Today's Stories from our Past
32 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 years ago -A podcast about Australian family stories and social history. Everyone has a story that we want to tell.
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Episodes
S3-E12 - The Mark’s Murders – Telling the Story
April 04, 2020 22:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBOver the past 170 years, the story of the Mark’s Murders has been told to Australians in greatly different ways, depending on the era. At the time, the murders were recorded in detail in official records. At that time, all Aboriginal people were known individually by name. Soon after the murders, a newspaper report falsely claimed that James Mark’s son was roasted alive and eaten by cannibals. This salacious report was perpetuated for the next 100-plus years during the period when ‘white...
The Mark’s Murders – Telling the Story
April 04, 2020 22:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBOver the past 170 years, the story of the Mark’s Murders has been told to Australians in greatly different ways, depending on the era. At the time, the murders were recorded in detail in official records. At that time, all Aboriginal people were known individually by name. Soon after the murders, a newspaper report falsely claimed that James Mark’s son was roasted alive and eaten by cannibals. This salacious report was perpetuated for the next 100-plus years during the period when ‘white...
S3-E11 - The Mark's Murders - The Aftermath - The Mark Family
March 28, 2020 22:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBThe fate of James Mark after his murderous spree on the McIntyre has never been investigated. We have found that he initially went to the Dawson River valley where he took up three runs which he subsequently sold at a good profit. He then bought Rosewood near Ipswich in Queensland and later moved to Emu Creek near Armidale in NSW. Along the way, he had three wives and more children. He was in court frequently and served a month in gaol for assault on one of his daughter-in-law’s family. D...
The Mark's Murders - The Aftermath - The Mark Family
March 28, 2020 22:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBThe fate of James Mark after his murderous spree on the McIntyre has never been investigated. We have found that he initially went to the Dawson River valley where he took up three runs which he subsequently sold at a good profit. He then bought Rosewood near Ipswich in Queensland and later moved to Emu Creek near Armidale in NSW. Along the way, he had three wives and more children. He was in court frequently and served a month in gaol for assault on one of his daughter-in-law’s family. D...
The Mark's Murders - The Aftermath
March 21, 2020 22:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBAfter the murders by James Mark and the subsequent actions by the Native Police, the Bigambul people were never the same. Many of the warrior men had been killed and they were excluded from their traditional water sources and hunting grounds. Hunger and disease killed many. On the other hand, Jonathan and Margaret Young prospered. After a few more years on the McIntyre, they sold Umbercollie and lived the remainder of their lives in comfort in the Hunter. John Watts went from stockman t...
S3-E10 - The Mark's Murders - The Aftermath
March 21, 2020 22:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBAfter the murders by James Mark and the subsequent actions by the Native Police, the Bigambul people were never the same. Many of the warrior men had been killed and they were excluded from their traditional water sources and hunting grounds. Hunger and disease killed many. On the other hand, Jonathan and Margaret Young prospered. After a few more years on the McIntyre, they sold Umbercollie and lived the remainder of their lives in comfort in the Hunter. John Watts went from stockman t...
S3-E09-The Mark's Murders - Law and Order - Take 2
March 14, 2020 22:00 - 45 minutes - 31.6 MBCommissioner Bligh was unable to achieve law and order on the McIntyre. Partly at the instigation of Augustus Morris on Callandoon Station, the Native Police was formed under the command of Frederick Walker (a friend of Morris). The Native Police were Aboriginal men under the command of European officers. Walker aggressively pursued “ring leaders” and “trouble makers” amongst the Bigambul. Peace was achieved on the McIntyre but at the cost of many Aboriginal lives.
The Mark's Murders - Law and Order - Take 2
March 14, 2020 22:00 - 45 minutes - 31.6 MBCommissioner Bligh was unable to achieve law and order on the McIntyre. Partly at the instigation of Augustus Morris on Callandoon Station, the Native Police was formed under the command of Frederick Walker (a friend of Morris). The Native Police were Aboriginal men under the command of European officers. Walker aggressively pursued “ring leaders” and “trouble makers” amongst the Bigambul. Peace was achieved on the McIntyre but at the cost of many Aboriginal lives.
S3-E08-The Mark's Murders - Law and Order - Take 1
March 07, 2020 22:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBFollowing the murders on Umbercollie, Commissioner Bligh visited the site, inspected the body of Bootha and took depositions. He knew who committed the murders and ordered his Border Police constables to arrest the gang. Some were arrested but not James Mark. After more arrests, the subsequent court case was corrupted and no one was convicted of murder. James Mark was never arrested.
The Mark's Murders - Law and Order - Take 1
March 07, 2020 22:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBFollowing the murders on Umbercollie, Commissioner Bligh visited the site, inspected the body of Bootha and took depositions. He knew who committed the murders and ordered his Border Police constables to arrest the gang. Some were arrested but not James Mark. After more arrests, the subsequent court case was corrupted and no one was convicted of murder. James Mark was never arrested.
