ABORIGINAL STATE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19160, 17 November 1927, Page 7

ABORIGINAL STATE.

THE AUSTRALIAN PROPOSAL.

(BT CABLE—MESS ASSOCIATION - —COPIKEGHT.) (AUSTRALIA!? AND 2T.Z. CABLB ASSOCIATION.) SYDNEY, November 16. In connexion with the suggested creation of a native State, a deputation of aborigines placed their claims to racial equality with the whites and certain other concessions before tho Board, of Missions.

The chief spokesman, who is president of the Natives' Progressive Association, a self-educated aboriginal, pleaded for the repeal of the Aborigines Act, and the substitution of one to make less distinction between them and tL whites. He declared the native to be definitely against the proposed native State on the ground that some less civilised tribes would insist on adhering to their age-old tribal customs, and resist removal from the places of their birth. But he insisted that they should be provided with their own communities, with schools and - other public buildings, and supervised generally by educated and capable aborigines. Complaining of the present conditions, he said that some lands set aside in the early days were being gradually alienated from the aborigines. They did not want the help of the police in the concessions being asked for, as they feared that their children would be taken away from their parents, which the natives considered harder than starvation. . He also asked that the Liquor Prohibition Clause in the Act be abolished, as it was insulting to the aboriginals. Two members of the deputation were women. I One explained that she had written to the King protesting against the taking away of the native reservation. She had addressed the letter: "King George V., England." Asked if she thought the King had received it, she replied: "He must, as I registered it.' ' She had not received a replv. but the land had not been sold.