At MacLeod’s we embarked some cargo for Mildura; and several natives were taken on board, and one woman whose conjugal affection seemed very prominent. The males were, many of them, fine tall men, with very muscular limbs, huge beards, and unsightly countenances. It is a pity the Governments of the respective provinces, which occasionally issue blankets and rations to the Aborigines, do not extend their protecting cares still further. A supply of clothing, however scanty—were it only a long blue shirt—would be a blessing to these poor savages, who appear at times to suffer considerably from the keen cold air of the Australian wilderness; nor would it, we may presume, render them less disposed to the ameliorating influences of civilization and mental improvement.
In South Australia, considerable progress has been made in the intellectual and moral training of these degraded people, which has been chiefly owing to the exertions and indefatigable zeal of Archdeacon Hale, at Port Lincoln, where the seminary for their instruction exists. Many failures, of course, have taken place, particularly amongst the females; some of whom, after serving as domestics for several years, apparently most contented with their lot, have suddenly disappeared from their houses to seek refuge in the woods, and then relapse into their pristine barbarism—nature is invincible, it would seem.
From the Darling junction our course was marked by as few incidents as had hitherto fallen to our lot. I find my daily memoranda somewhat to the following effect:—
Wednesday, September 7th.—Left the Darling, which we found a fine broad stream with considerable depth of water,[11] after having taken in a large quantity of very indifferent wood—the steaming, in consequence, slow.
During the night and following morning, heavy rain fell, penetrating even to the interior of the cabin, probably owing to the excessive dryness of the decks, caused by the heat.
Thursday.—Towards four p.m., arrived at the Messrs. Jamieson’s station, Mildura, pleasantly situated on a turn of the river, about fifty miles by water from Macleod’s. Mr. Jamieson, who appears to be thoroughly acquainted with the resources and commercial statistics of the river, which he most obligingly has communicated without reserve to all on board, joined us here with a native servant, in order to accompany the expedition as far as Swan Hill, 600 or 700 miles further. About this man hangs a tale, establishing, I think, a fact, which, though generally credited with regard to native propensities, has not perhaps been thoroughly authenticated. I allude to their cannibal habits. The man, who goes by the name of Mickie, himself tells the story. He says, that, returning on one occasion from Melbourne, where he had been serving as a police trooper, he fell in with some natives of the Loddon tribe, one of whom, following him, and threatening to spear and eat him, he attacked and killed.[12] This effected, he was not content with his triumph, but did actually eat a portion of the man’s body—a part of his kidney fat—which he pronounced good eating, and not unlike pork and duck. Nor does it appear that Mickie was thus prompted for want of food, or from a specific predilection for such a meal; but rather because he imagined that thus would be infused into him his enemy’s strength; and that, moreover, the skin which he lavishly distributed amongst the natives of his tribe, would prove a charm for his fishing nets.
The settlers about the Darling appear desirous of coming under Adelaide jurisdiction. The fact is, they are so distant from Sydney, that they imagine themselves quite neglected by authority, and entirely cut off from all legal jurisdiction. What difference the advent of the steamer upon their waters may cause in their ideas, is yet to be seen. Undoubtedly, it is a source of unmingled satisfaction to all settlers here; indeed, we are told of some who actually meditated the abandonment of their runs, in utter despondency at the impracticability of transporting their wool produce to a port,[13] or even of obtaining the supplies necessary for their subsistence. Dancing on board the Eureka till half-past ten.
Friday.—Took in a quantity of pine wood, about five tons, for fuel; and, after passing Williams’s, arrived at (Carwarp) Messrs. McGrath’s, a station occupied by three brothers; who, from the condition of common labourers, have raised themselves, by their industry, to a position of comparative affluence. They are the possessors of 10,000 sheep on this run, about the numbers which are depastured at Mildura. The weather continues cold, though dancing was kept up for an hour in the evening. The cabin was much crowded at this station; and some of our party addicted to going early to bed, complained a little of the disturbance on board.
Saturday.—Morning cold. Reached Messrs. Keane & Orr’s (native name Kulkyane), where we remained till early on Monday morning. The natives at this station were numerous, and some of them apparently intelligent, but in appearance disfigured, if that is possible, by the circles of white clay which they had drawn round their eyes and noses. This, we are informed, is symbolical of mourning for deceased relatives—perhaps the unfortunate children who are, it is said, so often slaughtered.
Monday.—Steamed on to wooding station, in a picturesque country with high banks.