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157
THE
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
MISSION TO THE ABORIGINES,
LAKE MACQUARIE
FOR MDCCCXXXIX
Ebenezer, Lake Macquarie Inlet,
New South Wales.
December 31st, 1839.
TO THE HONORABLE THE COLONIAL SECRETARY,
E. DEAS THOMSON, Esquire.
&c. &c. &c.
Sir,
The Aborigines of New South Wales, during the present year, having been placed under different circumstances than those under which they have been treated, ever since the Country has been taken possession of by the British Nation, it would be superflous to revert to lamentable occurences which have been occasioned by the collision of Civilized People with Barbarians. It requires time to allow the measures adopted to develope their suitability to the necessity of the case; but prudence, patience, perseverance, and a spirit of independence, superior to the mistaken views of many, are required in the agents employed to ensure success to the means in operation for the mutual protection of the Aborigines and British Colonists. From personal observation and knowledge of facts, it is evident that the interference of the Legislature, as a Daysman betwixt hostile Blacks and Whites, has not been premature, and the delay occasioned by the reference to England for the Royal Approbation before the act commences,"To allow Aborigines of New South Wales to be received as competent witnesses in Criminal cases," will occasion trifling inconvenience, although, cases could now be brought forward, were the act in immediate operation. It appears, however, that this act is only one step to their admission to the rights of British Subjects, being special for "Criminal cases," and being construed strictly, precludes the Aborigines as Witnesses in all Civil cases! Since the lasr year's report several Blacks have been engaged as servants in this and other places, they conducted themselves well for a short season, when some ultimately left whilst indebted to their employers, and it is not improbable that cases may arise in which the Aborigines may be discharges without that remuneration for which they agreed to serve. In either case the Blacks could not be allowed in Evidence before the Commissioner of the Court of Requests where equity puts both Plaintiff and Defendant on oath, they being proposed by the recent act to be admitted as "Competent Witnesses in Criminal cases" only.
Becoming, as several Aborigines are, useful in their respective employments in civilized life, it is presumed that the Legislature will complete the good work in behalf of the Black portion of British Subjects by admitting them to the full enjoyments of the privileges to which they are entitled by being made members of the United Kingdom.
Not long since one of the Blacks, belonging to this Inlet, named Boatman, was speared by the Blacks in Sydney, in such a manner that he lingered, and shortly afterwards died of his wounds. He was buried by a Stockman at Irriring in this neighbourhood. This was a case requiring the interferance of Justice; but it was useless to apply to the Coroner, or to any Magistrate on the subject there being none but Aboriginal witnesses who are all now declared incompetent until the Royal sanction arrives. Other cases of alleged murder have arisen amongst themselves which it is a duty to prevent or punishif possible. "For the law is made for Murderers of Fathers and Murderers of Mothers, Manslayers, &c. &c." and there be many such-like among the Aborigines of this Colony. Drunkenness, within the circle of Civilized society, has added to their natural habits of barbarity more frequent acts of cruelty , especially to each other, when under the influencing of intoxicating drink.
Some that were hired at this station, gave notice according to agreement, that they would leave at Christmas, in order to visit the town, for the sake of spirits, and although a Christmas repast was provided and spruce beer given, this was not sufficient, for immediately after their fill they hasted away to obtain their beloved maddening spiritous drink. On expostulating with them on the crimi-