The Chief Protector was armed with additional powers to try and check these evils, to pay periodical visits, and to hold Courts for dispensing justice summarily.

The Bishop of Adelaide, having been examined before the Committee, stated his belief in their capacity to understand Christianity, but not the metaphysical difficulties; that the natives had never been known to be drunk at the Poonindie Station, during the whole time of Mr. Hale being in charge, although they went with the drays, and ran into the township. He further stated that he had faith in the conversion of the natives; he had attended them in their dying moments, and believed, in many instances, that they were converted.

Mr. Moorhouse, who had been seventeen years Chief Protector, stated his doubts of their attaining knowledge beyond a certain point, although in two cases he witnessed evidences of their conversion, when dying. Several natives were examined, and gave very sensible answers to questions. “We like Port Lincoln because we are away from the old blacks. Tell why? Because we don’t like to be wicked. Are they wicked? Yes, fighting and doing anything, robbing, swearing, and drinking.” Several questions they would not answer, especially those relating to the dead.

Some severe affrays took place in the northern district through destitution, the long-continued drought having deprived them of means of support. They committed depredations on the settlers’ sheep and cattle.

The estimated population within 60 miles was as follows:⁠—

In the year1841... ... ...650natives
”1842... ... ...630”
”1843... ... ...560”
”1844... ... ...550”
”1845... ... ...520”
”1854... ... ...230”
”1855... ... ...210”
”1856... ... ...180”

From all the centres of population they disappeared, forcing on us the melancholy reflection that in a few years the very existence of the original possessors of the land will be amongst the traditions of the past.

It will be seen by the accompanying sketch of Port Lincoln, and the extract attached, that the South Australian Government has taken up the cause of the aborigines with much zeal, granting money and land for this object. It is to be hoped that some of these unfortunate beings will be rescued from the doom of total extinction, which many have long consigned them to.

In February, 1876, the mission to Lake Condah was commenced. The report of this mission, under the care of the Rev. H. Stable, is very encouraging. The men having returned from shearing, a new branch of labour, they, together with the women and children, attended church, morning and evening, and service on Sabbath regularly. There were some under religious feelings, but the general want of feeling towards the Gospel was very evident. The children attended school, and had made progress, and the neighbouring free-selectors attended Divine worship.

There were thirty-two men, twenty women, seventeen boys, and twenty-three girls, in all ninety-two natives on the station. The men had been engaged in cleaning, growing hops and arrowroot, and stripping bark. There were 255 head of cattle attached to the mission, by which milk and butter were supplied. The next testimony is from the official visitors, 1876. “My wife and self dropped down upon the mission station to breakfast. No human beings appeared. There were eighteen dogs of various sizes, colours, and ages to greet us. The chapel service had just closed, and the congregation streamed out from the place of worship.