USC21

1907. QUEENSLAND .

Legislative Assembly

PAPERS RELATING TO CAPTAIN KENT AND FRASER ISLAND. Laid upon the Table of the Legislative Assembly, by Command, and Ordered to be Printed, 1st November, 1907.

(No. 1.)

WILSON, HART , AND Co., LTD ., to THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC LANDS.

Maryborough, 12th July, 1907. Dear Sir,-We enclose a newspaper cutting referring to a suggested undertaking in connection with fish-canning and sisal culture at Fraser Island. We give you the information for what it is worth, but, should any proposals be made to the Department, we would ask that the interests of the timber industry be not overlooked. Some thousands of pounds have been spent on the island, and operations have been carried on from time to time on all parts of the island, and it is hoped that every protection will be given to those who are engaged in this enterprise, in preference to the granting or leasing of land for other purposes. The revenue from the timber is considerable, and there are probably on the island other bodies of timber besides the blocks now held.

We are, yours truly, J. GREEN, Manager]], For Wilson, Hart, and Co., Ltd.

[Enclosure with No.1.]

FRASER ISLAND ENTERPRISE.

Maryborough Chronicle, 4th July, 1907.

FISH-CANNING AND SISAL CULTURE-INTRODUCTION OF PEARL OYSTER. Captain H . C. Kent, R.N.R., who some time ago was locally well known as the superintendent of the Fraser Island Aboriginal Mission Settlement, has arrived in Maryborough again from the South, accompanied by his wife, and tbey intend to take up their residence in our midst again. Capt. Kent is now engaged upon an undertaking which shows that he paid close attention to his material surroundings when stationed on Fraser Island. 'l'he project now on foot, which Captain Kent informs us has a very substantial Southern backing, is to gather together all the district aboriginals and place them on Fraser Island, where they will be engaged in developing the resources of land and water. This will be entirely a commercial and not a missionary work, and all creeds will be at liberty to minister to the blacks as they please; there will be no church monopoly. It is proposed to go in extensively for fish preserving and canning, the production of oil from dugong and porpoise and also for sisal hemp cultivation on the island, in which industries the labour of the aboriginals will be utilised as far as possible. Application is being made to the State Government for a certain grant of country on the island. The various activities contemplated, while absorbing the aboriginal population, will give employment to a large body of white men in more responsible and expert positions. The pearl and edible oyster will also receive the attention of the company. Professor Sydney Jackson, who with some of the directors will shortly visit Fraser Island, has patented a method for the cultivation of the pearl and table oyster, which it is proposed to put in operation in Hervey's Bay and the straits. He appears to be sanguine that the pearl oyster can be brought down from Torres Straits and successfully introduced to our waters. It will A.20-1907

2 be seen that Captain Kent is piloting a scheme the realisation of which will be a matter of the utmost value and benefit to this community, and he and his principals deserve all encouragement and every help that can be given to them to carry it through to a successful issue. The field of their enterprise has undoubtedly been well chosen. Our bay waters abound with edible fish of all kinds, and are already famed for their oysters, while a vast area of Fraser Island should be ideal land for the growth of sisal hemp. The introduction of the pearl oyster is an experiment well worthy of a trial, and, seeing how well the common oyster does here, there seems no good reason why the pearl oyster should not thrive in the deeper waters of the bay. The career of the company will be watched with keen and sympathetic interest. --

(No. 2.) TELEGRAM FROM MESSRS. HYNE AND SON to THE SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC LANDS.

Maryborough 10·50 am. 23 Sept. 1907 . We note from newspaper paragraph that application is being made to secure timber on Fraser Island for export Maryborough timber merchants trust you will safeguard their interests as whole of timber needed for local requirements

On behalf Maryborough millers HYNE AND SON --

No application received, save for extension by Hanley, and I have advised that this not be granted. -P.M.M., 23-9-07. Acknowledge by letter.-W.J.S., 24-9-07. To Hyne and Son, 25-9-07. -D.M. --

(No.3.)

CAPTAIN H. C. KENT to THE SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC LANDS.

"Menzies," Brisbane, 25th September, 1905 (sic). Sir,-I have the honour to request the favour of your kindly granting me, on behalf of a syndicate, to be known as the " Fraser Island Produce Company," two blocks of land on Fraser Island as timber leases.

The southern block to extend from Yankee Jack's Creek to the South White Cliffs on the west, and to the east shore of the island, and to include 100 acres freehold at Woongoobner Creek mouth for a wharf and a township.

The northern block to extend from Sandy Point to Triangle Cliff on the west and from Indian Head to a point on the east coast due east of Sandy Point; to include 100 acres freehold at the mouth of Browarady Creek, with right to all timber and natural products included within the two areas.

