The city of Hobart in Australia has given its approval for the removal of a monument dedicated to the colonial-era doctor and politician, William Crowther. This decision comes after years of campaigning by aboriginal groups who found the monument offensive.
The bronze statue of Crowther was erected in 1889, three years after his death. Throughout his life, Crowther held several elected offices and served as Tasmania’s premier in the late 1870s. However, his legacy was tainted by an incident in 1869 when he stole the skull of an aboriginal Tasmanian man named William Lanne. Crowther broke into a local morgue, removed Lanne’s head, and sent it to the Royal College of Surgeons in London.
To conceal the theft, Hobart authorities replaced Lanne’s skull with another from a different corpse. The colonists considered Lanne and his wife to be the last “full-blooded” aboriginal Tasmanians, which is why scientists in London sought his skull. Crowther faced consequences for his actions and was suspended as the honorary medical officer at the Hobart General Hospital.
Hobart’s Lord Mayor, Anna Reynolds, acknowledged the troubled history associated with Crowther and his role in removing Lanne’s head. Aboriginal groups have found the statue offensive for generations and have campaigned for its removal.
However, not everyone shares the same stance. Hobart councilwoman Louise Elliot argued that Crowther was loved by the entire Tasmanian community for providing free medical care, irrespective of social class. Elliot believes that removing the statue sets a dangerous precedent.
There has been ongoing debate about the removal of historical statues and whether it amounts to “canceling” figures from the past. Some, like Sky News Australia host Chris Smith, argue that it is an attempt to tamper with historical truth. These arguments highlight the differing opinions on how to address controversial historical figures and their monuments.
The decision to remove Crowther’s statue follows an act of vandalism in January. The statue has been a source of contention for aboriginal groups, and the removal represents a step towards acknowledging their concerns and promoting reconciliation.
In conclusion, the city of Hobart has approved the removal of the monument dedicated to William Crowther, a colonial-era doctor and politician. This decision comes after years of campaigning by aboriginal groups who found the statue offensive due to Crowther’s involvement in stealing an aboriginal Tasmanian man’s skull. While some argue that Crowther’s contributions to the community should be acknowledged, others believe that removing the statue is necessary to address historical injustices and promote reconciliation. The removal of controversial historical statues continues to be a topic of debate with differing opinions on how best to address the legacy of these figures.
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