1876.

VICTORIA.

TWELFTH REPORT

OF

THE BOARD

FOR THE

PROTECTION OF THE ABORIGINES IN

THE COLO) Y OF VICTORIA,

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S COMMAND.

2tutboritg: GEORGE SKINNER, ACTING GOVERNMENT PRINTER, MELBOURNE.

No. 25. "

APPROXIMATE COST OF REPORT.

Preparation--Not given. £ a. d.

Printing (850 copies) .. 40 10 0

REPORT,

Melbourne, 30th June 1876.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY-

The Board for the Protection of the Aborigines has the honor to submit this the Twelfth Annual Report of its progress, with other reports and returns relating to the Aborigines, which are attached as Appendices.

The number of natives living on the stations is as follows :-

Coranderrk ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• 137 Lake Hindmarsh ••• 67

Lake Condah ••• ••• 89

Lake Wellington ••• 81

Framlingham ••• 63

Lake Tyers ••• ••• 63

500

There is also a large number of Aborigines still unreclaimed, many of whom are supplied with rations, blankets, and slops, whom it is very desirable to bring under the direct supervision of the Board.

The gross value of produce raised on each station is as follows :—Coranderrk, £1,343 2s. 7d.; Lake Wellington, £67 9s. 9d.; Lake Hindmarsh, £195 16s. 10d.; Framlingham (estimated), £150 ; Lake Condah, £25 6s. 7d.; Lake Tyers, £69 16s.

Although the area under hops at Coranderrk was increased this year by four acres, the weight produced was only about the same as last year. It will also be noticed that there is a falling off in the gross cash proceeds, which is accounted for by a fall in the market of about fourpence per lb. as compared with last year. The Board, however, is pleased to state that the Coranderrk hops realized the highest price of any offered in Melbourne.

The return of the population of Coranderrk shows a large death rate since the last Report, and the Board's attention has been specially directed to this matter. A sub-committee of the Board visited the station last July, and the General Inspector of the Board, and the Chief Medical Officer of the colony, at subsequent periods, also visited it. Two separate reports from these sources appear in the Appendices, both of which tend to prove that the position or condition of Coranderrk has influenced this excessive mortality ; but returns received from most of the other stations, as well as the report of the Sub-Protector of Aborigines in South Australia, show that the prevalence of measles has also seriously diminished the Aboriginal population of both colonies.

It will, however, be observed that no less than fourteen deaths have occurred at Coranderrk from pneumonia, the best preventive for which might have been the removal of the people to a more genial climate. •

Such a situation has been pointed out in the report of Messrs. Curr and Ogilvie ; but as, unfortunately, the greater number of the people have a very decided and natural objection to leaving the present station, the Board is of opinion that the wiser course would be to replace about twenty of the worst huts by others more suitable to the climate, and also to form a station at the locality indicated in the report last mentioned, which would not only be useful as a sanitarium for any Coranderrk invalids, but would form the nucleus of a station for the natives of that part of the colony, and which the Church of England Mission has proposed to undertake, with the usual assistance afforded by the Board.

The reports from the other stations are so generally encouraging, that they may be left to speak for themselves.

A2

4

The education of the young is a matter which has engaged the serious attention of the Board, and from the success which has resulted from the schools at Lake Wellington, Lake Tyers, and Lake Condah being under the inspection of the Education Department, it is its -wish to carry out this system wherever possible.

It would be very desirable that an amendment should be made in the Act, whereby the Board would be authorized to apprentice out all lads who, having finally left school, object to remaining on the stations.

In order to give effect to the foregoing suggestions, an increase in the funds usually voted by Parliament will be 'necessary ; and if a wise liberality is exercised now, it will enable the Board to put the stations in the way of becoming more nearly self-supporting than they are at present.

Whilst on this subject, the Board would also wish to bring under Your Excellency's notice the inconvenience felt from the funds voted by Parliament being placed on the Estimates under different heads, and to suggest that it would not only simplify matters, but also enable the Board to economise its expenditure, were the sum given in the form of a grant which could be utilised by the Board in the usual mercantile manner.

Owing to circumstances, several changes have been made in the general management, more especially at Coranderrk, which led to some temporary disorganiza-tion, which has now been remedied.

The Board begs to express its thanks to the Chief Medical Officer of the colony for the very elaborate report drawn up by him on the sanitary condition of Coranderrk, and also to the gentlemen acting as Local Guardians for the valuable services rendered to the Board by them.

F. R. GODFREY, Vice-Chairman.

To His Excellency Sir George Ferguson Bowen, K.G.C.M.G., &c., &c., &c.

5

APPENDIX I.

Stu, Coranderrk, Healesville, 9th August 1875. I have the honor to forward, according to request, a copy of the register which I have kept of the

births, deaths, and cases of illness which have occurred on the station since the beginning of this year. There was no register kept previous to that time, but as I judged it necessary that such a register

should be kept, I requested to be supplied with a book for such purposes, and got it at the beginning of the year.

I would beg to state, in regard to those who have suffered from illness, and in regard to those who have died, that they were attended either by Dr. Gibson or Dr. Elmes, and in the greater number of cases by both.

I have, &c.,

(Signed) HEINRICH STAHLE. Frederick Godfrey, Esq., M.P.

REGISTER of Aborigines who have died at the Coranderrk Station during the Year 1875.

Date. Name. Age. Cause of Death.

16th February ••• 24th „ ••• 25th „ ••. 26th „ ••• 3rd March ••• 7th „ •••

11th „ 29th „ 30th „ 5th April ... 8th- „ ... 25th „ ... 9th May ... 10th „ ••• 11th „ ... 27th „ ... 27th June 29th „ 8th July ... 12th „ ... 24th „ ..

Charlie ... • •

Parker's baby • •

Barker's baby • •

•• Benjamin John Starling • •

William Nash • •

Eliza ... Louisa ... James ... Polly ... Minnie Johnny ... Mary ... Mary ... William ... Sarah ... Isabel's baby Samuel ... Julia ... Lydia's baby Tommy Black

• • • •

• • •

• • • •

• • • •

• • • •

• • • •

•• • •• • • • •

• . •

• • •

• • •

•• • • • •

•• .• • • • •

• • •

• • •

• • •

• • •

• • • 30 years ... • • 3 days

10 days ... • • •

• • • 2 years ... 3 years ... •

16 years ... • • •

36 years ... 50 years ... 10 months ... 40 years ... 10 years ... 7 years ... 9 months ... 7 months ... 6 weeks ... 48 years ... 12 days ... 3 years ... 7 years ... 6 days 28 years ...

Heart disease. Premature. Measles. Disease of the ear affecting the brain. Dysentery. Pleuro-pneumonia ; died in the Melbourne

Hospital. Pleuro-pneumonia. Measles. Effects of measles. Effects of measles. Pleuro-pneumonia. Effects of measles—dysentery. Thrush. Thrush. Thrush. Pleuro-pneumonia. Cold on chest. Dysentery. Pleuro-pneumonia. Cold on chest. Pleuro-pneumonia.

All were attended either by Dr. Elmes or by Dr. Gibson, and in the greater number of cases by both.

(Signed) HEINRICH STAHLE, Superintendent, Coranderrk.

APPENDIX II.

SIR, Coranderrk, 20th September 1875. I have the honor to hand you my report on Coranderrk Aboriginal station. I take it for granted that in reporting on it I am to suppose that the welfare of the Aborigines is the

primary consideration with the Board, under which circumstance I shall report against it being a suitable location for them, and principally for the two following reasons :-

1. It is too cold and wet a climate for them to remain in all the year round ; and 2. It is too near a white population for the Aborigines to be kept clear of the vices incidental to the

two races being in such contiguity. The vices I specially refer to are drunkenness and prostitution ; and although I have no direct evidence of either one or the other taking place to any great extent, it would require a great deal of negative evidence to prove to me that they are not prevalent. At any rate, I consider prevention the safer course, and I think this would be best attained by removing the station to a place where the white population was less numerous than in the neighborhood of Coranderrk. The first objection, on account of climate, would be met by removing to a more genial one, and probably both requirements might be found somewhere on the banks of the Murray River.

6

P.S.—Fifteen horses and a team of bul-locks.

It is here, however, necessary for me to inform the Board that by far the larger proportion of the Aborigines at Coranderrk would prefer remaining there, partly because it is their country, or near it; but probably, also, in a limited degree, for the same reason that the worst part of a white population prefer loafing about towns to going into the country in search of work.

A minor consideration against Coranderrk is that it is unsuitable for both sheep and cattle; and as meat is so heavy an item in the expenditure, the Board may probably take this circumstance also into its consideration.

If the Board decides on removing the Aborigines it will be necessary at once to look out for some more suitable place; as, although there will be no necessity to remove before the autumn, it must be remembered that not only has the new location to be selected, but it will have to be got ready for the reception of the people by that time.

But if, on the contrary, the Board should decide on still retaining Coranderrk as an Aboriginal station, I will proceed with my report on it.

Coranderrk may be described as a sour rangy country with some very rich flats, especially those commencing about two miles up the Badger Creek on its left bank, and joining the present hop plantation, to which they are little, if anything, inferior.

The village is as clean as I suppose we have any right to expect it to be; but the floors of all the huts should be raised considerably above the road level, and a deep drain should be made on the lower side of the road, through the village, to prevent the water rendering the huts on the lower side of it damp.

I am not able to report anything about the children attending the school in consequence of the present position of Mr. Stahle in reference to the Board.

The fencing on the station, with the exception of that round the hop plantation, is mostly very old, and very much out of repair. •

Coranderrk is not suitable for rearing either sheep or cattle—the former stock would become flukey, and it is too cold for cattle. The cattle I have seen are about an average of those in the neighborhood, and in about the same condition, which may be described as "low store." I understand there are about 400 of them, but no bullocks old enough to kill. A flock of goats might be kept to supply mutton when short of beef, and if Angora rams were used something might be got for the pelts in the course of time.

There is a large stock of potatoes in store, and some of the people are now employed in cultivating cabbages, &c., in the garden. There is also some barley growing.

I would suggest that, instead of giving the people their rations once a week, uncooked, it would be better to have a general kitchen, in charge of a white cook, where all, their food should be cooked, and from whence it should be issued to them at each meal-time. The advantages which might accrue from this system, or some modification of it, would be, that the food would be better cooked, less waste, and the people would have a better chance of keeping their huts in a more cleanly state. If the Board should not approve of this suggestion, I think the meat ration should be issued oftenerLthan it istat present—say, twice a week.

As I know nothing of hop cultivation, I will merely report what Mr. Burgess says on the subject. Mr. Burgess does not place much confidence in the Aboriginals as permanent laborers, and he desires

me to inform the Board that, to give him a fair chance of producing a. good crop this year, he would require the assistance of three white men for the next three months. He also wants blue-gum seed or plants to protect the hops from the hot winds, and for which the ground is already prepared. He desires me also to inform the Board that when he was engaged he was promised a but for himself and family, and which has not yet been built, and from which circumstance he has been put to the expense of keeping his wife and family in Hawthorn.

I have now only to add a few remarks on what I conceive ought to be the general management of the Aborigines, and I think in reference to this they should be divided into classes.

1st Class.—All full-blooded Aborigines, partially or wholly ignorant of the laws of civilization, and all the infirm and aged ; all of whom should be managed in a purely paternal manner.

2nd Class.—All others above a certain age, on being admitted to the station, should be required to sign an agreement with the superintendent to obey all his lawful orders, &c., and that on any breach of this agreement the superintendent should be authorized to administer such mild punishment as might be thought adequate to the offence (stopping tobacco, &c.); but that for any flagrant breach of discipline they should be summoned before a bench, and treated exactly as a white man would be under similar circumstances, for which purpose it would be necessary that their accounts with the station should be so kept that there should always be a small balance to their credit to meet any probable fine imposed. Of course the superintendent would also be instructed that the less he felt it necessary to call in the aid of a magistrate to assist him in the management of the Aborigines the better the Board would be pleased.

3rd Class.—Which may be called the Educational Class, would of course be composed of the youths of both sexes. I think this class should be so educated that as they arrive at a sufficient age they could be sent into the world to compete for employment with the white population, the station never being closed against them in periods of distress or sickness.

Under some such system as I have sketched, I do not think it would be too much to anticipate, and that at no very remote period that the necessity for a Board might cease; but I do fear that unless the grown-up half-castes are made to feel their personal responsibility to a greater extent than I think they do at present, and unless the young are taught that they will have to battle for their living the same as white people, some future Board for the Protection of the Aborigines will have to deal with a vagabond race only distinguishable from the whites in that they will be lower sunk in depravity than the basest of those whites.

As I am to a certain extent new to my present duties, I have no doubt omitted much which the Board would wish to be informed on; it will therefore be my further duty to answer any questions the Board may think fit to put to me.

R. Brough Smyth, Esq., Honorary Secretary, Board for Protection of Aborigines.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant,

O. S. OGILVIE, General Inspector.

7

APPENDIX III.

SIRS, Melbourne, 20th December 1875.

We have the honor to forward for your information our progress report on the present state of the Aborigines of the colony as the result of enquiries made at your suggestion.

In giving effect to your wishes in connection with this matter, we have the honor to state that we left Melbourne. on 12th October last, and proceeded by rail to Rochester, and thence by buggy, vi& Wyuna, to Echuca, from which point, as far as practicable in the flooded state of the Murray, we followed that river down to within a few miles of the South Australian boundary, calling•at all the stations on the way, and losing no opportunity of seeing and conversing with every Aboriginal whom we met, as well as making the fullest enquiries of sheepowners and others living in the locality.

As the result of this part of our journey, we have the honor to state that the Aborigines seen by us amounted only to fifty-four; but that our enquiries lead us to estimate the number frequenting this tract of country at about two hundred souls, and that the total number resident on the Murray, from Albury to the South Australian boundary, may be set down at two hundred and fifty souls. Concerning them it is also necessary for the Board to bear in mind that the whole of the natives in question frequent equally both banks of the river, a practice which seems to have prevailed amongst them previously to the advent of the white man.

From the very full information we have received from residents on both sides of the river, we have further come to the conclusion that during the last five years the tribes in question have been reduced in numbers by not less than one-half. This will easily be credited when it is borne in mind that the natives are readily engaged by sheepowners and others as shearers, bullock-drivers, boundary-riders, &c., &c., at the highest current wages, and that almost the whole of these large earnings are devoted to the purchase of spirits either in this or the neighboring colony, and for doing which there appears at present to be no practical:obstacle; though, at the same time, it is probable that, were they really supplied with the amount of spirits which their wages should purchase, that a very speedy termination of their existence would ensue. On occasions, particularly of being paid off at any woolshed, it has been pointed out to us, on testimony which it is impossible to doubt, that it is the custom of the tribe, four or five of whose members may have cheques amounting to £70 or £80 amongst them, to adjourn to some low shanty or public-house, or even to some secluded bend of the river, where they are met by appointment by a white man, who has long had his eye on them, with a cart containing a few cases of spirits, when they proceed to dissipate, sometimes in one night, the whole proceeds of their previous labor. On such occasions atrocities are enacted which it would be difficult for those unacquainted with savage life to realize. In them the young and the old of both sexes take part, and they not unfrequently end in the murder of a woman or two, or in the infliction of such injuries to some of the females as result often in death. If to these facts it is added that the birth of a child is now rare in the tribes, that the women are gradually becoming fewer in proportion to the men, that those yet remaining are victims to constant prostitution, in spite of their urgent remonstrances, some estimate of the ordinary atrocities obtaining will be within the knowledge of the Board.

In view of the above facts, and as a remedy for the evils which we have now brought under the notice of the Board, we have the honor to suggest that immediate steps be taken to form a station at which the tribes in question may be collected. Whilst we are aware that the natives to whom we refer cannot be expected to resort to such a station in large numbers at once, we have seen at Ebenezer, Condah, and Framlingham a state of things which leads us to hope that substantial good consequences would speedily result from such a course.

