84 AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINES. 



permitted, and that when anything contrary to strict propriety was attempted, it 

 was instantly stopped, and the offenders reprimanded, and threatened with 

 punishment if it were repeated. 



Since the aborigines Iiave been gathered together under the immediate care 

 of Government officials, and other protectors, the korroborse is discountenanced ; 

 and, as little or nothing in the form of amusement is substituted, the weary 

 monotony, restraint, and discipline of these tutelary establishments have a very 

 depressing effect on the minds and health of the natives, and impel them to seek 

 relief in the indulgence of intoxicating drinks. And who can blame them ? 



Another amusement, called ' Tarratt ' in the Kuurn kopan noot language, 

 and ' Wittchim ' in the Chaap wuurong and Peek whuurong languages, consists 

 in stalking a feather, in imitation of hunting an emu. The feather is tied to the 

 end of a long stick, which is held by a man in the centre of a large circle of 

 natives. A man, who has dressed himself in korroboree costume, enters the circle 

 with shield and boomerang, and moves round the circle for fifteen or twenty 

 minutes with his eye upon the feather, now crouching, and then running, in 

 imitation of stalking game, and finishes by stooping and touching the feather. 

 His place is taken by another, and so on, until four or five competitors have gone 

 through the same movements. The ceremony is conducted with so much 

 gravity, that if a spectator should laugh, or in any way ridicule the actor, the 

 latter would be entitled to throw his boomerang at him with impunity. The 

 chiefs then decide who has performed best, and they present him with the 

 feather. In the evening, after several korroborse dances have been gone through, 

 the winner of the feather, who has kept out of sight, comes into the circle in 

 korroborse costume, and by order of the chiefs repeats his movements round the 

 feather. He then presents it to the other competitors in the game, out of 

 compliment, and with a view to remove any feeling of jealousy. 



Games are held usually after the great meetings and korroborses. "Wrestling 

 is a favourite game, but is never practised in anger. Women and children are not 

 allowed to be present. The game is commenced by a man who considers himself 

 to be a good wrestler challenging any one of his own or another tribe. His 

 challenge being accepted, the wrestlers rub their hands, chests, and backs with 

 wood ashes, to prevent their hold from slipping ; they then clasp each other and 

 struggle, but do not trip with their feet, as that is not considered a fair test of 

 strength. After one of them has been thrown three times, he retires. Other two 

 men then engage, and so on. When all competitors have had a trial, the 



