ABSTRACT
Hasluck's assessment did not consider the social processes involved in the maintenance of social inequality, or in separation and togetherness, but was premised on there being one form of sociality inscribed in the notion of 'the opportunity to live a happy and useful life'. Darwin officials were alarmed at Hasluck's solution, predicting that it would lead to major legal problems and social difficulties. The Administrator pointed out: 'As soon as it comes into operation it must be possible to declare all Aborigines who in their own interests must come under control as wards of the Director of Welfare. In fact it is clear that 'full-bloods' outside the towns were 'in exactly the same situation' as before, automatically listed as wards and subject to the Ordinance. To the pastoralists the reversal of the principles of care and protection seemed a betrayal, but among those who governed it was merely the next step in a natural development towards racial equality.
