Volume 2B continues the fully-documented story of relations between Aborigines and Europeans in the years when permanent government was being established in Port Phillip. It depicts the Government's policy of resolving the problem by appointing a Protector of Aborigines with four Assistant Protectors. Their duty was to maintain constant contact with the tribes, and to help in imposing a civilized system of law and order upon blacks and whites alike. It shows the extraordinary difficulties faced by the Protectors-who frequently displayed great courage and tenacity-as they struggled to bring an...

This second volume takes up the theme of Aborigines in Port Phillip during the official foundation years of 1835 to 1839. Practically every contemporary official document relating to Aborigines in Port Phillip which could be located in Australia and overseas has been included. Nothing of significance has been omitted. So much unique material was found that it has been necessary to break the subject into two parts, for publication as volumes 2A and 2B. The material reveals, sometimes graphically , what can happen when a native race pursuing a tradition-bound nomad existence is suddenly...