Primitive Revenge.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 December 1922, Page 4

Primitive Revenge.

AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINES. ✓ SYDNEY, Nov. 30. 1 An example lias just been given in Queensland of the primitive idea of the aborigines of justice—“An eye for an eye ; a tooth for a tooth.” Armed with spears and other weapons of tribal war, the aboriginals of Barambah settlement gathered at the corroboree ground for the purpose of inflicting retribution on four aborigines. They, it is alleged, murdered “George Tyson,” a fullblooded native, whose body was found in Barambah Creek, near the headquarters of the settlement. The blacks were stern in their resolve to spear the alleged murderers to death. They had four of them in charge. Another had escaped to the bush. At the point of the spear and the threat of death, one of the blacks is saiil to have confessed to having, with four others, murdered George Tyson. The death of Tyson indicates a tragicending of a story of reversion to tribal custom. Tyson was n man of about GO years of age. and according to what 'has been learned from a number of aborigines, he was known as a doctor,” or "spirit man,” well versed in the superstitious craft of the old days. Several deaths having occurred, no doubt from natural causes, tho superstitious natives attributed these deaths to the wicked charm of the old blackfellow. They alleged that he pointed 'the “death-bone” at the men who had died. Tii the tribal days when the wise men decided to get rid of a troublous man in the tribe, they ordered him to die', which order was given efiecl to by pointing a “death- hone” at the condemned man. His death invariably followed. Tyson, a harmless, goodtempered blackfellow, was accused of being the “hone-pointer,” and the relatives of the men who had died vowed vengeance. For over twelve months Tyson’s life was ill danger through plots and sinister intrigue. He managed to escape the designs of his intended slayers for a long time, but lie knew they would have his life some day when lie was unaware. According to information received, one night, about a week before the body was found, Tyson visited a friend’s hut. The “friend” played him false. Ife was enticed to come msul by welcome words and signs. When he stepped inside he was seized by five ' men, thrown to the ground, and while four of them held him, the other one throttled him to death ; steel-like fingers ('ripped his wind-pipe and su(located him. The “bone-pointer” was dead. No more would lie work his allegedly evil machinations. With stout cord the murderers bound his lifeless body to a pole and carried it to the water. The natives, in their superstition, heJieved they had done no wrong. It was an open secret amongst the blacks that George Tyson had been murdered. They knew it was going to happen, and when it did happen they were not surprised. About a week after the tragedy the bodv floated to the surface. The natives’ held their silenc-e when the body was viewed by the police, who, after furnishing the necessary report, gave an order for burial. There appeared to he no suspicious circumstances But the blacks knew better. Rumblings of discontent were heard m the camp. The more civilised aborigines revolted against what they said was a cruel crime. The discontent grew stronger. The blacks became determined to bring the offenders to justice. The whole camp rose in war-like manner. The lust lor vengeance had been aroused. At the point of the spear they forced one of the alleged culprits to make a confession. The police have now the matter in hand. Five arrests have been made. The concluding chapter of the story o the death of the “bone-pointer’ will probably be told in the white man s