The site which we would recommend for this station is the country surrounding some lakes belonging to the Kulkyne station, about twenty miles south f'rom the head station on the Murray River of that name.

This seems to us to be a locality admirably adapted for the object in view; and could a reserve be obtained there capable of carrying 5,0.00 sheep, the Treasury would in a great measure be relieved of expense in connection with the establishment, whilst the desired isolation of the natives would be secured.

EBENEZER MISSION STATION.

After having made our inspection of the Murray River tribes, we proceeded to the Ebenezer Moravian Mission station, which is in charge of the Rev. Mr. Spieseke. This establishment is on a reserve of. 3,607 acres of poor country generally, a large portion of it being mallee; and a further 1,000 acres of country which Mr. Edols holds on a squatting tenure, and of which he has ceded the use.

Of this land the proper grazing capability is not more than 750 or 1,000 sheep. A rather inferior brush fence encloses the reserve.

The quantity of stock at present on the reserve is 1,900 mixed sheep, 8 working bullocks, 4 horses, 2 mulch cows and calves, 2 heifers, besides about 12 head of cattle and 4 horses belonging to the Aborigines. It will be observed that the above stock is very considerably in excess of what we estimate the carrying capabilities of the present reserve.

There is a small hay paddock, but the crop has been a failure this year. The buildings on the Ebenezer station comprise—a church, the missionary's cottage, school-room,

dormitory and mess-room for orphans, all of which are built of limestone. They are enclosed in a well-kept garden, and present a creditable and handsome appearance. The native huts are built of good substantial logs, and a few of them of limestone. We inspected them within half an hour of our arrival at the station, and we are happy to state that we found them in excellent order, though small and ill-ventilated. There are, however, no closets attached to them, a circumstance to which we drew Mr. Spieseke's attention, as we look on conventional decency, especially in reference to females, as a civilizing agent.

8

The following is a list of Aboriginals on this station at the period of our visit:— Black. Half-caste.

Married men ••• 6* ••• 4 Men temporarily absent ... 14 „ women ••• 6 •.. 4 Men in hospital (Horsham) ... 1

Single men ... ••• 4 .•• 1 Men who occasionally visit station 13 „ women ••• — ••• —

Widowers ... ••• 4 ••• — 28 Widows ••• ••. 2 16 Boys up to 15 years ••• 16 1 46 Girls „ Pf •.. 8 6

Total ... ... 90 46 16 —

* One in hospital.

Of the above children, 11 boys and 11 girls live in the children's house, the remaining 9 live with their parents.

The mortality among the people, we are informed, has been in 1873, 3; in 1874, 4; and in 1875, 16; the greater number of deaths in the last year being from measles. At present there is no sickness on the station, the people looking remarkably healthy. Mr. Spieseke informed us that originally many were suffering from pulmonary and venereal diseases, to which disorders the deaths of many were attributable.

The school at Ebenezer is entirely conducted by Miss Gregory, and is attended by between 20 and 30 pupils, who appear to be under good control, and to have made satisfactory progress in their lessons; probably they are as far advanced as white children of their ages generally. There are many very nice singers among them, and one half-caste girl promises to be a proficient on the harmonium. We think Miss Gregory deserves great credit for the general state of her pupils.

We noticed that the greater number of the people (it being optional with them) attended prayers in the church, morning and evening, whilst we were there.

The situation of this station appears to us to be healthy, the village being built on a dry limestone rise; added to which the climate is mild, and the people derive great advantage from its retired situation, and from there being no public-house within 12 miles of it. The decent appearance and quiet respectful behaviour of the little community speak highly in favor of the general management of the place, and we are of opinion their good behaviour and the prevalence of efficient discipline are attributable to the circum-stance of the people looking to Mr. Spieseke as their head and protector, and to no authority beyond him. Another very potent source of good discipline at Ebenezer is the fact that Mr. Spieseke realizes a con-siderable sum annually from the wool, which is at his own disposal, and which he dispenses in wages, &c., for the benefit of the people. This is no doubt the principal source of his power, and to this and his position of authority we credit the result which we have the honor to lay before the Board.

The rations are supplied by Mr. Lloyd, storekeeper, of Dimboola, who is also the correspondent of the Board. Mr. Spieseke suggests that he should be allowed to purchase rations, especially flour, at such times as they could be obtained at the greatest advantage, both as to their market value and the price of carriage, and he suggests the months of February and August as the most favorable months for that purpose. Both Mr. and Mrs. Spieseke are also of opinion that the slops sent up by the Board are inferior and dear, and that it would be a better plan to send up the different kinds of clothing in the piece, to be made up by the women on the station. We think a saving might be made by purchasing these slop materials from a wholesale Manchester warehouse, rather than from a Collins street tradesman.

Concerning Dr. Fairbairn's charge for medical attendance, we have the honor to state that it seems to us excessive, but there appears to be no way of having it reduced except by an appeal to the doctor himself. Whilst on this subject, we would suggest that the quarterly medical inspections should be discon-tinued, as of little or no use to the Aborigines—the medical man being called in only when his attendance is actually required.

In consequence of the present limited area of the reserve, the quantity of stock kept is insufficient to supply the people with a proper ration of meat or milk, keeping up at the same time the number of the flock ; and as by the attached copy of a letter from the Board of Land and Works the Government appear willing to increase the area to a capacity of carrying 3,000 sheep, we think the Board should at once urge it to perform its promise, as, if granted, it would not only enable the station to supply the people with the necessary ration Of meat, but would relieve the Treasury permanently of a material portion of the expenditure of this station, as the money derived from the wool of 3,000 sheep would amount to a very respectable sum. At present we regret to say that the weekly average of meat issued at Ebenezer is only 3 lbs. per adult head, and that of bad quality, a quantity which the Board will readily see is quite insufficient.

In a sketch map attached we show the original reserve and the additions required, making the area altogether about 17,600 acres, which, as the country is very thinly grassed, besides very much of it being mallee, would not be too much for 3,000 sheep.

We have, in conclusion, to inform the Board that we derived much satisfaction from the inspection of this station, as we found the people in good health, contented, dutiful, and industrious; in proof of which latter quality Mr. Spieseke informed us that almost all the work of the station, including the fine church, mission cottage, dormitory, and school-house, all of which are built of limestone and plastered, is the work of the people and missionaries. There should, however, be more cattle kept on the establishment, as at present the children get but little milk; and the want of a proper supply of fruit and vegetables is also noticeable, and the more remarkable where labor is so plentiful. As stated previously, the want of closets is also noticeable, and they should be built at once.

The accounts of receipts and expenditure of wool money, though apparently correct, might be kept in a better manner; also, there is no register of deaths kept. We think Mr. Spieseke should be requested to attend to both these matters; and with reference to his accounts, we think for the future they should be audited in the usual way.

In the event of the additional area being granted by the Government, we would suggest that the Board should have it invested in trustees of its own appointing.

About 3 sq. miles,

belonging to Antwerp,

proposed addition.

About 2 square miles,

already given up by Mr. Edols.

PRESENT MISSION

RESERVE.

Station

9

During our stay at Ebenezer 200 sheep arrived, the gift of Mr. Charles Officer and Mr. Charles Armytage. We understand these two gentlemen have been for some years past in the habit of making the station similar welcome presents, and we think the thanks of the Board are due to them for such generous charity.

"EBENEZER MISSION STATION."—PROPOSED INCREASE.

ANTWERP RUN.

LO

CH

IEL

UPPER REGIONS RUN.

Proposed addition,

about 12 square miles.

1 2 Scale, one inch to one mile.

LAKE CONDAH MISSION STATION.

From Ebenezer we proceeded to Lake Condah Mission station, of which the Rev. Mr. Stable is in charge.

The area of this reserve is abdut 2,000 acres of good pastoral land, with some rich slopes and flats fit for agricultural purposes. It is not adapted for sheep, as they would be likely to become flukey; it would, however, carry from 350 to 400 bead of mixed cattle if properly fenced and managed.

The stock at present on the reserve consists of 257 head of fair mixed cattle, 7 horses, and a team of working bullocks, whilst 16 cows in the dairy yield a plentiful supply of milk. We regret to have to report that this reserve is without a ring fence (one-half of it having been burnt last year), so that to some extent its pasture is common to the stock of the neighbors. That this fence, with the labor at command, was not replaced long since, we think is very much to be regretted.

As regards cultivation, we may state that there is a small paddock of oats for hay, some potatoes, and about 2 acres of hops, which latter are looking well; the crop of potatoes and hay is not promising. There are also two or more small grass paddocks for horses, &c.

The buildings comprise the missionary cottage and kitchen, school-house, children's dormitory, and store, all very good weatherboard buildings. There is also a very good vegetable and fruit garden, in which also a small quantity of arrowroot is being grown; but it does not appear to us that there are by any means enough vegetables and fruit grown to supply the people.

The people's huts are of slabs, with bark roofs. They are small and ill-ventilated, and have mostly earthen floors, which generally want raising. Some of the floors are, however, boarded. The whole of the huts would be rendered more healthy by having efficient drains cut round them. There are no closets provided for the people. To these two wants we drew Mr. Stable's attention, but we were not informed that any steps would be taken in the matter.

N.

Daughters. Total. Married Couples. Sons.

6 2 4 6 3 6 2 4 7 2 3 2 2 3 4 2 3 4

4 2

71 15 4 2 6

10

108

•

2 (black) •••

1 (half-caste) •.. 3 (black) .•• 2 (black) ••• 2 (half-caste) •.•

1 (black) ... 1 (black) .•.

••• •••

2 (half-caste) •.•

2 (1 black and 1 half-caste)

2 (black) •• •

•••

••• •••

Sutton, John (black) and Lucy (black)... ... 2 (black) Hewitt, Wm. (black) and Lizzie (black) ..• Green, John (black) and Carry (half-caste) ... 1 (half-caste) .•. Mullen, Jas. (black) and Ellen (half-caste) 1 (black) •.. Taylor, Margaret (black) ... King, Wm. (black) and Hannah (half-caste) 2 (black) .•• Frazer, John (black) and Jenny (black) Green, Thos. (black) and Jenny (half-caste) 1 (half-caste) •.• White, John (black) and Louisa (black) 4 (black) ... Officer, Lizzie (black) ... •e ■ 1 (half-caste) •.• Buins, Hy. (black) and Maria (black) ... 1 (half-caste) ... Wallaby, Wm. (black) and Kitty (black) Wilson, Wm. (black) and Maryanne (black) ••• Mobourn, John (black) 2 (black) ••• McDonald, Edward (black) ... ••• ... 1 (half-caste) ••. Egan, Jas. (half-caste) and Emily (half-caste) ... Lancaster, 'Jas. (half-caste) and Bessie (half-caste) , 1 (half-caste) .•• Gorrie, Wm. (black) and Mary (black)...

Robinson, Hy. (black) and Mary (black) White, Wm. (black) and Georgina (black)

Total married couples and children ••. 10 black and 5 half-caste orphans, from 3 to 17 years 3 black and 1 half-caste widowers ••• 2 black widows ••• ••• 6 black old men ... 3 black and 7 half-caste young men

Total ••• •••

10

The present number of people on this station was stated by Mr. Hogan. (the schoolmaster) to be 98, but on looking over the return furnished us by him (Mr. Stahle having only very recently taken charge) we find the number to be 108, as under :—

At present there is no sickness, all looking very healthy. Here, as at Ebenezer, the ration of meat is under 3 lbs. per week ; it is not nearly enough.

The school is under the direction of Mr. Hogan. It is attended by 36 children, of whom 18 are boys and 18 girls ; 13 of which are half-castes and 23 blacks. They all seem to be very well taught, kept in excellent order, and well drilled. In fact Mr. Hogan deserves very great credit for the state of his school.

We were informed that the greater number of the people attend prayers, morning and evening, in the school-house, voluntarily.

The orphans' dormitory and eating-room is in charge of a half-caste couple, and seems to be well kept. This station is not so favorably situated for health as Ebenezer, where the site of the village is

limestone. The climate is also much moister. The village is, however, well placed, having a good natural drainage, which, if assisted by effective drains round each but and the raising of the floors, would leave little to complain of in that respect. Like Ebenezer, we conceive it derives great benefit from its retired situation, the nearest public-house being 10 miles off. The decent appearance and respectful behaviour of the people speak well for the manner in which the station has been conducted.

With reference to the slops sent to Lake Condah station we think the same course should be pursued as we have recommended in the case of Ebenezer—viz., that all that are required should be sent up in the piece, to be worked up by the women on the place. We also recommend that the quarterly medical inspection should be discontinued, as a useless expense.

The two principal works required to be carried out on this reserve are fencing in the whole with a ring fence, to effect which speedily we have the honor to recommend that Mr. Stahl° be supplied with the sum of £50, to be disbursed as wages among the people, and which we feel sure would greatly tend to

ha4ten the work. The other principal requirement of the station is the drainage of the swamp, which would not only probably conduce to the health of the people, but would add some valuable land to the station.

The present requirements of the station are- 1 young bull. 1 very light 7-hoed scarifier (for the hops). 1 dozen men's hoes. 500 running ft. of 9-in. tongued and grooved pine boards, to line part of ceiling of school-

house, in which there is at present a great draught. We pointed out to Mr. Stahle that when he became better acquainted with his neighbors he might

solicit a present of a few sheep from them after shearing, telling them what Messrs. Officer and Armytage did in that way for Ebenezer. Mr. Curr has also requested his district inspector to use his influence in the same direction.

As the Board is aware, Mr. Stable has only recently taken charge of this station. Everything is apparently going on well between himself and Mr. Hogan, but we think, to avoid the chance of future trouble, Mr. Stahle and Mr. Hogan should be informed of their relative positions to each other.

11

FRAMLINGRAII.

From Lake Condah we proceeded to Framlingham Aboriginal station, which is in charge of Mr. Goodall, assisted by Mrs. Goodall, and is managed entirely without further aid from white people. The area of this reserve, Mr. Goodall informed us, is 3,500 acres, about one-third of which is good pastoral land, with some rich spots adapted for cultivation ; the remaining two-thirds, as estimated by Mr. Goodall, being low-class stringybark ridges. With the exception of about half a mile, the whole of the reserve is fenced in with log, post-and-rail, and wire fences. There is a very good grass paddock of 150 acres, about 16 acres oats, 5 acres of pease, 5 acres of rye-grass, 5 acres of potatoes, and 1 acre of hops. The stock depastured on this reserve is 75 head of cattle, 7 working bullocks, 3 draught mares, 1 foal ; there being no saddle horses, with the exception of one or two, the property of Mr. Goodall.

This trifling amount of stock on this really fine reserve is a matter which we think very much to be regretted • for not only is the land not made to contribute to the funds of the establishment, but even the insufficient ration of 2i lbs. per head of meat issued to the people has to be purchased from a butcher.

- Under these circumstances, we have the honor to recommend that 100 heifers and 2 bulls be purchased without delay and put on the ground. We think the heifers might be bought at £4 or £5 per head.

Should the incurrence of such an outlay seem undesirable, we have the honor to inform the Board that we have been informed by Mr. Goodall that 3;000 acres of the reserve can be readily let for £300 per annum—a proposal which we think worthy of consideration, as with the proceeds of such a rent for eighteen months the necessary cattle might be purchased. This course is not, however, without objections, and might be modified so as to meet the case, if the more desirable action recommended be impracticable. It is our duty to add, for the information of the Board, that we are of opinion that an annual loss of not less than £600 per annum has resulted from Condah and Framlingham not having been properly stocked and improved by the Aboriginal labor at command.

The buildings on the Framlingham reserve only comprise Mr. Goodall's cottage, which is miserably small and partly dilapidated. A store, also used occasionally as a school-house, and the Aboriginal huts, which though small, are on the whole decent, beinc, built of slabs with either bark or paling roofs ; but the floors generally want raising, and the drains round the huts require deepening and keeping in better order. There are some nice little gardens attached to some of the huts. There are no closets ; in fact there is not one on the whole place.

