Province of South Australia
Protector of Aborigines
Out Letter Books
1. 1840 – 1884
Volume One, 1840-1857:
pages
2 to 285
Volume Two, 1863-1866:
…….
286 to 406
Volume Three, 1866-1870:
…….
407 to 699
Volume Four, 1871-1879:
…….
700 to 1,011
Volume Five, 1879-1884:
…….
1,012 to 1,344
Province of South Australia
Protector of Aborigines
Out Letter Book
Volume 1
May 21, 1840 to Jan 6, 1857
Hint to Users:
Start with the Index
Transcribed and indexed by Joe Lane, August 2012
Email: joelane94@hotmail.com
www.firstsources.info
The instructions in July 1836 from the S.A. Colonization Commissioners to the Resident Commissioner, J. Hurtle Fisher,
required the appointment of an officer appointed for the special welfare of the aborigines. (1) This office, known as that
of the Protector of Aborigines, was held ad interim by George Stevenson, Capt. Walter Bromley and William Wyatt until
the gazetted appointment on 20 June 1839 of Matthew Moorhouse. (2) Moorhouse held the position until his resignation
on 31 March 1856, after which it was held ex officio by the Commissioner of Crown Lands until the appointment on 21 November
1861 of John Walker. (3) Following Walker's death on 26 September 1868 the office was not again filled until 1888, the work being
done by Sub-protectors reporting direct to the Commissioner of Crown Lands. (4)
Until 1891, the Aborigines Office came under the Minister for Crown Lands and Immigration. Between 1892 and 1901 the
Minister of Agriculture and Education was the responsible minister; subsequently the office came under the Treasurer and
Commissioner for Crown Lands and Immigration (1902-1903), the Attorney-General and Minister of Education (1904-1905),
Commissioner of Public Works and Minister of Education (1906-1908), and Commissioner of Public Works thereafter. (5)
From 1912, the Aborigines' Office became the Aborigines' Department, although this appears to have been initially a change in
name only, the only staff in addition to the Chief Protector of Aborigines and the Sub-Protector, Far North (a position filled, without
salary, by the Sub-Inspector of Police at Port Augusta) being a junior clerk. (6) In February 1918, an Advisory Council of
Aborigines was appointed under powers given by the Aborigines Act, 1911. (7) This development would appear to have been
prompted by the reports of the Royal Commission on the Aborigines (1913-1916) which had pointed out that the existing staff of
the Aborigines "department" (consisting of the Chief Protector of Aborigines and a junior clerk) was inadequate and had
recommended the establishment of an advisory board of six honorary members rather than direct Government control of the
existing mission stations (Point McLeay, Point Pearce, Killalpaninna and Koonibba). (8)
In 1940, legislation was passed abolishing the office of Chief Protector of Aborigines and the Advisory Council, replacing them
with an Aborigines' Protection Board consisting of the Commissioner of Public Works, Prof. J.B. Cleland, Constance Mary Cooke,
J.P., Alice Maude Johnston, Rev. Canon S.T.C. Best, Dr. Charles Duguid and Leonard John Cook, with W.R. Penhall as
Secretary. (9)
Governors/Lieutenant Governors:
Colonial Secretaries:
Gawler, to May 1841.
Grey, to October 1845.
Robe, to August 1848.
Young, to 1854
Robert Gouger, to 1841.
J. A. Jackson, to 1843.
Alfred Mundy, ?
Charles Sturt, ?1847- late 1852.
B.T. Finniss, 1852 - ?
Douglas Pike’s Paradise of Dissent ….. (1957) is highly recommended as background reading for this period in South Australian
history.
List of Addressees of Correspondence Out
Acting Judge
1, 375.
Adams, Mary [Kudnarto], Penwortham
629.
Adams, Thos., Penwortham
350, 358, 413, 462, 563, 629, 637.
Addison, J.P., Esq 295.
Advocate-General 22, 24, 137, 168, 293.
Anstey, Geo. Alex. Esq. 492, 510.
