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THE LAST OF THE TASMANIANS.

Prayer, Collect, and General Confession. Several were brought up to answer one question only—"Who made you?"—"God." Among those not examined were Eliza, Helen, Eve, Tidderup, and old Maria.

This is the closing certificate:—

"I have carefully perused the foregoing report of the late examination of the Aboriginal School in this place, and can attest it to be as faithful as it is minute.

"Thomas Dove,
"Chaplain of Flinders."

The history of the last few years of Flinders is soon told. It is chiefly the story of death. Captain Stokes found that, of 200 that had been captured, 150 had perished. Governor Arthur wrote home, on January 27th, 1835, deploring the rapid decline, and adding, "Their number has been reduced to only 100." To save the younger ones, fourteen were sent from the island to the Orphan School of Hobart Town. One of the earliest victims was Mungo, the guide to the parties of Messrs. Robertson, Jorgenson, and Batman. Poor Manalagana, the noble chief, died in March 1836. Surgeon Allen officially reported, Sept. 20th, 1837: "On my arrival I found one-fourth of the Natives on the sick list, and since then more than one-half have been ill." Dr. Story gives it as his opinion to me, that "the deaths at Flinders Island and the attempt at civilizing the Natives were consequent on each other."

No wonder that Mr. Robinson was anxious to remove the people from the island, when he was appointed Protector in Port Phillip, and that his suggestion was received with acclamation by the pent-up islanders. A petition, signed by the twenty-nine living men, was addressed to Governor Sir John Franklin, on Aug. 12th, 1838, begging for translation to Port Phillip. His Excellency's heart was moved, and he directed Mr. Montague, then Colonial Secretary, to open up a correspondence with the Government of New South Wales about their reception. Some opposition being presented, the question was referred home, when Lord Glenelg objected to their removal. The Rev. Dr. Lang thus comments upon the circumstance: "But even this miserable boon has been refused them, on the ground of their not being sufficiently civilized and christianized yet, by a com-