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[digital number] 0138
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Benches PM
[Stamp] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE. QUEENSLAND 06141 21.MAY.92
Court House. Port Douglas --------------------- 12.th May. 1892. [Stamp] * POLICE MAGISTRATE * PORT DOUGLAS
Sir,
Re Rations for Aborigines at the ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- Daintree River. ----------------------- ----------------------
I have the honor to inform you, that, on the 13th of October, when I first reported to you on this matter, there were only about 30 Aborigines in Camps on the Daintree, who I considered likely to come in for Rations, for which Purpose, I thought from [3 words illg] 30, a year sufficient. I also believed the Settlers, who were interested, would gladly convey all such Rations to the Daintree, without expense to the Government, they, however, have not done so, the Freight costing about ten (10) shillings (10/-) Per month.
As soon, however, as the issue of Rations commenced, the Blacks came in from all round the District, and, on the 11th December I wrote you to that effect, and stated that my original estimate of £30, would have to be considerably increased, if they did not soon return to their hunting grounds, (See your Telegram in in
The Under Colonial Secretary} Brisbane}
[written on the left side of the page on side] [Stamp] PREVIOUS 92. 5689 Serial No. 8
Continue distribution HT 23 . 5 . 92 -------------
Inform accdly Mr Kob to not -------------------------- PM Port Douglas
26 5 92 3168 Noted 27. 5. 92 ------------
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[digital number] 0139
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in reply). This they have not done yet, but remain camped in the vicinity of Mr. Mastertons Selection.
The weekly Supplies given them at present, are as follows, Flour 100 Do Sugar 24 Do } Tobacco 1 1/2 " } (about), and once a month, 100 lbs of Salt Beef, or in place of that 10 lbs of Tea, which latter they prefer.
The number of Aborigines applying weekly, varies from 70 to 90; there are also several too old and decrepid to come themselves, who remain in the camps, and to whom supplies are taken by their tribal relations. I have also supplied them with simple medicines, as during the early months of the year, a considerable amount of sickness prevailed amongst them.
Mr. C. Masterton, J.P., of the Chesnuts, has kindly taken charge of, and attended to the issue of these Rations, and he and other Settlers, inform me, that Since they have been given, the conduct of the Blacks, on the whole, has been very good indeed. Only one report of depredations committed by the blacks
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[digital number] 0140
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blacks since October last, has been made to me, that of Mr. G. Stuart. This was committed by a party of Blacks from the Bloomfield, and not by those living on the Daintree. For the Rations to be of any use, I fail to see how the amount now given can be reduced, as long as such a large number of Aborigines remain about, now that the next season is over, they may disperse to their hunting grounds, I do not, however, think this likely.
Please instruct me, whether I shall continue to provide supplies, as quoted above. If the numbers decrease, I will of course, reduce the quality, and in all cases exercise the greatest economy.
I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedt, Servant
A Clarence Lawson P.M.