S3-E07-The Mark's Murders - The Murders Continue
February 29, 2020 22:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBFollowing the attack on Umbercollie, a series of tit-for-tat murders occurred. Aboriginal women and children were murdered on Callandoon and Canning Creek Stations and then a bullock driver who was removing goods from James Mark’s station was murdered. However, there are some inconsistencies in some murders described in the Wallabadah Manuscript.
The Mark's Murders - The Murders Continue
February 29, 2020 22:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBFollowing the attack on Umbercollie, a series of tit-for-tat murders occurred. Aboriginal women and children were murdered on Callandoon and Canning Creek Stations and then a bullock driver who was removing goods from James Mark’s station was murdered. However, there are some inconsistencies in some murders described in the Wallabadah Manuscript.
The Mark's Murders - The Initial Murders
February 22, 2020 22:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBIn mid-1847, James Mark and his family moved to Goodar station, about 45 km north-west of modern-day Goondiwindi. Soon after, the Bigambul murdered James’ son and mutilated his body. James Mark put a gang of stockman together and they roamed the area attacking local Aboriginal people. In June 1848, Mark’s gang attacked Aboriginal people on Umbercollie and murdered one woman. More murders followed.
S3-E06-The Mark's Murders - The Initial Murders
February 22, 2020 22:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBIn mid-1847, James Mark and his family moved to Goodar station, about 45 km north-west of modern-day Goondiwindi. Soon after, the Bigambul murdered James’ son and mutilated his body. James Mark put a gang of stockman together and they roamed the area attacking local Aboriginal people. In June 1848, Mark’s gang attacked Aboriginal people on Umbercollie and murdered one woman. More murders followed.
S3-E05-The Mark’s Murders – The Mark Family
February 15, 2020 22:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBJohn Watts describes how James Mark’s son was murdered and mutilated by the Bigambul, the local Aboriginal people. Following this, James Mark took revenge and, according to John Watts, he killed an innocent Aboriginal woman. This episode investigates the early life of James Mark and how James and his family arrived in Australia and moved to the McIntyre.
The Mark’s Murders – The Mark Family
February 15, 2020 22:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBJohn Watts describes how James Mark’s son was murdered and mutilated by the Bigambul, the local Aboriginal people. Following this, James Mark took revenge and, according to John Watts, he killed an innocent Aboriginal woman. This episode investigates the early life of James Mark and how James and his family arrived in Australia and moved to the McIntyre.
S3-E04-The Mark’s Murders – The Young Family
February 08, 2020 22:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBJonathan and Margaret Young lived on Umbercollie, a station near where James Mark’s son was murdered by the Bigambul. Subsequently, many Aboriginal people were killed on their station. Margaret kept a journal which, although flawed, is an invaluable record of the murders that occurred between 1847 and 1849. This episode provides the background to Jonathan and Margaret prior to the first murder.
The Mark’s Murders – The Young Family
February 08, 2020 22:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBJonathan and Margaret Young lived on Umbercollie, a station near where James Mark’s son was murdered by the Bigambul. Subsequently, many Aboriginal people were killed on their station. Margaret kept a journal which, although flawed, is an invaluable record of the murders that occurred between 1847 and 1849. This episode provides the background to Jonathan and Margaret prior to the first murder.
S3-E03-The Mark's Murders - A Tale of Two Squatters
February 01, 2020 22:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBThe Mark’s Murders occurred in 1847-49 around modern-day Goondiwindi and along the McIntyre River. Squatters first reached the McIntyre in 1837 but many were forced out of the McIntyre due to fierce resistance by the Bigambul people. This episode describes the different experiences of two early squatters on the McIntyre – Captain Scott and Tinker Campbell. Their experiences provide context for the subsequent events that unfolded in 1847.
The Mark's Murders - A Tale of Two Squatters
February 01, 2020 22:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBThe Mark’s Murders occurred in 1847-49 around modern-day Goondiwindi and along the McIntyre River. Squatters first reached the McIntyre in 1837 but many were forced out of the McIntyre due to fierce resistance by the Bigambul people. This episode describes the different experiences of two early squatters on the McIntyre – Captain Scott and Tinker Campbell. Their experiences provide context for the subsequent events that unfolded in 1847.
S3-E02-The Marks' Murders - A Tale of One Squatter
January 25, 2020 22:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBThe Mark’s Murders can only be understood by knowing how inland Australia was occupied by the squatters. This was based on terra nullius so no treaties are agreements were needed before the land was occupied by Europeans, known as squatters. The story of squatting is told through the life of John Browne, who was the son of convicts but became a successful businessman in the Hunter Valley and claimed huge areas of land.
