DISAPPEARANCE OF BLACKS
The rapid disappearance of blacks from localities which held a
considerable population causes wonder. In the early days--less than a
couple of decades past--they swarmed on the mainland opposite Dunk
Island. Now the numbers are few. Within sight of Brammo Bay is the scene
of an official "dispersal" of those alleged to have been responsible
for the murder of some of the crew of a wrecked vessel, who had drifted
ashore on a raft. One boy bears to this day the mark of a bullet on his
cheek, received when his mother fled for her life, and vainly, with him
an infant perched on her shoulders.
In those days "troublesome" blacks were disposed of with scant ceremony.
An incident has been repeated to me several times. A mob of "myalls"
(wild blacks)--they were all myalls then--was employed by a selector to
clear the jungle from his land. They worked, but did not get the
anticipated recompense, and thereupon helped themselves, spearing and
eating a bullock, and disappeared. After a time the selector professed
forgiveness, and, the fears of the blacks of punishment having been
allayed, set them to work again. One day a bucket of milk was brought to
the camp at dinner-time and served out with pannikins.
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