THE PETRIFIED ABORIGINAL

THE PETRIFIED ABORIGINAL.

From "Acardian":— The following from the reminiscences of one who, as a youth was conversant with the occurrence, will throw some light on the above: "Mr. Adam Smith came to Sydney in 1839, and to Hynam about the year 1844. He had a partner called Brown, who was murdered by the blacks. Mr. Brown was shepherding some sheep not far from the station, and, seeing a camp of blacks, he went over to have a chat with them, not fearing any harm, as he had a double-barreled gun with him. He was in the act of stooping down to get a firestick to light his pipe with with when a black fellow struck him over the head with a waddy, killing him instantly. The natives stripped him naked, taking all his belongings, including his gun. It was necessary to teach the blacks a lesson, and the station people met, and decided to take the law into their own hands; this was the year 1845; a call to arms was made, the footmen going one way and the horsemen another. They were, all armed, and it was a bad day for the ill fated blacks. The horsemen came up with them in the ranges behind Narracoorte, and saw one fellow carrying poor Brown's gun, and a lubra wearing his coat. They opened fire, and many of the Blacks went under, making no show of resistance, but scattering and running for their lives . . . One black, who was mortally wounded, made his way - into a cave and died there. He was found years after sitting in an upright position, petrified, and was one of the sights of those wonderful caves, until he was stolen and taken to England, Where he was exhibited." 

As to whether the body was; petrified or not, I merely quote from the reminiscences. 

The Register Thursday 23 November 1922