101

Grosvenor Street,
[Toowong], S.W.1.
8th May, 1939.

Dear [Mr. May],

I am herewith sending you some notes on what I
know of the place names in your list. Of those which I have
not mentioned I do not know the native meanings. But of
a good number I have notes on persons and dates of first
occupation but I think you have these in hand. I am sorry to say that I know nothing of
the [Darling Downs] native tribes or their language. It is
said, however, that the north-eastern [Darling Downs] natives
spoke the Wakka language but there is some doubt as to that.

I believe that Chingerrie[circled] was one of the native names for
[Drayton] but xx I do not know its meaning. The place name,
[Toowoomba],I have dealt with in the notes I am sending to you.

I have never been able to find out the meaning of the
name [Toolburra], the pioneer [P.Leslie]'s first station on the
[Down's]. As it is the centenary of [Leslie]'s arrival
on the [Downs] x it may just now be of interest. If you are so
interested, an inquiry of Mr. [Edward Donald] of Campbell Street,
[Toowoomba], may bring some result. Mr. [E.Donald] is a son of
Mr. [Geo. Donald] who arrived in Queensland as a boy,riding a
mule in [Leslie]'s train. (This is not recorded in history but
it is fact). Mr. [E. Donald]. has spent a life-time in pastoral
pursuits on the [Downs]. If you so wish, I can give
the meanings of a number of native place names in the area
around [Maryborough]. Lumbago etc.makes me very tired
by eventide which is the only time I have for writing so
I trust you will excuse my dealy in replying.

Yours faithfully,,
[FJWatson]

[left margin corrections?]
[Chinquerrie?]

[Toolbuna?]