The Sydney Gazette 7 October 1830
THE ABORIGINES
We lately recapitulated what had been done with
regard to the vernacular languages of this hemisphere; and we have now
the pleasure of adding, that the Rev. Mr. Threlkeld, of
Lake Macquarie,
has just completed the first rough translation of a portion of the
sacred Scriptures (the Gospel of St. Luke) into the language of the
aborigines of our own colony. He has transmitted it to the Archdeacon,
and on receiving it back, with any suggestions which the Venerable
gentleman may offer, he will proceed to give it a thorough re
examination and revision. We congratulate Mr. Threlkeld, and that old
and warm hearted friend to the blacks, Philanthropus, on this important
step towards the accomplishment of their benevolent wishes.
We embrace this opportunity of mentioning and we mention it with sincere
satisfaction - that the Archdeacon continues to take the warmest
interest in the cause of the Natives; and although he has not
hitherto been able to make any public movement, he has prosecuted with
activity a course of observation and enquiry, which will, we hope, lead
to some useful practical result. it is painful to reflect that after
occupying their country upwards of forty years, so little has been done
and so little attempted in their behalf.