“Smoke, mirrors and spears: Stuart and his aboriginal encounters”

Stuart’s approach to aboriginal encounters was partly conditioned by his 1844-45 service under Capt. Charles Sturt, who was determined not to become dependent on desert aboriginal knowledge.

Stuart’s northern expeditions were lightly equipped and mobile, moving rapidly through aboriginal territory and avoiding flashpoints until Attack Creek, during the Fourth Expedition.  The lecture will present the evidence for Stuart’s continuation of Sturt’s approach, reliant upon a cryptic reading of aboriginal signs and indications, rather than direct and risky encounters.

Presented by Philip Jones,

Curator of Social History, South Australian Museum

at the Masonic Hall, Fisher St, Tusmore

(rear Burnside Council offices).

Sunday, April 1st 2012 at 2.00 pm.

The Annual General Meeting of the John McDouall Stuart Society will follow the Memorial Address.

Refreshments will be available. Please bring a plate of afternoon tea to share.

All are welcome.