Assistant Commissioner of Crown Lands (& Immigration?) 3, 27.
Auditor-General (Newenham) 35, 38, 273-274.
Bartley, solicitor, Adelaide
316.
Baynon, J. Harris, Surgeon, Yorke’s Peninsula 560.
Brewer, Captain Chas, Government Resident, Guichen Bay (Robe)
Britton, Dr. T., Wellington 681.
Bull, Dr., Kooringa 365.
Butler, Captain, Chairman of the Board of Audit 130, 140.
540, 632, 636.
Calder, Jno Esq.
504.
Chatham, Rev., Kooringa 451.
Chief Protector, Port Philip 384.
Coleman, Mr., Miller, Strathalbyn 523, 606.
Colonial Secretary
Passim.
Commissioner of Crown Lands & Immigration
393, 397, 400, (Charles Bonney) 683.
Commissioner of Police 45, 175, 386, 438, 549.
Coroner, The
117.
Crane, W., Esq., Educational Board
532.
Crown Solicitor
643.
Cutchell, James
259.
Deputy Surveyor-General (Burr) 59.
Driver, Chas, Esq., Government Resident, Port Lincoln 539.
Earle, John H., Avenue Ranges, Wellington
Elder, T. & Co.
673.
Eyre, E.J., Moorunde 61, 101.
569.
Fisher, J.H., Lawyer
91, 152, 316.
French, Captain, Port Adelaide 653.
Frome, Hon. Captain 222.
Geharty, Sergeant
561.
Giles, W. Esq.
492.
Gleeson, Edward B., J.P., Clare 454.
Government Resident, Port Lincoln (C. Driver) 58, 66.
Grant, T., Clerk, Kooringa 447.
Gray, William Henry, Noarlunga 630.
Haines, John, Esq., Kapunda
Hame, J. Esq.
565.
580.
Hance, John, Esq., Curator of Intestate Estates 559.
Hanson, T. Esq.
492.
Immigration Agent
578.
Inspector of Mounted Police (Tolmer) 50.
Jennings, Edward
476.
Jones, T., Superintendent: Railways, Port Elliott/Goolwa
631.
Kavil, Pastor, Langmeil 467.
Kook, Hermann, Surveyor, Tanunda 415.
Lang, Wm, Esq., Resident Magistrate, Burra
328, 333.
Lawrie, B.F., Esq., Port Lincoln 595.
Lewis, H., Macclesfield 596.
Lieutenant Governor Young
482, 489, 490, 503, 507.
Lindsay, A. Esq., Hindmarsh Valley 568.
Lipson, Captain, Harbour Master 544, 548, 550.
Love, Mr., Mr W. E.
659.
Mason, Corporal George, Wellington Depot
341, 352, 366, 385, 414, 422, 435. Sub-Protector,
531, 599, 614, 649, 652, 655, 662, 663, 664, 668, 672, 675, 677, 680, 682, 684.
Mayle, Dr., Tungkillo 469.
McDonald, J.W., Esq, Magistrate, Kooringa 524.
McLaren, John, Land Office
80.
Meyer, Rev. Mr Edward 71, 102, 157.
Minchin, Henry J.
551. Sub-Protector 562, 572, 575, 576, 579, 587, 589, 602, 604, 613,
639, 646, 667, 676.
Morphett, Hon. J.C.
188.
Murray, A.J., Govt Resident, Port Lincoln 582, 586, 605, 625, 633, 658.
Murray, George, Watervale 446, 464.
Nation, William Esq.
190.
Nesbit, E.P. Esq.
564.
Newland, Revd. N.
6.
Newland, R.T. Esq., Port Adelaide
Norrell, H.M., Auburn 628, 638.
493, 573.
Police Constable, Yorke’s Peninsula 607.
Private Secretary to the Governor (Hall) 4, 5, 10, (Mundy) 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 39, 43, 44, 51, 54, 55,
84, 99, 100, 105, 106, 110, 112, 127, 129, (O’Halloran) 203, 204, 205, 215,
216, 224.
