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IN-LETTER 4884/1901. Aboriginal Protector Nthn. Div

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of aboriginals to their native country, on expiry of their term
of service, constitutes a very grave abuse, I have impressed upon
Protectors the necessity for seeing that this particular
provision of the Act is rigidly enforced. Where blacks actually
wish to remain away from out of their own native districts-
and the employers all that is desirable-the Minister has approved
of my action in instructing that the Bonds can be renewed
from year to year, so that ultimately the return passage
money will be forthcoming:-an expense which otherwise would
fall upon the State.

Certificates of Exemption. Several applications have been received
from employers for the grant of Certificates of Exemption
from the provisions of the Act (under Sect. 33) to certain
half-castes. It is noteworthy that these have invariably been
made on behalf of little girls. My own interpretation of such
certificates is that they should be issued only to those half-
castes old enough and mentally able to appreciate them: furthermore,
it must be remembered that when once granted, there is no
power given to revoke such documents. Supposing for one moment
that a certificate were given to such a child, she would really
be worse off than before: she would be denied the protection
which the Act affords, and not being able to look after her own
interests, her condition would be nothing else than one of slavery.

Wages. I am satisfied that the blacks do not, as a rule, receive
the wages-small enough as they are - which they are justly entitled
to under their agreements. With the amending Act however,
which I believe the Home Secretary proposes bringing forward
this Session, the Protectors will have power to check this and
other abuses.

I note that the public continue to apply to the Police to recruit
black labour for them: steps are being taken to stop this
practice.

Female aboriginal labour. Women, and children under puberty, are