Dunlop identifies the effect of giving blankets as a recognised tie between ruled and ruler

Dunlop identifies the effect of giving blankets as a recognised tie between ruled and ruler. Aboriginal people understand that the Governor sells their grounds to those who cut down trees where the opossum dwells that give them food and warmth, and that in exchange government gives blankets, which they accept from want but always speak of as no sufficient recompense. The miserable dole having ceased, is looked upon by Aborigines as a breach of faith. A spirit of deeper discontent grows and suffering to the trusting beings who look for the needful aid is fearfully increased. The energetic feeling of The Chief when pleading for his very few old women and young ones adds indignantly: “what we do, bail not fight like New Zealand fellow, no! I gave land, and have cold, and very hunger. No, did no bad, we not get blanket! What for?”. (Courtesy Carl Hoipo, Wollombi Historical Society).