Series 1: Island stories (1966-1983)
This series contains a large number of unpublished manuscripts relating to the island cultures of the Torres Strait. These include: stories, songs, chants, children's games and toys, and dance songs.
The manuscripts relate to notes made by Margaret Lawrie from sound recordings and personal interviews. Arranged by their known place of origin, many of these stories were published in her works: "Myths and Legends of the Torres Strait' and the children's edition "Tales from Torres Strait".
Where known, the teller of the story and the translator are described.
Included in some of these works are genealogical tables to which access is restricted. See "Using the Margaret Lawrie collection" via the State Library of Queensland's website.
[Many items are undated]
Description
Access
Other
* Series have been renamed to better reflect content
* Items have been sorted in order of Island name where appropriate
* Multiple copyright statuses apply:
- Where the author is known, copyright is reserved until 70 years after the author's death
- Copyright to the collection over-all has been assigned to the Library Board of Queensland
* Access to the genealogical tables is restricted. See: Using the Margaret Lawrie collection "https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/research-collections/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-collections/margaret-lawrie-collection" via the State Library of Queensland's web site.
Items in this series:
Badu stories (1967)
Badu Island; Unpublished stories: 'A story about animals', 'Sesere', 'Biu', 'Sesa Bani' and 'The last fight by Badu against Moa' as told by Jomen Tamwoy, and recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Badu stories (1967-1976)
Badu (Mulgrave) Island stories and vocabulary, as told to and recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
The stories include; Wawa; Beug & the Sarup; Goba; Sesere; Mutuk; The story of Wad and his brother Zigin; Pitai; Waii and Sobai; Biu; Dokere; Bia; The Dogai of Zurat; and The Story of Seven Sisters and One Man, Tubu.
These stories were told by: Yopelli Panull, Siailo Baina, Mota Charlie, Ben Nona, Lesa Bani, Father Mara and Lassi Eseli; and translated by: Lupo Nona, Joe Mairu, Tupo Nona.
Description
Badu stories (October 1976)
Research notes relating to the tradtional stories of Badu: "Yawar", Kitai, "Waii and Sobai", "Maiwal and his four daughters" as told to Margaret Lawrie by Mota Charlie, and translated by Joe Mairu.
Description
Boigu stories (undated)
Research notes relating to traditional stories from Boigu (north-west Torres Strait) as told to Margaret Lawrie by: Moses Dau, Namai Pabai, Judah Sanaia, Aaron Anan, Judah Ganaia, Ganadi Toby, Gandi Toby and Sanadi Toby. Also included is a folder of photocopies.
Description
Dauan stories (1966-1968)
Duan (Dauan - Mt. Cornwallis Island) stories: Gabai; Kusa Kap; Taikoko, Kabai, as told to Margaret Lawrie by Francis Abai, Anau Mau and Elisala Bigi. Translators: Locky Tom, Talipa Mau.
Description
Dauan stories (undated)
Story of Kogea, Dauan (Mount Cornwallis Island) as told to and recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
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Dauan stories (9 May 1972)
Research notes relating to stories and language from Dauan as told to and recorded by Margaret Lawrie. The stories include: Kitoto, Lamar.
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Dauan stories (1966-1971)
Research notes relating to the tradtional stories and songs from Dauan (Duan): Kusa kap; Kogia; and others as told to Margaret Lawrie, and by Francis Abai and Elisala Bigi.
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Mer story (undated)
Mer (Murray) Island story. "Bila" told by Harry Captain of Thursday Island, who had it from Poi Passi, as told to and recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
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Erub stories (undated)
Research notes regarding the history of Erub (Darnley Island); genealogical tables and notes, stories and notes on place names. Genealogical tables and notes (genealogies) are restricted. The stories were told by: Harry Captain, Timothy China.
For access to the genealogical tables see "Using the Margaret Lawrie collection" via the State Library of Queensland, web site.
Description
Access
Erub stories (20 March 1967)
The story of Rebes, Erub (Darnley) Island) as told by Jimmy Idagi to Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Iama stories (1966)
Iama (Yam Island) songs, customs and vocabularies as told to Margaret Lawrie by Simeon Harry, Sesa Harry, Asau Thaiday ; translated by Getano Lui. Also included are research notes on W. Saville-Kent; Warrior Island.
Description
Mabuiag stories (2 October 1967)
Stories from Mabuiag as told to Margaret Lawrie by Dakantai Kris, Ephraim Bani, Mauri Eseli, Talitia Mooka, Saku Mooka, Manase Bani, Jimmy Leiffman. Includes one genealogical table and the following botanical specimens:
- Kuiaman Pad (leaves), collected 2 October 1967
- Musil ub (bark).
For access to the genealogical tables see "Using the Margaret Lawrie Collection" via the State Library of Queensland, web site.
Description
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Mabuiag stories (undated)
Mabuiag calendar, notes on songs, chants, vocabulary, and fishtraps as recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Mabuiag stories (undated)
Research notes relating to Mabuiag totems and genealogy as recorded by Margaret Lawrie. Informants include: Father John Manas, Thom Manassi Bani.
For access to the genealogical tables see "Using the Margaret Lawrie Collection" via the State Library of Queensland, web site.
Description
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Mabuiag notes, Gib Gaulai (March 1973)
Notebook of Gib Gaulai of Mabuiag Island - fisherman and lay preacher; containing mostly hymns and sermons, as well as entries regarding his family.
Also included are notes by Margaret Lawrie on the provenance and content of the notebook. 2 copies
For access to the genealogical tables see "Using the Margaret Lawrie Collection" via the State Library of Queensland, web site.
Description
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Mabuiag stories (February 1973)
Handwritten research notes relating to Mabuiag Island including children's games, songs and chants, stories as told to and recorded by Margaret Lawrie. The informants include Tabitai Mooka, Maware Eseli,
Description
Mabuiag stories (1973)
Mabuiag (Jervis) Island and Iama (Yam/Turtle-Backed) Island genealogical tables, genealogies, songs, "Notes on Gaulai's notebook".
For access to the genealogical tables see "Using the Margaret Lawrie Collection" via the State Library of Queensland, web site.
Description
Access
Mabuiag calendar (undated)
Peter Eseli's calendar of: winds, seas, rain, reefs, lightening and special stars relating to Mabuiag, West Torres Strait, provided by his daughter Maware.
Description
Masig stories (undated)
Research notes relating to the traditional stories of Masig (Yorke Island) including songs, and place names related by 'Uncle' Lawrence Mosby, Langley Warria, Ned Mosby. Included is a pressed specimen of 'Itamar'.
Description
Masig stories (8 March 1983)
Typescript "Edward Mosby ('Yankee Ned')". Masig. (Yorke Island). Unpublished.
Description
Mer songs (1967)
Manuscript titled 'Malo songs' with translations recorded at Mer (Murray Island) in February 1967 by Margaret Lawrie. The songs which are considered most sacred are Malo's oldest songs are restricted.
For access to this item see "Using the Margaret Lawrie collection" via the State Library of Queensland's website.
Description
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Mer stories (undated)
Mer (Murray Island) string figures; with directions and accompanying songs and chants as recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Mer, Erub & Ugar stories (undated)
Stories from Mer (Murray Island), Erub (Darnley Island) and Ugar (Stephens Island) as told to and recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
Folder 1: Stories of Waiet, told by Robert Pitt and Dela Mopwali; Origin of spring at Bumeo, told by Harry Captain, Thursday Island; Said as told by Maraui; Ada, told by Bai Dei; Pop and Kod, told by Marau; Gelam told by Kabiri Du; Ali and the Lamar, told by Kabiri; The Muiar told by Benny Mabo; The Origin of Mosquitos, as told by Sam Passi; Paslag told by Jessie Sagigi; Apininia & Sidipuar, told by Robert Pitt; Deumer, told by Robert Pitt; stories translated by George Passi, Mer (Murray) Island.