'

N.B.—No serious sickness for two years except measles ; 15 deaths in the last three years.

The people are all looking very healthy, and are quiet and respectful in their demeanour. We regret to state that there are neither vegetables nor fruit at Framlingham ; in fact there is no

garden whatever. The school is conducted by Mrs. Goodall. The elder children read very well, and the young ones

are not backward for their ages. We think the school creditable to Mrs. Goodall, who can, however, only devote her time partially to the native children.

Mr. Goodall informed us that he believed that there were but few of the people who were not, more or less, affected in the lungs, &c. From our own observation we are unable to give any opinion on this subject ; at any rate there was no outward sign of ill-health. On this station, as well as at Ebenezer and Condah, we recommend the discontinuance of the quarterly medical inspection as an unnecessary and useless expense.

We have pointed out to Mr. Goodall that an increased area should be laid down in clover and rye-grass every year, instead of putting in the same acreage of oats in the same paddock every year. Were the former system adopted, the grasses would gradually spread over a great portion of the reserve, very much increasing its pastoral capabilities.

We think the present salary, £90 per annum, received by Mr. and Mrs. Goodall too low, and that it should be at once raised to £120 per annum. We also think that the £20 allowed him to build a house insufficient, and suggest that he be allowed a further sum of £20. At the same time we do not understand why Mr. Goodall has not utilized the services of the people on the place in adding to the decency and comfort of himself and family.

With reference to the slop clothing supplied to this station, we have the same remark to make as at the other two stations, viz., that the material be purchased and made up by the women on the station.

Amongst the Aborigines on this station it is said that prostitution has ceased, and, as a consequence, the births are again, and have for some years been frequent, and, as a general remark, we may add, as applying to all three stations we have now reported on, that the unmarried girls and women appear to be as modest as their white sisters. Mr. and Mrs. Goodall appear kind to the people and to have gained their respect and confidence. Mr. Goodall should be supplied with two saddle horses. -

With reference to some Aboriginals located on a free selection at Colac, Mr. Goodall suggests that they should be sent into Framlingham. We have already communicated with the police at Colac, and they have promised to write to the hon. secretary on the subject.

.

The present number of people on Framlingham amounts to 71, as under :— Black. Half-caste.

Married men... ... ... 10 2 ,5 women ... ••• 6 6

Unmarried men ... ... ••• 7 ... 1 1) women ••• ••• 2 ••• 1

Widowers .....• ••• ••• 6 1 Widows ...••• 1 — Children from 3 to 15 years 9 7 Infants... •••

47 24 24

Total ... 71

12

A complete reformation of this station, from a commercial point of view, is absolutely necessary. With reference to the general state of the Aborigines, and bearing in mind the fact constantly

stated, that savage races not only die out but cannot even be preserved in the midst of civilization, we have the honor to state that the impression made on our minds by what we have been told by the managers of all the Aboriginal stations on the subject of the medical visits to such stations is, that not only does the Aboriginal under your care show a high death rate, but that the medical attendance has been of a very perfunctory character, and, except that the visits of a doctor may raise the spirits of the sick, all but useless.

Under these circumstances, we think it our duty to recommend that the first medical talent in the colony should be engaged to visit Coranderrk, so that a reliable report, more or less applicable to all the stations, may be before the Board on what is the most important portion of the subject with which we are dealing. EDWARD M. CURR,

Member of Aboriginal Board. C. S. OGILVIE,

Gen. Sup. Aboriginal Stations. To the Vice-Chairman and Members of the Board for Protection of Aborigines.

Increase of Area of Mission Station "Ebenezer," Lake Hindmarsk.

W.70/4195. G.B. No. 70/1644. (Corr.) GENTLEMEN,

Office of Lands and Survey, Melbourne, 4th March 1870.

In reply to your respective communications of 16th November last, urging that the area of the mission station at Lake Hindmarsh may be increased, I have to inform you that the Board of Land and Works has decided that in re-estimating the rents of runs to be paid under the Land Act of 1869 from and after 1st January 1870 provision be made

to increase the grazing cspability of the mission station at Lake Hindmarsh by the addition of such extent of country as

will allow it, as a whole, to support 3,000 sheep. I have, &c., &c.,

(Signed) C. HODGKINSON,

To Winnemande Stewart and others, Ebenezer. Assistant Commissioner Crown Lands and Survey.

APPENDIX IV.

GENTLEMEN, Melbourne, 23rd June 1876.

In accordance with your instructions, I left Melbourne on 10th June to visit the Lake Wellington and Lake Tyers Missionary Aboriginal stations, and herewith hand you my reports on them.

Lake Wellington station is in charge of the Rev. Mr. Hagenauer. The area of the reserve is 2,300 acres, 500 acres of which are irreclaimable bog ; the remaining

1,800 acres is fair grazing land, of sandy loam, with portions fitted for the cultivation of root crops and artificial grasses. There is also a section of 160 acres, purchased by the mission, adjoining the reserve. The whole is substantially fenced and subdivided into paddocks.

The site of the village, from a sanitary point, is good, being on a high well-drained bank overlooking the River Avon. The health of the people is good. There is little or no pulmonary disease. The services of a medical man are therefore very rarely called in.

The buildings consist of the missionary's house, kitchen, &c., boys' boarding-house, school-room, church, hop-kiln, store-room, &c., all of which are neat weatherboard buildings, and are all in good repair, with the exception of the boys dormitory, and for which I recommend Mr. Hagenauer be allowed the sum of £30. •

The people occupy thirteen cottages, built of paling or weatherboards, all of which are floored, and have a comfortable and cleanly appearance. A plot of land is attached to each cottage, in which the people raise vegetables for their own use, and in some instances arrowroot for sale. A privy is erected at the bottom of each garden.

The crops on the station consist of one and a half acres of arrowroot and about two acres of potatoes, besides which there is a vegetable and fruit garden.

The stock on the station comprise 208 well-bred cattle, 6 working bullocks, 1.50 sheep, and 8 horses. There are 16 cows in the dairy, and consequently an abundance'of milk for the people.

The number of Aborigines at present residing on the station is 80, besides occasional visitors belonging to the district, who reside in a camp attached to the village.

The school is in charge of Mr. and Mrs. Hahn, under the Educational Department. It is attended by 24 children, half of whom are girls. School inspector's report, 16th June 1876 :—" Percentage, 95 . 327. The children have passed a very creditable examination in almost all subjects. Arithmetic in the higher classes needs attention. The school in general is in a most satisfactory state of working efficiency.—

• (Signed) — HOLLAND, Insp." Mr. Hagenauer earnestly desires me to draw the attention of the Board to the necessity of initiating

some system whereby all the boys, after leaving school, may, if they object to remaining to work on the station, be apprenticed out to farmers, tradesmen, or others, as it is evident that it is at this period of their lives that the proper bias can be given to them to become useful members of society, and practically prove the advantages they have derived from the training they have received.

13

There are many very satisfactory features in the management of this station, among which may be mentioned, that the people, besides doing the work of the place, cultivate patches of arrowroot in their own time in their gardens for sale ; that many of them have money in the savings bank ; that all of them sub-scribe some trifle to the local hospital ; and that there is a library provided for them of between 300 and 400 volumes, ranging from pictorial books for the young up to works on geography, history, astronomy, &c., for the more advanced, and many even of these latter books show signs of being well used.

It is Mr. Hagenauer's ambition, at no very distant period, to make this station self-supporting, and many of the people express the same hope. I may not be so sanguine as Mr. Hagenauer, but I have no doubt that the mild but firm discipline established from the commencement has a gradual tendency towards such a consummation.

The Lake Tyers Mission station is in charge of the Rev. Mr. Bulmer. The area of this reserve is 2,000 acres, and is situated on a peninsula jutting into the lake. The

soil is rather poor sand ; the grass is consequently inferior. There are, however, some loamy patches fit for the cultivation of root and grass crops.

The reserve is substantially fenced in with posts and rails, and there is more fencing now being carried on.

The site of the village is healthy, being naturally well drained. The health of the people is good; there is little or no pulmonary disease, and it has very rarely been necessary to call in a doctor.

The buildings consist of Mr. Bulmer's house, Mr. Hallier's house, dormitory for boys and girls, school-house, and store ; all of which are fair wooden buildings, but require some repairs, especially the dormitory and school-house. I recommend the Board should allow £30 for this purpose.

There are six native huts in the village, built of paling, all of which, excepting one, are floored and are tolerably comfortable and well kept. There is a plot of ground attached to each of these huts in which some of the people grow arrowroot for sale. There are no privies, but Mr. Bulmer has promised to get them built.

The crops consist of acres of arrowroot. There are 9 acres more cleared and ploughed and got ready for a crop of rye-grass. There is also a good vegetable garden, but owing to the exceptionally dry season, it is not at present producing much.

The number of people residing at present on the reserve is 94, of whom 57 reside in camps and 20 in the huts in the village

The school is in charge of Mr. and Mrs. Hallier, supervised by the inspector of the Educational Department. It is attended by 17 children, from 4 to 14 years of age, 11 of whom are boys. With the exception of the two youngest children, who live with their parents, the whole of the children sleep and have their meals in the dormitory. Mr. Holland, the school inspector, reported on 29th May 1876, as follows :—" The children appear fairly equal to the requirements of the classes in which they are working, and the school generally seems to be in a satisfactory condition."

The children, and, with a very few exceptions, all the people, are insufficiently and untidily clothed, not having had any blankets or slops for two years.

There are only 28 head of cattle and 100 ewes on the station, in consequence of which all the people, with the exception of the school children, are dependent for their meat on what .they can procure by hunting, for which they are allowed two days per week. There is no milk for the children. I recommend that a moderate sum should be granted Mr. Bulmer by the Board to purchase the nucleus of what would form a future herd.

The people appear to be well conducted and obedient, working at fencing, clearing, &c. ; but, in judging the management of this station, it must be borne in mind that Mr. Bulmer has to deal with a large number of very partially reclaimed savages from the mountains, who do not reside permanently, and that in some unaccountable manner the station does not appear to have received its fair share of assistance from the Board for the last two years.

C. S. OGILVIE, General Inspector.

To the Vice-Chairman and Board for Protection Aborigines.

APPENDIX V.

SIR, Ulupna, 23rd October 1875. In reply to yours of 4th ultimo and 15th instant, requesting information respecting the condition

of the Aborigines in this district, I have the honor to report that I cannot consider it so satisfactory as in preceding years ; I attribute this solely to the number of "shanties" that have lately sprung up in this district. The facilities for obtaining spirits are so great that it is utterly impossible to restrain them. The natural consequence is, undue exposure, resulting in death. Sixteen have died within the last eighteen months. Those remaining consist of 10 old women, 10 old men, 14 middle age, 13 young grown-up men and women, 14 half-caste children, and 7 black children ; in all, 68. Those who are grown up generally find employment. I would suggest that the children be taken away with as little delay as possible. The mothers of the greater number would willingly accompany them. I would also point out, with regard to the old, that they have an utter repugnance to being removed from their native beat. The general health of those remaining is good.

R. B. Smyth, Esq., JAMES RUTHERFORD. Hon. Sec., Board for Protection of Aborigines.

I have, &c., &c.,

Average. Total.

January ... 76 80 July February ... 79 81 August ... March 72 80 September April 754 82 October ... May 744 77 November June 62 68 December

Average. Total.

55

58 51

53 55

57 56

58 55

58 56 ••• 57

1-1

APPENDIX VI.

MEMO

In forwarding the reports of Dr. Jamieson and Mr. Framlingham, I am glad to be able to fully endorse the opinion of of the Aborigines at Framlingham ; they•now very rarely appear see some of them in Warrnambool, they are always sober and well

Belfast, 10th January 1876.

Goodall, the master of the station at the latter as to the general good conduct at the Police Court, and though I often behaved.

H. B. LANE, P.M.

SIR, Framlingham Aboriginal Station, 31st December 1875. I have the honor herewith to forward you my annual report for the year ending 31st December 1875,

and, in reply to your questions contained in - your letter dated 16th December 1875, to inform you that the number of Aborigines attending this station during each month of the twelve months ending 31st December 1875, and the average daily attendance during the same period, is as follows :—

Total. Daily Average. Total. Daily Average.

January • • • • •• 63 ••• 51 July ... 59 ... 54

February ••• 63 55 August ... 58 55

March ••• ••• 65 58 September 60 56

April ••• ••• 64 60 October ... 63 60

May .•• 63 .•• 59 November ... 71 60

June ••• 65 62 December ... 70 63

I have to report 6 deaths and 3 births during the above period. I attribute the large number of deaths to the outbreak of measles amongst them, which was very virulent in its character while it prevailed amongst them.

The number of children attending school is 10 ; 5 of these can read and write well, and the remaining 5 are making fair progress ; 12 of the adults can read well and write fairly.

About half a mile of fencing will enclose the whole of the land. We have about 30 acres under cultivation, which is sown with peas, oats, rye-grass, and potatoes ; about an acre of hops has also been planted. None of this produce has been consumed or sold, and we anticipate realizing about £150 should things progress as they are doing at present. Had the season been a more propitious one, it would have been something like double the amount.

The stock on the station consists of 40 cows, 2 bulls, 20 heifers, 15 steers, 3 mares, and 1 foal, and 7 working bullocks ; in all, 87 head. The station is capable of carrying about 250 more.

There are 15 huts occupied by the Aborigines, and in most cases they are clean and well kept, some of them being remarkable for their neatness and cleanness, being nicely papered and neatly furnished, with the walls tastefully decorated with pictures. Their furniture as well as their windows are set off to the best advantage, with pieces of crochet and other fancy work of their own execution, a kind of work in which some of the females seem to excel and take great 'pleasure.

The men still continue to hunt native game, and to fish during the season. Every Saturday is occupied by them in hunting, and they generally employ their summer evenings in fishing. Several of them still continue to indulge in intoxicating drinks, although every measure is taken to prevent them doing so.

Taking the conduct of the Aborigines on the whole, a steady improvement is visible ; their attach- ment to their homes increases, and they evidently appear to be realizing the necessity of making the best of the advantages which are at present set before them.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Yours, &c., &c.

WM. G-OODALL, JUN.

APPENDIX VII.

Dimboola, 22nd January 1876. In reply to yours of 16th ultimo, I beg to enclose a letter from Mr. Spieseke, containing answers.

Your obedient servant, W. H. LLOYD.

Ebenezer Mission Station, Lake Hindmarsh. 1 Number of Aborigines attending station monthly :—

•••

•••

H. B. Lane, Esq., P.M., Local Guardian, Belfast.

SIR,

15

2. Three births, 17 deaths; with exception of one, all died during measles. 3. Twenty children attended school, who can all read or write more or less. There are also several

of the adults, male and female, who can read and write. 4. The whole of the reserve is fenced in and subdivided. The produce of hay, fruit, and vegetables

has been consumed on the station. 5. About 2,000 sheep, 8 working oxen, 6 mulch cows, 11 calves and young cattle, and 7 horses.

During the greater part of the year the cows give no milk, but if more ground was taken up for mulch cows, and thus reduce the run of the sheep, the want of mutton would be more felt by the Aborigines than the temporary want of milk ; the reserve would not do both. This year over 500 sheep were got from some neighbors and friends of the Aborig ines.

6. A new commodious woolshed is in course of erection. Besides the house for children, there are 15 huts for Aborigines; occasionally some are unoccupied ; on the whole they are kept clean. There are also the necessary buildings of the Mission dwelling-house, church, school-house, store, cart-shed, &c., &c.

7. A balance, the produce of sale of wool, carried over was, on 1st January, £258 18s. 6d., for empty bags, 3s. ; on 27th November, £195 16s. 10d. was realized from the last year's clip of wool, making a total of £454 18s. 4d. From this the usual current expenditure needful for the station has been met, and clothing and rations for Aborigines supplemented ; there was also bought one ton galvanized iron for new woolshed, and pump and other necessaries for irrigation, value about £60.