As a large amount of capital must necessarily be expended before any timber or produce can be obtained, and a large number of men will be employed at remunerative employment, I respectfully request that this lease may be granted, with a minimum royalty on such timber as may be procured. I would call the attention of the Hon. Minister for Lands to the fact that it is generally understood that timber which is over 10 miles from a railway is unworkable, and all timber procured from this island will have to be drawn some miles across soft sand and then punted to Maryborough, a distance of 40 miles, unless a large sum is expended in building wharves and deepening two creeks, which can only be done in the case of obtaining most liberal concessions of royalties. As marked in blue on plan. I have, &c., HERBERT CLEMENT KENT. --

Minutes and Official Notings on No. 3. To Director of Forests for report.-J.T.B., 26-9-07. The Minister wishes me to see Captain Kent in this matter. Ask him to call here on next Wednesday, at 3 p.m.-P.M.M., 26-9-07. To Captain Kent.-W.T.M., 28-9-07. --

B.C. the Survey Office for noting, 25 Sept., 1907.-G. L. BOARD, for the Under Secretary. The lands applied for are situated mainly on a large timber reserve, proc. G.G., 1906, 2, 1054, and largely within O.L. 40. The respective areas of the two proposed timber leases are about 208 and 107 square miles . Litho. herewith to fully illustrate. J.F.M., 26-9-07. H.M.,26-9-07. B. C. Under Sec. for Public Lands. --

Capt. H. C. Kent saw me, and promised to bring the member of his syndicate who deals with timber matters to see me at an early date.-P.M.M., 14-10-07. W.J.S., 30-10-07. -- Capt. H. C. Kent saw me to-day and asked that this application might stand over pending conference with his principals in Sydney.-P.M.M., 30-10-07. Bring up, 30-11-07. (H.C.K.)

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(No. 4.) DIRECTOR OF FORESTS to CAPTAIN KENT 28th September, 1907.

Sir,-With reference to your letter of the 25th instant to the Hon. the Minister for Lands, applying for timber leases on Fraser lsland, 1 shall be glad if you will be good enough to call and see me at 3 p.m. on Wednesday next, the 2nd prox. I have, &c, PHILIP MAC MAHON, Director of Forests. --

(No. 5.) MEMORANDUM IN CAPTAIN KENT'S HANDWRITING. THE FRASER ISLAND COMPANY-IN PROCESS OF FORMATION. The original offer made by the representative of this company was : To take all the homeless blacks, who are now loafing about the various towns in Queensland, and who the Protector (capable and vigilant as he undoubtedly is) cannot reach, and employ such of them as are able to work at various new industries at the same rates of pay as white men, and finding rations, blankets, and clothing for the women, children, and men unable to work, with schooling and religious (unsectarian) instruction for the young. During the six months, in 1903, Captain and Mrs. Kent were in charge of Fraser Island Mission Reserve, with an average number of about 150 blacks of mixed sexes and ages, there was only one death (an old woman who died of old age). When that place was broken up, the majority of the blacks were taken to Yarrabah, in the North, at which place there have been very few deaths. About sixty were left behind, and became scattered about. Of this sixty fully twenty have died withn three years. This shows distinctly that under humane white supervision this fast dying race have a better chance of surviving. The figures quoted above are approximate. In any case these blacks, if employed, would have been under the supervision of Mr. Howard, the Chief Protector: who is a thoroughly humane man, and probably the best friend the Queensland blacks have ever had. He has reported favourably of the scheme. Who can deny the right of the Fraser Island blacks to earn their own living on their own island? Great Sandy Island has been lying idle since it was created, excepting one company (Wilson, Hart, and Co.), who have invested enormous sums to work a portion of it for timber; and now, when an offer is made to develop it, all kinds of stumbling blocks are put in the way. Will the Government sink £50,000 or £100,000 in developing it? Recognising the fact that this question cannot be settled '' off hand" by the Government, the company (in process of formation) have dropped the aboriginal matter, until it can be thoroughly inquired into, and will employ white men entirely (local married men for preference) at the highest rates of pay ruling in Federated Australia for such work, and abide by all union rules and regulations. It has never been their intention to cut rates or wages, or to enslave or oppress any human being.

While Capt. Kent was in Maryborough last month, numerous deputations of natives - many coming from the far North - waited on him, and begged him to use his influence with the Government to have them returned under him (Capt. Kent) to Fraser Island.

Finally, Captain and Mrs. Kent are well known as having befriended these people, and they were more successful in their efforts than anyone who has undertaken the work (Mr. and Mrs. Gribble Snr, senior and junior, excepted).

-- [Enclosure No. 1 with No. 5.] EXTRACT FR0M THE "SYDNEY MAIL."

THE DEVELOPMENT OF FRASER ISLAND.

Captain Kent is now in Brisbane pressing on the Government a scheme for the development of Fraser Island and the establishment of several industries. Primarily, the proposal is to develop the timber industry, but along with this will be the establishment of the pearl and edible oyster business; the growth of sisal hemp and canning of fish. Captain Kent is acting -on behalf of a New South Wales syndicate, which is prepared to make a large expenditure carrying out their proposals. The application made to the Government is that a large portion of Fraser Island not otherwise taken up should be handed over by the Government, in return for which the syndicate will take all the aboriginals in the district, not only maintain them free of expense to the Government, but pay them well for all work done. --

[Enclosure No.2 with No. 5.] Extract from the "Daily Mail," 26th SEPTEMBER, 1907. OVER THE CHAIR. In the Legislative Assembly yesterday, Mr. Mitchell gave notice of a series of questions with regard to an offer made by a Southern syndicate to develop portion of Fraser Island with the assistance of aboriginal labour. One of the series hinted at slavery, and expressed an opinion - the opinion that if anything was done in the direction indicated it should be done by the State. " Down with private enterprise," sarcastically remarked an Opposition supporter. Mr. Mitchell is evidently of the opinion that what would be slavery under private enterprise would be unadulterated charity under the State.

