From these extracts we learn that the employment and the working of the institution is the practical success of the power of religion. The mission is still making its way, and an influential committee has been formed in Sydney to promote its interests.
The other missions in Victoria and South Australia I have already described. We see, after all the failures, that the cause is not hopeless.
First, we must not be satisfied with civilization. Religion can alone change the native. The Ethiopian cannot change his skin, but God can change the heart. Civilization will follow religion. Next, the missions must be secluded from towns and white population. Lastly, the land fund is a legitimate source of provision. We have possessed their lands, and therefore should compensate from that source.
Her Majesty, in her Instructions to the Governor, has expressed herself—“That you do by all lawful means prevent and restrain all violence, &c., against them, and take such measures as may appear necessary for the further conversion of them to the Christian faith, and their advancement to civilization.”
The Government has taken up the question and appointed the Honorable G. Thornton, Esq., M.L.C., Aboriginal Protector, while the Church of England Synod has appointed a Board of Missions, including the Aboriginal Mission. May we not hope for some success?
There is, besides, the New South Wales Aboriginal Protection Association of which His Excellency Lord Augustus Loftus, G.C.B., is Patron, the Honorable Sir John Robertson, K.C.M.G., President, together with the Honorable W. J. Foster, M.P., Vice-President, and an influential Council.
A penalty is imposed on publicans who sell liquor to them. They are supplied with blankets, at a cost of £3,300 annually. The coast tribes are provided with fishing-boats and tackle to the amount of £51. In Sydney they are supplied with food and clothing from time to time, amounting to £350; and throughout the Colony with medical attendance and medicine. They receive passages on railways free. Two schools have been established, and assistance has been given to Societies on their behalf. Thus they have not been left utterly uncared for.
CHAPTER VII.
The last of the Sovereigns of the Sydney Tribe “King Bungaree”—His son.
My acquaintance with His Majesty was very short. As was his usual habit, he visited the ship “Thames” in which I arrived in the Colony. His sable Majesty, in his native barge, a bark canoe, presented himself to make the usual inquiries as to the name of the captain, and to inspect the steward’s pantry, receiving tribute of various articles of food and raiment; and although he was adorned with a cocked hat and brass plate, I could not help contrasting, to his disadvantage, His Majesty’s appearance with that of the North-American chieftains with whom I had been in the habit of mixing; however, years of drunkenness and some starvation no doubt had had their effect in emaciating his frame—the blessings which civilization has bestowed upon the unfortunate aboriginal population.