EXTERMINATION OF THE BLACKS.

New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 96, 30 June 1843, Page 3

EXTERMINATION OF THE BLACKS.

(From the Australian Chronicle.)

The New South Wales Magazine for February opens with “ A few words on the Aborigines of Australia,” which appear to be written by a resident in one of the southern districts. We are glad that the readers of the magazine have been invited thus early to the discussion of this most important object, for although the present paper is likely to be as ephemeral as those of the “ newspaper writers” to whom the author alludes with much contempt, there is no question but that something may he gained to humanity by keeping the case of the unfortunate aborigines before the public. The writer fully admits the applicability-to this country of the saying, that “ the foot of the white man is on the grave of the native,” and what is at least bold enough, he avows that he “ does not see aught in this conclusion strongly to move the sympathies of the reflecting,” nor does he “ view this extermination, in its gradual and silent progiess, as justly calling for regret, still less as imperatively demanding a remedy.” For he adds, in order “ to relieve delicate consciences” — “Who will attempt to argue that the ‘ factory’ and the * saw-mill,’ banks covered with grain, and waters cleft by the steamboat, are not more to be desired than the rude but grand magnificence of nature ? Are flourishing orchards and vineyards but doubtful improvements on the miserable productions of the ■ unbroken soil ? Or who would regret that the wild cherry disappears and becomes extinct before the pi esence|of its kind, improved into excellence by assiI duous cultivation ?

“ In this light I view the extinction of unimproved humanity as. no source of regret, and certainly as no source of blame in the agents of this improvement. I- see the forest, the growth of ages, falling, like Babylon of old, before the stranger; cattle ‘ feeding oh an hundred hills;’ arts and sciences planting their standards in rapid march.- These mark the presence of civilized and enlightened man—of man improved by the culture of ages, progressing towards higher powers and destinies, and becoming more wondrous examples of the infinite wisdom of their Creator.”

This will appear to Christian readers a rather startling philosophy ; but it would be unfair to confound the writer with those other “ newspa - per writers” who, until shamed into silence, used to advocate the extermination of the blacks.

He is all humanity towards the aborigines, and though he sets out with the propositions, “ 1. That the extermination of the savage is the necessary consequence of the intrusion of the white,” and “ 2. That all attempts at the systematic civilization of the savage are futile,” his object is to lead the colonists and the government to give up “ attempting impossibilities,” and to “ aim at what is within the compass of their powers,” in behalf of the declining race.