AN ABORIGINAL QUEEN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 800, 1 September 1923, Page 6

AN ABORIGINAL QUEEN.

THE AUSTRALIAN BLACKS / The Australian aborigines are. fast dying out, but there is evidence in some quarters, at least, of solicitude for them in their lust days (says a correspondent). Tlie town of Kiama, when it celebrated its hundredth birthday 20 > years ago, counted among its honoured guests all tho natives within reach. Among them, at the fraternal board, vis Bay, and the late ~. ?fiel k G etao sat two aboriginal kings, King “Billy” of Jervis Bay, and tho late King) “Micky,” who went to his long sleep fifteen years ago. King “Mickey,” in particular did his best to look his august part at the town’s jamboree. He ®ore a blue sash across his frayed and fettered frock-coat, a rosette in his buttonhole, and a white top hat, much the worse for wear, at a rakish angle. Many presented themselves to him, to do him honour, and to replenish the Royal tobacco pouch. The partner of his joys and sorrows still lives. She is over 80 years of age, and Kiama is seeing to it that last few miles left to her long

life’s journey are made comfortable, the residents of the town having erected for her a little house which will be her cqstle and sanctuary until .she closes behind her the gateway of life and joins King Michael of revered memory. Fifty years ago the full-blooded aboriginals iu New South Wales numbered over’ 20,000. To-day they have dwindled to less than 1000. To care for the

blacks and to make them industrially useful is a debt the community owes, for the white man has unquestionably played no small part in decimating their ranks. Many of th£ younger blacks are now good bush workers, while the handiwork of the aboriginal girls, under the guidance of teachers, is a revelation. .