FL661458

Whilst natural relationship is strictly regarded,
so that no near relations can marry each other, there
exists a ficticious idea of relationship, according
to which certain unions are prohitited, how-
ever desirable otherwise and
a woman may be claimed by a most objectionable
suitor. The origin, meaning & intent of this
trulu absurd & imaginary relationship I never
could ascertain, nor can the Blacks themselves
give any other account of it, but that isn't so,
and has been handed down to them by their
ancestors. Whether it be a remnant of the In-
dian cast system, only now absurd,
or of a clanship which might
have existed among the original families,
from whom the present Blacks are descended
or whatever it be, can merely be a conjecture,
but so much I know it is far more objectionable
and more injurious to the improvement & civilization
of the Aborigines than the Indian cast system.
This unnatural affinity is carried in the following manner:
every black man or woman,
bears the name, a surname I may call it ( as
they have individual names besides) of
an animal. Thus Bandar - Kangaroo,
Willie - the Oppussum, Gunmar, -
Kangaroo rat, Warralong - a Brown Snake