8. I regret to say the Aborigines go away to earn money ; that these their earnings are in many instances spent in intoxicating drink. Had they inducement enough to stay on the station, this would not be the case. Mr. Curr, who has experience about Aborigines, expressed his opinion, when here on a visit, that Aborigines should not go about, but should be enabled to get their living on the station; and this is what the Aborigines want themselves.

9. No estimate could be formed about the earnings of the blacks by themselves, as they give no statement of their earnings elsewhere. What they have received for work done on station, including the wages of matron for children, and which has been paid through Mr. Spieseke, from Mission funds and from wool moneys, may be estimated at £90. The people have also burned a few tons of lime and sold it, but no account has been taken of that. I trust the above will be plain and explicit ; but please give it as I put it down, especially No. 8, about intoxicating drinks. W. Lloyd, Esq., F. W. SPIESEKE. Local Guardian, Dimboola.

APPENDIX VIII.

Sin, Lake Condah, 3rd January 1876.

In reply to your letter of the 16th December 1875, I have the honor to inform you that the number of Aborigines attending this station during the past year was as follows :—

Total. Daily Average.

January ... 91 83 February March... •••

89 99 •••

87 93

April ... ... 89 87 May .. ... ••• 83 81 June ... 86 86 July ... ... 90 • • • 87 August September •••

91 88

• • •

•• • 88 81

October 82 • • • 70 November December ... •••

86 94

• • •

• • •

84 92

The number of births was 2 ; of deaths, 6, 4 of whom died from the effects of measles. The number of children attending school is 34; 12 males and 14 females can read and write; 3

adult males and 6 females can read and write. There are at present 200 acres of ground fenced in, which are divided into seven paddocks. The

whole reserve was fenced in, but the fence has been destroyed by bush fires ; we have, however, commenced again to fence it in, with a strong post and rail fence. The men, I am happy to state, are very diligent and willing in working at it.

Three acres and a half have been sown with oats ; ai acres were planted with potatoes, 1 acre with hops, and 4 acres with arrowroot. The oats will yield rather a poor crop ; the hops and arrowroot are also very far behind on account of the wet season, but the potatoes look pretty fair.

There was no crop sold during the year ; all that was grown on the station was consumed by the Aborigines. The number of cattle on the station is 255 head, 135 cows and heifers, 120 steers and bullocks, all

of which are in good condition. There have been 14 beasts killed for meat, 10 steers and 4 old cows. Three cows were drowned

in the creek, and one working bullock died of old age.

16

Four good substantial huts have been built during the year. The buildings on the station at present are—school, Mission house, teacher's house, 19 huts (inhabited continually by four each on an average), children's house, store, cart-shed, harness-house, two pigsties, three out-houses, two kitchens, stable, and cattle-shed, making a total of 35 buildings.

The huts are all kept very clean and tidy ; some are remarkably neat, and the articles in them are arranged with much taste. The children's house is also kept clean and tidy, but as it is not lined inside, it is, in bad weather, very cold and full of draughts.

The total income and expenditure during the year was as follows :—

INCOME. £ s. d. EXPENDITURE. s. d.

Bark ••• • • • 14 17 0 Wages to men 34 2 0

Hides ••• 10 9 7 Incidental expenses... 2 0 0

Bags 2 16 0 Carting stores • • • 7 5 0

Total ... £35 7 7 Total ... £36 2 0

The men occasionally hunt and fish, and the women make baskets and sell them. There was one case of drunkenness during the year, but the publican who sold the drink was

prosecuted and fined. I estimate the total amount earned by the blacks by working for neighboring settlers to be about

£40. As the huts are all built of slabs, which have shrunk, and thus render them very cold, I would beg

to recommend that the Board might grant canvas to line them, which would be a very great comfort to the people, and would prove highly conducive to their better health.

The people here, I am happy to remark, are all, as a rule, contented, cheerful, and submissive ; numbers of them have in former years led a very unsettled life, and it is evident from the manner in which they now live that a great improvement has taken place ; they are advancing perceptibly in civilization and morality year by year.

I have the In to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant,

J. HEINRICH STAHLE. R. Brough Smyth, Esq.,

Secretary B. P. A., Melbourne.

APPENDIX IX.

SIR, Mission Station, Ramahyurk, Lake Wellington, 15th January 1876. In answer'to your letter of the 16th ultimo I have the honor to report :- 1. The number of Aborigines at this station during the past year has been —

Total. Average. Total. Average.

January ... 79 ..• 77 July ... •• • 79 79 February ... 76 ••• 75 August 84 79 March ... ... 79 .•• 79 September 84 79 April ... ... 84 .•. 74 October 94 89 May ... ••• 71 ... 71 November 85 78 June ... ... 74 •.. 74 December 86 76

2. The number of births was 3, of deaths 4 ; total decrease, 1 old man. The state of health has always been very good, as reported in my monthly returns.

3. The number of children attending school-25 on the rolls. The number of adults, male and female, who can read and write is the same as stated before. The number of male and female children who can read and write-9 males, 5 females. The smaller children are making good progress with their lessons. The examinations by the Government school inspector have been very good again, and the whole 5th class have passed the standard examination and received their certificates.

4. The quantity of land fenced with a good three-rail fence includes the whole of the reserve—the grassy land as well as the swamps and water—altogether 2,300 acres, which is divided in the following paddocks :—(a) 1,800 acres, including swamp and river ; (b) 320 acres for calves, paid by private sources ; (c) 200 acres ditto ; (d) four acres cultivation paddock fenced with palings, and about the same quantity divided for garden to the different families for their private use; (e) three acres well fenced with palings, as a hop-garden, which has been erected in 1874 ; (f) another three-acre paddock for the cultivation of potatoes for general use. The only kind of produce grown last year has been about six tons of potatoes for station use, and about 1,750 lbs. of manufactured arrowroot, prepared from the tous les mois plant, which was more successful last year than it is now, on account of the wet weather in spring. A consider-able quantity of vegetables have been grown in the different gardens and used at the station, which no doubt is very beneficial to the health of the natives.

5. The total number of stock belonging to Government is now 208 of all kinds: 85 cows and heifers, 56 yearlings of both kinds, 58 calves, 3 bulls, and 6 working bullocks. Two heifers and 2 calves died during the wet weather calving, and 21 of both kinds were killed for food during the cool weather, and 40 sheep during the hot season. The cattle are doing very well, and are in good condition. About 30 cows give milk for the different families on the station. No produce has been sold.

17

6. The number of huts and cottages for families on the station is 13, which are continually inhabited, and generally kept in good order, although it is needed to look after them as often as possible, and to encourage the blacks in regular habits and cleanliness. The total number of buildings, including station, out-houses, &c., is the same as last year (29), but will be increased shortly by the erection of a hop-kiln and drying and cooling houses both-for hops and arrowroot.

7. The total amount of money received during 1875 is as follows :—

£ s. d. Total income from hops '•• •••

15 17 7 Total income .from arrowroot ••• 34 0 0 Total from hides ••• 17 12 2 Temporary overdraft 107 5 5

Total ... £175 15 2

Total expense on station account 1875— Wages paid to men ••• 59 1 2 Contracts to men, and different building materials, &c. 71 8 1 Also building materials and repairs, &c. ••• 45 5 11

Total ... £175 15 2

There is about £36 wo•th of arrowroot not sold yet, and the amount for wages, &c., will be met from produce in the first part of the present year. Regarding .the keeping of accounts, it is the same as stated last year : everything is entered into the station book, and all original vouchers carefully entered and numbered, and kept ready for inspection. A very considerably higher amount than the one stated above is raised on private accounts for the benefit of the Mission and the welfare of the natives.

8. Some of the old blacks prefer hunting native game and fishing, but will be glad to receive meat from the station as soon as the stock is sufficiently increased to do so.

9. A. few cases of drunkenness among some who still wander about have occurred, but are getting less. 10. I am sorry to say that I am not able to give information about the private contracts of the blacks

and their income otherwise than at the station, as they have always kept it for themselVes, and would rather leave the station if I would press this point.

On the whole I am happy to say that good progress has been made in every respect, and that the state of health has also been very good. At the last exhibition at Melbourne we again received a prize for the arrowroot, and have sent a sample to the exhibition at Philadelphia lately. The progress at school has been quite satisfactory.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant,

R. Brough Smyth, Esq., Secretary S.C.B.A. F. A. HAGENAUER.

APPENDIX X.

Church Mission Station, Lake Tyers, Gippsland, 5th January 1876.

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your circular of the 16th December, and herewith forward the desired particulars.

1. The number of Aborigines attending the station for the year ending 31st December 1875 is as follows :—

Tothl. ail Dy. Average.

January ••. •• • 50 48 February ... ... 66 62 M arch ... .•• 68 67 April ... ... 68 66 May ... 69 67 June ... ••• 69 ••• 66 July ... ••• 66 62 August ••• 66 62 September 66 66 October ... 60 55 November 50 46 December ••• 65 64

.2. The number of births during.the year is 5, and the number of deaths is 2, both being infants. 3. The number of children attending school is 14. The number of blacks who can read and write

is as follows :—Adult males, 4 ; females, 5 ; male children, 6 ; female children 3. 4. The quantity of ground fenced for cultivation is about 12 acres, besides which the whole reserve

is fenced, the boundary fence being two miles in length ; there is also a division fence of three-quarters of a mile long. The quantity of land under crop was about 5 acres ; 4 acres being under arrowroot and 1 acre

• No. 25 r 13

18

under potatoes: I may state that the arrowroot crop did not turn out so well as I expected, as I only got 1,000 lbs. of arrowroot out of the 4 acres. The potatoes turned out well ; crop about 4 tons. There has been no produce sold except arrowroot.

5. The stock on the station is as follows :-25 head of cattle, and 100 sheep. Twenty-four sheep have been killed for food during the year.

6. The number of huts is 5 ; they are all inhabited, and are kept tolerable clean. The total number of buildings is 10.

7. The total income of the station for the year is £69 16s. ; and the total expenditure £75 ls. I sold 970 lbs. arrowroot for 138 9s. 2d., and 546 lbs. wool for £17 12s. 9d. The rest of the amount is for produce which properly belongs to last year, viz., 67 lbs. arrowroot, £2 16s. 8d.; and sheepskins.and wool, £10 7s. 5d. As I had received no returns for them when I forwarded my last report I include them in this year's account. I may state that the money has been chiefly expended in paying wages. I have had the blacks employed in splitting and fencing and clearing the land, for which I have paid them, as an incentive to industry. I enclose a detailed account of expenditure.

The blacks still hunt native game ; I generally allow two days a week for hunting. They make nets and fish in the lake, and the women fish with hooks ; though for the past twelve months they have not been very successful in fishing, owing to the flooded state of Lake Tyers ; they also hunt the kangaroo, wallaby, and native bear.

I am sorry to say many of the blacks indulge in intoxicating drink ; a few spend all their earnings in that way ; though there are no licensed public-houses in the district, yet they get their drink from the various " shanties " about the new entrance to the lakes.

I cannot give an estimate of the earnings of the blacks away from the station, as they do not return with any money or with any account of what they have earned ; though I may venture to say those who get employment generally earn about 5s. per week, and as a rule they do not work for the neighbors for more than three months in the year.

I think the following subject might be published with advantage :—Neddy O'Rourke, a young man who had been away from the station for six months working for a settler, returned with all his earnings, about £8, and bought patinas and other materials for a hut ; and as I had not time to help him to build it, he employed a carpenter to build it for him. I mention this circumstance because few blacks ever return any the better for their wandering in . search of work. Neddy has now fenced himself a nice garden, and has put in a crop of arrowroot ; he also does his share of work on the station.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Yours, &c., &c.,

JOHN BULMER. R. Brough Smyth, Secretary, Board Protection of Aborigines.

APPENDIX XI.

SIR, Coranderrk, 24th January 1876. I have the honor to enclose you my report on this station in accordance with the wish expressed in

your letter of 17th December 1875. In answer to your first question, there does not appear to have been any monthly list kept of the

Aborigines, but the number on the station on 31st December 1875 was as follows:—

Men living in village ... 43 Women ... ... ... 33 Children ... ••• ••• 36 Under Miss Robertson's charge ... ••• 25

137*

For which am papers Nos. 1 and 2.

The Aborigines fish and hunt, but not to the extent of reducing the rations they draw. I think, generally, they sell any game they shoot.

I do not think they indulge in intoxicating drink to any great extent, but I heard of four being drunk at a shanty up the river about Christmas time, and sent Mr. Harris to ascertain particulars; he was, however, too late. I am not aware of any steps being taken to prevent them getting drunk except that some time ago a Healesville publican was fined for supplying them with grog.

I am unable to furnish any estimate of their earnings when working for neighboring settlers, as I am unaware of their having done so lately, and there is no record of their having done so formerly, but I think, if they did earn anything, they would be very unlikely to communicate the fact to the manager.

With reference to the last paragraph in your letter, from the short time I have been on the station, and that intermittently, I am unable to speak of any progress the station may have made. My opinion, however, is that the management neither has been nor is satisfactory. I refer especially to the wretched. state of the people's huts, the great want of efficient drainage, and the bad conduct of many of the men, and I am assisted. in arriving at this opinion from having recently inspected Ebenezer, Lake Condah, and Framlingham stations.

4

... 19 •• •

... 25

19

I have, iu conclusion, earnestly to beg that a medical man of high standing be sent up immediately to investigate the state of the huts and the drainage ; and also, that as soon as possible the Board will appoint someone in whom it has confidence to take charge of this Station, and will allow him to take so much independent action in his management that he will have a fair chance of carrying out the reforms so absolutely necessary to the welfare of the people, and which from the very constitution of a Board it is quite impossible it can carry out itself.•

I have the honor to be, Sir, &c., &c., R. B. Smyth, Esq., Hon. Secretary. C. S. OGILVIE, General Inspector.

1st May 1876. POSTSCRIPT.—Since the above report was sent in, drunkenness has been very prevalent at Coranderrk,

but it is confined to about six or eight of the people there. The numerous grog shanties in the neighbor-hood are at the root of the evil.—G. S. OGILVIE, Inspector.

NO. 1.

DESCRIPTION of People's Huts on Coranderrk Station.

No. Dimensions. Material. Condition. No. inhabiting Huts.

No. Dimensions. Material. Condition. No. inhabiting Huts.

Men. Women. Children Men. Women. Children

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 x 14 18 x 12 18 x 12 18 x 1 18 x 1 18 x 1 18 x 1 15 x 1 12 x 1 15 a 1 12 x 12 x 12 x 12 x 12 x 18 x I 18 x I

Bark ... Slabs ... Bark ... Slabs ...

„ ... Paling ...

Bark ... „ ...

„ •• • 17 • • •

Paling ... Slabs ...

Damp floor „ „ „ „

Dry „ Damp „

•„ „

„ „ „ „

„

2, >I

,, 77

„ „

3 1 I 1 1 2

1 ...

2 1 4 1 1 2 1

2 .1

'.1. .1 1 2

empty 1 2 1 2

... 1 1

... 1

5 1 1 1

... 3

1 ...

1 ... ...

1 ... ...

3

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

14 x 10 16 x 12 24 x 15 20 X 12 12 x 12 22 x 18 15 x 10 18 x 12 18 x 12 18 x 11 18 x 12 18 x 12 18 x 12 18 x 12 18 x 12

Bark ...

Paling ...

Bark ... Slabs ... Bark ..• Paling ...

„ ...

1) • • • „ ••• „ ...

Sawn stuff Paling ...

Damp floor

„ „

„ „ „ II

Dry „ )1

Damp „

7/ 77

7> 7)

Dry „ „

Damp „

1 1 5 , 1 1

1 1

1 1 1 2

1 1

... 1 1

empty

• 1 1

1 1 1 2

... 2

... 1

...

