Massacre at Hodgson Downs Station

Date: 1 Jan 1901 – 31 Dec 1902
Place: Hodgson Downs Station
Event type: massacre
Direct violence: Yes
Ucko and Layton (1999, p 235) say the massacre at Hodgson Downs occurred shortly before 1903 (or 1904, according to Read & Read [1991, pp 12-16]). Estimates of the number killed range between 30 and 40 Alawa people, including men, women and children. It is reported that white settlers circled and shot them.

Citing Chicken Gonagun and Sandy Mambookyi, Read and Read (1991, pp 12-16) said Aboriginal men who had been cajoled into cutting timber for them were shot dead. Children were flung against trees or had their skulls smashed with stones. Women were shot. Gonagun said (p 16) "Oh, they bin like to killem, finishem up tribe. Take all of their country."

Ucko and Layton (1999, p 235) wrote: 'According to August Sandy Lirriwirri, Stephen Roberts' grandfather, Old Charlie Waypuldanya, was among the few people who escaped.'

This massacre was carried out in reprisal for the killing of cattle and horses by the Alawa people.
Notes:
CorroborationRating: ***
LanguageGroup: Alawa
Victims: Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander People
VictimsDead: 40

People involved

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Sources

  • Ucko & Layton, 1999, p 235; Read & Read 1991, pp 12-16; RAHC; Olney, J (2003) Lower Roper River Land Claim No 70, Aboriginal Land Commissioner, Darwin; Merlan 1978, p 87.

Event mentions

  • Massacre at Hodgson Downs Station
    1 Jan 1901 – 31 Dec 1902 — Hodgson Downs Station — massacre
    Ucko and Layton (1999, p 235) say the massacre at Hodgson Downs occurred shortly before 1903 (or 1904, according to Read & Read [1991, pp 12-16]). Estimates of the number killed range between 30 and 40 Alawa people, including men, women and children. It is reported that white settlers circled and shot them.

    Citing Chicken Gonagun and Sandy Mambookyi, Read and Read (1991, pp 12-16) said Aboriginal men who had been cajoled into cutting timber for them were shot dead. Children were flung against trees or had their skulls smashed with stones. Women were shot. Gonagun said (p 16) "Oh, they bin like to killem, finishem up tribe. Take all of their country."

    Ucko and Layton (1999, p 235) wrote: 'According to August Sandy Lirriwirri, Stephen Roberts' grandfather, Old Charlie Waypuldanya, was among the few people who escaped.'

    This massacre was carried out in reprisal for the killing of cattle and horses by the Alawa people.
    Source: Ucko & Layton, 1999, p 235; Read & Read 1991, pp 12-16; RAHC; Olney, J (2003) Lower Roper River Land Claim No 70, Aboriginal Land Commissioner, Darwin; Merlan 1978, p 87.