QSA847168 1885 Telegram from George L. Rutherford to Colonial Secretary 14 March, Colonial Secretarys Office In Letters, In letter 85/6952, DR78110

[written at top] Boards Div'n Port Douglas Requests that Native Trooper be allowed to remain

Electric Telegraph, Queensland

Wds. 140

Amt 11/10

From Pt Douglas 11 h. 40 m.

Dated 14 3 1885

Message for Hon Col Secy

Brisbane

*** arrived here last night at selectors homestead on Mossman only about five (5) miles & half from town being stuck up by blacks & the owner a young man well known & highly respected carried away by the Blacks the tracks were traced by blood marks last night till dark Party left here this morning three (3) oclock no news

in from them yet last week Ryans camp on the salt water creek was stuck up by Blacks the previous week Leeches camp on Mossman was also stuck up in both instances the camp being robbed of nearly everything must protest on behalf of the District against removal of Native Troopers it is absolutely necessary that troop be stationed in

this District to patrol Mossman saltwater & Daintree Rivers troopers now here would request you to instruct that they remain here

Geo L Rutherford

Chairman Div'l Board