Told and provided by Elder Carol Petterson. When a pastoral lease was granted the Aboriginal people associated with the area were regarded as the property of the pastoralist. They were ‘signed up’ to ensure sufficient labour for the busy shearing season. They weren’t paid. During the slack months the workers were sent into the bush to fend for themselves and if they didn’t return, they were considered to be absconders and a warrant could be issued for their arrest (under the Masters and Servants Act, British legislation from 1842). Absconding from an employer was a common charge often resulting in the three months in prison. It is unlikely the men who were arrested had any idea why they had been arrested. It is likely that some pastoralists used the Act to get the Nyoongar men out of the way so they could access the women. 

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• Min distance between 2 places: 390.38312105131
• Max distance between 2 places: 390.38312105131
• Average distance between places: 390.38312105131
• Median distance between places: 390.38312105131
• Standard Deviation of distance between places: 0
• Average Min distance between neighbouring places: 390.38312105131
• Median Min distance between neighbouring places: 390.38312105131
• Standard Deviation of Min distance between neighbouring places: 0