42 CONFESSIONS OF A BEACHCOMBER 



countries in which cheap labour predominates counter- 

 balances the minimum demand of white men in these 

 parts. Those who have had experience of aboriginals as 

 labourers, understand their erratic disposition ; yet with 

 considerate treatment, the exact and prompt fulfilment 

 of obligations and promises, the display of some little 

 sympathy with their foibles, interest in their doings, and 

 ready response to any desire expressed to "walk about," 

 they are not wholly to be set at naught as labourers. 

 Some are intelligent and honest to a degree, and when 

 in the humour will work steadily and consistently. 

 When not in humour, it is well to accept the fact 

 cheerfully. 



Here I must have leave to be candid, so that the reader 

 may be under no misapprehension as to the exact circum- 

 stances under which the undertaking progressed. Income 

 from the land as the result of agricultural operations was 

 not absolutely necessary. This acknowledgment does 

 not imply the possession of, or any disrespect for, "the 

 cumbersome luggage of riches," nor any affectation ; but 

 rather an accommodating and frugal disposition — the 

 capacity to turn to account the excellent moral that poor 

 Mr Micawber lamented his inability to obey. Profit from 

 the sale of produce and poultry would have supplied 

 additional comforts which would have been cordially 

 appreciated ; but if no returns came, then there was that 

 state of mind which enabled us to endure the deprivation 

 as the Psalmist suffered fools. And shall not this be 

 accounted unto us for righteousness ? Shall we not enjoy 

 the warm comfort of virtue ? We were at liberty to reflect 

 with the Vicar of Wakefield — " We have still enough left 

 for happiness, if we are wise ; and let us draw upon con- 

 tent for the deficiencies of fortune." Certainly, we were 

 not inclined to risk that which thriftily employed provided 

 for all absolute necessaries on the chance of securing that 

 which might, after all, prove to be superfluous. At least, 

 there remains the consciousness of having lived, and of 

 having wrought no evil (not having interfered in recent 