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(No. 6.) MINUTE BY THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC LANDS. MARYBOROUGH LAND AGENT'S DISTRICT. CAPTAIN KENT AND FRASER ISLAND.

Captain Kent called on me yesterday afternoon respecting his application for timber areas on Fraser Island, and complained that he had just been told by the Director of Forests that he could only procure timber rights by successfully competing for them at auction, and that this information was contrary to the Minister's assurance that he would be granted concessions without competition. I told him that he must have misunderstood what the Minister had said, and that, in the part of his interview with the Minister during which I was present, the Minister had said that there would be no difficulty in granting him special leases, without competition, of about 100 acres of land at the mouth of the creek for wharf sites and other purposes connected with his undertaking; but that I had assumed that this would be dependent on his securing in the ordinary way the timber rights he wanted. I agreed that, if that day was the first occasion on which he had been made aware that the Regulations required that timber sales should be by public competition, it was an unfortunate circumstance; but that the law was as Mr. Mac Mahon had stated. l gave him a copy of the Regulations, and offered him more for his principals, or purtners, as he insisted they should be termed. He declined any further copies, saying that they were not needed, as be has no one else to consult. I pointed out to him that, immediately after the receipt by the Minister of his letter dated 25th September, the Director of Forests had written him, making an appointment for the 2nd instant, and that on the 14th instant the Director had noted that the matter was in suspense pending the arrival of Capt. Kent's principal, and that he that day initialled another noting by the Director to the effect that the matter was to stand over pending his (Capt. Kent's) conferring with his principals in Sydney. He replied that he]was tricked into doing that, inasmuch as it was not till after he had done it that he was told that he must compete publicly for the timber. In further conversation he referred to his proposal to the Lands Department as being only a part of his scheme for fish-canning, planting pearl-shell, &c.; and I told him that we had no knowledge of anything beyond his proposal in regard to the timber, that on the wider scheme he should see the Premier, and that, if the Government considered the whole scheme worth encouraging, means could be adopted for validating the special concessions in regard to timber which formed part of it. These in Capt. Kent's letter to the Minister for Lands asked for timber leases of two parts of Fraser lsland, comprising in all 315 square miles, an area which I pointed out to be out of all reason, and that to arrive at any agreement as to a reasonable area it was necessary that he should confer with the Director of Forests. I referred to his having seen the Director several times during the interval since he had seen the Minister, and had seemingly not previously felt any cause for complaint. He concluded the interview by saying he would not have anything further to clo with the matter, and would go to the Courier office and let it be known how his proposals had been treated. As he was leaving the room, he said something about an agent which I did not sufficiently catch to grasp its meaning.

W.J.S., 31-10-07.

-- I gave no assurance to Captain Kent that he would be granted timber coucessions without competition. The Director of Forests was asked a report. Captain Kent was informed by me that he could have two special leases of areas on which to place wharves or landing-places and as sites for his fish-curing operations.-J. T.B., 1-11-07. --

(No. 7.)

COPY, SUPPLIED BY MR. GEORGE BROWN TO THE SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC LANDS, OF LETTER ADDRESSED BY MR. BROWN TO THE EDITOR OF THE " BRISBANE COURIER."

Brisbane, 31st October, 1907. The Editor, Brisbane Courier, Queen street, City.

DEAR SIR,- I shall be glad be glad if you will publish the letter; attached, dealing with the paragraph in the morning's Courier relative to Lands Administration. Yours truly, GEORGE BROWN, Managing Director, Brown and Broad, Limited. --

[Enclosure with. No. 7.] To the Editor. LANDS ADMINISTRATION.

SIR,-In this morning's Courier a paragraph appears under the above heading, in which statements are made and reflections cast upon the Administration of the Department of Public Lands ; and, as one who knows something of the matter in question, I think it my duty, in common fairness to the Minister, Under Secretary, and Director of Forests, to say that Captain Kent called upon me on the 2nd October, and offered, for a consideration, to sell a timber concession on Fraser Island which he was just about to secure from the government.

lf he was the managing director of a company the principal of which was in Japan, why did he come and offer the concession (which he said belonged to himself, privately) to me?

It is hardly necessary to say anything further, except, that, as a business proposition, the Department of Public Lands were perfectly justified in asking Captain Kent to disclose the names of his principals, and the fact of his not having done so, taken in conjunction with his offer to sell the concession, when obtained, to me, proves the wisdom of tho Department's business-like request. 1 am, Sir, Yours, &c., GEORGE BROWN, Brisbane, 31st October, 1907. Managing Director, Brown and Broad, Limited. Price ls. 3d.]

By Authority: GEORGE ARTHUR VAUGHAN, Government Printer, William street, Brisbane.

Map of proposed timber lease