... 1

4 3

... 2

„ ,, 2 1 6 43 33 36

Nearly al the huts have two rooms and in two instances three rooms. Only four out of the thirty-two huts have dry floors. Nos. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 are mere hovels. Nos. 16, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 have either paling or shingle roofs. Nbs. 25, 30, 31 have good sound dry boarded floors on joists. Four new huts have been built during the year. Two huts are uninhabited. The huts are neither clean nor well kept generally. The other buildings consist of two hop-kilns and drying rooms, manager's weatherboard cottage, overseer's ditto,

kitchen, dairy, and schoolroom. There is also a very substantially-built brick store, with four rooms attached. All these buildings are in good order, with the exception of the kitchen, which is dilapidated, and the schoolhouse, which requires a new roof.

No. 2. MISS ROBERTSON'S Return of those under her charge as Matron and Schoolmistress.

Names. Age. Color. Read. Write. Cypher. Names. Age. Color. Read. Write. Cypher. Lydia Edmunds ... Boni ... Jeannie McCullock ... Lizzie Murchison ... Rachel... ... Edith ... ... Zipporab ... ... Mary Punty ... Nellie ... ... Fanny Snooks ... Maggie Stone ... Mary Jane ... ... Mary Green ... Marianne ... ...

24

16 16 15 13 13 11 10 13 14 17

7 7

H.C. „ fl

B.

H.C. . B.

H.C. ”

„ „

B. H.C.

No Yes

77

>

„ „ f )

> f

No Yes No

No Yes

I)

„ 77

77

77

„ >,

No Yes No Yes No

No Yes No

,,

Yes /l

::

No „ „ „ „

Effie Wheeler Lilly Edmunds ... Lizzie Edmunds Sarah Edmunds Lucy Edmunds ...

Girls-19.

Alfred ... ... William Morris ... Tommy ... Alick ... ... Willie Edmunds Phillip Moore

Boys-6.

7 9

3

16 13

7

6

B. H.C.

77

)2

))

H.C.

B. H.C.

yl

„

No Yes No

2)

"

Yes

No „ 2,

.„

No „ 77

9)

97

Yes

No „ ) )

„

No 77

77

,,

79

Yes

No „ „

B., black ; H.C., half-caste, • • • • • • • • •

••• ••• •••

Total under Miss Robertson's charge

Girls Boys

B 2

20

No. 3.

LIST of Births, Marriages, and Deaths on the Coranderrk Station during 1875.

BIRTHS, Parents' Names.

Date. Child's Name.

January 3rd ••• Caleb ... ••• Alfred and Caroline Morgan.

February 2nd ••• Lawrence ... ••• Jas. and Jeannie Barker.

20th •• • Mary ••• ••• Wm. and Mary Parker.

April' 21st ... ••• Lena ... ••• James and Jessie Govet.

June 19th ... •• • Isabelle ••• •• • Leonard and Isabella Kerr.

28th ••• ••• Murdock ••• ••• Wm. and Lydia Edmunds.

July 8th ... ••• William •• • ••• John and Lizzie Charles.

September 7th ••• Maud ... •• • Lizzie Kinnear.

30th •••• Alice ... ••• Alick and Emma Campbell. December August — ... ••• ...

•.• R. and Jemima Wanding.

MARRIAGES.

January 29th ... ... Robert Wanding to Jemima Burns. ... John Charles to Eliza Briggs. ... Leonard Kerr to Isabella.

DEATHS.

February 16th Charlie ... ••• ••• Heart disease.

24th Mary (Parker's child) ••• Weakness.

„ 25th Barker's child ... •• • Measles. ••• Disease of ear.

Benjamin ••• ••• Affection of brain. .„ „ •••

John Starling ••• Dysentery.

Wm. Nash ... ••• Pleuro-pneumonia.

Eliza ••• ff

Louisa ••• Measles.

James ••• Effect of measles.

Polly ••• „ n

Minnie 7, 27

Johnny ... )) pf

Mary •.. Thrush.

Mary ••• , William ... ••• 7)

Sarah ••• ••• Pleuro-pneumonia ; low fever.

Isabel ••• ••• Cold on chest.

Julia ••• ••. Pleuro-pneumonia.

Murdoch ... •• • Cold on chest.

Tommy Black ••. Pleuro-pneumonia.

Caroline ... ••• P)

Jessie ... 17 and dropsy.

Johnny Barker o Hannah ... ••• ••• » Alice ••• ••• ••• „ R. Wanding's child ... •• • Wasted away.

J. Murray ... ••• ••• Pleuro-pneumonia.

W. Parker's child ... •• • Wasted away.

D. Parker ... em• ••• Convulsions.

Frank Ware ••• Pleuro-pneumonia. •

No. 4. x of Adults on Station, showingthe amount of Education possessed.

Names. Color. Read. Write. ' Cypher. ■

Names. I Color. Read. Write. Cypher.

John Charles Farmer, Thomas ... Phillips, John ... Hall, Daniel ... Simpson, Martin ... Smith, D. ... ... Briggs, Jno., sen. ... Dunolly, Thos. ... Hunter, Edwd. George ... Sampson .., ... Alfred ... Buscombe, Wm. ... MA ... ...

Morgan, Alfred ... Hunter, Peter

H.C. 13.

H.C. B. n

H.C. ))

B. ff

B. .,

H.C.

Yes „ 27

„

„

Pf

„ ,, )7

,, 7)

71

27

py

Yes '

No 11

/7

» „ ,,

Yes „ „ 7/

77

No 77

,.

Yes NO

7>

)7

n „ „

Yes

27 ,,

No „ 17.

7,

Parker, Wm. Campbell, A. ... Kerr, Leonard ... Wanding, Robert ...

John Charles, Mrs.... Arnott, Mrs. ... Bamfield, Mrs. ... Briggs, Mrs. Buscombe, Mrs. ... Baraak, Mrs. Hunter, Mrs.... Parker, Mrs. ... Wanding, Mrs. ... Kinnear, Mrs, ...

H.C.

)7

72

H.C.

B. H.C.

B. B H.C. .

ff

„ ,

Yes „ I)

77

n If

n 37

1)

„ I)

„ 27

No ,, )7

Yes

No Yes No ,

21

2)

21

ff

Yes

No

No If

77 Yes.

No „ „ 17

71

77

t)

Yes .,

No

No. 5. LAND under Cultivation, &c., at Station.

20 acres under hops, looking very well. 15 „ under rye-grass and oats. 7 „ oats. 7 „ potatoes, orchard, and garden. 10 „ pig paddock.

Last year, Mr. Harris informs me, there were about five tons of hay grown. None of the crops were sold last year. A great deal of the hay grown this year is damaged by the continuous wet whilst lying on the ground. The whole of the Coranderrk Reserve requires to be fenced in to enable it to be turned to a proper account, as at

present the neighbors make use of it. Mr. Burgess informs me that the hops are looking remarkably well, and that he anticipates a heavier return per acre

than last year ; besides which there is a larger area under crop (about four acres). The garden has a very good supply of vegetables and fruit.

•••

, 261 Marc' 3rh d

• 7th ... „ 11th „ 29th ... „ 30th •••

April 5th ... „ 8th ... „ 25th ...

May 9th ... „ 10th „ 11th „ 27th ...

June 27th ... July 8th

„ 12th ... „ 24th ...

August 9th ... „ 13th , 15th

September 30th „ 15th

27th October 17th November 6th

„ 7th December 15th

600 acres grass paddock in fiat. 40 „ )7 up river. 10 77 home station.

21

No. 6. NUMBER of Cattle on Station.

Number last year, 416 head. As the only paddock in which the herd could be mustered is alongside the hop plantation, it is not advisable to

muster till after the hops are picked, for fear of cattle breaking in. There are about 16 cows giving milk.

Working horses belonging to station... 5 Unbroken young ones ... .. ••• 5 Claimed by John Webster (Aboriginal) 4 Owned by Bamfield (Aboriginal) ... 2

); Miller (Aboriginal) ... ..• 1 " Wm. Hamilton (Aboriginal) 1

P. Hunter (Aboriginal) ... 4 R. Wanding (Aboriginal)... ... Maria (Aboriginal) ... ...

24

During the year there have been killed on the station for rations 81 head of cattle, 32 of which were purchased. The remaining 49 head were station cattle, of which 11 were cows and 38 steers.

There are 16 working bullocks on the station. P.S.—lst June.—The herd has since been mustered, and numbers 367 head.

APPENDIX XII.

SIR, Melbourne, 24th March 1876. In obedience to your instructions of 23rd ultimo, I have the honor to inform you that I proceeded to .

Coranderrk on. the 20th instant, and made a careful examination of the condition of the establishment at that place in regard to its sanitary aspect, and beg to report as follows :-

1. The site is on the slope of a slightly elevated piece of ground, surrounded by mountains on three sides with a fine stream of water on the fourth. Between the mountains and the establishment the ground is mostly low and covered with timber ; in the winter season it is frequently flooded, and always damp and cold, the rainfall from the proximity of the neighboring mountains being always abundant. The natives complain greatly of the cold and wet in the winter, and I have no doubt that the situation of the establishment contributes not a little to the development of chest diseases.

2. The slope is gradual and well adapted for drainage purposes. The huts of the natives are built on a street which runs nearly north and south across the face of the slope, instead of up and down it, the natural advantage of the fall of the ground for drainage being thus lost.

3. There is an abundant supply of water brought in pipes by gravitation from a higher level, and running in an open drain through the street ; the water is pure and wholesome.

4. The huts are thirty-two in number, and in their dimensions they range from 24 feet to 12 feet in length, from 18 to 8 feet in width, and from 5 to 8 feet high. There is a sufficient space separating each hut, and some of them have gardens fenced in and containing fruit trees at the back. Most of the huts have fowl-houses rudely constructed of bark, either in contact or in close proximity to them, and one man keeps two pigs, the smells from which are neither pletisant nor salutary.

5. There are a few closets of a common description, covering mere holes in the ground, scattered about irregularly over the establishment, insufficient in number for the wants and decency of the population. Even these are not always used, the Superintendent stating that at night the ehildren,and some of the adults pass their excrement in the water channels in the street opposite their huts.

6. The construction of the huts is, iu a sanitary point of view, the worst possible ; the walls are of slab, paling, or bark, mostly the latter, with openings in them so numerous that they may fitly be compared to bird cages. The roofs are almost always bark, with openings nearly as numerous as in the walls ; some of, the natives have endeavored by paper and bags to cover the chinks and openings in the walls and roofs, but in most cases with little effect. The floors are of clay, and are damp even at this the driest season of the year, whilst in the winter the natives complain that the water rises to the surface of the floors after every shower of rain.

7. In wretched hovels like these it is no wonder the mortality is excessive. It appears by Mr. Ogilvie's,report that in 1875, with a population of about 150 people, 31 deaths took place—one out of every five human beings in one year perishing from disease. This awful mortality was doubtless exceptional, an epidemic of measles having been prevalent in the early part of the year ; but this epidemic prevailed all over the colony, causing a considerable increase in the general mortality ; yet when the mortality of the whole colony, about 17 per 1,000, is compared with that of Coranderrk, the discrepancy is appalling, the latter amounting to 193 per 1,000, or, in other words, for every person out of the general population who died, 11 deaths occurred at Coranderrk. Two out of the 31 deaths were caused by measles directly, but 4 others from cold caught after measles ; and 14 cases of pleuro-pneumonia and chest disease point but too surely to the draughty walls and roofs, and to the damp floors of the huts as their cause. Persons attacked by such diseases have scarcely a chance of surviving in such hovels. Were an epidemic of scarlatina to invade the settlement, and they are liable to it at any moment, the remaining natives would be in danger of being swept away altogether. A very erroneous impression is generally prevalent regarding the power of natives to withstand the vicissitudes of weather ; it is assumed, because in their aboriginal condition they were able, with little clothing, and under the mere shelter of a mia-mia, to resist the influence of severe' cold and wet, that their dwellings should be very open. This is a great mistake : the altered conditions in which a comparative civilization places them render them much more obnoxious to changes of. temperature than when they led a savage life ; the circumstance of wearing

22

clothing causes them to perspire more freely in exertion, and the exposure to draughts under these conditions renders them unusually liable to diseases consequent on suppressed perspiration, and particularly to diseases of the lungs. They themselves feel and complain bitterly of the effects of cold air, especially in the winter time, rushing through the crevices of their ill-constructed huts. Their sleeping accommodation is defective in space, from four to ten persons in some cases occupying a single hut, when there is barely cubic space sufficient to support the health of two. Their bedsteads are untidy constructions of sticks and bark, likely to engender vermin, and to inculcate want of cleanliness and habits of self-respect in the occupants.

8. Two of the natives, inspired by a desire for greater comfort, have built houses for themselves, one of which is a very superior one ; and a few others have floored their huts with boards to protect their wives and families from the fatal effects of damp in the winter time.

The kitchen is a wretched hut, and has been used for the•double purpose of a kitchen and a dining-' room for the 25 children under the charge of the matron-schoolmistress ; it is utterly inadequate for such purpose.

9. As remedies for the insalubrious state of things at Coranderrk, I beg to submit for your consideration the carrying out of the following suggestions :-

1st. That a new street be formed running east and west in the line of the slope, so as to afford the greatest facility for drainage purposes.

2nd. That new huts be built on raised blocks of sawn weatherboard, lined and floored with boards with shingle roofs, lined with calico and thoroughly water-tight, sufficiently ventilated by openings between the roofs and the walls, the walls to be at least 9 feet high. Each but to have one sitting-room with an open brick chimney, and sufficient bed-room accommodation to afford 400 cubic feet of space for each individual ; separate rooms for such of the sexes as are over 11 years of age ; both sitting and bed rooms to have double-sash windows, so that they may be partially opened to admit fresh air when required. A small skillion at the back of each but would be desirable to induce the occupants to keep their sitting-room clean and tidy.

3rd. That each but should have a small garden fenced in for fruit, flowers, and vegetables at the rear ; and an earth-closet at the end of the garden most distant from the hut. When they have fowl-houses, these should be erected at the same end of the garden, and no person should be allowed to keep pigs.

4th. The huts should be drained by covered drains sufficiently deep to preserve them from damp, and running the whole length of the street both in the front and back of the huts, having outlets on the lowest part of the slope.

5th. A new kitchen should be built of brick, and the floor tiled or flagged, with a wash-house and bath-house contiguous to it ; the present school-room might be made a dining-room for the children, and a new school-room built.

6th. A hospital should be erected to provide for the isolation and treatment of persons ill of contagious diseases ; it should be made to accommodate ten per cent. of the numbers in the establishment, and should be provided with bedding and furniture necessary for a hospital.

7th. The Inspector, Mr. Ogilvie, suggests that the meat and flour elements of the rations should be changed ; they now get 7 lbs. flour and 6 lbs. meat per week. He states the natives would prefer to have less flour and more meat ; the meat, which is issued twice a week, is generally consumed by the end of the day it is issued ; he also thinks the flour would be better if it were not so line. , I have no doubt the flour would be more wholesome if there were more bran in it ; and as the Aborigines were entirely a flesh-consuming race, I should imagine more meat and less flour would be more conducive to their health ; and anyhow the meat should in future be issued three times a week instead of twice.

8th. The provision for medical attendance is at present expensive and inadequate. There is a medicine chest with very few medicines, and no directions for the treatment of slight cases and emergencies. It appears a medical man who lives at Flemington is employed to visit the station quarterly at a cost of £40 per annum, for what purpose I am at a loss to conceive, for the nearest local medical practitioner is called in when required to treat the sick at a cost of four guineas for each visit. This costly system should be at once abolished, and a contract made for the nearest practitioner to visit the station at certain, say monthly periods, and as often as emergencies require in the intervening time. A stock of simple medicines should be kept at the station, with directions how to treat urgent and ordinary cases in the absence of medical aid. These directions could be furnished by this department to all the Aboriginal stations if the suggestion is adopted.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant,

W. McCREA, Chief Medical Officer. The Honorable the Chief Secretary, &c., &c., &c.

APPENDIX XIII.