Folder 2: Beizam told by Maraw; Kol translated by George Passie from story by Enoka; Didipappa & Goralasiasi, told by Robert Pitt; Kost & Abob, told by Robert Pitt; Ganomi and Palai, told by Robert Pitt; Ganomi and Palai as told by Ted Mabo; Nilar Makrem told by dela Mopwali; Wakai and Kuskus , told by Moses Sagigi; also Wakai and Kuskus, told by Dagi Gisu and Sam Passi; Nam Zogo edited and translated by George Passi; Peibri, told by Marau; Nageg and Geigi, told by Robert Pitt; The massacre of the Masig Le, as told by Kebere Du.
Folder 3: Kultut, told by Marau; Paimi and Nawanaw told by Henry Kabiri; Korseim told by Marau; Bai as told by Benny Mabo; The story of Meidu, translated by George Passi; Song of Iruam, composed by Joe Mabo, 1930s; The story of Iruam told by Dela Mopwali
Folder 4: Notes relating to the seasons by Moses Dau; genealogical table relating to Aet Passi; Aukem and Terer told by Uni Passi; also Aukem and Terer told by Dau Tom; Nam Kerem the origin of Bramble Bay a modern ballad son by Tat Thaiday and members of his family to Margaret Lawrie, also Mazaram told by Timothy China; The story of Nam Kerem as told by Harry Captain; Rebes, as told by Jimmy Idagi; also Rebes as told by Kabiri Du; as well as notes on fish traps, the snake from Apro and stories told by Ned Stephens.
For access to the genealogical table see "Using the Margaret Lawrie collection" via the State Library of Queensland, website.
Description
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Mer stories (1967-1968)
The story of Malo (original and translation) as told to Margaret Lawrie. The stories which are considered most sacred are Malo's oldest and are restricted.
The story of Malo (original and translation). This item contains notes, drafts and typed versions, of the Story of Malo, translated from Aet Passi's original manuscript, by George Passi. This story was originally recorded by Alfred Cort Hadden in 'Reports of the Cambridge Anthropological Expedition to Torres Straits', vol 3 pp233-239.
For access to this item see "Using the Margaret Lawrie Collection" via the State Library of Queensland's website.
Description
Access
Mer songs (1967-1968)
Malo dance songs. Typed and handwitten notes on Malo dance songs recorded by Margaret Lawrie, said to be some of the most sacred of songs.
For access to this item see "Using the Margaret Lawrie Collection" via the State Library of Queensland's website.
Description
Access
Mer stories (5 August 1968)
Mer (Murray Island) story: "Markep and Sarkep"
Handwritten and typed versions of the story of Markep and Sarkep, retranslated from Aet Passi's original manuscript, by George Passi. This story was also recorded by Alfred Cort Hadden in 'Reports of the Cambridge Anthropological Expedition to Torres Straits', vol 3 pp244-6
Description
Other
Mer songs (undated)
Handwritten and typed notes relating to the Old songs from Mer (Murray Island). They include children's songs and chants, Dela Mopwali's songs, and many others. These song are considered most sacred and access is restricted.
For access to this item see "Using the Margaret Lawrie Collection" via the State Library of Queensland's website.
Description
Access
Mer stories (1969-1970)
Research notes relating to Mer (Murray Island); recorded by Margaret Lawie with include notes on land tenure, family structure and names, flora and vocabulary, and traditional stories.
Description
Mer notes (undated)
Typed and handwritten research notes relating to Mer (Murray Island) which include social and family structure.
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Mer stories (undated)
Research notes on the traditional stories and songs of Malo; Marau's story of Malo, and Malo songs edited and translated by George Passi and Reverend Dave Passi as recorded by Margaret Lawrie; with copies of Haddon's translation.
These stories and songs are considered most sacred and access is restricted.
For access to this item see "Using the Margaret Lawrie Collection" via the State Library of Queensland, website.
Description
Access
Mer and Iama stories (1971)
Notes on children's games and songs; Mer (Murray) Island and Iama (Yam) Island as told to and recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Mer stories (undated)
Transcriptions of "The story of Mokeis", also Mukeis, of Mer (Murray Island) from George Passi's manuscript and an edited and retranslation, as recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Mer stories (undated)
Photocopied notes and genealogical tables relating to Salbol and Magarambe and genealogical tables relating to the people of Mer (Murray) Island as recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
For access to the genealogical tables see "Using the Margaret Lawrie Collection" via the State Library of Queensland, web site.
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Access
Mer stories (1968)
Research notes relating to the tradtional stories of Mer: "Kiar and his five daughters" or "Kaperkaper the Cannibal", two versions as told to Margaret Lawrie by Sarau Gias and Caroline Modee.
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Mer stories (April 1971)
Research notes relating to vocabulary, expressions and stories from Mer (Murray Island) recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
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Mer stories (1967-1968)
Research notes relating to the traditional stories and songs from Mer (Murray Island) as recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
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Mer stories (undated)
The story of Malo of Mer (Murray) Island as recorded by Margaret Lawrie. This story is considered most sacred and access is restricted.
For access to this item see "Using the Margaret Lawrie collection" via the State Library of Queensland's website.
Description
Access
Mer vocabulary (undated)
3 typed pages of vocabulary relating to the language of Mer (Murray Island) as recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Mori stories (undated)
Research notes relating to the traditional story from Muri (Mori, Adolphus Island) of Aiwali as told to Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Mua stories (undated)
Stories from Mua (central west Torres Strait); one story from Gialag, one story from Nurupai as told to Margaret Lawrie by Dubi Eseli, Wees Nawia, Katua Namai, Lizzie Nawia, Saila Miskin, Ebab Aken, Frank Mills, John Manas, and Salome Rosen.
Description
Mua stories (June 1972)
Research notes relating to the traditional stories of Kubin; they include notes on clans (social organisation), children's games, legends, Tuit hagi, Nungi adika etc. as recorded by Margaret Lawrie. Informants include Katua Namia, and Father John Manas.
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Mua stories (undated)
Research notes relating to the traditional stories from Moa (Mua) as told to Margaret Lawrie by Katua Namai and Lizzie Nawia.
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Muralag & Mua stories (1967)
Research notes relating to traditional stories from Muralag (Prince of Wales Island) and Mua as told to Margaret Lawrie by Wees Nawia, Anu Ara, and Lizzie Nawai.
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Muralag & Mua stories (1966)
Research notes relating to traditional stories from Muralag (Prince of Wales Island) and Mua as told to Margaret Lawrie by Patrick Thaiday, Daniel Silver, Marelo Maine, Simeon Harry, Asau Thaiday, Salu Bann, Getano Lui.
Included is a sketch map of Iama (Yam Island)
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Palm Island stories (June 1967)
Typed manuscript titled 'Palm Island community' author unknown.
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Poruma stories (20 July 1966)
Traditional story from Purma, Poruma (Coconut Island): "Matuik" as told by Daniel Pearson of Poruma, to - and recorded by Margaret Lawrie. Translated by Laurence Mosby, Ned Mosby & Langley Wania.
