Among the Parkengee tribe of the Darling River, "A brother had the right of giving away his sister, which he usually did with a view to his own matrimonial interests. They were in this way promised when quite children, and in the event of the death of the claimant, his nearest of kin became possessed of his rights."[59] This means that levirate was valid in case of betrothal. [59] S. Newland, _loc. cit._, p. 21. Exchange was the chief feature of the Narrinyeri marriage. Sometimes the father, usually the brother, disposed of the girl. There is a simple ceremony, consisting in a formal handing over of the bride, who seems usually to be rather unwilling.[60] It is a social disgrace for a girl not to be given away; if she goes by herself and lives by her own choice with a man, she is "regarded as very little better than a prostitute."[61] A woman is supposed to signify her consent to the marriage by carrying fire to her husband's wurley and making his fire for him.[62] [60] H. E. A. Meyer, quoted by Rev. Taplin, _loc. cit._, p. 10. [61] _Ibid._, p. 11. [62] _Ibid._, p. 12. Taplin's own remark. See also _Kamilaroi and Kurnai_, p. 350, where it is added that in cases of unsuccessful elopement against the parents' will, the couple were severely punished; the offender being even put to death. Among the natives of Yorke's Peninsula, "Betrothal took place in infancy, and the marriage ceremony after circumcision and other rites performed on the male."[63] [63] Sutton, p. 17. "In the Geawe Gal tribe marriage was ordinarily by the gift[64] of the woman and by consent of both fathers ... and would be arranged years before the time of marriage." In cases of elopement the offender had to fight the female's relatives; he retained her only if victor. In cases of capture, only a woman of the right class could be retained.[65] [64] I think it means not by exchange. [65] Howitt, _N.T.S.E.A._, p. 216. Geawe Gal, Hunter River, New South Wales; possessing the Kamilaroi sub-class. See also _Kam. and Kurn._, p. 250. In New South Wales marriage was arranged by the parents. If two people fell in love, they eloped, but if the family applied to the camp council, the latter would interfere and punish the culprit.[66] [66] G. S. Lang, p. 11. Henderson says that among the Blacks of New South Wales abduction always arouses fights.[67] Using legal terms, this means that abduction of a woman, whether married or not, was considered a crime. [67] _Loc. cit._, p. 110.