In the piece posted a few days ago by Jane Heard née Tapp, recalling her childhood days at Mortlake in the 1850s and 1860s, she referred to an aboriginal, Dickie Patterson. Dickie met a tragic end and here is the story. Dispatch, October 29, 1906: BURNING FATALITY AT MT FYANS ABORIGINAL ROASTED TO DEATH DICKIE PATTERSON THE VICTIM One of the best-known of the aboriginals frequenting the district, Dickie Patterson, was burnt to death on Monday night. It appears Dickie was engaged picking pieces in the shearing shed at Mt Fyans. He was very feeble and almost blind but was put on out of charity. He did not sleep at the hut but used a small shed where a waggon and dray was kept about a stone’s throw from the shearing shed. On Monday night he was seen go into the hut as usual and yesterday morning the place and contents were found to be destroyed and the remains of the unfortunate black were among the ashes. Word was at once sent to Mortlake to Constable Hunter who communicated with the coroner. A magisterial inquiry was held and verdict that deceased met his death by burning returned. It is supposed that the old fellow must have been smoking and accidentally set fire to the place. Dickie was a native of Mortlake, being born at Mt Shadwell about 76 years ago.
Posted on: Sat, 14 Sep 2013 22:57:14 +0000