Aborigine at the table

WARNING: This recollection contains offensive language.

While working as a governess for the McMillans near Woodenbong, Bertha had her first social experience with an Aboriginal Australian.

Her boss, Archie, brought one of his staff home with him to have lunch.

Mrs McMillan asked Bertha to set an extra place at the table for their guest.

"I had never seen an 'abo' up close, I was terrified," says Bertha.

"Nobody liked the 'abos' in those days where most people were white."

She says the exchange went like this.

Bertha: You're joking.

Mrs McMillan: No, why would I be joking?

Bertha: You wouldn't ask an 'abo' to sit at your table'.

Mrs McMillan: Of course! Gordon's had many a meal at our table.

Bertha: I wouldn't sit with an Aborigine.

Mrs McMillan: Well, you'll have to stop in the kitchen because he'll be sitting at our table.

"So I had to get used to it," says Bertha.

"I wasn't going to stop out in the kitchen."

But she recalls how uncomfortable she was at lunch that day.

"I couldn't take my eyes off my plate."

"Every time I looked up, he'd be looking at me."

Over time, Bertha got to know Gordon and used to play table tennis with him.

"Sounds impossible but it's true," she says.

Gordon had two brothers, Rory and Ralph, who Bertha also came to know.

(Photo by Ursula Skjonnemand, 2012)