The monks were experts at digging wells and lining
them with stone, and this disused well is one of over
200 sunk in the Victoria Plains and surrounding districts
during the mission's expansion in the 1880s.Salvado's
increasing landholdings met with some criticism from
other settlers and in Perth, but he knew the mission
needed land if it was to survive and assist Aborigines to
establish themselves as farmers. Although their
landholdings are less substantial than in Salvado's time,
today's monks continue to farm extensively. They are also
committed to the environment, holding the largest area of
uncleared bushland in the Victoria Plains.
|
A view from the east bask of the
Moore River in the 1930s showing Aboriginal cottages and
St Gertrude's College. |
