The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)(about) |
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Thursday 5 May 1910
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BELLINGEN BLACKS.
-#
LAST OF THE RACE.
BELLINGEN, Wednesday.
An interesting function in connection with I the fast declining native race took placo at Bellinger Heads last week. For a con- siderable number of years past the blacks havo been in possession as a gift from the Government of a piece of land known as "The Island," near Bellinger Heads, contain- ing about 15 to 20 acres. On this mostly all the aboriginals on the river reside, and each family has its respective plot of ground to cultivate. Maize is the principal product, al- though potatoes and various kinds of veget- ables are at times to bo seen thero. The growers realise cash from ,the white resi- dents around the Heads for the results of their industry, after deducting, of course, milDcient for their household requirements. On their island home the natives live secluded from the white population. Just recently the Government, through the Aborigines' Protec- tion Board, has erected five UOAV residences for the blacks, to take-the place of the primi- tive camps hitherto in use. Constable M'Grath formally handed over the neAV abodes on Monday last, and invited a number of vvhite people to accompany him and witness the opening. The Ave houses are substantially built, each containing two spacious and well ventilated rooms, Avttb roofs of galvanised Iron. The fireplaces aro concreted. The aborigines were delighted with tho gifts, and demonstrated their appreciation in various ?wayB. One dusky damsel reeled off a numbor of popular nirs on an accordéon in creditable
style.
The tow racmbprs of the race now liv- ing at the Heads-about 30 all told, mostly children-aro a well-behaved, in- dustrious, and in some instances fairly well educated class, Some of the children attend tho Publie school, and compare favourably with tholr whlto con- temporaries. One boy has even been success- ful in obtaining several prizes at different agricultural school shows. in the district for competitive school work, amongst the num- ber being one for "neatest written and clean- est exercise book." The gins aomotlmes do washing at the white homesteads, and gener- an.' they give little troublo to the inhabitants or tlu- police_