Study notes 2: 'Outrages'

Study

Investigation
Read the excerpt from the article ‘Outrages by the Blacks’ from the Portland Mercury and Normanby Advertiser of 31 August 1842. Answer the following questions:

• What are the two different views about the Aboriginal people expressed in this article?
• What do these newspaper accounts tells us about the concerns of the white settlers?
• What evidence is there in this piece that the crimes were committed by ‘poor blacks’?
• How did the settlers seek to overcome their fears?
• What were the likely consequences of these events for the settlers, the Native Police, and the Aboriginal people of the District?

Reflection
What does the article suggest about relationships between the Aboriginal people of the Western District and European arrivals?

From your examination of the text, documents and images, consider and discuss the consequences for the Native Police of pursuing Aboriginal people alleged to have committed a crime.

Extension/Research
Consider the attitudes which underlie this article and the issues it raises. Construct a letter which expresses:

• a reasoned response
• an opposing point of view

Documents