SLAVERY ALLEGED

Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1933, Page 5

SLAVERY ALLEGED

AUSTRALIAN BLACKS DISCUSSION IN LONDON. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.; LONDON, June 7. The British Commonwealth League Conference fully discussed the position of the Australian aborigines in a two days’ debate. J.t passed a resolution “appealing for Australian women’s societies to combine in directing the attention of tlie Governments to conditions akin to slavery under which de-tribaliscd aborigines and half-castes are living, including infant betrothal; also to natives lending their wives in exchange for material gain, and also marriage by a polygamous husband to girls who sometimes are Christians. The Federal Government was urged to provide a special department to deal with aboriginal offences. Rev John Jones, ex-chairman of the Australian Board of Missions, averred tho truth of Australian messages to the London “Daily Herald,” alleging the kidnapping of native women by Japanese. This was, lie said, a longstanding custom, and it was increasing owing to the Japanese influence in the areas affected.

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DESCRIBED AS “ABSURD”

CANBERRA, June 18

Australian officials describe the London allegations of slavery conditions among the aborigines as being absurd. The Government’s policy is to preserve the aborigines in every way possible, and the Chief Protector of tho Aborigines is clothed with wide powers to supervise the moral and material welfare of the full bloods and the half-castes.

The author, Mr lon Idriess, spiritedly denies the allegations at London. He says that native men are legitimately employed in many capacities, but never as slaves. There is no. illegal recruiting.