On 15 August 1944, a deputation of 3 residents from Darra met with the State Minister for Health and Home Affairs and the Police Commissioner’for Brisbane. They were introduced b` MLA Mr TIC Kerr The notes of the meeting include claims that:
..several attacks have been made by American Negroes on the residents at Darra and the -residents have reached endurance point.
“A dance is held in the Darra Hall 3 nights each week, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays and the American Negroes attend, bringing their partners from Ipswich. Beer bottles and wearing apparel are found in the streets of Darra the following mornings…
“The women residents in Darra dare not go out at night..”
The deputation requested the closure of Darra Dance Hall-and Mr Kerr MLA considered that the hall should be removed !!!!
Notes of Deputation of residents from Darra requesting closure of Darra Hall, 15.8.44
Source: QSA: RSI 13214, 4/1289, A/12029, General correspondence-Police
- It is interesting that not one’of the Darra people we interviewed was aware of this deputation: it was certainly not a talking point!!