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34
persuading the Yarra and Goulburn blacks to join together in forming
a settlement on the Goulburn Reserve. After the experiment of a year and a
half the establishment was removed to Coranderrk. Mr Green superintends
and directs the natives in the cultivation of the soil. By the success
which has attended his efforts in this branch of industry last year it is expect-
ed that the establishment will next year be independent of Government
supplies." Mr Hamilton says of the blacks "They have finely
developed heads: and I believe are quite susceptible of a high
degree of intellectual culture . . . while they love and respect Mr
Green, even as a father or chief, yet they are not disposed to
be always bound by his opinions . . They all assemble, men, women,
and children, in the schoolroom every morning at 9, and every evening after
the school hour for worship. On Sabbath, 17th July, while it
rained incessantly, 56 mustered out of a community of 66, for the
worship of God . . . Among the worshippers you may see one of the Goulburn Blacks who by superstitious rites, incantations, and imposture,
used to deceive the people. Now the spell is broken. Jesus has
cast out the demon: and the victim of Satanic possession sits
at His feet humble and docile, clothed, and in his right mind. . . .
The last eidence of progress is that relating to the rate of mortality.
In 1861 there was a decrease of 19 by excess of deaths over births,
in 1862 there was a decrease of 9; in 1863 the births equalled the deaths; in 1864 there is up to this time
an increase of three.