Harry wondered how many more Chinese were coming to Port Robe. By the end of February 2,329 Chinese had disembarked at Port Robe, from six ships. The Chinese camp grew larger and spread further from the town area. Local bullockies such as Gerry Baker, John Edgeworth and Sam Elcock were in demand as guides to the Victorian goldfields.
The South Australian Government, concerned at the number of Chinese landing in Robe was no longer prepared to pay the ongoing costs of medical examinations. The Chinese usually left for the goldfields within days of landing. Dr Maclagan still allocated camping spots for the Chinese but was not allowed to treat them. A cursory look at the arriving Chinese, gave him the opportunity to segregate those that were obviously sick. Conditions on board some of the ships were atrocious. Overcrowding, poor nutrition, sleeping on the deck; or in cramped conditions below deck, meant a dreadful journey for many. On top of this was the ever present malady of sea sickness.
The crews of the ships were often brutal in their treatment of their Chinese passengers. They were scared of these strangely dressed foreigners; many of whom carried knives for protection. As the Chinese greatly outnumbered the crews, the sailors always kept the upper hand to prevent any uprisings.
Extra supplies from Adelaide were ordered and brought down by coastal steamers, or sailing ships. George Ormiston & Co’s steamer the ‘Ant’ was continually going back and forth to Port Adelaide for supplies. The demand for supplies, particularly mining equipment such as picks, shovels and sluicing pans increased with each ship load of Chinese. Canvas sheeting for tents was also in huge demand.
Small groups of Chinese were often seen down at Long Beach collecting thin, purple edible strips of sea weed. The sea weed was dried out on racks made from coastal scrub. The dried sea weed would form part of their diet on the trek to the goldfields. Other Chinese could be seen on the beach flying kites and enjoying each others’ company. They were generally well behaved and orderly. The younger men obviously respected their elders. Ancestor worship was part and parcel of their culture.
Merchants would not trade with the worthless Chinese money. The local traders in Robe Town traded their merchandise for silver, or artefacts that could be sold at a profit; or such things as beautiful and intricately carved tea chests and the like.
The Chinese whilst generally well behaved were gambling addicts. They drank an alcoholic beverage made from rice called ‘Shamshoo’. They would get loud and excited whilst gambling. Another vice was their habit of smoking opium from clay or bamboo pipes. They were obsessed with opium. These Chinese were not immigrating to settle in Australia; they had come to make a fortune and then return home to China.
An air of prosperity began to pervade Robe Town. Many locals were getting rich from the Chinese. Some of the wooden shanties were being pulled down and solid buildings made of local limestone were going up in their place.
However, all was not well in the camps. More Chinese meant more illness among them. The hot summer weather made conditions worse. Dr Maclagan needed more tents for the sick Chinese. It was very difficult for Dr Maclagan to supervise the sick Chinese and his normal patients as well. The Government in Adelaide had ordered him not treat the Chinese. Some of the Chinese died from their illnesses and were buried in unmarked graves in a corner of the Robe Town cemetery.
Something needed to be done to help the gravely ill Chinese. The compassionate women of Robe Town started a group of volunteers to nurse the sick Chinese. They were led by Elizabeth Blakely the wife of the Government Resident, Captain Phillip Blakely. Elizabeth Blakely, the first ranked lady in the Guichen Bay District, took charge of the volunteer ladies. With no medications available and the dreadful conditions in the heat the nursing situation was intolerable.
The volunteers laboured on during the heat and storms of February. Some of the Chinese died from Eastern Dysentery and were buried in unmarked graves. The healthy Chinese did not wait around for their sick countrymen. When their guides were ready to leave, those not well enough to travel were left behind.
Amanda Medcroft was expecting another baby; however due to her pregnancy she was not permitted to offer her services as a volunteer. She did not see much of Harry as he worked day and night, and all week long. Amanda and Elizabeth Blakely had become firm friends; even though there was a marked difference in age and rank. Towards the end of February, Elizabeth Blakely became ill. Dr Maclagan was worried. She had contracted some form of Eastern Dysentery from contact with the sick Chinese. He commenced a course of treatment, however Elizabeth in her weakened state was not responding to the treatment
Amanda Medcroft was saddened by this news. She wanted to visit Elizabeth; but was not allowed anywhere near her friend. She sat in her bedroom and reflected on their friendship. Her mind drifted back to how they first met in January 1855.
“Amanda, I am home.” Harry called out as he stepped into his Customs’ office adjacent to their lodgings.
“Would you like a cup of tea, Harry?”
“Yes, that will be good. Have you had a good day?”
“Yes Harry, while you are having a cup of tea I will get the children ready for our dinner appointment with Captain Blakely and his family.”
By 5:30 pm Harry and his family were ready for the walk up to Robe House. Harry locked their front door and picked up Jason. Amanda had baby Tristan tucked into his baby carriage. They set off for Robe House. Robe House had been constructed from local limestone blocks. It was an imposing residence. They were greeted at the door by a valet.
“Good evening Mr Medcroft. Captain Blakely is expecting you. Please follow me to the main drawing room.”
Robe House was furnished in the typical fashion of houses in Queen Victoria’s reign. It was good quality furniture, but not ostentatious.
