NEW REGULATIONS

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIII, Issue 23, 8 June 1905, Page 3

NEW REGULATIONS

Bishop Gibney's long-sustaineS efforts to protect the West Australian aborigines from the brutalities of low white settlers and police have produced some satisfactory results. The Government has issued the following new regulations a nd instructions in consequence of the shocking revelations of white barbarities that were given to the world by the Royal Commissioner, Dr. Roth .— Contracts. 1. (a) It shall be the duty of members of the police force whenever it shall come to their knowledge that aboriginal natives are employed, to ascertain whether such natives are employed under a contract in writing, duly witnessed by a justice of the peace, a protector of aborigines, or a person duly appointed to witness contracts um'der the pro\isions of the Abqrigines Protection Act, 1886. (b) If on demand by a member of the police force production of the contract is refused, it shall be his duty to report the matter to a justice of the peace or protector of aborigines, with the view of further action being taken under section 26 of the Aborigines' Protection Act, 1886. (c) Whenever it shall come to the Knowledge of any member of the police force that an aboriginal is in any sen ice or employment without a contract in writing, he sihall forthwith report the matter, with particulars ' of such employment, to the chief protector of aborigines. (2) Members of the police force are prohibited from rendering assistance in compelling the return of aboriginal natives to any empJoyers when such natives are not employed under legal contract. Asiatics and Natives. (3) It sihall be the duty of the police, so far as in their power, to prevent the landing of Asiatics from pearling boats, except in prescribed areas or creeks, and the frequenting by aborigines of such areas or creeks. (b) It shall be the duty of the police, so far as in their power, to prevent aboriginal women and girls from going aboard any ship or boat used in the pearling industry. (c) The police shall use the utmost vigilance in the detection an 3 prosecution of offences against morality committed on aboriginal children. Cattle-Stealing. (4) The police are not to arrest aboriginals for cattle stealing, except when direct evidence is available ; ana when aboriginals are found with beef in their possession, an)d> are arrested for being in the unlawful possession thereof, only those who are found with the alleged stolen property in their possession shall be arrested, and thiy shall be taken before the nearest justice of the peace. Witnesses. (5) No more witnesses than are necessary to prove the charge shall be brought in, and in no case shall femiale witnesses be brought in when the offence can be pro\ed iby male witnesses. Rations. (6) (a) Rations purchased by members of the police force when travelling with native prisoners in their cus-

tody, shall, whenever practicable, be paid for by vouchers or not otherwise. (b) Such vouchers shall be payable on presentation to any resident magistrate or clerk of petty sessions, and shall be in the following form :—: — Place Date I acknowledge to have purchased from rations for use while travelling from to with the aboriginal prisoners and witnesses. Name of piisoncr Names of witnesses Price Total And the above sum of is due to the said accordingly. Signature of police officer.