506 
lord Stanley’s letter 
without that minute local knowledge which is essential, to give 
you any precise instructions as to the course which under present 
circumstances should be pursued : but I have the less hesitation 
in leaving the matter in your hands, because your whole cor- 
respondence shews that no one feels more strongly than yourself 
the duty as well as the policy of protecting, and, if possible, 
civilizing these Aborigines, and of promoting a good understand- 
ing between them and the white settlers. At present, though I 
am far from attributing to the white settlers generally an ill 
disposition towards the natives, there is an apparent want of 
feeling among them, where the natives are concerned, which is 
much to be lamented. Outrages of the most atrocious description, 
involving sometimes considerable loss of life, are spoken of, as I 
observe in these papers, with an indifference and lightness which 
to those at a distance is very shocking. I cannot but fear that 
the feeling which dictates this mode of speaking, may also cause 
the difficulty in discovering and bringing to justice the perpetra- 
tors of the outrages which from time to time occur. With a 
view to the protection of the natives, the most essential step is 
to correct the temper and tone adopted towards them by the 
settlers. Whatever may depend on your own personal influence, 
or on the zealous co-operation of Mr. La Trobe, will I am sure be 
done at once, and I will not doubt that your efforts in this respect 
will be successful. In regard to the missions and the protectors, 
I give you no definite instructions. If at your receipt of this 
despatch you should see no greater prospect of advantage than 
has hitherto appeared, you will be at liberty to discontinue the 
grants to either as early as possible ; but if circumstances should 
promise more success for the future, the grants may be continued 
for such time as may be necessary to bring the matter to a 
certain result. In the meantime, agreeing as I do, in the general 
opinion, that it is indispensable to the protection of the natives 
that their evidence should, to a certain extent at least, be received 
in the courts of law, I shall take into my consideration the means 
by which this can be effected in the safest and most satisfactory 
manner. 