Description
Saibai stories (undated)
Notes relating to traditional stories from Saibai Island. They include the following stories told to Margaret Lawrie by Marypa Waigana for Kama Waigana; Nawia Elu; Wake Ober; Samu Asse; Aniba Asa; Enosa Waigana and Alfred Aniba.
The item also incudes AIAS Field Tape Report Sheets and genealogical tables.
For access to the genealogical table see "Using the Margaret Lawrie collection" via the State Library of Queensland, web site.
Description
Saibai stories (undated)
Research notes relating to traditional stories from Saibai Island. They include: a song composed by Wagea Waia for the sports day 1968; how the year is divided, and discussion with Alfred Aniba; referring to a tape recording August 1967 made by Margaret Lawrie.
Some access restrictions apply to this item see "Using the Margaret Lawrie Collection" via the State Library of Queensland's website.
Description
Access
Saibai stories (undated)
Saibai Island calendar, vocabulary, songs, magic, and geneaologies as told to and recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
For access to the genealogical table see "Using the Margaret Lawrie collection" via the State Library of Queensland, web site.
Description
Access
Sabai stories (1971)
An exercise book recording Saibai Island children's games, chants, songs and toys, by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Saibai songs (undated)
Typed copy of Saibai-language hymn for unveiling tombstone, also translated into English, with a hymn to 'sing the soul of the departed back to those who gathered round the grave', as recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Saibai stories (1966)
"Sign language of Saibai Island, Torres Strait" by Francis Abai and Kala Waia.
"String figures of Saibai Island, Torres Strait" by Francis Abai and Kala Waia, annotated by Margaret Lawrie.
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Saibai story (1967)
Typed research notes relating to the Saibai Island story "Death of the Saibai head-man Alis" with background research material as recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
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Saibai stories (undated)
"Tugeri raiders". Transcript from 'Annual report on British New Guinea 1886-1898'.
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Saibai stories (1966-14 Oct 1968)
Saibai stories & songs including: Nadai & Baira a story about canoes told by Nawia Elu; The Kuwai Raiders told by Simona Naiama, and two typed songs and vocabulary that belong to the tribe of Ait Kadal that relate to the hunting of dugong. Included is a handwritten transcript of a letter to Mr. Thompson aboard SS Miro, dated 18 April 1894.
Description
Saibai stories (undated)
Manuscript titled "Death of the Saibai head-man Alis" 2 pages, and associated research notes on cards, by Margaret Lawrie.
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Saibai vocabulary (undated)
Brief vocabulary relating to the language of Saibai as recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
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Warraber & Purma stories (Mar-Jun 1966)
Research notes relating to the traditional stories of Waraber (Sue Island), Purma / Poruma (Coconut Island) and vocabulary (including place names) as related by Murray Lui, Daniel Pearson, Ned Mosby, to Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Tagai stories (undated)
Typed notes on the traditional story of Tagai, regarding ownership of this story, constellation and severance of name. Edited and translated at Murray Island, it includes reference to Haddon III, p.250
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Island ceremonies (undated)
Typed notes recording traditional prayers and ceremonies including 'The Coming of the Light' [in traditional language].
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Island songs, games (undated)
Research notes relating to traditional children's games and songs. Eastern, Central and Western Islands as recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
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Island stories (undated)
Research notes relating to children's games, songs and chants from the Torres Strait, recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
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Island stories (1967)
"Original notes" on songs and stories: Kultut; The massacre of the Masig Leg, as told by Kabiri; Iruam composed by Joe Mabo; Ganomi and Palai, told by Tat Mabo; Boigu place names. The papers also include genealogical tables.
For access to the genealogical table see "Using the Margaret Lawrie collection" via the State Library of Queensland, web site.
Description
Access
Island stories (June-July 1966)
Stories from various islands as related to and recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Series 2: Genealogical tables (1966-1995)
This series contains genealogical tables (family trees) of Indigenous families/clans and individuals from the Torres Strait, which were recorded by Margaret Lawrie between 1964 and 1973. The Margaret Lawrie Collection has the genealogies of twenty Torres Strait Islander communities, which demonstrate how they are related.
They include:
- Badu (Mulgrave) Island
- Bamaga (located on the mainland)
- Boigu Island
- Dauan (Cornwallis) Island
- Erub (Darnley) Island
- Iama (Yam) Island
- Mabuiag (Jervis) Island
- Masig (Yorke) Island
- Mer (Murray) Island
- Keriri (Hammond) Island
- Kubin Village / Moa (St Pauls) Island
- Muraleg (Prince of Wales) Island
- Naghir (Mount Ernest) Island
- Narupai (Horn) Island
- Poruma / Parramer (Coconut) Island
- Saibai Island
- Seisia (located on the mainland)
- Ugar (Stephens) Island
- Waiben (Thursday) Island
- Warraber (Sue) Islet
Using the Margaret Lawrie Collection
State Library has digitised the genealogical charts and has an online index of names in the genealogies.
- Search the index in our One Search catalogue. Select “SLQ Family History Indexes”.
- Fill in the Margaret Lawrie enquiry form with the name or names you are looking for.
Restrictions apply to those allowed access to the genealogical charts because much of the information is private or sensitive.
- Copies of genealogies are provided only to individuals or families who are researching their own family history.
- Copies of genealogies are provided to Land Councils for the purpose of Native Title Claims upon the provision of a request on official letterhead with names of families researching the claim and claims number.
- Any use of the information other than for private and study use is the sole responsibility of the person making the request.
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Access
Other
Items in this series:
Badu Island (November 1973)
Badu (Mulgrave) Island genealogical tables.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
Boigu Island (undated)
Aaron Anau (Deibau) genealogical table.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
Dauan Island (undated)
Dauan (Cornwallis) Island, Deibau clan genealogical table.
Description
Access
Dauan Island (September 1971)
Dauan (Cornwallis) Island genealogical tables, pencil portraits and sketch maps. Includes photographs of genealogical tables.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
Dauan Island (undated)
Dauan (Cornwallis) Island; genealogical table.
For full access see the following links:
Description
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Dauan Island (September 1971)
Information on Dauan families ("Population of Dauan September 1971) and "A genealogical detail" on Manga of Mabuiag and his connection with Dauan.
For full access see the following links:
Description
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Dauar Island (27 April 1973)
One genealogical table, labelled 26, Karmeri; informant: Henry Kabere.
For full access see the following links:
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Dauar Island (14 April 1973)
Twelve genealogical tables, labelled 27, Giar Pit; informant: Sam Passi and George Passi. Gair Pit, land on Dauar Island.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
Erub, Mer and Keriri Islands (November 1995)
Three genealogical tables relating to Erub (Darnley) Island, Mer (Murray) Island and Keriri (Hammond) Island.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
Iama Island (1966)
Iama (Yam / Turtle-Backed Island); Lui family genealogical tables and genealogy.
For full access see the following links:
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Mabuiag and Saibai Islands (undated)
Mabuiag and Saibai Island genealogical tables.
For full access see the following links:
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Mer Island (undated)
Genealogical table relating to the people of Mer (Murray) Island included the families of Dauereb, Komet, Igir-Samsep, Meuram and Zagareb.
For full access see the following links:
Description
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Mer Island (1 May 1973)
Nine genealogical tables, labelled 10, Mek; Informant: Henry Kabiri, of Mer (Murray) Island
For full access see the following links:
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Mer Island (3 May 1973)
Five genealogical tables, labelled 12, Ulag. Ulag Village, Mer (Murray) Island. Informant: Isaka Gi.
