The Australian Aborigines
By C. H. Watson
SCATTERED here and there over the vast continent of Australia are perhaps two hundred thousand aboriginals. Although physically fine specimens of the human race, these people are generally considered to be inferior to other dark races in intellect. In the early days, they lived principally by hunting and fishing, and were in the habit of eating snakes and many other strange things. Our principal mission for these people is at Monamona, in the northern part of Queensland, where a tract of agricultural and grazing land of about 4,000 acres has been granted us for mission purposes by the government. About twelve acres have been cleared, surrounding the mission buildings, which consist of the girls’ dormitory, the mission house, and a fine large dining room; and dotted about at the back of these buildings are the huts of the aboriginals, of whom there are now about one hundred on the mission property. These people, men, women, and children, when on their best behavior, are very pleasant and kindly disposed. But there are times when the reverse is true, and at such times they are quarrelsome and cause much trouble. The problem of dealing with them is a most difficult one, and can be solved only by the wisdom of God that comes through the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.