Facsimile copy of the proclamation announcing the establishment of government in the Province of South Australia. The proclamation was written by the Governor, Sir John Hindmarsh and Robert Gouger, and read by Sir John Hindmarsh to the gathered colonists at Glenelg on 28 December 1836. The document is notable for its emphasis on the protection of the 'native population' from acts of violence or injustice.

The original document is held by State Records of South Australia, GRG 24/90/401.

This facsimile was reprinted 28 December 1998, for South Australia Day 1998, from a copy held by State Records of South Australia in GRG 19/414.

'It is also at this time especially, my duty to apprize the Colonists of my resolution, to take every lawful means for extending the same protection to the NATIVE POPULATION as to the rest of His Majesty's Subjects, and of my firm determination to punish with exemplary severity, all acts of violence or injustice which may in any manner be practised or attempted against the NATIVES who are to be considered as much under the Safeguard of the law as the Colonists themselves, and equally entitled to the privileges of British Subjects. I must therefore with confidence to the exercise of moderation and forbearance by all Classes, in their intercourse with the NATIVE INHABITANTS, and that they will count (no) opportunity of assisting me to fulfil His Majesty's most gracious and benevolent intentions towards them, by promoting their advancement in civilisation, and ultimately, under the blessing of Divine Providence, their conversion to the Christian Faith. By his excellency's command, Robert Gouger, Colonial Secretary.'

Sir John Hindmarsh was a passenger of the Buffalo (ship)

The original proclamation documents were printed by newspaper editor and printer Robert Thomas, referred to here by his daughter Mary Thomas in her diary (PRG 1160/6):

"We are obliged to print the proclamations at Glenelg in a rush hut that had been built for a bedroom for the use of my sisters and myself". PRG 1160/6, p. 1.

Buffalo (ship)

Hindmarsh, John, Sir, 1785-1860
Gouger, Robert, 1802-1846