The Marks' Murders - A Tale of One Squatter
January 25, 2020 22:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBThe Mark’s Murders can only be understood by knowing how inland Australia was occupied by the squatters. This was based on terra nullius so no treaties are agreements were needed before the land was occupied by Europeans, known as squatters. The story of squatting is told through the life of John Browne, who was the son of convicts but became a successful businessman in the Hunter Valley and claimed huge areas of land.
The Mark's Murders - What is the Truth?
January 18, 2020 22:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBIn 1901, John Watts, an early squatter and politician in Queensland, wrote his Personal Reminiscences. He writes just 700 words about another squatter – James Marks. Watts says that Marks’ son was murdered and mutilated by the local Aboriginal people. In response, Marks vowed “vengeance against every black he came across”. Watts says that Marks murdered an innocent Aboriginal woman and was indicted for murder, but he was never captured or convicted. However, based on what we now know abou...
S3-E01-The Mark's Murders - What is the Truth?
January 18, 2020 22:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBIn 1901, John Watts, an early squatter and politician in Queensland, wrote his Personal Reminiscences. He writes just 700 words about another squatter – James Marks. Watts says that Marks’ son was murdered and mutilated by the local Aboriginal people. In response, Marks vowed “vengeance against every black he came across”. Watts says that Marks murdered an innocent Aboriginal woman and was indicted for murder, but he was never captured or convicted. However, based on what we now know abou...
Cranky Jack and the Need for Speed
June 15, 2019 22:00 - 32 minutes - 14.9 MBThis is the story of Uncle Jack, killed while cranking his own car – and his speedy car, the Willys Knight Tourer.
Guy and his Blow-out
June 01, 2019 22:00 - 30 minutes - 13.8 MBGuy Nantes was killed in a single-vehicle accident in 1957. This was a family tragedy as he was only 35 year old and was married with a young daughter. The accident is examined and it is concluded that Guy would not have been killed today due to improvements in tyre and vehicle design, and the introduction of seat belts. In 1957, the death rate on Australian roads was about 21 per 100,000 head of population. That rate rose to 35 in 1970 but now, thanks to improved car design and road rules,...
Jinkins and the Great Escape
May 18, 2019 22:00 - 39 minutes - 18.3 MBIn December 1941, after 18 months of training, Australia’s Gull Force was sent to Ambon, an island in the Spice Islands of Indonesia, to halt the Japanese advance. By February 1942, after 4 days of fighting, the 1100-man strong battalion were prisoners of war. Some prisoners wanted to escape and some did. Lt Jinkins and six others escape from a Japanese POW Camp on Ambon by sea going around the Spice Islands to Darwin. This is their story.
Charlie and the Tin Cup
May 04, 2019 22:00 - 44 minutes - 20.3 MBIn December 1941, after 18 months of training, Australia’s Gull Force was sent to Ambon, an island in the Spice Islands of Indonesia, to halt the Japanese advance. By February 1942, after 4 days of fighting, the 1100-man strong battalion were prisoners of war. This is the moving story of one of those POWs – the camp’s Padre, Charlie Patmore in a POW camp that had a higher percentage death rate than the Burma Railway.
Pigeon Pie Anyone?
April 20, 2019 22:00 - 29 minutes - 13.7 MBThe Wonga pigeon is a plump ground-dwelling pigeon in Australia. Aboriginals have Dreaming stories about the Wonga Wonga but when Europeans arrived, their white flesh meant that they became a food source. In addition to hunting for food in the days or early settlement and during the Great Depression, their numbers have been seriously decreased by foxes and sport shooting. However, with recent protection laws, their future appears to be secure.
Charles and the Fake News
April 13, 2019 22:00 - 35 minutes - 16.4 MBIn November 1836, the Africaine arrived at the western end of Kangaroo Island. This ship was one of the “first fleet” sent out to establish the new colony of South Australia. Six of the passengers believed that it would be a straightforward two-day journey to trek across the island. After ten days lost in the Australian bush without food and water, only four of the trekkers arrived at the eastern end of the island. The unknown question is why they decided to undertake the journey in the firs...
Charles and the Tragic Trek
April 06, 2019 22:00 - 47 minutes - 21.8 MBIn November, 1836, the Africaine arrived at the western end of Kangaroo Island. This ship was one of the “first fleet” sent out to establish the new colony of South Australia. Six of the passengers believed that it would be a straightforward two-day journey to trek across the island. After ten days lost in the Australian bush without food and water, only four of the trekkers arrived at the eastern end of the island. The unknown issue is why they decided to undertake the journey in the first ...
Alf and the Terrick Tragedy
March 26, 2019 03:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBIn 1912, Alf Devaney was a stockman on Terrick Terrick Station near Blackall in Queensland. One morning, he rode out from his campsite. He did not tell anyone where he was going or when he would return. This was a fatal mistake. The story of Alf’s tragic death has been regarded as an Australian urban myth but, in reality, it is a true story and a timely warning of the workplace risks that faced by rural people.