SIXTEEN SOULS ON ELIZABETH STREET
Colonial Times, 11th January 1832
At the end of the Black War, George Augustus Robinson promenaded the converts to his "friendly mission" towards Hobart's Government House: sixteen men, a few women and a child.
It seemed as if the whole city turned out to see the symbolic spectacle.
People said the marchers were seeking redress from the Governor, with the threat of a spearing if he denied their requests. After a long chat, he gave them each a loaf of bread and they wandered off to a nearby green.
They ended up performing for the crowd, throwing spears at on a tree while onlookers marveled at their strength. Some kid got hit in the leg with a snapped spear and then the show was over.
They were "persuaded to go on board a vessel in the harbour : they consented, understanding that they were to be sent to a place where there is plenty of kangaroo and no work."
For most of the people there, the rest of the day was business as usual.
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It seemed as if the whole city turned out to see the symbolic spectacle.
People said the marchers were seeking redress from the Governor, with the threat of a spearing if he denied their requests. After a long chat, he gave them each a loaf of bread and they wandered off to a nearby green.
They ended up performing for the crowd, throwing spears at on a tree while onlookers marveled at their strength. Some kid got hit in the leg with a snapped spear and then the show was over.
They were "persuaded to go on board a vessel in the harbour : they consented, understanding that they were to be sent to a place where there is plenty of kangaroo and no work."
For most of the people there, the rest of the day was business as usual.
PREVIOUS // NEXT
