Friday 14 June 2019

The Durack Dynasty and All-About

Reading the article in the Weekend Australian June 15-16, 2019 on the Durack dynasty reminded me of the dedication in the book  All-about (The Black Community at Argyle) by Mary and Elizabeth Durack published in 1935. It appears below -

"You will never read this, for to learning you have no pretensions. You cannot sue us for libel, though we have exposed your characters, your secrets and your private lives. Forgive us! Our protection lies in your unworldliness.

Most of the sketches you have seen, have laughed heartily at each, if a little disappointed that you did not appear more beautiful. "Young Missus" might at least have drawn you at your best, not gone so slyly to the kitchen, the laundry and all uninvited to the camp, with her notebook and her uncharitable pencil.

But this to you, "All-about", there is much you can teach us that is not in the white man's knowledge. Yours is the gift of laughter and human kindliness and true philosophy. Were you ever savages?"

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