The Last Protector by Cameron Raynes, Wakefield Press 2009
William Penhall was the last Chief Protector of Aborigines in South Australia, from 1939–1954. Extensive research by Adelaide historian Cameron Raynes reveals that Penhall supported the illegal removal of Aboriginal children from their parents by the Aborigines Department of South Australia, as well as directly by Christian missionaries.
As a ‘missionaries' kid’ from that era, I recall the respect in which ‘Mr Penhall’ was held by the missionaries, as a Christian gentleman and a Methodist local preacher who understood their position and could be relied on for support at difficult times. Yet the manner in which he exercised, and also abused, his powers, seems far removed from his faith by today's understanding.
At 120 pages The Last Protector is a short but quite demanding read for anyone concerned about the interface of faith with social justice in Australia or interested in the history of Aboriginal affairs and Christian missions in Australia.