Aborigines of Van Diemen's Land, 1830-1840 - Page 238
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[Page 238]
return of rations served to the Blacks on Flinders's Island in July 1834 we find that there were served - Do
Full rations 119
Half rations 7
126
Thus in the short space of two years, the unfortunate remnant was reduced one half.
Mr Darling observes that the Aborigines ascribed their illness to the devil, and, had no notion of physical causes. They were utterly averse to the hospital.
It was at first difficult to find some eligible island whereon to place the Aborigines, fears were entertained of the Sealers on the islands that they might carry off the Females either by fraud, or force. They have used to come armed onshore and forcibly capture the women. On one occasion six men landed in a boat but they met with a warm reception, five of them were killed by the Blacks, and the sixth made his escape.* Swan Island was first fixed upon for a depot, then Clarke's Island, Gun carriage island, Great Island, and finally Flinders's Island. The despatches from the latter were are dated "Wyba Lenna" which means "Black Man's house", hut or dwelling. The commandants residence and the depot are at Wyba Lenna.
[margin note]
* The men have a black woman among them who they in whom they placed confidence. Tucker remained in the boat, and the other five went to lay lie down, and fell asleep. The female then got up slily, and calle callel called her countrymen who killed the whites with ease.