Quire, Ephriam, Woolshed Flats, Strathalbyn 657, 661, 665.
Roberts, Richd, Esq.
9.
Rowe, Mr. H., Wardy Yallock, Gelong
588 .
Sabben?, William, Town clerk, Adelaide 545.
Schurmann, Revd. C. 8, 11, 12, 25, 57, 81, 98, 108, 410.
Scott, E.B., Esq., Sub-Protector, Moorundee
299, 303, 314, 322, 324, 414, 443, 522, 669.
Scott, G.B., Sub-Inspector of Police, Penola
Scott, John, Tatiarra
541.
Sherriff, The
73, 213.
Smith, Mr, Walkerville School 141.
Solomon, George, Rapid Bay
459, 534.
Stoddart, David, Strathalbyn
640.
Struve, Frederick Augustus, Myponga 418.
Stuckey, John, Bakers
49.
Surveyor General
601.
Teichelmann, Revd. Mr G.C.
618.
177.
Wilkins, William, Hog Bay, Kangaroo Island
Williams, Henry, Port Lincoln 583, 626.
611.
1
Aborigines Location
May 21st 1840
His Honor the Acting Judge
Sir,
In the Jail of Adelaide there are two Aborigines for trial, one boy and one Woman, at the Enquiry Assizes.
Should Bills be found against them, the prosecution of the boy will be conducted by Mr Mann, and that
against the Woman by the Advocate-General. Would your honor be kind enough to provide Council in case it
should be required for them.
I am &c,
Matthew Moorhouse
Protector of Aborigines
2
June 30th 1840
Honorable the Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor that the case of the Native having been shot by a
Shepherd in the employ of T. Beevor Esq, was fully investigated yesterday, the 29 Inst, before the
Commissioner of Police and myself, & from the evidence given by the Shepherd and another European who
witnessed the scene, we are of opinion that it was justifiable homicide on the part of the Shepherd.
The Aborigines had occasionally visited the station & been supplied with flour & Rice in order to secure their
friendship & it appears that they attacked the Sheep, not to revenge past injuries, but simply to gratify the
appetite. The Shepherd did not retaliate the attack made upon the sheep; the Natives were not successful in
securing their first object, so they attacked the Shepherd & it is to be remembered that he did not fire until
the attack was made upon himself – his life was in jeopardy & self-defence was necessary. The death of this
Native, as well as that near Mr Horrock’s Station was caused by an emancipated Convict, but the Step was
one which I & the commissioner of Police think would have been taken by any respectable Colonist.
[Side note: Death of Native caused by Mr Beevor’s Shepherd]
[Moorhouse]
3
July 2nd 1840
Hon. Assist. Commissioner
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that His Excellency the Governor has allowed an 80-acre Section to be
reserved for the Aborigines in the Special Survey of the “Sources of the Ngankiparinga River”. I have visited
that district and think No. 5070 would be most desirable.
[Side note: Reserving land for the Aborigines]
[Moorhouse]
4
October 28th 1840
George Hall Esque
Private Secretary [to the Governor?]
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor that I, in company with the Revd Mr Teichelmann, left
Adelaide to visit Encounter Bay on the 22nd inst. We reached the latter place on the 234rd and on the
following day we, accompanied by the Rev. Mr Meyer, visited all the Native Locations in the neighbourhood.
We saw 42 Natives – 11 men, 11 women and 20 children. The Rev. Mr. Meyer has been 5 weeks there & has
commenced his labours. He is acquiring the language and at the same time is instructing the children. He
called our attention particularly to two prominent hindrances in the education of the Children, namely, want
of a School Room in which to assemble them, and the inconvenience of gathering them together without
having an inducement in the way of food.
Mr Meyer wished me to state his position to the governor & at the same time respectfully ask if His
Excellency would allow a small School Room (about 14 ft square) to be erected & rations, Rice & sugar or
Biscuit alone to be distributed to those who attend School. The School room might be built at a moderate
rate, as Bricks at £ 2-10 -0 per thousand may be purchased within a mile of the place & there is abundance of
timber for roofing, upon the spot.
