THE AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 159, 7 July 1926, Page 8

THE AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL.

» LITTLE KNOWN ARNHEIM LAND. PROTECTING THE BLACKS. '"The Australian aboriginal, who is really not the stupid individual he , is made out to be, has a fair amount of common sense, and if handled properly does not give much trouble," said Mr. D. D. M. Campbell, in an address on Aruheini Land, in the Northern Territory of Australia, given to the A'.iek'and Institute last evening. Mr. Campbell, who had charge of an aboriginal reserve at Oenpelli, and who possesses an intimate knowledge of the blacks, said that a thickly populated area in Arnheim Land was under the protection of the Government, and that an attempt was being made to keep the aboriginals unsophisticated. In their native state the blacks thrived, but in contact with civilisation they degenerated and died. The Australian aboriginal was fond of art, and drawings on rock facings, made thousands of years ago, had been found by explorers. The greater part of Arnhaini Land, which was high sandstone country, was unfit for use and* habitation. It was hoped, concluded Mr. Campbell, that an expedition would shortly penetrate the territory to carry out research work. The address was illustrated by "a number of interesting lantern slide?, showing, among other things, drawings of fish and kangaroos made by the blacks.