MEMO.-I have much pleasure in forwarding Dr. Jamieson's medical reports of the Aborigines at the Framlingham station for the information of the Central Board.

H. B. LANE, P.M. Belfast, 17th March 1876.

23

Warrnambool, 10th August 1875. I have the honor to report that on the 23rd ultimo I visited the Aboriginal station at Framlingham.

I had been informed by Mr. Goodall that one of the young women was ill, and on my arrival found that such was really the case. She had been long subject to chronic bronchitis with asthmatic complication, and she was supposed to be merely rather worse than usual. However, I found her suffering from the catarrhal form of inflammation of the lungs, and in a dangerous condition. She died the next day. She had always been careless about herself, and could not be got to take ordinary precautions against cold, and besides she had been suffering more or less since the time when measles was prevalent on the station.

When referring to measles, I may here state generally the result of the outbreak, which was at its height when I made my last report.

Nearly all the blacks on the station, old and young, were attacked, and it is matter for congratu-lation that so little loss was sustained ; the only deaths which occurred just at that time were those of two infants, of a few days and a few weeks old respectively. I believe that in both of them • death was caused rather by the mothers being unable to attend to them on account of being themselves attacked, than from the influence of measles directly. One other death has occurred in addition to these three, that of a boy who has been subject to chronic bronchitic attacks since he was an infant, and lately also from extensive scrofulous suppurations about the neck ; he also had an attack of measles,taud was more severely attacked with his ordinary ailment afterwards, sinking under it about a month ago.

, I anticipated much more serious results from such a general outbreak of the epidemic, and am still of opinion that it passed off with little loss.

On the day of my visit there were 56 natives on the station, the adults being equally divided into males and females, 20 of each, and 16 children under sixteen years of age.

I went round with the manager to see the improvements that had been made lately. They are considerable, more steady work having been done lately than in any corresponding period previously. Clearing, fencing, and draining have been going on actively, the details of which have no doubt been received by the Board from Mr. Goodall. He says that the men have been working more industriously during the last few months, being in hopes of getting some hops planted. There will, in all likelihood, be a good deal of produce• grown on the station this season, and endeavours have been made to get rid of kangaroos by cutting down and burning a large extent of dense scrub in which they took shelter.

The children went through some of their lessons before me, and I found that they have been improving to some extent.

I think that there is a great improvement among the grown-up blacks on the station in point of steadiness and industry. They seem all to be comfortable, and to be feeling quite at home at Framlingham.

I have the honor to be, &c., R. Brough Smith, Esq., JAMES JAMIESON, M.D.

Hon. Secretary, Central Board for Protection of Aborigines.

Warrnambool, 19th October 1875. I have the honor to report that, at the request of the manager, I visited the Aboriginal station. at

Framlingham on 15th instant. He wished me to see Mary Robinson, a married woman, rather past middle life, who had been spitting blood, more or less, for several days. She has been affected with a chronic cough for several years, and has been, to all appearance, dangerously ill on several occasions. Hitherto her symptoms have been bronchitic, but there is a great tendency among the blacks to phthisical disease mani-festing itself, and this spitting of blood is therefore of bad omen. I have heard since my visit that she has improved considerably, the bleeding having stopped.

There has been a good deal of illness at the station during the last few months ; but as I expect to visit it again at the end of the year and report fully, I defer any further remarks till then. There was no other case of any consequence at the time of my visit.

I have the honor to be, Stc. R. Brough Smyth, Esq., JAMES JAMIESON, M.D.

Hon. Secretary, Central Board for Protection of Aborigines.

Warrnambool, 7th January 1876. I have the honor to report that on the 31st ultimo I visited the Aboriginal station at Framlingham.

I had already done so in the beginning of the quarter, but deferred making any general observations till I could make my report at the end of the year. There was not much sickness among the blacks at the time of my visit. The only case of at all a serious nature was that of an old woman, Mary Robinson, who has been spitting blood at intervals for some time. When I saw her it had ceased, but she was suffering from cough and pain in the right side. I found extensive consolidation in the upper part of the right lung, evidently phthisical; she spits a good deal, and I fear will be another victim to consumption.

A man, named Colin Hood, I found suffering from the effects of blows and kicks he had got in a quarrel with another man when away from the station.

There has been only one death actually in the last quarter of 1875, but two others occurred in September. The three have not yet been reported on. The first was that of Willie Hood, a boy of sixteen years, who had been affected with phthisis for more than a year and a half ; during that time he had had many changes for the better, but a relapse always came again, often clearly due to his own careless exposure of himself to the cold without sufficient clothing. He was about the most promising among the boys.

24

The next case was that of Louisa Howells, said to have been fifty years of age; she had suffered for many years from disease of the spine ; she was attacked with measles when it was epidemic, and though she recovered from that disease pretty well, she did not recover strength, and sank under the old ailment. Her husband, David Howells, died . not very long after her from affection of the lungs remaining after the measles; his death was hastened by fright and want of sleep caused by some superstitious notion about his wife's spirit coming back to do him bodily harm.

The other deaths during the year have already been reported on. The extensive outbreak of measles among the blacks on the station passed off with very slight mortality, only two deaths, and those very young infants, being directly owing to it ; but the remote sequels: either caused or at least hastened death in the four cases which occurred since the epidemic subsided. Though. the mortality during the year has been considerable in proportion to the numbers of residents on the station, I do not think it has been greater than might have been expected, when it is remembered that very nearly all on the station, old and young, were affected with a severe form of measles at an unfavorable season of the year.

Generally there has been improvement among the blacks during the year, their habits have improved, mid their houses and gardens are always showing increasing signs of regard for cleanliness and neatness ; both men and women are steadier and more willing to stay at home.

On these points, my regular visits to the station, for about five years, make me competent to express an opinion. I have the honor, &c.,

JAMES JAMIESON, M.D.

Warrnambool, 8th March 1876.

I have the honor to report that on the 2nd instant I visited the Aboriginal station at Framlingham. Since the outbreak of measles, and the illness consequent on it, have come to an end, there has not been much sickness on the station. It is always the case that the blacks are much better during the summer months ; in warm weather they can do with impunity what often has serious effects when the weather is cold and wet. Chronic diseases, such as bronchitis, generally take a turn for the better in summer, only to show themselves with renewed severity when the season changes. On the occasion of this visit the only case of any severity was that of Mary Robinson, the only woman mentioned in my last report as suffering from severe spitting of blood. Since I saw her last she has improved somewhat in her general health ; but her right lung is seriously diseased, and I fear that she will have difficulty in getting through the winter. One of the men named Willie Good, who is subject to bronchitis, I found pretty well—better indeed than he has been for a while. John Ross, toe, who has for many years 'been affected in a somewhat similar way, has been very well lately. One of the half-grown boys, who had suffered severely from suppurating glands in the neck, was also better, in so far that the sores have healed. An instance of the hardiness of the children of the blacks came under my observation not long ago. A little boy, about four or five years of age, was brought to me by his mother to see if he had anything the matter with his shoulder. I found a fracture of the collar-bone, near the shoulder, firmly united. She said he had fallen about three weeks before, but had not cried at all at the time. f le had, however, complained of' pain generally when he was moved, and that had caused, her to bring, him to me. There was much displacement, and thechild will not be at all the worse of the accident. Possibly enough the mother may have been somewhat careless, but certainly the child seems to have made very little complaint about what must have been a painful injury.-

Though little more than two months had elapsed since my previous visit, I found considerable improvements effected round and about the camp. A good piece of ground had been cleared of trees, and a substantial fence put up, enclosing a small paddock close to the camp. Mr. Goodall was engaged with his men getting in his crop of oats, and I did not trouble him for any statistics. The numbers on the station were just about the average, and there was little change in the houses and the surroundings of the camp.

No cases of scarlet fever have occurred as yet among the blacks, though the disease appeared in'the district not many miles from the station. I warned the manager to be careful in allowing as little intercourse as possible with strangers. I have hopes they may escape this time.

I have the honor to,be, &c., • JAMES JAMIESON, M.D.

SIR, Warrnambool, 20th May 1876.

I have the honor to report that on the 17th instant I visited the Aboriginal station at Framlingham. The number of blacks on the station amounted to 47, of whom 19 were men, 12 women, and 16 children.

I visited the occupied huts, and found little change as regards comfort and cleanliness worthy of notice; some of them in these respects compare favorably enough with the average but belonging to a poor selector or farm worker in an outlying district, others of course are much inferior to these better ones, but still any of them is superior in some respects to huts occupied by white people, who have not the-excuse of abject poverty. The chief improvement on the land was a new fence, marking off the station from a lane which is being formed; about a mile has been finished in a substantial style, and not much more is wanted to have the station completely fenced in.

Now that the cold weather has set in, there already begins to be more sickness on the station. The chief cases which I was called on to notice were : 1st, Mary Robinson, who was referred to in my last report as having had several severe attacks of spitting of- blood. When I saw her she had recovered her strength wonderfully, after an attack for which I had prescribed a few days previously. There is a good deal of consolidation of the right lung especially, and I fear there is not much prospect of a permanent recovery. 2nd, Willie Goodall, a boy of about sixteen, who has been suffering for some time from sore

R. Brough Smyth, Esq., Hon. Secretary, Central Board for Protection of Aborigines.

R. Brough Smyth, Esq., Hon. Secretary, Central Board for Protection of Aborigines.

1

25

eyes. My attention was directed to him for the first, time on this visit. I found that he was affected with chronic inflammation of the cornea and iris, resulting in contraction and displacement of one of the pupils, as well as some opacity of the cornea in each eye and consequent impairment of vision. I recommended the manager to get him taken to the Eye Dispensary in Melbourne, to see if anything could be done for the improvement of the distorted pupil, and prescribed for him in the meantime. 3rd, Frank Blair, a man who complained of pain in the chest, but did not seem ill otherwise. 4th and 5th, Rosa and Mary Egan, two women who were nursing young children, and complained of pain in the side; these I prescribed for, and do not expect anything serious to result.

Some of the younger children were at school, and I heard them read. The older boys and a girl, who used to make up a senior class, have got almost beyond Mrs. Goodall's superintendence, and do not now get lessons so regularly.

On the whole I found no notable change in the condition of the blacks at Framlingham on this occasion ; but have, as on former occasions, to report a steady improvement as regards steadiness and regular habits.

I have, &c.,

The Secretary, Central Board for Protection of Aborigines.

APPENDIX XIV.

MISSION STATION, LAKE HINDMARSH.

SANITARY REPORT FOR SI% MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER, 1875.

Number of adults on station.-Males, 24 • females, 11 ; boys, 17; girls, 14. Of these, 13 boys and 8 girls are under 12 years of age, exclusive of infants ; 4.infants under 2 years of age.

Births.-Noue. Death.-Walter: from phthisis pulmonalis. There has been no epidemic on the station since last report. The health :of the Aborigines is

satisfactory. At present sick. -Dicky : brain disease, after measles.

Christina McInnes : epilepsy. Bessy : advanced phthisis.

The above are old cases. Sandy : bronchitis. Mary Jane Stewart : Henry : cephalalgia. Paddy : chronic rheumatism. Helene's baby : acute bronchitis.

On inspecting the buildings I found 13 huts occupied, and 3 unoccupied ; 3 camps-1 empty, and 2 occupied. The camps had 5 inmates, visitors who had come to see their friends on the station at the new year.

The huts in the whole were clean and comfortable. and there was no offensive smell felt.

I would recommend that both inside and outside the buts be lime-washed every six months ; that the old lining in two of the buts be pulled down, and new substituted.

Dormitories.-The girls' dormitories contained 9 beds ; the boys' dormitory contained 8 beds. The rooms were clean, but the walls require lime-washing. There is a deficiency of towels in both rooms. The straw mattresses should be destroyed and new ones substituted, as they are uucleah.

I am glad to observe that the cesspit closets are abolished, and earth closets substituted. The closets are kept very clean, and are well looked after. There is no closet accommodation for males.

I examined the children at tea. They look clean and happy. The diet at tea consisted of tea with milk and sugar, with plenty of bread and butter. The bread, however, on this occasion was sour and inferior.

Cows.-As there are 25 young children (under 12 years of age) on the station, I would recommend that sufficient cows be kept on the station to supply these children with a sufficiency of milk all the year round.

• I was informed that 12 sheep were killed a week for station use. As scarlatina is at present in the vicinity of Horsham, and in all probability may reach the station,

I would recommend that materials be prepared so as to be able to erect some detached huts if required, in order to isolate any fever cases.

Horsham, 4th January 1876.

JAMES JAMIESON, M.D.

Was removed to Ararat Lunatic Asylum.

chronic hepatitis. Lately from Coranderrk Aborigines station.

The spaces about them were clear of rubbish,

THOS. H. STEEL, M.D.

.2(1

APPENDIX XV.

SIR, Portland, 4th April 1876. I have the honor to inform you that I proceeded on the 24th of February last to the Condah Mission

station for Aborigines, to -see Billy Hewitt, who had severely injured his foot, at the request of the Rev. Mr. Stable, and also some others who were ailing. He had quite recovered by the time I paid my visit of inspection.

On the 25th of March I inspected the station, and found no other sickness but the two chronic cases often mentioned before, one suffering from constitutional syphilis, and the other from chronic hydrocephalus.

The huts were all clean and dry and well kept. The children in good health and free from skin diseases. The provisions and stores were good, and of the usual quality. The school-room and chapel had been fresh painted and whitewashed and thoroughly cleaned.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant,

R. Brough Smyth, Esq., H. E. BREWER, Surgeon. Central Board for Protection of Aborigines.

SIR, Portland, 25th January 1876. I have the honor to inform you that on the 24th day of November I proceeded to the Mission

station, Condah, on a visit of inspection, and found the residents generally in a much better state of health than they had been for a considerable time before. There were of course still the same people suffering from chronic incurable complaints, but those who had :suffered from measles and whooping-cough had recovered their health.

There have not been, I believe, to the present time any cases of scarlatina, although it has been prevalent in the neighborhood, and very severe in Heywood especially, but is dying out all round.

The children looked healthy and free from skin diseases. The huts also were in good order and clean.

The provisions were of the usual quality and very good. I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your obedient servant, R. Brough Smith, Esq., H. E. BREWER.

Central Board for Protection of Aborigines.

SiR, Portland, 15th October 1875. I have the honor to inform you that I had to send some medicine and leeches for Margaret Taylor

on 12th July, Mr. Hogan being away from the station at the time to bring down some Aboriginal from the country. On his return he requested me to visit the station, as there was much sickness. I did so on the 22nd July. Margaret Taylor was progressing satisfactorily, and I directed bim how to treat her. Mrs. Frazer, another native, was suffering from menorrhagia ; Lizzie Officer, suffering severely from constitutional syphilis; and several children had whooping-cough. I gave Mr. Hogan prescriptions and directions how to treat these also. The worst cases, however, were two brothers—Enoch and Joseph , Mowburn, suffering from phthisis. They had recovered from measles, leaving a cough, which did not seem different at first from that of many of the others who had recovered from measles ; but strong symptoms of phthisis soon set in—they rapidly lost flesh and died. From•time to time I directed Mr. Hogan how to treat them, and sent them medicines which he had not got, but it was of no avail. Their father had suffered for many years from asthma, and died of chronic bronchitis after being worn down by scrofulous abscesses of the spine. Their mother died of phthisis also. While they were under treatment most of the residents at the station were attacked with whooping-cough; there were thirty-five at one time laid up with that complaint. They have all recovered.

On the 29th of September I paid a visit of inspection, when I found Agnes Taylor, a girl of sixteen years, suffering from disease of the liver following whooping-cough; she had general dropsy and ascites. When I last heard of her the tenderness over the liver and general dropsy had disappeared, and the ascites was diminishing A child, William White, had hydrocephalus; and Lizzie Officer suffered so severely from nocturnal pains that I had to send her some medicine from Portland.