Should His Excellency allow the distribution of food, we propose to do it more sparingly than in Adelaide,
because there the sources for obtaining food are less numerous than here.
We left Mr Meyer on Monday the 26th & reached Adelaide yesterday (27th).
[Moorhouse]
5
December 18th 1840
George Hall Esque
Private Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor that Mr Teichelmann and myself arrived in Town on
Saturday the 12th inst. We left Adelaide on the 4th and reached the Angas River in the evening. We expected
to meet 70 Natives located on that river, but they had left a few days before we arrived. On the following
day we rode over the two Special Surveys in that district, one taken by J. Morphett & the other by G.H.
Davenport Esquires, but could meet with no Natives at their usual place of encampment. On the 6 th, we
reached Mr Morphett’s Station on the Murray River and met with only two families of Aborigines there. We
spent the evening in their huts, but not in a very profitable manner as we were among a tribe speaking a
language differing widely from that of Adelaide.
On the 7th we crossed the Murray and reached Mr Henderson’s Tents on the Eastern side; it was an
excessively hot day, so we remained at the Tents til evening, then walking about two miles along the banks of
the River, we met with three huts containing from 30 to 40 Natives; we conversed with them in broken
English as well as we were able & after spending two hours with them & partaking of their fish, we returned
to the tents, accompanied by an interesting young man named Peter. Peter & one of his friends repeatedly
asked to accompany us to Adelaide to be supplied with flour & clothing from the Europeans but the hot
weather prevented them.
On the 8th, we walked from Mr Henderson’s to Mr Poole’s Tents, a distance of 20 miles & saw 127 Natives
along the banks of Lake Alexandrina. SW were met by every group as we approached their places of
encampment & several times had fish & other native food offered to us; we once partook liberally of the
Craw fish so abundant in the Lake. They made a fire, roasted several hundred, removed their shelly covering
& then invited us to eat.
On the 9th we walked for some distance on the N.E. part of Lake Albert, accompanied by a Native Boy; he said
we should meet with no more Natives until we came upon the Milmenroora district. He would not
accompany us there, as his tribe was on hostile terms with the Milmenroora people. We had active proof of
his statement, for we saw part of the funeral lamentations over an adult, who had been speared by the latter
tribe a few days before. We were anxious to visit the Big Murray people & bring some to Adelaide [] in order
to shew them that Aborigines and Europeans can live on good terms with each other. We were strongly
advised by Mr Poole not to go amongst them as we had no horse & should be compelled to take one on two
nights in their territory; Mr Poole said it would not be safe, for a party of his men was down there a few days
before, & in the night the Natives were creeping upon [them] & they had to fly to their boats.
The afternoons of the 8th and 9th were spent in inquiring into the language. We found it to differ widely from
that spoken in Adelaide, but it is very nearly the same as that spoken at Encounter Bay, they all belong to the
same family of language – they have the same principles of construction, so that the acquisition of one, is a
key to the whole.
I have added a tabular view of the pronouns, which are the most interesting, as the necessity of their
frequent use has caused the ?perfect similarity to be maintained.
English
Adelaide
I
We two
We [all]
Ngaii
Ngadli
Ngadlu
Encounter Bay
First Persons
Ngapuna
Ngal
Ngunu
Pomunda
Ngap
Nganal, Ngel
Nangan
W of the Lake
Ngapo
Ngeli
Nangano
You (sing.)
You two
You (pl.)
Ninna
Niwa
Na
Second Persons
Nginti
Ngul
Nommu
Ngint
Ngul
Ngunu
Ngint
Ngulo
Ngun
Third Persons
He
Pa – Padlo
Ka
Kiyika
Tikai
They two
Purla
Kangge
Kukuka
Ukukuk
They
Parna
Kar
Kukuki
kukuku
The duals & plurals are found by additions, in themselves, differing from those of the Adelaide people but the
principle of adding them is precisely the same as to the root of the word.
