NATIVE WELFARE IN AUSTRALIA

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27563, 21 January 1955, Page 15

NATIVE WELFARE IN AUSTRALIA

CRITICISM ANSWERED BY VISITOR

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 19. Comments regarding Australian aborigines made in Dunedin on January 13 by Mr V. Davies, who led a Young Men’s Christian Association delegation from Sydney to the Pacific conference of youth organisations in Auckland, were replied to today by Mr H. B. Bonney, a Brisbane manufacturer, who is in New Zealand on holiday. Mr Davies said the Australian natives - had been “treated like dirt.” and that unless more interest was taken in their welfare they would be extinct within half a century. Mr Bonney, who had 12 years’ experience with the natives as a youth, said: “Everything is being done for the aborigines that possibly can be done. “Their children are educated at the same schools as white children. Identical hospital treatment is provided for them free of charge.” There was no likelihood, he said, of their extinction. Government inspectors inspected the natives periodically arid reported on their health and general welfare. They had the same privileges as any other Australians except they were not permitted to drink liquor. “We can assure the outside world that our natives are dear to the hearts of all Australians, and that they are being well cared for,” said Mr Bonney.