Harsh policies for hard times – Epilogue – Appendix I. Aboriginal reserves – Appendix II. Correspondence relating to the Native Union
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Other Formats
- Also sound recording.
Works about this Work
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Fever in the Archive
single work
criticism
— Appears in: Humanities Australia , no. 5 2014; (p. 23-35)Anna Haebich investigates how the West Australian Department of Indigenous Affairs archives (1898-1972) have been utilised by Indigenous writers/researchers.
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[Review Essay] For Their Own Good
1993
single work
essay
— Appears in: Australian Aboriginal Studies , no. 2 1993; (p. 93-96)'These two books deal with Aborigines in Western Australia, principally during the first four decades of this century. To some extent, they cover the same ground. Haebich spans the period 1900-40, while Jacobs studies the life of A O Neville (1897-1954) whose active involvement in Aboriginal affairs started in 1915 and ended with his retirement in 1940, although he continued to be actively involved in Aboriginal issues until his death. But if the ground traversed is to some extent the same, the approach and tone are fundamentally different. Looking back on one of the most difficult, vexed and at times disturbing periods in Australian history, it is all too easy to be critical, condemnatory and even slightly self-righteous. It is tempting to neglect the complex political, ideological and social issues of the time which framed both thought and action. In a focus which sharpens the reader's appreciation of a single man, his life, ambitions, frustrations, failures and successes, Jacobs's life of A O Neville takes us to the heart of the matter. It brings the reader to an understanding (though not necessarily to an approval) of the desire for action which was believed to be 'for their ow n good'. Ironically, despite the title, Haebich does not give us a similarly contextualised view of history. (Introduction)
-
Fever in the Archive
single work
criticism
— Appears in: Humanities Australia , no. 5 2014; (p. 23-35)Anna Haebich investigates how the West Australian Department of Indigenous Affairs archives (1898-1972) have been utilised by Indigenous writers/researchers.
-
[Review Essay] For Their Own Good
1993
single work
essay
— Appears in: Australian Aboriginal Studies , no. 2 1993; (p. 93-96)'These two books deal with Aborigines in Western Australia, principally during the first four decades of this century. To some extent, they cover the same ground. Haebich spans the period 1900-40, while Jacobs studies the life of A O Neville (1897-1954) whose active involvement in Aboriginal affairs started in 1915 and ended with his retirement in 1940, although he continued to be actively involved in Aboriginal issues until his death. But if the ground traversed is to some extent the same, the approach and tone are fundamentally different. Looking back on one of the most difficult, vexed and at times disturbing periods in Australian history, it is all too easy to be critical, condemnatory and even slightly self-righteous. It is tempting to neglect the complex political, ideological and social issues of the time which framed both thought and action. In a focus which sharpens the reader's appreciation of a single man, his life, ambitions, frustrations, failures and successes, Jacobs's life of A O Neville takes us to the heart of the matter. It brings the reader to an understanding (though not necessarily to an approval) of the desire for action which was believed to be 'for their ow n good'. Ironically, despite the title, Haebich does not give us a similarly contextualised view of history. (Introduction)
- South West Western Australia,
- 1900-1940
