This register was commonly referred to as 'The Stud Book' by its critics.
Source: Northern Territory, Government Gazette, 13 May 1957
A Register of Wards was drawn up listing 15,711 names of Aboriginal Territorians. This register, referred to disparagingly as 'The Stud Book', was described by Barry Christophers as 'an instrument of torture against the Aborigines' often listing people by derogatory European nicknames such as 'Ruby Yaws', 'Spondulicks' or 'One-armed Bob'.
'The Stud Book: an instrument of torture against the Aborigines'
The Guardian, 27 February 1964
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Six people of full Indigenous descent were left off the list. One of these was well-known Aboriginal artist, Albert Namatjira. Namatjira thus came to have the full rights of an Australian citizen, not because he applied to have them but because he was judged as being able to manage his own affairs.
This portrait of Albert Namatjira while painting was taken by Frank Johnston.
Source: National Library of Australia