AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3624, 10 September 1912, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINES.

S A SCIENTIST’S VIEW. ANCESTORS OF HUMAN RACE. Dr. Mjoberg, the eminent Swedish scientist, who had charge of the i>weui«h scientific exploration expedition which last year carried out exploratory work in the north-west of this State is again in Australia. Having completed their inquiry members of the expedition returned t<> Sweden twelve months ago. and Dr. Mjoberg is now proceeding to Queensland to continue researches. His investigations will be chiefly confined to lower animals and plants. During his last visit to Australia lie paid a hurried visit to a rain forest, where lie found flora and fauna ”esemUI(h:1 .somewhat that of New Guinea, a fact which in his opinion went to show that there had been some land connection between the two countries some time or another.

After spending about 12 months there lie will probably proceed to New Guinea, a country he states, wlucb presents vast possibilities to scientists. In this country there were some of the highest mountains in the world. When the steamer Australie passed New Guinea on one voyage Dr. Mjoberg stated land, was visible at a distance of one hundred miles. A great, difficulty in the way of scientific •investigation, however, was tnc inaccessibility of the country. He would, he added, not bo surprised to find yet another special earning outang in New Guinea.

Dr. Mjoberg is deeply interested in the Australian aborigines. He is convinced that they are descendants of a tribe which travelled, over India nto Australia, and in them are typical ancestors of the human race.