indians

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

pl. n.


early and now obsolete namefor the Aboriginals in Australia and even for the Maoris.

1769. J. Banks, `Journal,' Oct. 21 (Sir J. D. Hookeredition), p. 191:

«We applied to our friends the Indians for a passagein one of their canoes.»

[These were Maoris.]

1770. Ibid. April 28:

«During this time, a few of the Indians who had not followedthe boat remained on the rock opposite the ship, threateningand menacing with their pikes and swords.»

[These were Australian Aboriginals.]

1825. Barron Field, `Geographical Memoirs of New South Wales,'p. 437:

«Some of the Indians have also seriously applied to be allowedconvict labourers, as the settlers are, although they have notpatience to remain in the huts which our Government has builtfor them, till the maize and cabbage that have been planted totheir hands are fit to gather.»

1830. `The Friend of Australia,' p. 244:

«It is the observation of some writers, that the system pursuedin Australia for educating the children of the Indians is notattended with success. The black children will never do anygood there, until some other plan is commenced . . .»