Over the course of the life of the prison from 1900 onwards there were only two attempted escapes by Aboriginal prisoners, both by dingy with only one Chickong reaching the mainland. Leaving the island without paddles or food he drifted on the open sea for four days and was quite thin and weak when he was recaptured at Mandurah. When questioned as to why he escaped Chickong was reported to have replied “Me thin um serve long um nuff” (I think I have served long enough). Chickong was returned to Wadjemup and was sentenced to one month for absconding and stealing a dingy. He was officially discharged nine months later due to ill health. Gaols Department correspondance showing Chickong's Remission of sentence, 1905.
cons968, item 1969, State Records Office of WA
In 1916 two prisoners, Mattico alias Willie (6269) and Wangadura alias Paddy (9966), escape from their cell and attempted to reach the mainland by boat. Their endeavour was thwarted by strong winds and they returned to the Island and were recaptured the following day. The two were then escorted to Fremantle where they were confined to the punishment cells for three weeks receiving bread and water for the first seven days.
In March 1917 another two prisoners, Wingetta Paddy (175, 6407) and Weirbundy alias Albert Jackson (9642), endeavoured to escape by boat having forced their way out of their cell one evening. For reasons not known they abandoned their quest and returned to the prison before dawn. Identified by their tracks by another prisoner, George Coyle, the two were handcuffed for seven consecutive nights as a warning to their fellow prisoners not to attempt to escape.
Cultural Acknowledgement
The Western Australian Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this State. We pay tribute to the Aboriginal Elders of the past, present and respect to all those who have contributed to this invaluable and emotionally driven project.
The DLGSC also recognises the significance of Aboriginal history and culture in contributing to our national identity and is committed to working with Aboriginal people to promote, educate and share this vision.
Disclaimer
This publication contains the names and images of deceased people. All readers are advised that the inclusion of words, terms or descriptions from historical records reflect the social attitudes of the time in which they were written and may be considered offensive today.