Head
two heads
heads
Adelaide
Makarta
Makartilla
Makartanna
Encounter Bay
Kuli
Kuleng
Kular
Pomunda
Kuli
Kuleng
Kular
The numerals of the Encounter Bay and Pomunda tribes are nearly the same, but they have no resemblance
to the Adelaide:
Adelaide
Encounter Bay
Pomunda
1
Kuma
Yammuli
Yammulaitye
2
Purlaitye
Neingeng
Neingengi
3
Mankutye
Maadda
Malda
4
Purlaitye Purlaitye
Kukar Kukar
Kinggarrung, or Kukar Kukar
[ ] We are of opinion that the Milmenroora people speak the same language as the Encounter Bay, but we
shall visit that district, the first opportunity. I expressed a wish to endeavour to bring some of them to
Adelaide & convince them of the peaceful intentions of the Europeans towards them, & as His Excellency
expressed a similar opinion, we are ready at any time, to carry our project out, when a boat’s crew would be
in the neighbourhood of the Lakes.
[Moorhouse]
6
December 21st 1840
The Rev. N. Newland
Encounter Bay
Sir,
Your communication to the Honble the Assistant Commissioner of the 15th Inst, does not give in detail the
amount you would require per rod for fencing in the Section alluded for the Aborigines.
The Advertisement contains nothing more than I gave in my note, but as you wish to have a more detailed
amount, I have been requested to supply you with one.
Posts to be of Gum of the regular length used in the Colony.
Rails to be of Stringy Bark & four in each length to be completed at
per rod.
Two Gateways left with rails capable of being taken out at pleasure.
The whole to be completed by the 1st of July 1840. The Assistant Commissioner says the Adelaide fence
would be 6/6 per rod & he should not like to give more.
[Moorhouse]
7
March 13th 1841
George Hall Esque,
Private Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor that I arrived in Town on Wednesday the 10 th from a
visit to the Eastern branch of the Murray. I left Adelaide on the 25th of Feb and arrived at Encounter Bay on
the 26th; the following day, I accompanied by the Revd. Mr Meyer examined the three Sections in the district
& concluded to have Section 235 inclosed as previously ordered by His Excellency; the one on the lower part
of the Inman not being of so good a quality.
On the 1st of March we arrived at the mouth of the Murray, but as we were unable to obtain a boat, we
returned to the Police Station at the Goolwa. On the second we obtained a whale boat, manned it with
Natives & continued our journey along the Coorong – our party consisted now of nine – four Europeans & a
few Natives. On arriving a second time at the Mouth of the Murray, we met the Encounter Bay people
returning from an encounter with the Milmenroora or Big Murray tribe; may were wounded, one had
received a spear in the upper part of the Chest, which produced almost immediate death, another was
wounded in the abdomen & died in four days. This affray took place in consequence of the Milmenroora
people feeling themselves aggrieved, by those from Encounter Bay conveying the information of the late
murders committed upon the Europeans & they were determined to have retribution. I hoped to arrive
there before the engagement took place, that I might see the Milmenroora tribe & tell them that it was
desirable to lay aside all hostile feelings, both towards their neighbouring brethren the Encounter Bay tribe &
the Europeans.
We saw many scattered groups along the banks of the Coorong, but were not able to speak [ ] to any; as
soon as they saw the boat approaching the shore, they disappeared amongst the sand-hills. We intended to
continue our journey as far as “Tentu” but on Thursday the 4th ult, when encamped on the banks of the river
for the night, the Natives observed two flocks of Swans flying over us making a noise indicative of fright; &
they gave the following explanation. Those who had seen us come to the shore, had gone forward &
communicated with other groups returning from the fight; we wished them to throw aside all suspicion and
be composed; they said that they would sleep in the boat & if we slept on shore we should be surrounded in
the night and speared. They persevered in their determination to sleep in the boat so we accompanied
them, took her into deep water & slept there. The Natives however dare not sleep, they all watched until the
moon went down & then one was thought sufficient. On Friday we could not persuade them to continue the
journey, so we took a homeward direction.
