92 in 1839 to admit native evidence; but this was disallowed by the home authorities; in 1844, the council were opposed to the admission. Mr. Protector Robinson has properly observed, “ The legal disabilities of the Aborigines have been a serious obstacle to their protection and civilization.” At the trial of Bon Jon in 1841, for murdering another native, the Judge exclaimed, “ Can I legally exercise my jurisdiction with reference to any crime committed by the Aborigines against each other ? Mr. Barry, now one of our judges, contended that the Crown had no power to limit authority of natives to decide among themselves. Mr. Croke asserted that the Sydney judges considered the natives to be amen able to the laws brought out by the colonists. Judge Willis decided, “ There is no express law which makes Aborigines subject to our colonial code.” PROTECTORS AND NATIVE POLICE. The investigations of a House of Commons’ Committee upon the- Aborigines originated the formation of the Port Phillip Protectorate of the Aborigines. The benevolent Lord Glenelg, then Secretary of the Colonies, announced this institution to Governor Gipps on January 31, 1838. Mr. George Robinson, who had been so suc cessful in gathering in the remnant of the hunted Tasmanians, was appointed Chief Protector, at a salary of .£500 a-year. Originally a mechanic of Hobart Town, with little education, but great benevolence and pious zeal, he had lived much with the Blacks, learned their language, gained their confidence, and so conciliated the infuriated and decimated tribes. His Assistants in the Protec torate were the following persons, sent from England; Messrs. Sievwright, Dredge, Thomas and Parker. Mr. Le Soeuf was afterwards nominated Assistant Protector. These received £250 salary, and 10s. fid. a-day for expenses. From the first, nothing but disappointment and dissatisfaction attended the course of those gentlemen. The colonists as a mass were violently opposed to their proceedings, and the government
