Black History Victoria

1803 Lieut. Col. David Collins visits Port Philip, with a view of forming a settlement, he learns that the Dutch have vacated Van Diemans Land, set sail to take possession of such.

1805 Murrengurk, a big man, easily recognised and respected by various clan members thru-out the Port Philip District, Murrengurk, had set up camp around Port Fairy his ability to understand and communicate with visiting Whaler's needs.

Murrengurk, attended a trading place, rum, tools, clothing and the comfort of women were in demand, this continued for some years, However Murrengurk, soon started to lose control with the visiting whalers, as woman were being raped, taken, others were being killed.

1825 Van Diemans land proclaimed a separate colony from N.S.W. George Arthur Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemans landMurrengurk, over the years became deeply concerned with the situation, expressed to the tribal council, it would be far more of a benefit to the tribes, to let the Land for grazing sheep, to gentleman, of Van Diemans Land, as their laws protect women from being raped, taken away. Their laws protect your family from being shot and killed, After consideration the Elders approval, their trust had been granted.

Murrengurk, consulted, visiting whaler's, his terms agreements were laid out. Mr. J.H. Wedge, had elected to bring the terms agreement to the attention of any interested parties in Van Diemans Land.

1835 In Launceston, at the corner of Cimitiere and John Street, stood Mr. Connolly's store, a supper party had been arranged by Mr. Connolly's for a number of friends, being J.H.Wedge, W.G. Sams, John Robertson (of Hobart Town) John Sinclair (of Clairville)and John Batman who was then a settler near Avoca. Being made aware of the Terms Agreement It was agreed that Batman should cross the straits and make arrangements for settlement of the agreement A schooner was quickly charted, and John Batman as agent for the company "Port Phillip Association" to obtained from the natives a large tract of land suitable for grazing sheep.

The promoters of the undertaking were John Trice Gelibrand (former Attorney-General) Charles Swanston, M.L.C.,William Bannister (Sheriff), James Simpson (Police Magistrate), Henry Arthur (Collector of Customs), John and William Robertson (Merchants), John Hilder Wedge (surveyor) J.T. Collecat (Post Master), Anthony Cottrell (District Constable), William Gardiner Sams (under Sheriff), Micheal Connolly (Merchant), Major Mercer, John Sinclair (Superintendent of Convicts), and John Batman

Batman Sailed from Launceston on the 12th May 1835, in the Rebecca. a small vessel of fifteen tons. As arranged by Murrengurk, made his quarters at Indented Head,by using a small cannon, summoned Murrengurk.

On 3rd June 1835. John Batman, and Murrengurk, sailed up the Yarra river, on Monday 8th June declared "This will be the place for a Village"

Batman's documents refers to presents (payment) of Twenty Pairs of Blankets, Thirty Tomahawks, One Hundred Knives, Fifty Pairs Scissors, Thirty Looking-Glasses, Two Hundred Handkerchiefs, Six Shirts and One Hundred Pounds of Flour, Plus The Yearly rent of Tribute of One hundred Pairs of Blankets,One Hundred Knives, One hundred Tomahawks, Fifty Suits of Clothing, Fifty looking-glasses, Fifty Pairs of Scissors, and Five Tons Flour.

The lease contract covered the tract of land running from the branch of the river at the top of the Port , about 7 miles from the mouth of the river, forty miles North East and from thence South South West , across Mount Vilaumaurnartar to Geelong Harbour, at the head of the same, containing about Five Hundred Thousand more or less Acres.

A document was signed on the banks of a creek on 16th June 1835, by two local Native's (William Barak father suggested as being one) and 5 Sydney Aborigine's (belonging to Batman's party) for the letting of land in the Port Philip District to Batman, Overseen by Murrengurk, as certain terms and conditions had been submitted by him, Murrengurk, was to be paid by the Port Phillip Association 50 pound per year as well as rations.

25th August 1835, Governor Arthur (via John Hilder Wedge), sent a written testimonial of thanks to Murrengurk for his services rendered. The next day

26th August 1835, Batman's contract raised both the transfer to a person rather than the Crown, and it's implicit recognition of Indigenous owner and occupation of the land. His Excellency Major General Sir Richard Bourke, ruled the contract invalid.
[See Proclamation 26th August 1835, Richard Bourke, No 3--411 copy annexed herewith (marked WB1)]

This document implemented the doctrine of Terra nullius upon which British settlement base, reinforcing the notion that the land belonged to no one prior to British Crown taking possession of it. Aboriginal people thereafter could not sell or assign the land, nor could an individual person acquire it, other than through distribution by the Crown.

Although many people at that time also recognised that the Aboriginal occupants had rights in the lands (as this was confirmed in a House of Commons report on Aboriginal relations in 1837) The Lawyers followed and almost always applied the principles expressed in Bourke's proclamation. This would not change until the Australian High Court's decision in the Mabo Case in 1992" ( Vic. Gov.)

1836, A very large force of hostile native land holders had form around the settlements, which now included amongst others, John Pasco Fawkner's party, concerns were raised that they would be attacked, and would have been, if heroic Murrengurk, had not intervened.

1836 10 October, Sir Richard Bourke instructed Police Magistrate, William Lonsdale, to employ Murrengurk, as interpreter and Constable, to receive a salary of 60 pounds and rations. Murrengurk, remained under Lonsdale employment for about 15 Months before he resigned. He could not carry out orders being detrimental to his native friends.

Murrengurk, had become quite distressed in the manner the Natives were being treated, they were now being disbursed, badly treated, hunted and their sacred fires extinguished.. W hen arguing with William Lonsdale, he would use Native jargon at great length. Murrengurk, continued to protest at the treatment of the Port Phillip Blacks. maintaining the signed contract, was for seasonal grazing of sheep and other stock. His wild outrage, led to William Lonsdale ordering him to be taken to Van Diemans Land,which they did.

1837 3rd February William Lonsdale wrote to Lord Glenelg, Secretary of State for the Colonies, "The site of the present settlement which Mr. Fawkner alludes to had been previously chosen by Mr. Batman. In March, Governor Richard Bourke, visited Port Philip and named Melbourne and Williamstown.

The Port Phillip Association were paid 40 Thousand pound, for their work and effort in relinquishing any interest in the contract. A new company was formed and land near Geelong was given in payment.

Batman on 21st March, 1837 request small land grant outside town limits, in his letter to Lord Glenelg, it states, "he is a native of this Colony and has resided in Van Diemans Land Fifteen years and beg to refer Your Lordship to the late Lieut-Governor Colonel Arthur for services he rendered to that Government at different periods." .. when employed by that Government to suppress the outrages of the Aborigines upon the settles,.."

On 28th April 1837, Sir Richard Bourke advises against Batman's application for land grant, Lord Glenelg, subsequently rejected Batman's request.

1837 20 July 1837 a letter was sent by J. P. Fawkner to Lord Glenelg, claims Batman lied to Government, He states "..that he (Batman) is unworthy to receive any rewards or favor, having fabrication of a false statement attempted to deceive His Majesty's Government

On January 1840 J. H.Wedge original member of the Port Phillip Association, wrote to Lord John Russell suggesting the establishment of deports for the supply of Aborigines, with food and clothing and that Murrengurk, be used as a channel of communication to explain the scheme to them, Wedge' suggestion was rejected.

On the 27th January 1840, Murrengurk, married widower Mrs Julia Eagers, a small framed lady who's husband was killed when making his way to Sydney.

1852, The Victorian executive add 40 pound a year to Murrengurk, pension.
1853 John Pascoe Fawkner,opposing Murrengurk petition for a pension
1856 Murrengurk, died, buried in unmarked grave in Tasmania,