Author visits The Fizzer's (Henry Ventlia Peckham) (1872-1911) grave. Recalls [Alf] Martin telling the author why it came about that not all cattle stock got branded and relates a story about the theft of over 500 unbranded calves. [Duncan Neil] Mathieson (1891-1979) also explains to the author that if calves missed in the muster over a number of years they become too much trouble and the ‘best thing to do to them is to shoot them’. On the road they meet [Bill] [WE] Harney (1895-1962) who was repairing the roads. His wife [Linda Beattie], who had died from tuberculosis, was raised at the Groote Eylandt Mission. Describes the conditions, abuse of girls (slavery) and administration of such institutions.

1. Photograph: ‘The Fizzer’s Grave near Victoria River Downs. This was erected by Mrs Gunn’

Places mentioned: Victoria River Downs (NT)

People mentioned: The Fizzer (Henry Ventlia Peckham) (1872-1911); [Alf] Martin; [Duncan Neil] Mathieson (1891-1979); [Bill] [WE] Harney (1895-1962) (also knowns as Bilarni); Linda Beattie (wife of Harney)

Institutions mentioned: Church of England; Groote Eylandt Mission (NT)

Photo number/s as per Journal and Index of Photographs: 273