Page:Aboriginesofvictoria01.djvu/106

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THE ABORIGINES OF VICTORIA:

brief visits to Melbourne. The Board regret to state that his conduct is most unsatisfactory. He is wholly deficient in the qualities which belong to a sailor, and equally unfitted for employment on shore. When, in consequence of gross misconduct, it is necessary to inflict punishment, Captain Norman states that he exhibits the mental peculiarities of some varieties of the African race—stolid indifference. He 'sulks'; and however severe the punishment might be, it would produce no effect. This characteristic, if joined to other qualities, would not be a mark of inferiority; but he lacks the amour propre, that personal pride and desire to be thought well of, without which mental progress is impossible. Thomas Bungeleen's misconduct on shore compelled the Guardian to make complaints, which were duly brought under the notice of Captain Norman. As it will be necessary to remove him from the Victoria, the grave consideration of the Board will be given to his future treatment. His case will not be considered hopeless until every available means to improve him shall have failed."

In the report for 1864 it is stated that—"Thomas Bungeleen is now under the care of the Secretary of the Central Board, and he is usefully employed in the office. He writes very well; he is generally attentive to the instructions given to him, and is making fair progress in learning. He has some knowledge of arithmetic, and he is gradually gaining a knowledge of the use of mathematical instruments: already he can plot from a simple field-book, and can draw plans tolerably well. He appears to like the work he has to do. Credit is due to Captain Norman, of the C.S.S. Victoria, for much of this. On board the Victoria he was very troublesome; but the discipline of the ship certainly has been beneficial to him. His temper is still peculiar, but less violent than it was when he was younger; and some hope is now entertained that he will lead a steady, reputable life. Every care will be taken to teach him useful knowledge, and to qualify him for a higher position than has yet been attained by any native of Australia."

He died in 1865:—"Thomas Bungeleen, an Aboriginal, who for some months was employed in the office in Melbourne, and gave evidence of some talent, is dead. A hope was entertained at one time that he would become a useful member of society; but, whether owing to defects in his early education or a natural propensity to evil, he became nearly as troublesome in the office as he was when on board the Victoria. He died of gastric fever at the house of Mr. Hinkins, Moonee Ponds, on the 3rd January 1865."

"Governor Phillip," says Bennett, "who had never relaxed in his efforts to benefit the Aborigines, took with him to England two promising young men of that unfortunate race: one of them was Bennilong, who had become much attached to him; the other was his companion, Yemmerawannie. They had acquired, from residing with the Governor, a knowledge of the usages of civilized life, and both were persons of more than ordinary sharpness and address. The latter died in England, but the former returned to the colony. He was, while in England, presented to George the Third, and introduced to most of the leading men of that day. He adopted the observances of society with remarkable readiness, and behaved on all occasions, while among strangers, with propriety and