Book Details

The Aborigines of Port Phillip, 1835-1839

Aborigines and Protectors 1838-1839

Volume 2B

Edited by Michael Cannon

Continues the story of early relations between Aborigines and Europeans in Port Phillip—the appointment and role of Protectors of Aborigines.

Opinion

His [Atwood’s] fascinating book explores one of the most persuasive and long-lasting myths in the history of Australian colonization.’
Robert Cox, Hobart Mercury 11/07/09

‘This dense, wide-ranging book provides many insights. . .’
Robert Cox Hobart Mercury 11/07/09

About this Title

Volume 2B continues the fully-documented story of relations between Aborigines and Europeans in the years when permanent government was being established in Port Phillip.

It depicts the Government's policy of resolving the problem by appointing a Protector of Aborigines with four Assistant Protectors. Their duty was to maintain constant contact with the tribes, and to help in imposing a civilized system of law and order upon blacks and whites alike.

It shows the extraordinary difficulties faced by the Protectors—who frequently displayed great courage and tenacity—as they struggled to bring an often-brutal pastoral frontier under control.

A combined index to volumes 2A and 2B appears in this volume.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements and Abbreviations; Imperial Measures; Illustrations; V. ESTABLISHING THE PROTECTORATE: 14. Protector and Assistants appointed; 15. Some Van Diemen’s Land Aborigines accompany Robinson to Port Phillip; 16. Journal of James Dredge, January to May 1839; 17. Instructions and supplies for Protectorate operations; 18. Second attempt to form Native Police Corps; 19. Winding up the Government Mission; VI. EVENTS IN PROTECTORS’ DISTRICTS: 20 Journal of William Thomas, April–December 1839; 21. William Thomas on the Yarra and Westernport; 22. Foster Fyans investigates alleged massacre at Portland; 23. C. W. Sievwright and the Western District; 24. E. S. Parker and the Mount Macedon District; 25. James Dredge and the Goulburn River District; 26. Natives in possession of firearms; VII. ABORIGINAL POLICY RE-EXAMINED: 27. Care of native orphans and servants; 28. Legal rights and protection for Aborigines; Index to volumes 2A and 2 B; Index to individual Aborigines

About the Author

Michael Cannon is the Founding Editor of Historical Records of Victoria and an experienced journalist, newspaper editor and historian. Among many books on history he is author of The Land Boomers.

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978-0-724-18264-0