I visited the huts ; they were all dry and clean. The provisions also were of the usual quality and good. •

The children were mostly suffering from light cough, the remains of whooping-cough, but otherwise in good health and free from skin diseases.

While visiting Agnes Taylor my attention was called to the fact that, in the orphan's house, the young people had no bedding but blankets and upper coverings, that they had neither mattresses nor paillasses, in fact nothing but the battens or boards to sleep upon. I think they should be supplied with these, as, now they live a sedentary life, it is not conducive to health to be without ; and in sickness it is a great punishment, especially when a young woman like Agues Taylor, for instance, is suffering from dropsy and swollen legs, and unable to rest in an easy position.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant,

R. Brough Smyth, Esq., H. E. BREWER, Surgeon. Central Board for Protection of Aborigines.

•

27

SIR, Portland, 7th July 1875. I have the honor to inform you that on the 17th of June I proceeded to the Mission station for

Aborigines at Condah on a visit of inspection. With the exception of two children and three women, none of whom were seriously ill, I found the people at the station in good health. They seem to have recovered from the evil effects of the measles, and they seem to pay more attention to the cleanliness and drainage of their huts.

I saw few of the men, most of them being absent at various kinds of employment ; the women and children were clean and free from skin diseases.

The provisions were good and sound and of the usual quality. Although it is not a part of my duties, if I were allowed to make a suggestion, I should advise that

a few acres of the land adjoining the swamp should be laid out in a plantation of osier willows. The ground is well adapted to it, and women and men also show such a decided talent for basket-making with coarse grass, that I think they would at once take to the use of the willow, and materially help to make the station self-supporting by that industry alone.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant,

R. Brough Smith, Esq., H. E. BREWER, Surgeon. Secretary, Central Board for Protection of Aborigines.

APPENDIX XVI.

Flemington, 28th June 1875. I have the honor to report that I visited the Aboriginal station at Coranderrk on the 25th instant. There are at present on the station 156 Aborigines, say 42 men, 42 women, 13 boys and 18 girls

between five and fifteen years, 21 boys and 20 girls under five years. Jennie McCulloch, a girl thirteen years of age, has been laid up with a low fever for the past fort-

night, and is still confined to bed. George, a youth about eighteen years of age, is also ill of low fever, and is in bed. Jackie, an old man, is suffering from a chronic ulcer on the abdomen, and is unfit for work. Mary Parker, a child six years old, has chronic ulceration of the right leg, and is in a state of debility. Caroline Philips, a married woman, had a severe attack of bleeding from the lungs the day previous to my visit. The bleeding had stopped before my arrival, and she was comfortable, though weak. Annie Rees, a married woman, is suffering from inflammation of the lungs. With these exceptions, the health on the station is good.

Immediately on my arrival I inspected all the cottages and huts occupied by the blacks and found them clean and orderly, several of them being very comfortable.

The school was being conducted by your superintendent, Mr. Stable. There were about forty children present ; they were engaged writing, and their copies were clean and the writing very good. They also read well, and the discipline of the school was also good. The children were clean and tidy, and appeared happy. I inspected the boys' and girls' dormitories ; they were clean and orderly.

I inspected the stores. They are all good and sound ; the sugir spoken of in my last has been replaced by a refined sort of excellent quality. I also inspected the medicines ; they are in good order.

Since my last visit considerable improvements have been effected. A two-roomed cottage for the single men has been built, and its construction is certainly very creditable to the blacks who built it. The stumps of trees that so much obstructed the Main street have been dug out, and also these on the street leading to the hop-kiln, and adds very much to the appearance of the place. A drain on both sides of the street, at the northern end, has been cut to the swamp. The garden has also been paled in, and will be now more satisfactorily managed.

Work has been resumed on the hop plantations, the spaces between the plants having been ploughed, and a large drain, 6 feet wide and 200 yards in length, has been cut to drain it.

A new milking-yard and cow-shed was being erected, and several of the blacks were busy at it while I was there.

In review of the whole, I can congratulate your Board on the satisfactory state of the station and its management.

R. Brough Smyth, Esq., Secretary, Central Board for Protection of Aborigines.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant,

J. GIBSON, M.R.C.S.

SIR, Flemington, 20th October 1875. I have the honor to report that I visited the Aboriginal station at Coranderrk on the 2nd instant. The numbers on the station are about the same as at my last visit, and the health is good, as, with

the exception of three lads, James Murray, Fred, and Bobbie, about twenty, sixteen, and thirteen „years respectively, who are suffering from pneumonia and were removed on that day to the Melbourne Hospital, any other cases of sickness are of a minor character. Mary Jane Andrew and Caroline, single girls, are suffering from dyspepsia., and Mary Parker, a married woman, is suffering from the same complaint. Sarah Briggs, a young woman, is suffering from bronchitis, but in a mild form. Bovet, an elderly married

28

woman, has several glandular swellings of a chronic character ; Mrs. Hunter several patches of psoriasis, but of a chronic character ; and Hannah, a girl nine years of age, is ill of low fever in a mild form. With these exceptions the health of the station is good.

I inspected the children's dormitories, including beds and bedding ; they are clean and orderly. I also visited the huts and cottages of the blacks ; they are clean, and many of them very comfortable. The main street is well drained and in good order. I also inspected the kitchen and dairy ; they are both in good order. I examined the stores, consisting of flour, tea, sugar, rice, sago, and tobacco ; they are all of good quality.

The blacks have a happy contented appearance and are comfortable, and I have again to congratulate your Board on the condition of the station.

Flemington, 19th February 1876.

I have the honor to report that I visited the Aboriginal station at Coranderrk on the 31st ultimo. There are 137 Aborigines on the station, classified thus :-43 men, 33 women, 61 children ; total, 137. The health of the station is good, as, with the exception of two chronic cases of phthisis and one of

dysentery, there are no serious cases of illness to report. Bobby Baines and Jamie Barker are suffering from phthisis, or consumption, and are not likely to

recover. . Mrs. Rowan is suffering from chronic irritability of the stomach. Mrs. Ware is ill of congestion of the bowels. Sarah Briggs, adult unmarried, suffers from indigestion. Wm. Busket, married man, suffers from neuralgia in the head. David Berrick, four years old, is ill of dysentery. I prescribed for all these cases, and, with the exception of the consumptive patients, I expect a favorable result.

I inspected all the huts and cottages of the blacks. They are in a fair state of cleanliness and order ; a few of them are very comfortable, but many of the original bark huts have become so dilapidated, and others which are mere make-shifts ought to be taken down. I placed this before your Board some time ago, when a few of the worst were taken down, and it is now very necessary for the health of the inmates that the others be removed and new houses put up. In the construction of the new I would strongly urge the use of sawn timber for its very much increased comfort as well as durability, and above all that they have deal floors. The roof of the school-room and attached dormitories is leaky and requires a thorough repair before the winter. For preservation, as well as comfort, the whole building should be painted and two ventilators placed high in the walls on both sides. I also inspected the children's dormitories ; they are clean and orderly. At my visit the girls under your matron, Miss Robertson, were busily engaged sewing, but there is a very urgent want of a schoolmaster, as the juvenile part of the community, except those few girls, are at present receiving no attention. I examined the stores, consisting of flour, tea, sugar, tobacco, sago, and salt ; they are all sound and good. The stock of medicine is also good, but the undernoted drugs are nearly exhausted and should be forwarded at once and in the quantities stated :—Quinine, 1 oz. ; ipecac. wine, 2 lbs. ; spirit of nitrous ether, 2 lbs. The drainage of the station is in good order.

In my inspection I was accompanied by your superintendent., Mr. Ogilvie. I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your most obedient servant, R. Brough Smyth, •sq., J. GIBSON, M.R.C.S., Ed.

Secretary, Central Board for Protection of Aborigines.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant,

R. Brough Smyth, Esq., J. GIBSON, M.R.C.S. Secretary, Central Board for Protection of Aborigines.

6

APPENDIX XVII.

DISTRIBUTION OF STORES for the use of the Aborigines by the Board from the 1st January to the 31st December 1875.

Name of Station.

•s ta xlmiti

•staitt

s

11

isPItIS I

oPtag M

en's

T

rous

ers.

Boy

s' T

rou

sers

.

Pett

icoa

ts. -

I

*SOS

IM011

0 I

•ittaci amf I

'.11101,1

max

%tu fts Oat

mea

l. mo

ngol

. "lli

illuS

'duos

Miscellaneous. .

pairs. pairs. 'pairs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs.

Coranderrk ' .. 99 50 48 68 36 .. .. • • 32 42,000 1,775 11,578 162 177 1,411 2,326

'

2,240 3 reams paper, 3 bottles ink, 1 copying book, 3 doz. copy-books, 3 doz. First Books, 2 doz. pencils, 3 doz. penholders, 3 boxes pens, 25 doz. slate pencils, 2 rulers, I set spelling tables, 10 doz. knives, 10 doz. forks, 200 jam-pots, 68 pairs boots. 9 doz. tin plates, 12 doz. reels cotton, 400 needles, 1 lantern, 1 oil-stone, 1 whetstone, 12 scythe-stones, 3 augers, 2 lbs. rivets, 12 axes, 12 tomahawks, 2 camp ovens, 1 iron furnace, 2 frying pans, 10 boilers, 3 doz. pannIcans, 800 yds. calico, 732 yds. wincey, 352 yds. flannel, 80 yds. holland, 400 yds. Forfar, 200 yds. Scotch twill, 3 doz. thimbles, 12 doz. hooks, 21 lbs. piping cord, Qa. lbs. candle cotton, 24 yds. blue serge, 26. pairs stockings, 24 felt hats, 1,000 ft. shelving, 2 kettles, 36 quart pots, 24 buckets, 49 billies, 2-wooden tubs, 12 scrubbing brushes, 4 doz. spoons, 1, colonial oven, 2 candlesticks, 6 rakes and handles, 3 shovels, 1 pall, 4 candle-Moulds, 6 dippers, 12 domestics, 1 tin kerosene.

Lake Ilindmarsh 60 24 .. 24 36 .. .. .. 24 19,800 398 5,5034 50 .. 224 .. 224 100 yds. flannel, 100 yds. wincey, 100 yds. plaid, 10) yds. print, 50 yds. alpaca, 100 yds. Scotch twill, 100 yds. blue serge, . 36 quart pots. 72 pannicans, 12 tomahawks, 36 billies.

Framliny,ham .. 90 50 50 50 .. 30 30 90 .. 17,500 550 5,196 168 42 112 56 573 150 yds. flannel, 8 doz. reels cotton, 3 lbs. thread, 42 pes. tape. Lake Confab .. 45 110 .. 25 25 .. .. .. .. 31,000 613 7,328 612 90 690 570 742 1004 yds. flannel, 250 yds. calico, 150 yds. plaid, 150 yds. wincey, 100 yds. check linen, 50 yds. holland, 18 doz. buttons,

2 lbs. thread, 50 yds. print, 50 yds. blue serge, 20 yds. huccabak, 20 yds. skirting, 50 yds. moleskin, 50 yds. gingham, 20 reels • cotton, 1,200 needles, 40 pas. tape, 144 doz. hooks and eyes, 4 pairs scissors, 50 combs, .2 lbs. pins, 3 doz. thimbles, 10 lbs. sago,

7 lbs. arrowroot, 6 milk dishes, 2 doz. tin plates, 4 doz. pannicans, 1i doz. ink powders, 3 doz. exercise books, 50 doz. slate pencils, 2 rulers, 2 doz. pencils, 3 doz. pens, 3 Thompson's Arithmetic, 1 Key to Thompson's Arithmetic, 1 Morrison's School Management, 20 yds. Forfar.

Lake Wellington .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 21,000 610 9,555 224 57 . 224 .. 504 .

Lake Tyers .. .. 24 .. .. 24 .. .. .. 24 21,500 367 3,749 100 20 200 .. 504 60 yds. wincey, 100 yds. printed calico, 60 yds. blue serge, 9 doz. combs. -

Mordialloc .. .. .. .. • . .. .. .. .. .. 400 16 242 .. 64. .. .. 43 Tarndwarncoort 13 7 .. 7 .. 4 .. .. 7 1,800 45 454 .. 30 .. .. 112 6 billies, 13 pannicans, 1 boy's dress, I girl's dress. Wyuna .. 25 15 .. 10 5 10 .. 10 10 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 15 tomahawks. Geelong .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 200 20 80 6 6 6 East Charlton . • 9 7 .. 7 .. 8 ' 8 8 7 500 20 112 .. .. .. .. .. Carr's Plains .. 24 20 .. 20 .. .. .. .. 20 4,600 220 860 50 35 50 .. 28 24 billies, 47 pannicans.

- Mount Talbot .. 6 6 6 .. 6 6 6 6 .. .. 60 .. 8 .. .. .. 6 jackets. Reidesdale 858 .. 20 112 .. 224 54i yds. printed calico, 10 tomahawks. Kulkyne .. 24 12 .. 24 .. 12 12 .. .. 4,500 170 1,120 56 66 .. .. 77 12 tomahawks. Mildura 40 400 25 25 .. • • • • Liluptaa 560 56 20 56 .. 56 24 tomahawks, 36 fishing lines, 1 gross fishhooks. Swan Hill .. 81 I .. 81 .. .. 60 .. 50 2,200 110 1,232 .. 27/ •• .. 66 10 loads firewood. Towaninuie . 19 9 .. 9 .. 4 4 4 9 2,800 58 600 .. .. .. .. .. Casterton .. 6 .. .. • . .. .. .. Wirmbirchip .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. • •

Total .. 521 335 I', 109 331 126 80 110 70 201 175,800 5,130 44,547 1,509 630 9,085 2,952 5,999 I

30

APPENDIX XVIII.

AccouNT showing the Amounts Voted for the Aborigines and the Amounts Expended from the 1st January to the 31st December 1875.

Unexpended balance on the 31st December 1874 ... ... ... ... 4,669

Goods in stock on the 31st December 1874 23 Amounts voted for the year ending the

30th June 1876 ... ... ... 6,175 Amount refunded by Messrs. Broadbent

Brothers and Co., for damage to sugar in transit ... ... ... ... 2

Proceeds of sale of hops ... ... 1,527

s.

3

4

0

0

12

d.

7

3

0

0

1

Medical attendance and medicine Meat for various stations-

Coranderrk £253 15 0 Other stations 169 17 11

Potatoes, seeds, &c. Buildings, building•materials, &c.-

Coranderrk £915 14 4 Other stations ... 16 5 10

Travelling expenses, removing Aborigines,

£

444

423

73

932

s.

11

12

18

0

d.

0

11

2

2

and in inspection of stations, &c. ••• 166 12 7 Bull for Lake Wellington ••• 25 0 0

Farming implements, harness, &c. ••• 48 10 9

Labor and expenses, hop-growing at Coran- derrk ••• ••• 829 12 6

Incidental expenses and sundries ••• 10 0 4

Amount expended for stores* ... 4,835 2 3

Salary of Inspectors of Stations 300 0 0

Salary of Master and Matron at Coranderrk 142 9 6

Salary of Schoolmistress at Coranderrk 70 0 0

Salary of Master at Framlingham 97 10 0

Allowance to Sergeant Fawssett for acting as Local Guardian at Swan Hill 10 0 0

Laborer at Coranderrk 50 0 0

Horse-feed for Coranderrk ••• 38 1 4

Clerical assistance ••• ••• 80 16 8

Allowance to Mr. Green for removal from Coranderrk ••• ••• 56 0 0

Insurance of buildings at Coranderrk 16 2 0

Furniture for Mistress' quarters at Coran- derrk •• • ••• ••• ••• 5 1 6

Boat for Lake Tyers ••• ••• 20 0 0

Wages for Aborigines at Coranderrk 144 8 0

Advance to Mr. Curr for travelling ex- penses ••• ••• ••• ••• 150 0 0

Advance for petty cash e• • 5 0 0

Balance of advance to Mr. Ogilvie for wages 0 12 7 Part proceeds of sale of hops paid into the

Treasury ... ••• ••• ••• 437 16 5

Unexpended balance of Votes 1874-5 ... 90 12 11

Balance available for next year ... •• • 2,893 9 2

£12,397 0 9 £12,397 0 9

* STATEMENT of the Total Cost of all Clothing, Provisions, &c. (including the Transport thereof), supplied for the use of the Aborigines, from the 1st January to the 31st December 1875.

s. d. £ s. d.

