Corroboree

The report of the Protector of Abo
rigines for the, quarter ending March
31st has just been published. It con
tains no particular points of interest : but
its general tenor confhms that of pre
vious reports as to the gradual wasting
away of the native tribes. The various
statements from deputy-protector3 and
others in the country districts bear out
what has been so frequently remarked
in reference to the inoffensive character
Of the people. A few offences are charged
upon them ; but in a greater number of
instances they seem to have been the
sufferers, and may be considered as more
sinned against than sinning.
Both in town and at the Onkaparinga
the natives have been supplied with an
immoderate quantity of intoxicating
liquors. At Kensington they have on
several occasions behaved very boister
ously.^ This is chiefly traceable to the
corroborees which they have frequently
held, encouraged thereto by liberal dona
tions in money, and by supplies of strong
drink most reprehensibly furnished them.
The races last month were a famous
attraction, the wild mpn having as keen
a, relish for the excitement of the turf. as
his more favoured brethren of Europe.
It is somewhat amusing to read in a
grave and formal report, that ' eleven
families returned from the interior to
the city in March, in order to be present
at the races in April ;' and it is equally
entertaining to note that 'they do not
intend, to winter here.' These fashion
able arrivals, however, contrived to keep
clear of the Police Courts, for there was
no case against any of them.
From the Northern districts, Mr. Min
chin reports that the most favourable
accounts reach him from every quarter.
But these 'favourable accounts' refer
only to the quiescence of the natives.
The same witness deposes to ' an un
usual amount of sickness,' adding that,
although he attended the natives in their
illness, he gave no medicines, being en
tirely ignorant of their diseases. The
want of fresh water is severely felt in
this locality, every newly-sunk well
' roducing the same unpalatable brackish
water.

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