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Batman Treaty of 1835 |
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John Batman was a clever and determined capitalist, someone who knew that Britain opposed further settlement in Australia due to the impact it was having on native Australians. He came to Kulin land with a treaty already prepared and sat down with elders of the Kulin nation, one of whom was named Billibellary. Batman in his treaty claimed two hundred and forty-three thousand square hectares of country in his treaty, in exchange for blankets, steel blades, mirrors, and an annual tribute. It is possible that the Kulin saw some value in an alliance with the newcomers, more so as Batman had shown respect by appearing to ask for permission to enter their country and taking part in ceremonies of welcome. It is most unlikely that the Kulin foresaw a permanent occupation anyway. Britain immediately disavowed itself of the treaty, but only to claim the land on behalf of the crown. Batman's treaty with the aborigines at Merri Creek on 6 June 1835, is represented here by John Wesley Burtt in an artwork of about 1888 which is in the collection of the State Library Victoria. It depicts Batman's meeting with the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung people, and reveals some of the items which Batman offered to the Kulin, including mirrors, shirts, and beads, in a token payment for an enormous stretch of valuable land. Created more than forty years after the event, there are no images of the living Batman so his real countenance is unknown. |
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