Coranderrk 1,301 18 6 Mount Talbot ••• 30 5 11

Lake Hindmarsh 548 19 3 Reidesdale 45 0 6

Framlingham 446 18 6 Kulkyne 154 6 0

Lake Condah ••• 639 13 10 Mildura 50 6 1

Lake Wellington ••• 305 5 7 1T1upna 143 19 11

Lake Tyers 373 6 2 Swan Hill 283 18 9

Mordialloc -•. 9 19 8 Towaninnie ••• 70 18 9

Tarndwarncoort 59 7 3 Nareeb Nareeb 0 7 6

Wyuna ••• ••• 65 19 11 Wirmbirchip 6 1 6

Geelong ••• ••• 5 4 10 Casterton •e• ••• 7 18 2

East and West Charlton 42 12 1 Stock unissued in Melbourne 110 9 9

Carr's Plains ... ••• 132 3 10 £4,335 2 3

: ■ I

APPENDIX XIX.

BOARD FOR THE PROTEC

The Honorable the Chief F. R. Godfrey, Esq., M

James MacBain, Esq., M.L.A.

The Honorable Theo. J. Sumner, J.P., M.L.C. John Mackenzie, Esq., J.P. Henry Jennings, Esq.

E. M. Curr, Esq.

W. Macredie, Esq., J.P.

TION OF ABORIGINES.

Secretary, Chairman. .P., Vice-Chairman.

John II. Hopkins, Esq., M.P.

David Thomas, Esq., M.P.

A. A. C. Le Souef, Esq. Sherbourne Sheppard, Esq., J.P.

R. Brough Smyth, Esq., F.G.S., Lon.

LOCAL GUARDIANS

Argyle, S., Esq., Mount Hope

Andrews, Henry, Esq., Geelong

Baker, W. R. Cole, Esq., Wirmbirchip, Moreton Plains Campbell, Duncan, Esq., Lake Lalbert Carr, Charles W., Esq., P.M., Avoca

Cooke, Cecil P., Esq., Lake Condah Crespigny, P. C., Esq. Dawson, James, Esq., Wuurong, Camperdown Dennis, A., Esq., Birregurra Fawssett, Sergt., Swan Hill

Garratt, J. M., Esq., M.P., Geelong Gray, Charles, Esq., Nareeb Nareeb, Wycliffe

Hedley, G. D., Esq., M.D., Sale Howitt, A. W., Esq., P.M., Bairnsdale

Jackson, J. H., Esq., Sandford Jamieson, Hugh, Esq., Mildura

Ker, W. L., E9q., Killingworth, Yea Lane, Henry B., Esq., P.M., Belfast

Learmonth, Peter, Esq., Hamilton Lloyd, W. H., Esq., Dimboola

Mackin, C. T., Esq., M.D., Honorary Medical Officer, Geelong

Molloy, W. T., Esq., M.D., Hawthorn Miller, John, Esq., Kulkyne

MacLachlan, Ronald, Esq., River Avon

McLeod, John, Esq., Lucknow, Gippsland

OF ABORIGINES.

McLeod, Hugh L., Esq., Benyeo, Apsley

McLeod, J. N., Esq., Castlemaddie, Portland Macleod, Archibald W., Esq., Bairnsdale, Gippsland Mitchell, T., Esq., Tangambalanga, Little River, Yackan-

dandah Officer, C. M., Esq., Mount Talbot

Officer, S. H., Esq., Murray Downs Porteous, Andrew, Esq., Pretty Tower, Stockyard Hill Ralston, R. H., Esq., Roseneath, Casterton Randell, J., Esq., Mordialloc Reid, David, Esq., The Hermitage, Belvoir

Reid, Curtis A., Esq., Reidesdale, Wangaratta Ritchie, John, Esq., Boodcarra, Belfast Rutherford, James, Esq., Ulupna, Murray River Saunders, John, Esq., Bacchus Marsh

Scott, R. D., Esq., Camperdown

Scott, T. P., Esq., Lake Condah Simmons, J. W., Esq., Swan Reach

Stanbridge, W. E., Esq., Wombat, Daylesford Strutt, C. E., Esq., P.M., Heidelberg

Synnot, M., Esq., Terrick Terrick Station, Mount Hope District

Tozer, F., Esq., Wangoom, near Warrnambool Wettenhall, H. H., Esq., Carr's Plains Wilson, Alexr., Esq., Vectis Watson, J. C., Esq., West Charlton

APPENDIX XX.

LOCALITIES, Areas, &c., of Lands Reserved for Aboriginal Purposes.

Locality. Date of Gaulle. Area.

Moorabool and Werribee ••• 26th June 1860 ... 640 acres Karngun 11th February 1861 ... 3 Duneed ••• 29th June 1861 ... 1 „ Hopkins River, near Warrnambool 17th September 1861 3,500 Lake Hindmarsh ••• 17th September 1861 1,897 Woori Yaloak (cancelled 30th December 1862) 17th Jamiary 1862 ... 1,200 Tangambalanga 6th June 1862 640

Mordialloc Not gazetted 640

Coranderrk (in place of Woori Yaloak) 30th June 1863 2,300

Lake Tyers 15th May 1863 2,000 „

Lake Wellington, Sale 9th June 1863 2,356 „

Lake Condah 15th January 1869 2,043 „ 1 rood Coranderrk (extension) 24th July 1866 2,550 „

Kangerton ••• 26th June 1866 111 „

Lake Hindmarsh (additional) 10th March 1871 1,710 „ 3 roods 14 perches Gayfleld, Murray River ... 27th March 1874 ••• 2,000 „

APPENDIX XXI.

RETURN showing the Number of Aborigines Confined in Her Majesty's Gaols and Lock-ups for the Year ending

the 31st December 1875.

District. Where Confined. Name. Offence. Sentence. Where Sentenced, Date. Remarks.

Ballarat .. .. ..

„ .. ..

,, .. ,, ..

„ ..

, ..

„ ..

,, ..

„ ..

Geelong ..

,, .. ,, ,, ..

„ • • • •

„

.. „ , •

.. ,, • •

Gippiland ..

,, ..

,, • •

„ ..

„ .. „ ..

Kilmore ..

„ — Maryborough

Melbourne ..

„ . • „ ..

Ovens::

,, ..

, ..

„ ..

Sandhurst ..

„ ..

,, ..

,, .. „ ..

„ • • „ • .

„ .. ..

„„ .. „ .. „ ..

Western .. „ ..

„ .. „ .. „ .. „ .. „

„ .. „ ..

Wimmera .. „ ..

Beaufort .. „ ..

Skipton .. „ .. „ ..

St, Kilda ..

„ ..

Brunswick ..

Lillydale ..

Healesville ..

„ ..

Camperdoven ..

,, .. ,, .. ,, ..

,, .. ,, .. „ ..

„ .. „ ..

Colac ,

.. Bairnsdale ..

„ ..

,, ..

Sale ..

„ , . Stratford , . Avenel ..

Rushworth .. Banyenong ..

Swanton street Watch-house, Melbourne „ .. „ ..

.. Ox.Yey Lock-up

Wangaratta ..

,, ..

„ ..

Echuca ..

„ ..

Swan Hill .. ..

„ .. „ . •

,, ..

„ .. „ .. „ .. „ .. „ ..

Belfast .. „ ..

„ .. Balmoral ..

„ .. Hamilton ..

Heywood ..

Warma.mbool....

Horsham ., Dinaboola ..

Louisa .. James Miller .. James James Miller .. Jacky Jacky .. Sydney Bill .. Davy .. John .. ..

John Builds ..

George Brown

Samuel Rowand

Johnny Terrick

WilliamBuscomb

Charley ..

Robin Hood .. Jacky Jacky .. Tom Brown ..

Billy Manifold David Dawson Charley ..

David Dawson Robert Clarke

Alice — .. Long Harry ..

Long Harry ..

William Planner

Tobias Hand ..

Harry .. Bobby Clarke .. Tommy Gillman

Billy Mooney .. Syntax ..

Tommy ..

Billy Mooney .. Billy Mooney .. Billy Mooney ..EdwardWheeler

alias Black - Neddy John Lowder,

alias Jacky

John Lowder, alias Jacky

John Lowder, alias Jacky

James Kirby ..

Harry Rose ..

Mary Duncan.. Billy Button .. Mary Ann Orr Billy DEW • •

.. Harry Rose ..

Lankey •. Lankey .. Duncan ..

Andrew Macredie Dick .. • • Jim Cain .. Billy Youl ..

Billy Youl .. Peter Riley .. Peter Riley .. Billy Robertson Henry Bourne

Henry Bourne Peter Brown .. Tomey .. Dickey ..

Drunk and disorderly „ „ .. „ „ ..

„ • • „ ..

„ „ .. Simple larceny, under

40s. „ „ ..

Deserting his wife .. .

Simple larceny, one bottle whiskey and one bottle cloves, value 5s. 6d.

Drunk and disorderly

Aiding one J. Maple to supply liquor to Ab- mimes

an Drunk and disorderly

„ .. ..

„ ..

,, .. ,, .. ,, „ ..

,, „ .. .. ..

„ • . _

Resisting the police in the execution of their duty

Lunacy ..

Assault with intent to commit a rape

Drunk and disorderly „ „ .. ,, „ ..

„ .. Suspected murder of an

Aboriginal named Davie

Drunkenness .. ..

„ .. „ ..

Larcen9 as a bailee, M wit, a gun, shot-bag, &c.

Larceny as a bailee ..

Obtaining money under false pretences

Horse-stealing ..

,,

Drunk and disorderly

„ .. ,, . • , ..

l , o ..

„ .. Larceny .. ..

Drunk and disorderly Damaging property .. Drunk and disorderly

,, „ .. „ „ ..

Assault .. No visible means of

support Habitual drunkennessDrunk and disorderly

,, „ .. Assault .. .. Drunk and disorderly

Assault .. .. Drunk and disorderly

,, .. Lunacy ..

,, ..

Discharged .. ,, .. .. ,, „ ..

• „ .. .. „ „ ..

Twenty-four hours in gaol

Ordered to pay 12s. a week for twelve months, and give sureties, himself in X50 and one surety in £30

One month's imprisonment

Forty-eight hours' imprison- ment

One month's imprisonment, or 17s. 6d. fine

Twenty-four hours' hard labor

„ „

„ „ Seventeen hours' imprison-

ment

, „

„ „ Twenty-four hours' im-

prisonment

„ ,, „

Discha;ged .. .. ..

Fined 108., or forty-eight hours' imprisonment

Seven days' imprisonment, cumulative on previous sentence

Committed to Kew Lunatic Asylum

Four years' imprisonment, hard labor

Discharged .. ..

.. .. Find 5s., or twenty-four

hours' imprisonment Fined Is. . .. .. Discharged' .. ..

.. ..

,, .. • • ,, ..

.. Fort;-eight hours' imprison-

ment, hard labor

Committed for trial to next Beechworth General Ses- sions

„ „

„ „

Remanded to Reathcote ..

Fined 10s., in default forty- eight hours

Seven days' imprisonment Three days' imprisonment Discharged .. .. Twenty-four hours' im-

prisonment Discharged .. .. Two months' imprisonment,

hard labor Four days' imprisonment ..

.. Three days' imprisonment Discharged ..

„ .. ..

„ • • : :

Two months' hard labor ..

„ ,, .. Twelve hours .. .. Forty-eight hours .. Three months .. .. Fined 5s., or twenty-four

hours Fined 40s., or seven days .. Discharged .. .. Cautioned .. ..

• Committed to the Ararat Asylum

Beaufort .. „ ..

.. Skipton ..

,, .. ..

St. Kikla ..

„ ..

Brunswick ..

Lillydale ..

Healesville ..

„ ..

Camperdown

„ .. „ .. „ _

„ •. t, ..

„ ..

„ .. ..

Collo .. ..

Bairnedale .. .

„ ..

„ ..

Sale • .

„ .. Stratford .. Avenel ..

Rushworth .. ..

Melbourne ..

„ .. „ ..

.. Oxley Court

of Petty Sessions

..

..

..

Sandhurst ..

Echuca ..

Swan Hill .. ,, .. ,, .. „ ..

,, .. „ ..

„ .. „ _ ,, .. ,, ..

.. Beast ..

„ ..

,, .. Balmoral ..

„ .. ,, ..

Portland ..

„ .. Warrnambool Horsham ..

„ ..

1875. 26th Jan. 11th July 27th July 3rd Sept. 25th Oct. 25th Oct. 2nd March

24th Sept.

21st April

27th July

25th March

25th March

12th March

12th March 12th March 15th Nov.

15th Nov. 15th Nov. 29th Dee.

29th Dec. 29th Dec. 1st March 19th Nov. 7th June

7th June

16th Nov.

6th Feb.

12th March 8th March 16th Dec.

21st Jan. ..

24th Jan.

9th Jan. 21st Oct. 11th Nov. 9th July

..

....

24th April

30th Oct.

22nd Jan. 23rd Mar. 8th April 8th May

13th May 31st May

31st May 31st May 6th Sept. 12th Nov. 15th Nov. 12th April 15th June

14th Sept. 20th Oct. 8th Nov. 4th Nov. 31st Jan.

31st Jan. 4th Feb. 27th Nov. 14th Sept.

A boy, about sixteen years of gage, belonging to the Murray tribe, in employ at St. Kilda.

Arrested, on warrant, at Toolamba—is one of the New South Wales Abori-gins—was bailed out by his father-in-law.

Did forty-eight hours, when the fine was paid for him.

This offender is a native of Queensland.

The fine was paid.

Now in Beechworth Gaol.

Five years' hard labor, Cour of Assize, Sandhurst.

Total Number of Men, Women, and Children.

Districts. Localities.

Coranderrk, Mordialloc, &c. Warrnambool, Belfast, Cola; and Camperdown Mount Rouse, Portland, Balmoral, and Sandford ... Talbot and Carngham

Southern ... South-Western

180 100 130

55 285

North-Western Wimmera, Apaley, Richardson, and Carr's Plains ... Mildura to Swan Hill ...

280 260

Northern ... South-Eastern North-Eastern

From Swan Hill to Ulupna Gippsland From Ulupna to Wodonga and Wangaratta On the Goulburn

540

260 178

70 40

110

Total Number of Aborigines in the colony (approximately) ... .1,553

33

APPENDIX XXII.

LIST of Aborigines to whom Certificates have been issued under the Eighth Clause of the Regulations and Orders of 13th February 1871 during the Year ending 31st December 1875.

No. Date a Certificate.

Name of Aboriginal. Age—about Height— about

Particulars. Certificate

not to remain in force after-

By whom recommended.

— 1875.

May 6 Tommy Smyth ... Years.

26 ... Black ... 1875.

Nov. 5 H. Stable, Coranderrk.

APPENDIX XXIII.

NUMBER and Location of Aborigines on the 26th February 1874 (from Returns furnished by Mr. Green).

No. 25. By Authority : GEORGE SRINNER, Acting Government Printer, Melbourne.

C

Library Digitised Collections

Author/s:

Victoria. Board for the Protection of the Aborigines; Victoria. Parliament. Legislative Council;

Victoria. Parliament. Legislative Council. Select Committee on Aborigines

Title:

Reports of the Board for the Protection of Aborigines in Victoria 1861 - 1925

Date:

1861 - 1925

Persistent Link:

http://hdl.handle.net/11343/21345

File Description:

Protection of Aborigines Report 12 1876