Page:The Present State and Prospects of the Port Phillip District of New South Wales.djvu/209

 should be expelled from the settlement, while the more deserving might be rewarded by tobacco, of which they are immoderately fond, or by some other indulgence. It would be necessary to make some arrangements by which they might be allowed to absent themselves from time to time, and also to prevent them frequenting the towns. The principal men amongst them, their sorcerers or priests, might, if they entered into the views of the conductors of the establishment, be of great service in getting rid of their superstitions and prejudices, being probably the only persons amongst them aware of their being a humbug. One or two of those most distinguished for good conduct, might be given a uniform, of which they are very proud, and made constables. This is merely a sketch, and I have given the details for the purpose of showing my meaning, not from any idea that they are exactly what ought to be adopted. The principle ought to be this, that it should be esteemed by the natives a favour to place them on the establishment, and a punishment to expel them from it; and it is immaterial by what means this object is attained, for once this is established, the means of enforcing your regulations would be attained, and all real difficulty be at an end. As this feeling became stronger, the reins of discipline might be drawn tighter; certain hours of work enforced, and regular wages paid in tobacco, sugar, or slops; a certain time set apart for instruction, particularly in the laws; leave of absence given only for a limited time; with many other improvements which experience would no doubt suggest; and, ultimately, I should look to the natives thus educated,