2011 - Theses - Flinders University

‘Well, it appears that this is another important development needed for this mission. MissTurner, did you wish to ask about the school?’ Violet, delighted to be part of this oh sodelicate inquiry, turns her magnified gaze towards Bertha Wyld, and adjusts her glasses asshe speaks.‘Sister Wyld, can you tell us of the school?’ Bertha knows she must support her husband,but feels a little uncomfortable.‘Well, when we came, there was no schooling at all, or at least, those desks at Mr Page’shut were very occasionally used by some of the older students, we believe.’‘You believe?’ Violet inquires.‘Oh, you can’t quite see, not with that fence. But they do go there sometimes, in theafternoon, after my school is over. School is conducted every morning in the church,’ shefinishes, primly.‘I must say,’ cuts in Reverend Brown, anxious to keep control of the meeting, ‘that thehousing is greatly improved from what was here previously.’ Mr Wyld cannot containhimself.‘I am sorry, but surely you can see for yourself that these – quarters – are barely adequatefor a family man. I was led to believe that there would be appropriate accommodation for mywife and children, and when I got here, well the walls weren’t even finished.’ Jim makes noresponse, although he knows the delegation is expecting him to.‘Yes, we are aware of the deficiencies of the missionary accommodation, and agree that isindeed regretful. I was referring to the native houses.’‘The natives have been busy making new houses for themselves, with what they have beenable to find about, Reverend Brown,’ Jim answers. ‘There are some very fine builders103