![F.E. lithographer, ‘The “Mia-Mia” Department, or “King Bob” & his “Native Weapons”,’ 1876. Chalk lithograph on white paper 32.4 x 24.3 cm. H17210, La Trobe Picture Collection. [cartoon]](latrobe-65-038a.jpg)
F.E. lithographer, ‘The “Mia-Mia” Department, or “King Bob” & his “Native Weapons”’, 1876. Chalk lithograph on white paper 32.4 × 24.3 cm. H17210, La Trobe Picture Collection. Satirises Smyth in his capacity as Secretary to the Board for the Protection of Aborigines. In 1860 Smyth became Victorian Secretary for Mines. In February 1876 an inquiry was held into his conduct and after a series of sittings, Smyth tendered his resignation. He was also criticised by the press for gathering aboriginal artifacts at a time when such vestiges were fast disappearing.