For full access see the following links:
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Mer Island (undated)
Eleven genealogical tables, labelled 14A, Las; Informants: Meb Sabu, Ubram (Kaige?), Dagi Gisu, George Passi, Meriam man.
For full access see the following links:
Description
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Mer Island (Undated)
Two genealogical tables and notes, labelled 20, Teker; Cheek Bakoi, Tu Gibas, Tulu, Sesu. Teker Village on the southern side of Mer (Murray) Island
For full access see the following links:
Description
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Mer Island (11 April 1973)
One genealogical table, labelled 21A, Werbadu; Mrs Jessie Sagigi and George Passi. Werbadu Village, Mer (Murray) Island.
For full access see the following links:
Description
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Mer Island (9 April 1973)
Three genealogical tables and notes, labelled 23, Teg; Meb Sali and George Passi. Possibley Mer (Murray) Island.
For full access see the following links:
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Moa and Mabuiag Islands (undated)
St. Paul's (Moa - Banks Island) and Mabuiag genealogical tables (genealogies) and related notes, including population returns collated by Margaret Lawrie.
For full access see the following links:
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Morrison Family (undated)
Research notes and genealogical tables (genealogies) collated by Margaret Lawrie, relating to the Morrison Family. Included are - a photocopy of 'Report of the Royal Commission - Pearl-shell and Beche-de-Mer; Clan Morrison newsletters; 'Return of Aboriginal and Halfcaste males between the ages of 18 and 45 years, Darnely Island [undated],
For full access see the following links:
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Morrison Family (undated)
Four genealogical tables labelled Morrison.
For full access see the following links:
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Edward Mosby descendants (1970)
Genealogical table of 'Yankee' Ned Mosby.
For full access see the following links:
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Edward Mosby descendants (undated)
One genealogical table and genealogical information relating to the descendants of Edward 'Ned' Mosby (1834-1911).
For full access see the following links:
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Naghir Island (1964)
Genealogical information relating to Naghir (Nagi? Mount Ernest) Island copied from tombstones by Margaret Lawrie.
For full access see the following links:
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Saibai Island (March 1973)
Twenty one (21) Saibai Island genealogical tables.
For full access see the following links:
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Sela (Sailor) Family (1964)
Notebook which records much history of the Sela (Sailor) family, including a genealogical table, by Margaret Lawrie.
For full access see the following links:
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Eastern Islands (1973)
Two genealogical tables, labelled 4A, Sebeg; Dagi Gisu, Ubram Kaige, Meb Salec (informants).
For full access see the following links:
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Eastern Islands (Undated)
Two genealogical tables, labelled 4C, Sebeg.
For full access see the following links:
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Eastern Islands (1973)
Five genealogical tables, labelled 6, Seugiz; informant: Ubram Kaige.
For full access see the following links:
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Western Islands (1973)
Seventeen (17) genealogical tables and associated notes in spiral-bound sketch book. Written on the upper board "Western Islands, Tanu Nona 1973" (informant?)
For full access see the following links:
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Genealogical tables (undated)
Genealogical tables (genealogies) relating to Torres Strait Island familys including: Beur, Tapim and Wag.
For full access see the following links:
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Genealogical tables (undated)
Twenty (20) genealogical tables, some photocopies, and associated notes.
For full access see the following links:
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Genealogical tables (undated)
Genealogical tables, unidentified.
For full access see the following links:
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Genealogical tables (9 April 1973)
Four (4) genealogical tables, labelled 18, Er; informants: Meb Sabu, George Passi.
For full access see the following links:
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Ses and Kaini descendants (undated)
Four genealogical tables relating to the descendants of Ses and Kaini.
For full access see the following links:
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Gariab or Komaberi and Gobam descendants (undated)
Two genealogical tables relating to the descendants of Gariab or Komaberi (Keweid) and Gobam (Las).
For full access see the following links:
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Boa and Wagi descendants (undated)
One genealogical table relating to the descendants of Boa (Wag) and Wagi (Eger).
For full access see the following links:
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Maiti Ses and Nadu Kaine descendants (undated)
One genealogical table relating to the descendants of Maiti Ses or Almaik and Nadu Kaine.
For full access see the following links:
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Santiago Dorante and Wasada Passi descendants (undated)
Four genealogical tables relating to the descendants of Santiago Dorante/Durante (Philippines) and Wasada Passi of Mer (Murray) Island and Erub (Darnley) Island.
For full access see the following links:
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Muralan and Malacula Islands (undated)
Three genealogical tables on one sheet of paper. "Prince of Wales Island (Muralag) - New Hebrideans (Malekula) who settled there at Port Lihou".
For full access see the following links:
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Nepuri and Kakoger descendants (undated)
One genealogical table relatiing to the descendants of Nepuri (Sebeg) and Kakoger (Boged).
For full access see the following links:
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Dalassa and Sebasio descendants (undated)
One genealogical table relating to the descendants of Dalassa and Sebasio.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
Irua and Maitoi descendants (undated)
One genealogical table relating to the descendants of Irua and Maitoi.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
Auani and Us ; Kalki and Mugena descendants (August 1966)
Three genealogical tables. Descendants of Auani and Us. On verso: Descendants of Kalki and Mugena.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
James Salee and Wanai descendants (undated)
Four genealogical tables relating to the descendants of James Salee and Wanai.
For full access see the following links:
Description
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Henry Woodhead and Theresa Mills descendants (undated)
One genealogical table relating to the descendants of [John] Henry Douglas Woodhead (Sogi) and Teresa [Theresa] Mills (Nagi) Naghir (Mount Ernest) Island.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
Kudule and Dako descendants (undated)
One genealogical table relating to the descendants of Kudule [?] (Areb) and Dako.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
Kopam Beur and Kumi descendants (undated)
One genealogical table, labelled Beur relating to the descendants of Kopam Beur and Kumi.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
Torres Strait Island families (undated)
Eighteen (18) loose sheets of genealogical information on various families, including Hobo, Kiwat, Maratto Masi, Oi, Peo, Pitt, Price, Rice, Tamwoy, Tibau, Thompson, Wilson and others.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
Getano Lui Family (undated)
Genealogical relating to Getano Lui and his decendants.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
Kebisu descendants (undated)
Genealogical information on the descendants of Kebisu.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
Lowatta and Akabu descendants (undated)
Genealogical information relating to the descendants of Lowatta and Akabu.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
David and Harry Families (undated)
List of names, certificate types (eg marriage, baptism, burial) and year of certificate of members of the David and Harry families.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
Series 3: Biographical notes (1975-1994)
This series contains biographical notes and manuscripts written and collated by Margaret Lawrie, including several folders of notes relating to biographical records researched for entries published in the Australian Dictionary of Biography.
Also included in some of these works are genealogical tables to which access is restricted. See "Using the Margaret Lawrie collection" via the State Library of Queensland's website.
[Some items are undated]
Description
Access
Other
Items in this series:
Henry Chester (undated)
Research notes on Henry Marjoribanks Chester (1832-1914), police magistrate at Somerset, on the northern tip of Cape York, 1869-1870, 1875-1877, then Thursday Island 1877-1883.
Description
George Cornell (undated)
Typescript on the death of George Cornell at Darnley Island, March 1887.
Description
Alexander Corran (1993)
Copy of the entry entitled "Corran, Alexander (1862 - 1940)" written by Margaret Lawrie, for the Australian Dictionary of Biography.
Description
Alexander Corran (1992-1993)
Typescript of "Alexander Corran (1862 - 1940)", an entry for the Australian Dictionary of Biography, by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
John Douglas (undated)
Short biography of John Douglas (1828 - 1904), Government Resident and Police Magistrate at Somerset.
