Maitland Narrier (circa 1912-1978) has the distinction of being the last Aboriginal prisoner to be sent to Wadjemup in October 1931 and the last to leave on December 9. Arrested in the Moora area in August, for enticing an Aboriginal girl to leave the Moore River Native Settlement, he was sentenced to six months imprisonment. The same girl would later become his wife. Narrier Maitland (15597), last man to leave Wadjemup, n.d.
Moore River Native Settlement - Mogumber Mission collection (Circa 1918-1950) , Volume 4, 596
Initially incarcerated at Fremantle Goal, he was transferred to Wadjemup three months later where he remained for seven weeks before returning to the mainland in mid- December to complete his sentence.
Prior to being jailed Narrier had lived an unblemished life. Raised and educated in the Moora area he attended the local school later gaining employment as a farm labourer. His family was well known throughout the area for their sporting ability.
Two years after regaining his freedom Maitland married and together the couple spent much of their lives in the mid-west region where they reared their eight children.
Seeking to attain the ‘privileges’ denied him Maitland applied for and was granted citizenship in 1955, a former employer describing him as a “competent all-round farm worker.” Maitland Narrier passed away in 1978, aged 66. He is buried in the Moora cemetery.
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.
