Tribal Law.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 May 1922, Page 4

Tribal Law.

STRANGE AUSTRALIAN

ABORIGINAL MURDER. SYDNEY, April 22. ! How closely the aborigines of Australia cling o certain tribal rites has just been demonstrated in South Australia, in connexion with the conviction of an aborigine for the murder of a ]ubra. The evidence tendered at the trial showed that the aborigine, Wongaeuria, lost his lubra and two piccaninnies as the result of disease. In accordance with tribal law, the bereaved native ascribed his domestic disaster to witchcraft, and his suspicious fell upon Koiiiea. He tracked the unfortunate woman for several days, through wild country and came upon her as she was digging in a rabbit warren. He struck her with a boomerang, and then killed her with a thrust from a spear or “yam stick,” as the natives term it. After a long and perilous hunt, Woiigncurra was discovered. Tile prisoner could only speak “pidgin” English. The proper words of t-aiiion were used by the arresting constable, hut it was evident that the formal win ds were not understood by the native. At the veiv outset Wangacurra said, “Me finish now me tell ’em true,” obviously intending to convey his belief that he had been captured, and this his life was forfeited. The constable then intern gated him, saying: “What for you kill ’em poor old lnljrn V' ami tile prisoner appeared to have answered the question to the effect that his action was in accordance with tribal custom. He declared: “I square ’em up longa my lubra and piccaninnies.” 'The authori. ties had not the body of the deceased to induce, and a journey of over 300 miles was begun for the sole purpose of discovering evidence against the aci sed blaeklellow. 'The pi ixoner guided the party to tile locality of the alleged crime and pointed out the snotin a sandhill where the corpse was buried. The following day the constable discovered the two witnesses who gave evidence for the Crown at the trial. 'Then the small party set out on the long return journey. 'The paily ran short of water, and tried to induce Wongacurra to find some for them. Neither the constable nor the lilncktraekor who "as with him could find wa,er, and Wongacuria refused to do so. 'The constable ami black-tracker divided the water between them and cut olf WoiigaeuiTa’s supply. Maddened by thirst, he finally diieeted them to a well and the lives of all the party were saved.