Description
Philip Raymond Frith (1994)
Typescript of "Philip Raymond Frith (1900 - 1976), teacher, Torres Strait", an entry for the Australian Dictionary of Biography, by Margaret Lawrie
Description
John Jardine and Somerset. Part 1 (25 October 1990)
"John Jardine and Somerset. Part 1"; with associated research notes by Margaret Lawrie. An edited version was published in JRHS, 1991.
Description
Jardines and Somerset reassessed. Part 1 (9 October 1990)
"The Jardines and Somerset reassessed. Part 1: John Jardine" by Margaret Lawrie. Unpublished.
Description
Jardine Family (undated)
Research notes on the Jardine family of Somerset.
Description
Faith Landy-Ariel (6 August 1994)
Correspondence regarding the family history of Faith Landy-Ariel, including Mary Pentecost.
For access to this item see "Using the Margaret Lawrie Collection" via the State Library of Queensland, website.
Description
Access
Marou Mimi (undated)
Research notes and biographical information on Marou Mimi (1996-1968), councillor and island chairman, first Eastern Islands Representative of Mer (Murray Island).
Description
Tanu Nona (27 August 1982)
Typescript "Tanu Nona's childhood". Tanu Nona (c.1902-1980), was a pearler and Torres Strait Islands councillor, born about 1902 on Saibai Island, one of eleven children of a Samoan seaman known locally as Tipoti Nona and his wife Ugari, a Saibai woman.
Description
Nona Family papers (16-18 July 1975)
Typescript, correspondence and postcards from Western Samoa of the Nona Family, Badu Island. Included is a genealogical table.
This folder contains original photographs of: Misipele Nona at his home in Western Samoa; postcards of celebratory activities on Flag Day, 17 April; Aggie Grey in the garden of her famous hotel in Apia, views of Apia Harbour; Western Samoa and other sites of interest.
Other papers include:
- "One hundred years in the Islands, the Methodist Church in the New Guinea Islands Region 1875-1975" [typescript]
- Noga Family [typescript, untitled], noting that the Samoan form of the name Nona is Noga, and includes notes on Samoan words.
- Handwritten notes of transcription in English of a recording made by Margaret Lawrie with Misipele Nona, in Western Samoa, relating to the family of Tanu and Tipoti,1975. The recording is in the language of Samoa. See Item 488 of this collection.
For access to the genealogical table see "Using the Margaret Lawrie collection" via the State Library of Queensland, website.
Description
Access
George Passi (1990-1991)
This item contains information for the inscription for the tombstone of George Passi's grave, as well as an obituary written by Margaret Lawrie on George's brother's behalf. George Passi was born 25 April 1925 and died on 30 December 1990.
Description
Henry George Simpson (undated)
Short biography of Henry George Simpson (1822-1898). Henry Simpson was born in England, a member of the Royal Navy he served on HMS Rattlesnake. After arriving in Queensland in 1865 he was made Commissioner of Lands and appointed to the Queensland Legislative Council on 29 July 1868, serving 14 years before he retired.
Description
Jomen Tamwoy (December 1973)
Transcript of an interview with Jomen Tamwoy (1906-1984) owner of the Nancy Lee, and further biographical information, genealogical tables, notes and copied photographs relating to the history of Cowal Creek.
Jomen Tamwoy from Badu Island became the head-teacher of Cowal Creek School.
For access to the genealogical tables see "Using the Margaret Lawrie collection" via the State Library of Queensland, website.
Description
Access
Jomen Tamwoy (1973)
"History life. Jomen Tamwoy" (Extracts from the cassette recording made at Cowal Creek in December 1973).
Jomen Tamwoy (1906 - 1984) from Badu Island became the head-teacher of Cowal Creek School.
Description
Ethel May Eliza Zahel (1989)
Copy of the entry titled "Ethel May Eliza Zahel” written by Margaret Lawrie, for the Australian Dictionary of Biography. Includes the typescript and associated correspondence.
Ethel Zahel (1877-1951) born in Mackay, was a member of the Torres Strait Islands teaching service from 1909.
Description
Ethel May Eliza Zahel (31 August 1987)
Typescript of "Ethel May Eliza Zahel (1877 - 1951)", an entry for the Australian Dictionary of Biography written by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
London Mission Society missionaries (undated)
Biographies of London Mission Society missionaries, copied from the LMS Register of Missionaries, Deputations etc. from 1786 - 1923, copies held by the National Library in Canberra.
Description
Series 4: Research notes, part 1 (1899-1992)
This series contains research notes and manuscripts written and gathered by Margaret Lawrie which relate to her research into the myths and legends of the people of the Torres Strait.
Included in some of these works are genealogical tables to which access is restricted. See "Using the Margaret Lawrie collection" via the State Library of Queensland's website.
[Some items are undated]
Description
Access
Other
Items in this series:
Burke group vocabulary (26 January 1970)
Research notes into the traditional language of the Burke group people, consisting of a vocabulary (4 words).
Description
Badu notes (undated)
Research notes relating to tombstone inscriptions, on Badu (Mulgrave Island).
Description
Fish traps etc. (undated)
Research notes regarding fishtraps and flora and fauna, collated by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Fish traps (1967)
Research notes and photographs relating to Sai or stone fish-traps at Erub (Darnley Island), Ugar (Stephens Island) and Mer, Dauar, Waier (Murray Islands) fish traps (sai), including some photographs and drawings.
Description
Fish traps (undated)
Typed notes on stone fish traps beginning with a correction to Davies description.
Description
Island proverbs (undated)
Research notes on traditional Island proverbs.
Description
Mamoose of Mer letter (undated)
"Statement of fact". Copy of a letter written by the Mamoose from Mer (Murray) Island asking that the South Seas people be sent away.
Description
Mer (Murray) Island land rights (undated)
Typed research notes on Mer (Murray) Island land rights.
Description
Mer research notes (March 1899)
Handwritten notes from extracts from the Bruce Register of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Murray Island (Mer), March 1899.
Description
Research notes (undated)
Typed transcripts of various published sources. Annotated by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Torres Strait Islands, notes (17 May 1973-10 November 1978)
Drafts and typescript galley proof copy of an article "Torres Strait Islands" for the revised third edition of the "Australian Encyclopaedia" (1977), as well as associated correspondence.
Description
Torres Strait Islands, notes (undated)
Extracts from various published sources regarding the people of the Torres Strait. Annotated by Margaret Lawrie with notes by Jomen Tamwoy.
Description
Torres Strait Islands, notes (undated)
Bibliography of secondary sources relating to the history of the Torres Strait.
Description
Angels in paradise (1992)
Copy of the typescript of the title: "Angels in paradise. True stories and incidents of the Torres Strait from August 1921 to February 1936" relating to the life of Reverend Junius Wilfred Schomberg 1891-1936 and his wife Ruby Pearl Schomberg (nee Meadows) 1893-1987 written by their son Neil.
Description
Australian Army Small Ships 1942 to 1945 (September 1991)
Copy of A.M. (Angus) Campbell's unpublished work titled: "The Australian Army Small Ships 1942 to 1945." Stories told by members of crews and attachments together with facts surrounding their activities. The work contains a large chapter on Thursday Island. c350 pages.
Description
Early L.M.S. missionaries in Torres Strait (20 June 1983)
Copy of Margaret Lawrie's unpublished work titled: "The early L.M.S. missionaries in Torres Strait". [London Missionary Society missionaries]
Description
Early records of the Torres Strait pearlshell fishery (7 March 1983)
Unpublished work titled: "Early records of the Torres Strait pearlshell fishery" author unknown.
