Biographical entry Walter, Father George

Occupation

Catholic, Mission, Stolen Generations and Superintendent

Summary

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Father George Walter, giving testimony to the Roth Royal Commission in 1905, was described as being 'In Charge of Mission, Beagle Bay' - a post he commenced in April 1901. In response to questions, Walter said that he had previously spent seven years on 'mission work' in the Cameroons, in Africa.

Walter's testimony shows how he thought about missionary work:

I should like to point out how important for the future of the State of Western Australia and for the future of the black race that the children, both half-caste and black, should be removed from those centres of vice, such as Broome and other places, and brought to this or any other institution which is working in the interests of the blacks. Father Nicholas, of Broome, states that he can find today about 35 half-caste children in Broome alone who really can be looked upon as neglected children, growing up in the vices of Asiatics, whites and blacks.

Walter asked the Commission to appoint him as a 'local Protector' [of Aborigines] saying that 'perhaps' he already was a Protector but that he had 'received no official notice of such appointment' and stated that 'under the present state of the law, it is practically impossible to carry on earnest mission work.'