Item 03: 'The Aborigines of Australia. A Lecture by Wm. Ridley M.A.', 14 September 1864. - Page 55

In illustration of the avowed Policy of the British Govern-

ment towards the aborigines, ^ with which I shall conclude this lecture -

let me call your attention to the

17th section of the instructions given with the hand and 

seal of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, to Sir

John Young.  These instructions are dated Osborne House,

Isle of Wight, 5 March 1861.

"And it is our further will and pleasure that

you do, to the utmost of your power, promote Religion and

Education among the native inhabitants of our fair

Colony [New South Wales] and of the lands and islands

thereto adjoining;  and that you do especially take 

care to protect them in their persons, and in the

free enjoyment of their possessions;  and that you 

do by lawful means prevent and restrain 

all violence and injustice which may in any

manner be practised or attempted against them;

and that you take such measures as may 

appear to be necessary to further their

Conversion to the Christian Faith, and their

advancement in civilisation."

Without pressing the enquiry what steps

have been taken by His Excellency and His government