Description
Haddon's Cambridge expedition to Torres Strait, 1898 (undated)
"First anthropological film: Haddon's Cambridge expedition to Torres Strait - 1898" (pp. 3 - 7). Author unknown, possibly Margaret Lawrie.
See also : National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
Description
Island stores (31 May 1972)
"Some general observations on island stores". Notes on shortages of particular items made by Margaret Lawrie
Description
List of artwork (1970-1990)
List of original artwork used in Margaret Lawrie's book "Myths and Legends of Torres Strait" first published in 1970.
Description
List of exhibits, etc. (undated)
List of exhibits of "Torres Strait - Before Time" exhibition,
Typescript of "Birds from some islands of the Torres Strait, 1976" and two photocopied articles -
'In the bad old days of Torres Strait' 1947 and
'Our first one hundred years: Sacred Heart Mission, Thursday Island 1884-1994'
Description
List of illustrations (1970-1990)
List of illustrations with accompanying legends, used in Margaret Lawrie's book "Myths and Legends of Torres Strait" first published in 1970.
Description
List of photographs (1973)
Bound volume recording lists of photographs taken at St. Paul's, Mua, 1931; Badu, 1931; and Mer (Murray) Islands, 1973; also includes vocabulary lists and genealogical tables (genealogies)
For access to the genealogical tables see "Using the Margaret Lawrie collection" via the State Library of Queensland, website.
Description
Access
List of teachers (undated)
List of teachers' names on Mua (Kubin), Badu, Mabuiag, Dauan, Saibai, and Boigu Islands
Description
Myths and Legends of Torres Strait, pp29-345 (undated)
Lawrie, Margaret: "Myths and Legends of Torres Strait". Stories from the Western Islands, pp. 29 - 345.
Description
Myths and Legends of Torres Strait, pp1-28 (undated)
Lawrie, Margaret: "Myths and Legends of Torres Strait". Preliminaries and introduction, pp. 1 - 28.
Description
New Year celebrations at Murray Island, 1888 (21 November 1983)
Unpublished work titled: "The New Year celebrations at Murray Island, 1888".
Description
Myths and Legends of Torres Strait, pp346-774 (undated)
Lawrie, Margaret: "Myths and Legends of Torres Strait". Stories from Saibai, pp. 346 - 774 and four pp. of Songs from Central and West Torres Strait.
Description
Officers in charge of settlement at Somerset (undated)
Typed notes relating to "Officers in charge of settlement at Somerset" from 1864 to 1877.
Description
Restoration of civil administration at Thursday Island in 1946 (8-12 December 1977)
"Restoration of civil administration at Thursday Island in 1946" and associated correspondence, by Leslie Edward Skinner.
Description
Some facts about Torres Strait (18 May 1966)
Typescript "Some facts about Torres Strait". Unpublished, author unknown.
Description
Somerset Airfield (18 March 1981)
Typed notes supplied to Margaret Lawrie on the establishment of Somerset Airfield, Cape York.
Description
Tales from Torres Strait (undated)
Typescript of children's edition of "Myths and Legends of Torres Strait", published in 1972 as "Tales from Torres Strait" by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Thursday Island: 100 years (undated)
"Thursday Island: 100 years". Unpublished work by Margaret Lawrie, which consists of a local history of Thursday Island and Somerset.
The typescript includes: "Books I and II", pp. 1 - 367 with endnotes and captions for illustrations in the text (1) and spiral-bound access photocopy (1b); Annotated and corrected typescript, "Books I and II", new pagination pp. 1 - 288 with endnotes and captions for illustrations in separate typescripts. (2); Uncorrected typescript of "Book III" (pp. 370 - 486). (3); Corrected typescript of "Book III" (pp. 289 - 586).(4) and spiral-bound access photocopy (4b); Final draft (5) and spiral-bound access photocopy (5b).
Description
Torres Strait strike 1936 (undated)
Research notes and copied items regarding the Torres Strait strike 1936.
Description
Translation of Meriam used in Eddie Mabo's evidence (1982)
"Translation of Meriam used in Eddie Mabo's evidence" in Mabo Native Title claim.
Description
Keriba Mabaigal records (February-July 1993)
Attendance book of Keriba Mabaigal meetings at the John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.
Description
The Far North (undated)
"The Far North". Historical sketch, author unknown.
Description
Do you remember? (22 February 1982)
"Do you remember?" A short article on the Melbidir [ship], published in the "Torres News".
The MV Melbidir was a Queensland Government supply vessel built in 1973 to transport passengers and cargo from Thursday Island to the outer Torres Strait Islands.
Description
Torres Strait Report (undated)
"Torres Strait Report" on social issues in the Torres Strait in 1970.
Description
Series 5: Research notes, part 2 (1864-1983)
This series contains further research notes and manuscripts written and gathered by Margaret Lawrie which relate to her research into the myths and legends of the people of the Torres Strait. Much of the material is undated.
Description
Access
Other
Items in this series:
Bentinck Island (undated)
Transcript of passages from publications relating to Bentinck Island.
Description
South Sea presence in Torres Strait (18 June 1864-13 September 1864)
The South Sea presence in Torres Strait - 1864 (copy of extracts from a military diary). Naiama at Dauan, church wardens with Rev C Oth.
Description
Saibai Island (undated)
Notes on stories from Saibai Island.
Description
Access
Other
Torres Strait (undated)
Photocopied extract from islander's school exercise book, which includes a genealogical table.
*Access to the genealogical table is restricted. See: Using the Margaret Lawrie collection "https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/research-collections/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-collections/margaret-lawrie-collection" via the State Library of Queensland's web site.
Description
Access
Government Resident and Police Magistrate letters (undated)
Transcript of letters of the Government Resident and Police Magistrate.
Description
Field research on Torres Strait Islands (June 1977)
Transcript of Yabuuchi, Yoshihiko et al: "An ethnological and geographical study of fishing people in Southwestern Pacific Islands". Cover title: "Preliminary research of field research on Torres Strait Islands". Annotated by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Torres Strait songs (10 November 1992)
Typescript of Chester Schultz's "Five Torres Strait songs for choir and percussion" and correspondence regarding its preparation for publication (but apparently remained unpublished).
Description
Torres Strait Pilot (21 November 1983)
Typed extracts from "Torres Strait Pilot", 2 January 1888 reporting on the Christmas Season at Thursday Island, 1887
Description
Contract of sale, Somerset House (1 December 1924)
Photocopies of the Agreement for sale and purchase for Somerset Homestead, 1 December 1924.
Description
Wolfram mining (undated)
Research notes regarding Wolfram mining on Torres Strait Islands.
Description
Torres Strait Islands (undated)
Miscellaneous research notes (includes genealogical information, Mabuiag; St. Paul's, Moa). Baruna and Kaunur (Keweid Village) Murray Island.
*Access to the genealogical tables is restricted. See: Using the Margaret Lawrie collection "https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/research-collections/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-collections/margaret-lawrie-collection" via the State Library of Queensland's web site.
Description
Access
London Missionary Society teachers (undated)
Research notes and transcripts relating to London Missionary Society [L.M.S.] teachers.
Description
Mabuiag (undated)
Notes relating to place names of Mabuiag.
Description
List of photographs, Mabuiag (3 October 1967)
List of photographs taken at Mabuiag on 3 October 1967 by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Table showing terms of kinship (undated)
A table showing terms of kinship as recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
360 x 270 mm
Somerset Police Magistrates (undated)
Research notes on Somerset Police Magistrates.
