2011 - Theses - Flinders University

White Lives in a Black Community: The lives of Jim Page and Rebecca Forbes in the Adnyamathanha communityTracy SpencerVolume One Creative Writing Component: Excerpted Chapters from Volume Three Appendix One‘I’m a missionary with the United Aborigines Mission. On my way to Mt Serle.’ Itsuddenly seems like such a grand task for one man and a bundle of clothes, and Jim’sshoulders drop. The man is quick to notice.‘Ho, man. Elkin seemed quite impressed. The people are already quite civilised, althoughthey do still have magical beliefs,’ he says, a little to himself. 132 ‘You done this kind of thingbefore?’‘I was itinerating in the Musgrave Ranges,’ Jim says strongly, and realises he hasn’tanswered the question. ‘Mostly I’ve been in deputation work for the Mission. 133 But I’ve justcome from lending a hand at Swan Reach. 134 I haven’t been to a new work before,’ hefinishes, quietly.‘Well, you’ll find hills, a bit of a camp, and some old fellas. Mostly half castes. Whichmakes that magical stuff all the more intriguing, don’t you think? Now why would they holdwith that, if they’ve got the wherewithal to speak English and read?’ The man pauses, with afrown. ‘They were asking for a missionary, thinking you might stop ‘em drinking andswearing. 135 Elkin’s a reverend himself, of course, but he’s got his own ideas on that. 136Thinks your sort should be building on Aboriginal religion, not wiping their ways out. 137Can’t see quite how myself. Can you?’Jim avoids a direct answer. ‘We want to win the natives for Christ: you know, show themthe love of God.’‘Well before you do, have a bit of a listen to ‘em. Write down anything you hear, and sendit in, eh? They’ve got some great stories, snakes and two fellas traipsing round the country,78