Site NameCalvert River
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Place NameYangulinyina
Language Group, Nation or PeopleGarawa, Mara, Yanyuwa
Present State/TerritoryNT
Colony/State/Territory at the timeSA
Police DistrictNo police district at that stage
Latitude-16.343
Longitude137.666
DateBetween 1 Oct 1880 and 31 Dec 1880
Attack Time
VictimsAboriginal or Torres Strait Islander People
Victim DescriptionsAboriginal
Victims Killed30
Victims Killed Notes
AttackersColonists
Attacker DescriptionsOverlander(s)
Attackers Killed0
Attackers Killed Notes
TransportHorse
MotiveReprisal
Weapons UsedFirearm(s)
NarrativeRoberts (2005, p 53) wrote: 'Another attack at about this time, at the Calvert River, was said to have been punished severely. Dick Moore was a brumby-hunter who made his living from trapping Price Cox's thoroughbred horses and their progeny. Moore and his Aboriginal "boy" were living in a bough and canvas camp on a lagoon near the west bank of the river. They had a clear view on all sides to prevent a surprise attack during the daylight, while cattle dogs guarded at night. One night, not long after Moore settled there, a spear pierced his tent fly. He decided to "get a blow in early that would teach the blacks a lesson", wrote Gordon Buchanan, and: "His Queensland black boy was a good tracker and rifle shot, and for months they followed up and dispersed, so it was said, numbers of natives, and captured and secured…a couple of young gins." Moore is alleged to have shot down "bush blacks" on sight, once killing thirteen while they were crossing a plain.'
SourcesRoberts, 2005, p 53. (Sources PDF)
Corroboration Rating**