Amongst some West Victorian tribes, "notwithstanding this drudgery and the apparent hard usage to which the women are subjected, there is no want of affection amongst the members of a family."[161] The author speaks even of "persistent disrespect and unkindness" of a wife towards her husband;[162] he speaks also of women being "legally separated"[163] from their husbands; and of magic charms worked by husbands for punishment of their wives;[164] all this would point rather to a regulated and less brutal treatment. Here we have the usual concurrence of "hard usage" and affection. Characteristic is the addition of "apparent" to "hard usage." It is, perhaps, the whole style of treatment which appears to be hard to a European observer: the scale is shifted, but undoubtedly the nervous system of the natives is less responsive, too. What Dawson says about separation and husbands recurring to magic to influence their wives, seems to speak still more in favour of the good position of women. But we must remember, that in his whole book, Dawson uses rather bright colours to picture the native character, and tries never to say anything that could shock a European reader. [161] Dawson, p. 37. [162] _Ibid._, p. 36. [163] _Ibid._, pp. 35, 36. [164] _Ibid._, p. 36. Bonney asserts that "quarrels between husband and wife are rare, and they show much affection for each other in their own way." Apparent coolness in their relations is required by custom. He gives an example of a couple who "loved each other," and did not even greet after a long absence.[165] According to the statement the treatment of women was fairly good, and there was also no want of mutual affection. [165] _Loc. cit._, p. 130. Angas writes that among the aborigines, whom he had under observation (Lower Murray tribes), the man walks proudly in front, the woman following him; she is treated like a slave, and during meals receives bones and fragments like a dog.[166] [166] _Loc. cit._, i. pp. 82, 83. About some of the Lower Murray natives we are told by Eyre, "But little real affection exists between husbands and wives." "Women are often sadly ill-treated by their husbands," "beaten about the head with waddies," "speared in the limbs," etc. Here we have bad treatment based on absolute authority and complete want of affection. Besides, we are told, "each father of a family rules absolutely over his own circle."[167] [167] _Loc. cit._, ii. pp. 321, 322.