At 2 pm, we saw several known to be friendly to the Encounter Bay people, but they were not willing to allow
us to approach them; we sent Peter on shore as they were his friends & with much persuasion, he prevailed
upon ten males to remain & speak to us – one was a Milmenroora native, & we spoke to him to the following
effect, Peter & Charly acting as interpreters. ‘We are sorry to see your countrymen flew whenever they are
approached; we have visited them, wishing fully to satisfy all, that the Europeans are desirous of being on
friendly terms & that the Government has made a declaration of peace towards them. If any Europeans
should again be unfortunately cast upon their shores, if they would enable them to cross the Murray &
conduct them either to Encounter Bay or Adelaide, they should be supplied with clothes, & not repeat the
atrocities committed upon the passengers of the “Maria” for the sake of their garments.’
[ ] The object of our visit was not fully accomplished. The contest that we hoped to check was over, to the
loss of the Encounter Bay people. We wished also to ascertain what language was spoken in the
Milmenroora district, but the man we saw was so much afraid he could scarcely be induced to speak. It was
desirable to obtain their numerical force, this however is not practicable at present.
[Moorhouse]
8
March 20th 1841
Revd Mr Schurmann
Port Lincoln
Sir,
I was sorry to hear that my last letter did not reach you until six weeks after it was written. The opportunities
of sending to Port Lincoln have been so few that we wrote our letters and lodged them in the Post office
expecting them to be sent by the first vessel; for the last month we have had letters written & lodged in the
Office as you will see by a parcel from Mr Teichelmann. I had inclosed a pay list for your signature, but as I
was compelled to forward the list to the Governor on the 21st of this month, I took it from the Post Office.
Considering the uncertainty of conveying the Pay list to Port Lincoln, His Excellency the Governor thinks you
had better continue to receive your salary from Mr Harvey. He ought only to have paid you £12. 5. 9 instead
of £12.10. 0 as given in his certificate. You had better return the certificate and receive the money again.
His Excellency has allowed you a house which you may select yourself & pay such a rent as you think is
reasonable; don’t exceed a rental of £30 a year. You may continue to draw Government Stores for the
Natives [ ] but economy is strongly recommended.
Land returns are also to be made & if you can forward the numbers of the Sections, you wish to have
resumed, the Assistant Commissioner is authorised to mark them off for the Aborigines.
[Moorhouse]
9
April 2nd 1841
Rich. Roberts Esqre
Hindley Street
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that I forwarded your communication to His Excellency the Governor
regarding the Native Boy named “Paddy” from the Gawler district, and I am commanded by His Excellency to
state that you have full permission to take the boy to England, provided he expresses no unwillingness to go.
His Excellency & myself fully approve of your views in placing the Native under the care of the Aborigines’
Protection Society or some other religious or Trinitarian body for instruction & I hope that you will as
effectually perform as you have faithfully promised your kind intentions towards him.
[Moorhouse]
10
May 8th 1841
Geo Hall Esqr
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor that the opinion given by His Honor the Judge upon
the case of two Natives now in prison has been forwarded to the Resident Magistrate. The Natives will again
be brought up on Monday & the European evidence taken. If the charges are such as deserve further
imprisonment, the Resident Magistrate will remand them for another fortnight & at the expiration of that
time require bail from ?? for their future appearance if necessary.
[Moorhouse]
11
[ ] May 29th 1841
Revd Mr Schurmann
Port Lincoln,
Sir,
In reply to your last letter bearing date May 22nd, I have to state that the land on the Todd River is not yet
thrown open for selection. I shall attend to your suggestions about the numbers when the plan is completed.
At present I can give you no information what the Government will do towards building you a house, or
supplying you with a Servant to perform your domestic engagements whilst you are occupied with the
Natives. His Excellency Governor Grey has promised to examine all the demands of the Aborigines
Department & give them due consideration. This examination however cannot take place for a Month or six
weeks as I am to accompany the Police Force to the North-West bend of the Murray or perhaps to the
Darling. The Natives in that part of the Province have put to flight an overland party & taken possession of
5,000 sheep. We expect to be absent a Month or perhaps more.