Description
Shipping lines in the Torres Strait (undated)
Research notes on shipping lines in the Torres Strait.
Description
Central Island families (July 1966)
Research notes on Central Island families - Masig (Yorke Island), Yam (Turtle-Backed Island) and Waraber (Sue Island).
Description
Children's games (undated)
Research notes on children's games of the Torres Strait Islands. It includes two notebooks, and loose pages.
Description
Dauan history (undated)
Typed research notes on the history of Dauan (Cornwallis) Island beginning with the voyage of Torres in 1606, discovery by Bligh 1792; arrival of the London Missionary Society, 1871; visit by Captain Banner and Lieutenant Chester, 1871; Captain J Moresby in 1872; Rev A.W. Murray and Wyatt Gill; Dalbertis 1872, 1876 & 1877; ancestor Kuai; Manga of Mabuiag; the last fight against the Tuger, 1881; and household statistics for 1972.
Description
Series 6: Research notebooks (1964-1967)
This series includes research notebooks, compiled by Margaret during the course of her research in to the lives and customs of the people of the Torres Strait.
Description
Access
Items in this series:
Boigu Island (1966)
Notebook in which is recorded research material on Boigu (Talbot Island, north-west Torres Strait), including the Lui family genealogical tables which are restricted.; Copy of item included.
For full access see the following links:
Description
Access
Iama, Mer and Erub Islands (undated)
Spiral notebook containing miscellaneous notes on Iama (Yam Island), Mer (Murray Island) and Erub (Darnley Island). The notes include customs, vocabularies and stories recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Access
Mabuiag (Jervis) Island (undated)
Notebook / exercise book containing the story of Kuiam (Maware Esseli) a Mabuiag story, as told to and translated by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Access
Esili Peter, Mabuiag (undated)
Photocopy of a notebook of Esili Peter, Mabuiag (Jervis Island).
Description
Access
Mer (Murray) Island (undated)
Notebook containing information regarding Mer (Murray Island) genealogies, apparently compiled in preparation for a submission to the Mabo Native Title claim. Contains genealogical tables.
[Genealogical tables are restricted]
Description
Access
Mer (Murray) Island (undated)
Notebook "Murray Island" (Mer). It includes word lists, stories, sketches, people interviewed.
Description
Access
Kubin (Mua) Island (1967)
Notebook "Original (rough) notes - Kubin 1967" kept by Margaret Lawrie. Contains lists of words and their English translations, and a handwritten manuscript titled "Four generations in Torres Strait" in Margaret Lawrie's hand.
Description
Access
Island songs and genealogical tables (undated)
General notes, includes songs and genealogical tables (genealogies).
[Genealogical tables are restricted]
Description
Access
Palm Island (1967)
Notebook titled "Palm Island. June, 1967" kept by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Access
Eastern Islands (undated)
Notebook "Eastern Islands". It records names and numbers of children attending schools at Stephen, Darnley, Murray, Yam, Dauan, Sue (Warriber) Islands. Notes of a women's meeting held at Dauan and notes on facilities.
Description
Access
Western Island stories (undated)
Stories of "Kultut", "Dogai of Zurat", "Nageg and Geigi" and others recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Access
Torres Strait Islands (1964)
Notes taken during Margaret Lawrie's first visit to Central, Western and Eastern Islands.
Description
Access
Myths and Legends of the Torres Strait (undated)
Notes for introduction of "Myths and Legends of the Torres Strait" by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Access
Oceania peoples (1966)
Notebook titled 'Oceania. Peoples' in which Margaret Lawrie has recorded comparative notes on customs and people of the Torres Strait, Papauns, and Polynesians.
Description
Access
Research notes (undated)
Notebook which records visits by Margaret Lawrie to islands in the Torres Strait and Bamaga, with the view to select girls for boarding school; trainee kindergarten teachers; setting up Island libraries; talks with Mothers Unions; assess for courses such as stenography or nursing; interviews and itinerary.
Description
Access
Research notes (1965, 1967)
Notebook kept by Margaret Lawrie on Ugar (Stephen island) 1965, Mer (Murray Island) 1967 and Darnley Island. It includes notes on language, stories, and families.
Description
Access
Research notes (undated)
Notebook of research notes recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Access
Research notes (undated)
Notebook titled 'Get and do' ; also some alphabetical references, recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Access
Research notes (undated)
Four notebooks in which Margaret Lawrie has recorded much language, stories, songs and customes of the people of the Torres Strait islands.
Description
Access
Subject index (undated)
Notebook containing a subject index to historical research recorded by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Access
Torres Strait Islands (undated)
Notebook containing a summary of references to Torres Strait Islands in: Annual reports of the Department of Harbours and Marine 1913 - 1941 and, Department of Native Affairs, 1917 - 1943; index to Federal Hotel register.
Description
Access
Series 7: Correspondence (1935-1998)
This series includes a variety of correspondence, including letters, memoranda, greeting cards, envelopes and photocopied letters. The majority of this correspondence is from Margaret Lawrie to personal contacts as well as educational institutions, with the bulk of the items written between the years 1966 and 1998, although some are undated.
* Selected material has been restricted, where the content may be considered sacred to the people of the Torres Strait
Description
Access
Other
* Multiple copyright statuses apply: where the personal author is known, copyright is reserved until 70 years after author's death
* Selected material has been restricted, where the content may be considered sacred to the people of the Torres Strait
Items in this series:
Australian Dictionary of Biography (1989-1995)
Correspondence regarding entries for the Australian Dictionary of Biography written by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (6 July 1977-20 October 1993)
Correspondence regarding audio tapes of recorded stories held by AIATSIS Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, (formerly AIAS).
Description
Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies (1967-1974)
Correspondence between Margaret Lawrie and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies (later known as the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies).
Description
Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (26 March 1998)
Correspondence and associated photocopies from Jude Philip, Research Assistant at Cambridge University regarding an exhibition hosted by the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology to mark the centenary of the Cambridge Anthropological Expedition to the Torres Strait, led by Alfred Cort Haddon in 1888.
Description
Queensland Place Names Board (15-30 April 1971)
Correspondence with the Queensland Place Names Board regarding the naming of a new township on Muralag.
Description
University College of Townsville (1966-1966)
Correspondence between Margaret Lawrie and the University College of Townsville.
Description
Torres Strait Islands Teachers' seminars (1964-1972)
Correspondence and memoranda regarding Torres Strait Islands Teachers' seminars 1965-1967 and 1970-1972. This item also contains several letters from Torres Strait Islands teachers.
Description
Audrey North (15 April 1979)
Letter from Audrey North regarding her research into the use of fans in the Torres Strait.
Description
Asau Omey (18 January-25 March 1992)
Two letters from Asou Omey of Townsville to Margaret Lawrie. Asau Omey was Eddie Mabo's cousin's sister.
Description
Other
George Passi (12 June 1968)
Letter from George Passi to Margaret Lawrie regarding meaning of words in the story of Mokeis.
Description
Access
Other
Olai Passi letter (24 February 1992)
Letter from Olai Passi, George Passi's brother, to Margaret Lawrie. Olai Passi requests some 'words' from Margaret for his brother George's tombstone. The text and an obituary written by Margaret is located in Item 4 of this collection.
Description
Access
Other
Wilhelm Rechnitz (1968-1973)
Five Christmas cards sent by Wilhelm Rechnitz to Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Other
Herbert Vidgen (1935)
Correspondence of Herbert Somerset Vidgen, 1935.
