The Northern Territory as it is

by Sir William John Sowden

1882

Report of a Tour undertaken to survey the Northern Territory - people, settlements - examination of the mineralogical, geological and botanical features etc.; Includes assessment of Aborigines comparison between Wilwonga and Larrakeryah; Comparison of physical appearance between coastal and Daly River tribes - aggressiveness of Melville Bay tribes (e.g. Fort Dundas); Description of customs - corrobborees - body decoration - love of singing and mimicking; Decorated stones marking tribal boundaries; Health - state of eyes syphilis; Reason for ill-will between natives and settlers - misuse of Aboriginal women; Nature of employment of natives - domestics, guides etc.; Tour of mainly N.W. Arnhem Land; From Sydney - Cape York, Thursday Island - (pearling and trepang trading) Port Essington, Melville Bay, Port Darwin, Southport, Pine Creek, Daly River, Adelaide River, Palmerston.