CHAPTER VIII.
FLINDERS ISLAND.
The removal of the Aborigines from the island of Tasmania to one of the islands in Bass's Strait, had been spoken of before the appointment of the Capture Parties. The Colonial Times of December 1, 1826, counselled the Government to send them to King's Island. "We make no pompous display of philanthropy," says the editor; "we say unequivocally, 'self-defence is the first law of nature!' The Government must remove the Natives; if not, they will be hunted down like wild beasts and destroyed."
But the semi-official Hobart Town Gazette, a month before, had made that suggestion in this language, "Were the tribes here alluded to, and one or two others, on whose heads perhaps all the mischief is to be charged—were they to be collected and removed to some island in the Straits, where they could have an equal chance as here of animal support without the molestation of white men, we think the happiest results would ensue."
It was the general feeling of insecurity that prompted this sentiment, while the few who espoused the cause of the hunted tribes desired the change, as they foresaw the difficulties coming, and the impending destruction of the whole race. It was this impulse that induced Colonel Arthur to establish a depôt on Bruni Island, and appoint Mr. Robinson as guardian of such poor creatures as could be prevailed upon to remove there. Mr. Chief Justice Pedder protested vigorously against the scheme of transportation. He declared it an unchristian attempt to destroy the whole race, as once taken from their ancient haunts they would, he said, soon die. Sir John Pedder, in after years, saw the fulfilment of his prophecy.
In 1826 the public mind was much excited about the question. Some were for entrapping the people, and shipping them off to the neighbouring shores of Port Phillip. Others objected to
