The Aborigines of Australia

by R.N. Richard Sadleir

I have known cases of this kind, but not being in the Commission of the Peace, I could not act, but could only content myself with making them known to the Government, who could not adopt measures promptly enough to bring the parties to justice. My opinion is that a Protector (supposing him to be a man of influence and energy), residing on the outskirts of the white population, would prevent a number of the feuds and violences daily taking place between the white and aboriginal population—would preserve order and law amongst the whites themselves—would impress the aborigines with a proper opinion of our character as a people (the very opposite of which is the case now, the aborigines being brought first in contact with the most unprincipled of our countrymen), and would, from their opportunities of observation, be enabled to suggest to Government, from time to time, such measures as would not only prevent that too general feeling of Lynch law, but serve to ameliorate the condition of the aboriginal population, and afford security to the whites themselves.

My own experience convinces me that much of the evil which at present exists may be prevented by the residence of officers on the frontiers, whose peculiar province it would be to ascertain the sources of these evils, and then suggest the means of preventing them.

But I must further add, that I conceive the duties laid down in Lord Glenelg’s despatch are in many instances unsuitable to the office of Protectors, being of a missionary character, and that they are likewise too onerous for any one individual to perform. I likewise think the salary for Assistant Protectors too small to ensure men of the proper qualifications, the office being one not only requiring moral character, but likewise men of address and standing in society.

Other expenses besides mere salary will be requisite for the Protectors. They must have either an European or aboriginal police; also, have funds for presents, &c., so that the expense cannot be estimated at less than £500 per annum for each Protector.

I further conceive that a summary of our laws should be translated into the dialects of the aborigines and frequently promulgated amongst them; for as they are subject to our laws, without any voice in framing them, it is but justice that they should be made acquainted with them.

Respecting the removal of the Flinders Island blacks, this appears to be a matter of necessity, as they are dying away rapidly, and must shortly become extinct; therefore justice and humanity require their removal, if the cause or causes of the prevailing fatality cannot be overruled. Wearing English clothing, want of their usual allowance of animal food, situation, nostalgia, or mal du pays, may all contribute to this end; some of these causes therefore can be removed, but others are beyond the power of control.

If the necessity for their removal be however admitted, the question whether they ought to be located in Van Diemen’s Land or removed here, becomes the next subject of consideration. It appears from the inquiries I have been able to make, that locating them in Van Diemen’s Land would revive the old feelings of hostility and awaken recollections of past violences, and that therefore it would be an impolitic act. The bringing them to this Colony consequently appears to be the only resource left. What their influence would be upon the uncivilized tribes appears to me to be very problematical; and how far it would be possible to preserve them when introduced within the pale of our white population, from the destroying influence of that population, as well as with what feelings of jealousy a foreign tribe may be viewed by the aboriginal natives here, are questions which our present experience would lead us to hesitate coming to any conclusion on.

I conceive, in both these instances, we must depend upon the ability and experience of Mr. Robinson, whose extraordinary success should certainly establish confidence in his plans, and who appears to consider the assistance of some of these natives essential to his success in the wider field of action which this Colony throws open to him.

The expense of the maintenance of these natives should most certainly be borne entirely by the Van Diemen’s Land Government, for the benefit of their removal is theirs, and not ours.

In viewing the question of the aborigines, I conceive that justice, mercy, self-interest, and religion all demand of us that expense and exertion should not be spared in attempting something for their amelioration.