[Moorhouse]
12
July 16th 1841
The Revd Mr Schurmann
Port Lincoln
Sir,
According to the promise contained in the communication to you bearing date 29th of May, I have laid the
Affairs of the Aborigines Department before His Excellency: the Governor. I can tell you in a few words, that,
at present the Government cannot supply you with any implements for agriculture, [ ] building or any other
purpose. From this unpleasant position the Government hopes soon to be released. I see in despatch from
Lord John Russell that the Aborigines of all the Australian Colonies are to be provided for by deducting 15 per
cent of the land sales. This despatch has not yet been received in South Australia, but as soon as it arrives
the Government will probably have means at its command & if so the Natives at Port Lincoln shall not be
forgotten.
At present economy is going so far as to discontinue the fencing at Encounter Bay. The question was put to
me by the Governor “could you not manage without an instructor at the Location ?”
I have addressed an official letter to His Excellency about Land Reserves for the Natives to which I have not
received a written answer; I believe however that Reserves from Special Surveys will be allowed as usual; at
least the Governor told me so a few days ago when in conversation with him.
You will receive this inclosed in a parcel containing 10 Blankets and 10 shirts which you can distribute to such
Natives as you think proper. They are the remaining part of the stock distributed on the Queen’s birthday.
It is unnecessary for me to give you much description of my journey to the Murray, as you will see either one
or both of my reports in the papers. We are now satisfied that the Pitta language is spoken 260 miles up the
Murray & most probably for some distance into the Sydney Colony. I had a boy with me from the Mount
Barker district who speaks the Adelaide & Pitta languages & he could communicate with all the Natives we
saw along the Murray, Rapid & Rufus Rivers.
In this respect the journey was an important one for us.
[Moorhouse]
13
July 31st 1841
A Munday Esqre
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor that the party placed under my command (the
remaining part of this letter was accidentally destroyed but it only was asking specific instructions for the
march to the Murray to meet Mr Robinson,) when I should be justified with returning provided we did not
meet with Mr Robinson.
[Moorhouse]
14
[12] River Murray 205 miles from Adelaide
June 30th 1841
A Munday Esqre
Sir,
I have the honor to report to His Excellency the Governor the result, up to the present date, of the
Expedition to capture four of the Aborigines implicated in the attack upon H. Truman Esqre, on the 16 th of
last April.
I left Adelaide on the 31st May, with a detachment of mounted police, and a number of gentlemen specially
sworn as constables for the occasion. We reached the “Pound” on the Murray on Friday the 4 th of June and
halted there two days. On Monday the 7th we continued our march and, for the first time, saw a group of five
Natives on the opposite banks of the River. We encamped within three miles of the placed where they were
seen, and as they did not follow us, I sent the two Interpreters that accompanied us from Adelaide, to invite
them to the tents. At daybreak on the 8th, three of the strangers came and I, in conformity with my
instructions, ?? with two of them to join us, as they might be required for the language higher up the river.
At Dead Man Flat on the 10th of June, five more natives crossed the river; and, through our Adelaide
interpreter were asked many questions about the attack upon Mr Truman, what had become of the sheep
and other property that had been taken away and the following statements were elicited:
They had heard from other natives that an attack had been made upon Europeans;
That the natives [13] had taken a large quantity of sheep, provisions & clothing;
That one native was shot dead at the time and at a subsequent time, several others were shot by a party on
horseback.
They had not seen the sheep themselves, not the place of attack, but they understood from some of their
friends, that we should reach the place in six hours, & from others in two days’ march.