Phillip Blakely, his wife Elizabeth and their six children were waiting for them.
Amanda could sense from the atmosphere in the room that they were a close knit, loving family. Captain Blakely seemed to be a likeable, fair sort of a person. Mrs Blakely appeared to be a lively, compassionate, caring individual. Their six children ranged from a toddler to teenagers.
Phillip Blakely spoke, “Mr and Mrs Medcroft, this is my wife Elizabeth and our children; Alicia, Amanda, Samuel, Jason, Sarah and Edward.”
Harry spoke, “It is an honour to meet you Mrs Blakely. This is my wife Amanda and our children Jason and Tristan.” He turned to Captain Blakely, “We want to thank you Sir, for your invitation to dine with you all.”
“It is our pleasure Harry; now that the formalities are over we can get better acquainted.”
Elizabeth Blakely made a bee line to baby Tristan. “May I call you Amanda, you can call me Elizabeth.”
“Yes, of course you can call me Amanda and I would be happy to call you Elizabeth.”
The two oldest girls Alicia and Amanda also came over to fuss over baby Tristan. Phillip Blakely and Harry conversed about the Customs’ portfolio and Harry’s other responsibilities as Harbourmaster and Receiver of Wrecks.
The valet entered discreetly to inform Captain Blakely the dinner was ready to be served.
“Well everyone dinner is ready. Let us adjourn to the dining room.”
The dining room was quite large with a long rectangular table able to accommodate twenty people. Captain Blakely sat at the head with his wife and his four youngest children on his right. Harry and his family sat on his left with the older children. When dinner was over they all went outside to a side garden. It was the time of year for long summer twilights. The cool night air was invigorating. The younger children played on the lawns. Everyone else sat and enjoyed the coolness; happily conversing with each other.
As the twilight deepened Harry and Amanda excused themselves wanting to get home before dark. They took their leave and went home; Jason and Tristan were both asleep. The Medcrofts were glad to get home and go to bed. It had been a long day.
From then on, Elizabeth Blakely often had Amanda and her children visit for morning tea; before the he
at of the day set in.
While it was good to reflect on pleasant times; Amanda’s thoughts returned to the present. She found it hard to erase the reality of the dreadful illness that Elizabeth was suffering from. She wished she could go and comfort her friend; it was distressing Amanda, she felt so helpless.
Dr Maclagan’s concern deepened as the days went on. Elizabeth’s condition deteriorated. Day by day she grew steadily worse.
Captain Blakely found it difficult to leave his official duties to be by his wife’s side. The incoming Chinese placed a heavy strain on the administration of Guichen Bay. Captain Blakely’s resources and the men under his command were really not sufficient for the ongoing situation. He was thankful for the calibre of his people. They worked day and night to keep things on an even keel.
Philip Blakely watched his wife’s condition deteriorate each day. Elizabeth was usually so full of life; now she lay listlessly in bed. Unable to eat because of constant nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea she was losing weight dramatically. Ongoing fever and accompanying sweats also made her life miserable. She found it difficult to drink fluids; this exacerbated her already weakened condition.
Her children found the situation very distressing. They felt helpless. Their mother was so sick and she was not responding to treatment. It was a worrying time for them all. The townspeople rallied around the Blakely family to offer comfort and support. As the month of March came along; it seemed inevitable that Elizabeth was dying. She passed away on Sunday 8-March-1857.
Phillip Blakely sat by his wife’s side. Her breathing slowed down. She slipped into a comatose state. Long pauses between breaths became normal. The hours dragged on interminably. It was stressful waiting for his beloved wife to die. A dry rattle in her throat as she drew each breath signalled the end was near. He had seen men die on the battlefield, but this was extremely hard to bear.
He felt completely helpless and hopeless. Elizabeth made a long sigh and her spirit departed. Her body went limp and still. She was gone. The reality of her passing struck him forcibly. Phillip Blakely was devastated by the loss of his soul mate.
He brought his children in for a last look at their mother. They were numb with grief. Tears poured down their faces. It did not seem possible that their beloved mother was dead. It was not fair! Why did it have to be their mother?
A great outpouring of grief went through the town. Even the Chinese were saddened by her death. On the day of her funeral most of Robe Town was at her funeral ceremony. All the businesses in town closed shop as a mark of respect to Elizabeth Blakely. As the funeral cortege left Robe House a sad and solemn procession followed it to the cemetery, for the funeral service. How poignant it was! Elizabeth Blakely was the second person to be buried in the main part of the Robe Town cemetery.
Phillip Blakely found it hard to concentrate on day to day matters. He was almost overwhelmed by grief. However, his military training stood him in good stead. The people of Guichen Bay District needed him to be a capable leader; with all these China ships arriving at Port Robe.
Animosity towards the Chinese increased. The townspeople blamed them for Elizabeth Blakely’s death. If she had not had to nurse sick Chinese, she would be alive and well. Dr Maclagan made the other volunteer ladies very aware that they needed to be careful about their personal hygiene. In particular, they needed to wash their hands in clean water after contact with the sick.
Chapter 4 - The Long Journey