A Tear in the Soul by Webster Amanda;

Author:Webster, Amanda;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: University of New South Wales Press

Mr Sercombe took time to consider his answers to my questions, and, having sought his agreement, I took notes as he spoke. Although I hadn’t yet mentioned it, I intended to offer him the opportunity to review transcripts of our conversation, and anticipated changes. I liked the man, but he gave the impression of wanting to manage the Mission’s image. I doubted very much that he would admit to any wrongdoing by either him or the other missionaries, although I already knew that it had taken place in the form of separation of siblings, restriction of parental access, and severe physical punishments.

I felt some reluctance at asking difficult questions of a dying man. I pushed on, however, thinking that his imminent death might encourage openness on his part.

By now, I was dripping with sweat. The air conditioner stood silent, a form of economy, I suspected. Even owning an air conditioner must have seemed a luxury to Mr Sercombe after the restrictions of a petrol-fuelled generator at the Mission. One of many hardships, as I was about to learn.

‘The couple who lived in the boys’ dormitory left and I was unable to find a replacement. Not everyone is willing to work voluntarily unless they are called to the work. So I looked after the boys.’

On a typical day he rose at 6 a.m. to supervise the boys as they dressed for school, made their beds and tidied up. Everything needed to be kept neat, he said, because the department could spring a visit at any time. Besides, he added hastily, cleanliness was important for hygiene.

At 8.30, the boys lined up for the school bus.

‘My children lined up with them. I inspected them all. The Aboriginal children had to look as neat as mine.’

With the children gone for the day, Mr Sercombe opened the Mission store so the people from the reserve could buy their supplies.

‘Then at ten-thirty I’d go and have elevenses with my wife.’

After ‘elevenses’ he carried out office work with the help of another missionary until lunchtime. Two Wongi women from the reserve helped with the laundry, ironing and mending.

‘In return their sons were accommodated in the boys’ home at no cost to them. After lunch I would start preparing the vegetables for the boys’ dinner. I cooked for them.’

‘You cooked for all the boys?’

‘Yes. One or two of the boys used to help with the cutting up and so on. Greg was a good boy. He did the rosters for me. Some boys did the washing up and others cut the sandwiches for school the next day.’

On their return from school, the boys changed into play clothes, tidied away their school clothes and ate afternoon tea, usually biscuits (Mr McGeorge’s raisin cushions). Dinner, as Mr Sercombe referred to it, was at 5.30 p.m. Whereas in the past the boys had eaten with the girls, in their dormitory, albeit at separate tables, now they ate in the recently completed and larger boys’ dormitory, with Mr Sercombe and his family.

At bedtime, Mrs Sercombe read stories to the young ones, as did Mr McGeorge.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.