Hi, I realize this thread is quite old but, having stumbled upon it, I feel I need to set the record staright. There has been conjecture on this page about whether laundry ‘slaves’ ever existed at Mt St Canice in Tasmania - the general consensus seeming to be that any adverse claims have been made from those seeking compensation. Other people have asked for ‘proof’ from people trying to be fair minded on the subject. I am here as ‘proof’ this place existed in the manner it has been described, where women of all ages (12 - 70+) were subjected to a regime of prayer, silence and hard work for no wages. Some priest has claimed we were ‘bad’ types of girls it appears, therefore deserving of this fate. Lord help us all if this is the opinion people in the church have and no wonder those poor lost souls cannot receive any compensation for years of upaid work and deprivation. I also read he claimed the girls ‘loved’ the sisters. Oh, please, we have all heard of the Stockhom syndrome haven’t we? Again, a condition created through sensory deprivation and forced dependence, is not what one wold call ‘love’.
I am a much older woman now, one who has never sought compensation for the stolen years of my life, so I have nothing to gain by telling untrurths. As a writer, I receive mail on a regular basis from women all over the world, including Mt St Canice, seeking closure from past experiences in convents through the writing of their stories. It is sad their original abuse has to be compounded by now being labelled liars in their older years.
These things did happen and, until their is due recogntion and reparation, an apology is worth nothing.
Merlene
