Review: The Forgotten Children by David Hill

An Account of the Impact and History of Fairbridge Farm, Molong

May 11, 2008

A destination for British immigrant children from 1934 to 1978, Fairbridge Farm in Molong, Australia did not achieve the high ideals of a better life for poor children.

The Forgotten Children (Random House, 2007) is a well-crafted account of the Fairbridge Society and their work in Australia, bringing more than 1000 disadvantaged children from England to live in rural New South Wales. As a former resident at Fairbridge Farm Molong, David Hill offers an account of the failings and limitations of the Fairbridge Farm and its organisers.

History of Fairbridge Farm, Molong

In 1908, Kingsley Fairbridge proposed a program to strengthen the influence of the British Empire in the colonies and in so doing to provide care and education for destitute British children at farming schools in Australia, Canada and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

While Fairbridge’s aims of reinforcing the influence of the British appear ridiculously arrogant now, he received support from people of influence in Britain and a migrant scheme was established. Australian readers already familiar with the shame of the Stolen Generation, which occurred over a similar period of time, will find some disturbing similarities.

Hill provides a detailed account of the establishment and management of the Fairbridge farm scheme both in England and Australia. His account is extensively annotated with references to official documents as well as accounts from former residents and personal correspondence from families and staff.

The Fairbridge Farm Lifestyle

Despite assurances of abundance in Australia, the children experienced a strict and regimented life devoid of affection. There was little social contact outside of the Fairbridge Farm village and the strict cottage mothers and stern disciplinarian principals did little to support or encourage the children in any way.

David Hill skilfully describes the hardships endured by Fairbridge children. He recounts without bitterness or resentment, but with an open acknowledgement of the injustice served to these children and their families. He describes a gross failure in the obligation of care entrusted to the organisers of the program and the staff at Fairbridge Farm and a persistent resistance to change or improvement.

A Well Documented and Researched History

One of the primary strengths of The Forgotten Children is David Hill’s extensive and thorough research. While many personal accounts from Hill and former residents are included, there are also numerous references to documents filed at the Fairbridge Society in London, the Sydney Fairbridge Council and other official sources.

While the recollections of many of the former residents are tragic and the refusal to acknowledge or correct obvious deficiencies on the part of the supervisors is detestable, Hill also includes more positive anecdotes and comments by the former residents. Many students have remained in touch with each other and the bonds between some students appear to be exceptionally strong and supportive. An Old Fairbridgians group enables former residents, who became like family members to each other, to remain in contact.

A Tragic yet Compelling Tale

This book is incredibly readable, despite the harrowing experiences it recounts. Hill’s calm and factual style prevents the book becoming a diatribe against the British and Australian authorities who established and (mis)managed the Farm. Research from The Forgotten Children, Hill’s first book, will be included in a planned exhibition by the NSW Migration Heritage Centre at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney in mid-2009.

The copyright of the article Review: The Forgotten Children by David Hill in History Books is owned by Susan Whelan. Permission to republish Review: The Forgotten Children by David Hill in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.