240 (hi the Condition and Prospects 



time is the longest period he lias known natives to continue at work 

 in one place. 



Though legislative enactments may do little, observes Mr Bol- 

 leston, yet much may be accomplished individually with the aborigines; 

 and he instances his own black servant, whom he finds more service- 

 able in every respect than a white man. 



Moral character. — The Rev. Mr Schmidt feelingly describes the 

 wnnt of gratitude in the aboriginal mind. At the Missionary station, 

 notwithstanding every kindness, the natives would steal all they 

 could get at. Those on whom the missionaries had bestowed the 

 greatest attention, appeared to have turned out the worst of all, and 

 were in reality the ringleaders in mischief and wickedness. One of 

 them speared one of the missionaries, who narrowly escaped being 

 roasted and devoured. They have occasioned great destruction of 

 property at some of the stations, independently of what they con- 

 sumed. u In fact, they have, although they have been fed, and re- 

 ceived wages at our station, attacked and plundered the gardens, and 

 taken away whatever they could." Mr Massie instances a hut- 

 keeper* who was invariably kind to the aborigines, but whom they 

 treacherously and barbarously murdered, j- 



" The female aborigines," remarks Mr Dunlop, who appears to 

 have considered the subject with the warm interest and the inspiring 

 hopes of a religious mind, i( are as modest in demeanour, and quite 

 as morally conducted as the native, or otherwise free women. There 

 is no instance of their leaving their tribe, or connecting themselves 

 with the white labouring population."" 



Aptitude for instruction. — Testimony has been repeatedly fur- 

 nished that there is no general defect or incapacity in the aboriginal 

 mind with regard to memory, quickness of perception, or even the 

 acquirement of the usual elements of education. •This is abun- 

 dantly exemplified in the success of the present experimental school 

 for aboriginal children at the Meri Meri Creek, under the direction 

 of Mr Peacock. This quickness of the aboriginal children is alluded 

 to by Mr Dredge, in regard to the facility with which they learn to 

 read ; and he further remarks the readiness with which the young 

 men take up various branches of pastoral labour. Mr Massie states 

 that a young half-caste boy he has in charge, is rapidly advancing 

 in his education, and exhibits even greater aptitude for learning than 

 is generally met with in a white boy of his own age. 



Mental capacity. — But the symptoms are more doubtful with re- 

 gard to the higher mental indications. Apt in many departments of 



1 



* The servant at the squatting out-stations, who acts as cook, &c, is usually 

 so called, in contradistinction to those who go forth dailv with the sheep. 



t With characteristics of this description, it is rather amusing to under- 

 stand that they entertain an insuperable objection to wearing any slop clothing 



that rcseiutdes the convict dress. — Dunlop, 12. 





