Page:The Native Tribes of South Australia (1879).djvu/53

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PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. AFTER the first edition of "THE NARRINYERI" was exhausted, the author received many inquiries for copies from persons who take an interest in the Aborigines. This led him to the conclusion that a second edition might meet with acceptance, especially as the first found a kind and indulgent reception, as he cannot help thinking, beyond its merits. There cannot be any doubt that the benevolent interest in the welfare of the natives which has been manifested in past years, both by the public and the press, has not abated. There is therefore a great deal to encourage us to venture upon another edition. The reader will find that some additions have been made to the book. An account has been given of the Aboriginal Council, called the Tendi, by which the clans of the Narrinyeri are governed. Some friends of the Mission complained that the history of the Mission at Point Macleay was too short, and expressed their desire that more incidents had been related. An attempt has been made to supply this deficiency by inserting some extracts from the author’s diary. It may not be inappropriate to state that the Aboriginal Native Church of Christ at Point Macleay maintains its numbers to the present date, and that its members continue to exhibit growth in Christianity and civilisation. It is the desire and prayer of the author that many such churches may arise to glorify the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that these pages may be honoured by being employed to encourage Missions for this purpose. GEO. TAPLIN. POINT MACLEAY, April 12, 1878.