| LOCATION |
| Map |
Show Map
|
| Address |
Birdsville Track MULKA |
| Locality |
|
| Accuracy |
L - low level confidence |
| Council Area |
Land Not Within a Council Area (Far North) |
| Polygon Type |
P - parcel (from DCDB) |
| DESCRIPTION |
| Details (Known As) |
Mulka Store (sometime Scobie Homestead) Ruins |
| Registered Name |
Mulka Store Ruins |
| Significance |
Built c.1885 with additions c.1924, the ruin is historically significant because it represents the first holding of Alexander Scobie and the pattern of pastoral settlement in a hostile and predominantly harsh environment. From c1924 to c1953 the building became a store and an isolated supply point for travellers along the Birdsville Track. Its ownership for much of this period by George Aiston, noted for his invaluable work in early anthropological study, adds to its historical interest.
George 'Poddy' Aiston is an important figure in the region's history. In 1901, on his return from the Boer War, he joined the S.A. Police Force and served at various remote locations before being posted to Mungeranine in 1912. He and his wife opened a store in that year. By then his keen interest in Aboriginal customs as Aboriginal Welfare Officer had made him an authority in the area. Aiston's new job made him protector of two local tribes, the Dieri and Wonkongura.
When he resigned from the force in 1924 before buying Mulka Station he had accumulated a valuable collection of artefacts, which he housed in a large room of the store. He opened a new store in the former homestead in 1924. Upon his retirement he collaborated with Dr GV Horne to write 'Savage Life in Central Australia' based upon 20 year's study of Aboriginal life. He was also involved in arranging a display of native crafts at the Melbourne National Museum, and responsible for cataloguing the Horne-Bowie Collection in Canberra. ('Sydney Morning Herald', 12 March 1931) as Honorary Consulting Anthropologist. He died in 1943 and his widow kept the store open. When Mrs. Aiston left c1953 she presented most of his collection to the SA and Canberra Museums. (HCB 10/8/84) |
| Subject Index |
Commerce (retail and wholesale) - Shop; Miscellaneous - Ruin; Farming and grazing - Homestead; Cemeteries and burial sites - Isolated Grave |
| Class |
State |
|
|
| STATUS |
| Status Code |
REG - Confirmed as a State Heritage Place in the SA Heritage Register |
| Status Date |
25-JUL-1985 |
| REFERENCE |
| LGA |
Unincorporated SA |
| State Heritage ID |
12758 |
| Heritage Number |
54 |
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| SECTION 16 INFORMATION |
| Section 16 |
|
| PLAN PARCEL & TITLE |
| As listed in the SA Heritage Register |
| Plan Parcel & Title Information |
CL 6175/774 H832300 S266 |