Description
Other
Herbert Vidgen (1924-1940)
Photocopied correspondence of Herbert Somerset Vidgen, 1924-1940
Description
Other
Herbert Vidgen (1924-1940)
Photocopied correspondence of Herbert Somerset Vidgen, 1924-1940.
Description
Other
Margaret White (1990-1992)
Letter from Margaret White, and associated newspaper cutting.
Description
General correspondence (1966-1971)
Correspondence regarding the preparation of the manuscript of "Myths and Legends of Torres Strait" (1970), mainly with Colin Roderick and the University of Queensland Press.
Description
General correspondence (1971-1973)
Correspondence mostly regarding royalties from the publication of "Myths and Legends of the Torres Strait". Includes also a number of newspaper clippings.
Description
Access
Other
General correspondence (1971-1972)
Correspondence regarding the preparation of the manuscript of "Tales from Torres Strait" (1972) by Margaret Lawrie, with the University of Queensland Press.
Description
General correspondence (1975-1979)
Correspondence regarding the preparation of the manuscript for the proposed but unpublished "Thursday Island: 100 years".
Description
General correspondence (1970-1992)
Correspondence regarding royalties for "Myths and Legends of Torres Strait" (1970) and payments into a trust account.
Description
Access
Other
General correspondence (1983-1995)
Correspondence regarding reproductions of copyright contents of "Myths and Legends of Torres Strait" (1970) and "Tales from Torres Strait" (1972).
Description
General correspondence (1967-1998)
General correspondence, and correspondence from other researchers to Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Personal correspondence (1964-1978)
Two envelopes of personal correspondence of Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Keriba Mabaigal (1993-1994)
Correspondence regarding Keriba Mabaigal.
Description
John Oxley Library (1990-1995)
Correspondence regarding the donation of the Margaret Lawrie Collection to the John Oxley Library.
Description
Series 8: Diaries (1970, 1973)
Series consists of two diaries kept by Margaret Lawrie documenting some activities on several of the Islands in the Torres Strait.
Description
Access
Items in this series:
Diary (1970)
Diary 1970. Records some activities at Murray Island.
Description
Diary (1973)
Diary 1973. Records some activities in the Torres Strait.
Description
Series 9: Card files, index (undated)
Four wooden boxes of cards containing information on vocabulary, games, and songs, which in part has been used for inclusion in the end notes of "Myths and Legends of the Torres Strait". They are arranged into Western, Eastern and Central Islands, Badu (Mulgrave) Island and Mer (Murray) Island - unlabelled.
Also included is a book containing biographical information, arranged alphabetically.
Description
Access
Items in this series:
Card files (Undated)
Cards (4 boxes). Arranged into Western, Eastern and Central Islands, Badu (Mulgrave Island) and Mer (Murray Island - unlabelled). The cards contain information on vocabulary, games, songs, which in part has been used for inclusion in the end notes of "Myths and Legends of the Torres Strait".
Description
Biographical index (Undated)
Biographical index - containing biographical information, arranged alphabetically in a large address book.
Description
Series 10: Miscellaneous papers (1943-1997)
This series contains a variety of printed and copied material relating to Margaret Lawrie and her work in the Torres Straits, including George Passi's thesis, sections of electoral rolls, visitor books, typescripts, newspaper and magazine clippings, memoranda, event programmes, reports, certificates, a Bible, annotations in Margaret's hand to various documents, an address book, and a scrapbook.
Description
Access
Items in this series:
Thesis, George Passi (May 1986)
Copy of George Passi's Thesis entitled 'Traditional resource knowledge, Western education and self-management autonomy of Torres Strait.' Submitted: May 1986.
Description
Access
Section of the Commonwealth electoral roll (Undated)
Undated section of the Commonwealth electoral roll, division of Leichhardt, subdivision of Somerset.
Description
Pamphlets (undated)
Undated pamphlets: "Programme of work for the Native Teachers' Training Course at Mabuiag Island".
Description
Manuscript (undated)
"The quick and the dead" by Frank Jardine. Source text not identified. The manuscript is a story of the Buribura people of the coastal area of Yeppoon; the betrothal of Gongola to Kilmani, his intent to marry his cousin Boolana and their deaths at Double Head.
Description
Murray Islanders, notes (1969)
"Ethnographic notes on the Murray Islanders, Torres Strait". Offprint from "Zeitschrift fur Ethnologie". Heavily annotated by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Reports (1969-1972)
St. Faith's School, Yeppoon, and Rockhampton Girls' Grammar School reports for Torres Strait Island girls and correspondence.
Description
Newspaper item (1943)
Photograph of front page of the "Horn Herald", Vol. 1, No. 73; 4 May 1943.
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Newspaper item (1877)
Photocopy of "Torres Strait and a trip to Deliverance Island", Courier Mail, 29 September 1877, p. 3.
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Torres Strait Report (14 October 1971)
"Torres Strait Report"
Description
Circular (undated)
Circular letter from The Torres Strait Islands Border Action Committee and "Border not change" badge.
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Memorial service programs (1997)
Memorial service programs for Charles Mene 1919-1997 and Ella Relo Mills 1921-1997.
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Visitors books (undated)
Somerset visitors books (1) and (2), 1 October 1909 - 1 January 1984.
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Visitors book (undated)
Visitors book for the Federal Hotel, located on Thursday Island.
Description
Memorandum (undated)
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Ernest Kitson Thorpe, Herbert Somerset Vidgen and Cholmondeley Gordon Vidgen
Description
Memorandum (1923)
The Papuan Industries, Limited: Memorandum, 1910 and Prospectus for the development of native industries in Papua (New Guinea) and the Islands of the Torres Strait, 1923.
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Scrapbook (1970-1972)
Scrapbook containing reviews of and correspondence in relation to "Myths and Legends of the Torres Strait" published by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Bible in Mabuiag language (1957)
"Evangelia Iesu Keriso Mataion Minarpalaizinga (Tusi ina Iesu Kerison mina Iadai). Bible in Mabuiag language. British and foreign Bible Society, 1957 (first published London, 1900).
Description
Other
Opolera Wetpur (The Holy Eucharist) (1957)
"Opolera Wetpur" (The Holy Eucharist. "Gimgim lera wetpur" (Communion of the sick). Translated into Miriam with the help of Sam Passi and Asai Baruna by Wilhelm Rechnitz. Mer, 1956-1957.
Description
Submission (21 June 1989)
Court Submission for Mabo Native Title claim. Text (pp.1-10) and photocopies of "Myths and Legends of the Torres Strait" (pp.I -XXIV and pp.272 -372).
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Address book (undated)
An address book kept by Margaret Lawrie
Description
Poster: "Cracks in the mask" (1997)
Poster: "Cracks in the mask. A documentary film about the fate of Torres Strait art and artefacts in European museums". Inscribed to Margaret Lawrie by the director and co-producer Frances Calvert., 1997, TR 1791/400
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Membership certificate (1973-1974)
Membership card for The Australian Society of Authors issued to Margaret Lawrie
Description
Programs (21 May 1971)
Program and menu for the Annual Dinner of the Foundation for Australian Literary Studies. Margaret Lawrie was presented with the Foundation's Literary Award for 1970.
Description
Clipping (10 December 1970)
Newspaper clipping from The Australian on the publication of "Myths and Legends of Torres Strait" by Margaret Lawrie.
Description
Clipping (17 November 1972)
Newspaper clipping from The Courier Mail on the publication of "Tales from Torres Strait" by Margaret Lawrie.