Mr McCOMBIE, 26 October, 1858

'That a Select Committee be appointed to inquire into the present condition of the Aborigines of this colony, and the best means of alleviating their absolute wants.

The matter was now one of great interest to many persons in England and on the Continent, and he had correspondence from gentlemen of high attainments, and from British societies in reference to it. He desired if possible to do something towards obtaining that measure of justice for the aborigines which they deserved at the hands of the public. They had too frequently been treated savagely and inhumanly by the white population of this colony, as the records of the Courts would show; they had in fact, been almost exterminated, and it was one of the darkest enigmas of the world that the progress of the civilised nations appeared always to eventuate in the extermination of the inferior race. The Legislature, as well as private individuals, had a duty to perform towards the aborigines, and was bound to see that justice was done them. He did not deny the right of the higher race to take posession of this land, but he maintained that at the same time such measure ought to betaken as would ensure the aborigines means of protection and support.

He believed that the same assistance in the way of rations and clothing which was rendered to the tribes in the neighbourhood of Melbourne might be extended to them all in parts of Victoria. (Hear, hear.) The assistance so far rendered them had been given to prevent them coming into Melbourne, and interfering with the white population, but he (Mr McCombie) thought something more should now be done to prevent the extinction of the race.

…places of refuge for the blacks should be appointed in certain localities which were named, and if the suggestion were carried out, it appeared to him (Mr McCombie) that the local magistrates might be intrusted with the distribution of the supplies, and that the expense would be but alight. Supposing however, the expense were heavier, than be anticipated, surely a colony which was ready to assist in all works of charity would not be backward in this respect.

He was aware that subscriptions were made here to defray the cost of a missionary enterprise to China, but he thought that they should begin at home, and should send missionaries to the natives of this country before looking abroad. He believed it was the duty of that House to protect an inferior class like the aborigines'.

Mr FAWKNER, 26 October, 1858

'So far as his experience went, he believed that it was impossible to preserve a race like the aborigines of this colony, and that it must ere long become extinct.

He did not think the aborigines would be long in existence, but so long as they continued the colony ought to protect them'.