TREATMENT OF NATIVES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22657, 19 February 1937, Page 9

TREATMENT OF NATIVES

AUSTRALIAN POLICE CHARGES, BY MISSIONARY LONDON, Feb. 17 Bitter criticism of Australia's treatment of aborigines was voiced to-day by the Rev. Mr. Lefroy, a former secretary of the Australian Board of Missions, at a conference of the British Commonwealth League which is being held to consider aboriginal problems. "Outrages which would have shocked the Australian public have been committed by the police in Central and North Australia," said Mr. Lefroy. "In one case, which was admitted, between 50 and 60 natives were sacrificed to avenge the death of one white.

"It is. safe to say that in some places no white jury would convict a white for an offence against a native. It is a matter for general congratulation that the Federal Government now seems willing to adopt reforms." The conference passed a resolution congratulating the Government on its new policy, but adding, at the instance of Mr. Lefroy, "that this conference suggests that the Government should keep a strict watch on the administration of justice and the work of the police." REPLY TO CRITICISM GOVERNMENT'S NEW POLICY (Received February 18, 8.45 p.m.) CANBERRA. Feb. 18 Officials of the Department of the Interior, in replying to the criticism by the Rev. Mr. Lefroy, admit that there have been unfortunate cases of ill-treatment of aborigines in the past. Now, however, the Commonwealth Government had a definite native affairs policy, which was aimed at the protection and advancement of the aborigines. Any breaches of that policy by the police or others would be rigorously punished.