Jenni Connor writes about the impact of Nan Chauncy on children's literature, through her connection with the Tasmanian landscape and indigenous peoples. Jenni has been pivotal in organising the Nan Chauncy events for 2015. John Marsden's, Nan Chauncy Oration is one of the highlight events.
Nan Chauncy was a ‘woman of her times and ahead of her time’ in relation to Tasmania’s Aboriginal people. In Mathinna’s People (1967), she has implicit faith in the record of events provided by George Arthur Robinson (whom she believes to be a ‘sincere and deeply religious man’) saying ‘the events are true and tragic; there is no happy ending’. She believes, as people did at the time, that ‘Mathinna’s People have vanished from the earth’. On the other hand, she strongly condemns the treatment of Aborigines by white people: ‘Their game was shot ruthlessly, the ground cleared for farms, and they were forced away…their women were captured by sealers…their children snatched by settlers…to work for them as little better than slaves’.
Nan Chauncy was a ‘woman of her times and ahead of her time’ in relation to Tasmania’s Aboriginal people. In Mathinna’s People (1967), she has implicit faith in the record of events provided by George Arthur Robinson (whom she believes to be a ‘sincere and deeply religious man’) saying ‘the events are true and tragic; there is no happy ending’. She believes, as people did at the time, that ‘Mathinna’s People have vanished from the earth’. On the other hand, she strongly condemns the treatment of Aborigines by white people: ‘Their game was shot ruthlessly, the ground cleared for farms, and they were forced away…their women were captured by sealers…their children snatched by settlers…to work for them as little better than slaves’.
Her empathy for Tasmanian Aboriginal people is especially
strong in Tangara (1961). This is a
complex time-slip novel with great literary sophistication. It’s an adventure –
of course – but the bush context is soundly established and the female protagonist
emerges with impressive strength, resilience and depth of empathy for her
‘Aboriginal (ghost) friend’. Nan’s respect for the lore, loyalties,
technologies and social structure of Aboriginal life is quite unusual for the
times. Hugo McCann, retired lecturer from the University of Tasmania in his
talk at the Launch of the Touring Exhibition at LINC in Hobart on 28th
May, describes Tangara as ‘a deeply
moving classic by one of our great children’s writers – part fantasy, part
history and one hundred percent masterpiece’. (Photo: Nan meeting excited children)
In Tiger in the Bush (1957), Nan’s love of
the Australian/Tasmanian bush – its flora and fauna – shines through palpably.
Badge shows ‘reverence’ when viewing the fern gully, with its secret female
platypus making her nest and later, on Tarn Mountain, catches a glimpse of a
‘wolfish creature with dark chocolate stripes’. Badge vows to ‘protect it from
exploitation’ (the Thylacine was deemed extinct in 1936). The Lorenny Family
trilogy – Tiger in the Bush, Devils’ Hill (1958) and The Roaring 40 (1963) – best represents
Nan’s deep yearning for a ‘hidden valley in which a child can be free and
capable, unspoiled by The Outside’. In her passion for this new country, Nan
idealises ‘the simple bushman as an individualist and visionary who is spiritually
connected to a place that is free from the taint of man’ (Brenda Niall, Australia Through the Looking Glass, 1985). It is no wonder that Nan, Anton and later the
family bequeathed the property at Bagdad (north of Hobart), known as Chauncy Vale, to the local
council as a wildlife sanctuary.
They Found a Cave (1947),
Tiger in the Bush and Tangara remain Nan’s most accessible and
enjoyable novels. Nan Chauncy gave Australian Literature for Children an
authentic voice and her legacy lives on in today’s stunning writers and illustrators,
who are still celebrated by the CBCA!
This year, the Tasmanian branch of the CBCA is organising an
number of events to celebrate Nan Chauncy. Visit www.cbcatas.org for more details. The events
are as follows:
1. Travelling
Suitcase Exhibition – commences at Hobart LINC for three weeks from 1 June
and then tours through the state library system – check
www.cbcatas.org/events/. Launceston and Devonport libraries will also
co-host launches and Kingston, Rosny and Oatlands have expressed interest.
The exhibition is free and we hope many, many families check it out.
2. Nan
Chauncy Oration by John Marsden, Hodgkin Hall, the Friends’ School,
Saturday 20th June. High Tea with wonderful music, elegant
afternoon tea and a stunning Oration. Tickets @ $30 through www.cbcatas.org/events/ or book
direct at http://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-nan-chauncy-oration-presented-by-john-marsden-tickets-16310423917?aff=es
3. They
Found a Cave – Cinema quality screening with an introduction by John Honey
and Q & A by Michael Woolford who played Nippy in the film.
Screenings: The State Cinema, Hobart on Sunday 16th August and CMax
Cinema Devonport on Sunday 30th August.
4. Picnic in
the Vale at Chauncy Vale (Date TBA for early October) in collaboration
with Southern Midlands Council and the Chauncy Vale Committee. People
wishing to attend can purchase a ticket for $20 which provides a picnic
pack, with juice or water and guiding through the cottage and up to the
cave. People wishing to bring their own lunch will donate $5 towards the
upkeep of Chauncy Vale.
(The Nan Chauncy Award recipient
will be added to the Honour Roll held at Day Dawn Cottage.)
Jenni Connor
CBCA Tasmania’s Board Member for the National CBCA
I was searching for some information on Nan Chauncey after picking up a secondhand copy of Devil's Hill. Good to find a blog focussing on Aussie books.
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