McLeod left the Pilbara in about September 1954, and the group, now reduced in size, continued under Mitchell’s leadership. Unable to market mineral or purchase supplies, Mitchell appealed to the Department of Native Welfare for urgent assistance.

Ernie Mitchell Appeals to Department For Urgent Assistance
Mitchell to Middleton, 10 January 1955
Citation

Mitchell to Middleton, 10 January 1955, SROWA, 1954/0204/7.

Related Sources

Department Purchases Vehicle for Pilbara Native Society

Submitted by scollini on Wed, 10/17/2018 - 15:29

Source Thumbnail: 
Exhibit Analysis: 

This photograph shows Mitchell, Middleton and other members of the group with a truck that was purchased by the Department for the Pilbara Native Society. Middleton’s willingness to assist marrngu as a group rather than on an individual or nuclear family basis is a measure of the authority they had established. The Department went to considerable cost, purchasing not only this vehicle but mining equipment and Riverdale Station for the Society.