On the 14th of June, our Murray Natives refused to accompany us any further, they had been with us a
distance of 50 miles, and ?distrusted? others in whose territories we were marching. On the 18 th, 176 miles
from Adelaide, we met twenty six male adults assembled by one of the Interpreters who had gone in
advanced two days before. They expressed a friendly feeling towards us, & were particularly anxious to clear
themselves from all participation in the attack on Mr Truman. We crossed Lake Bonney on the 19 th and
Mettalittela Yerta (?Their Land?). In the afternoon of the 20th when pitching the tents, fourteen Natives were
seen, nine on the distant and five on the near banks of the River; the latter were approaching our
encampment but were unfortunately rushed upon, with an intent of making them prisoners by a party in our
??, who had been on search of some strayed cattle; they at once plunged into the water and swam to the
opposite side. We tried through our interpreter to entice them over promising to supply them with food and
not injure them. They said they would visit us in the morning.
They did not come according to promise, so at half past 8 o’clock we sent those in advance who had been
with us some days, to endeavour to obtain an interview with other, that might be found with the sheep. At
three o’clock we arrived at the junction of the River and the Murray, & Saw a group on the opposite banks of
the Rapid. Our interpreter inquired, if they had seen those whom we had sent in advance and they said no.
After conversing for two minutes we were leaving them, when Mr Hawker came up from the drays, stating
that he had seen some Natives at the place we had just come from. We immediately returned but only saw
five on our side of the River, 4 that had been sent in advance & one of the guilty tribe they had persuaded to
approach. This one had many [14] questions put to him regarding the sheep; how many had been killed,
where we should find them and did they shepherd the sheep all of which the two following days proved to be
falsely answered.
This individual had received a Ball through his thigh, the wound of which had just healed. We treated him
with kindness, supplied him with food and invited him to sleep with our Adelaide boy a little distance from
the tents. The Commissioner of Police promised him blankets & clothing if he would point out the guilty
party, which he agreed to do, promising at the same time to bring all his tribe to us in the morning.
On the morning of the 22nd the native was again questioned about the sheep. He said they were in a NorthEastern direction from the camp & recommended the drays and tents be taken half a day’s march forward&
said we should meet the sheep, a large herd of cattle and three drays in the possession of Europeans. He was
questioned over and over again about Europeans being in our advance & he invariably answered they were &
had come from Sydney. Just before the Police were ordered to march, a bullock driver came to the camp and
presented some sheep’s bones that had been found on the opposite side of the Rapid. The Natives that had
accompanied us for several days before & the stranger they had brought the previous evening appeared
much intimidated; they wished to leave us lest they should be shot, but we distinctly told them that they
should not be shot. This assurance appeared to allay their suspicions for a time.
A little after daybreak, we marched & requested our guides to walk immediately before us. They did so a
short distance and then inquired if they might cross the Creek and meet us in the evening. It was thought
desirable to allow them as they had been faithful on the previous day. They described the road to our
Adelaide boy & ?? him to continue until he met with Europeans. At 12 o’clock the drays halted and the tents
were itched for the night. At one o’clock the mounted party continued their march and at half past two, met
Mr Langhorne’s party. Their condition excited the commiseration of all present. Their dray [15]
was
in advance. The bullock driver was nearly naked. On the front of the dray sat a Stock Keeper who had been
speared in the leg, and in the body was lying Mr Millar the overseer in a state of intense suffering, from spear
wounds in different parts of his body. They expressed their delight in seeing us, especially as their number
had been reduced, by the murder of 4 out of 16 and their firearms in bad condition. Mr Millar was requested
by Major O’Halloran to describe briefly the place, manner and cause of the attack, which he did nearly in the
following words:
“On Sunday the 20th, about half past 11 am, when nine men and myself had just crossed our provisions &
drays over the Rufus, we were surrounded by a party of 500 Natives & when reloading the drays, the blacks
rushed towards us & commenced throwing waddies. We had only six muskets with us & two of them would
not go off. The Natives soon began to throw spears & we commenced firing amongst them. The fight lasted
about 20 minutes, and the result was death of 4 of our party and 5 Blacks.”
Mr Millar’s ?feelings here prevented him continuing & he was recommended to reach our encampment
where his wounds would be dressed & suitable medicine administered, he has suffered greatly from his
wound but at the present date is doing well. On our return to camp, a distance of six miles, a bullock driver
reported having found the carcases of 200 sheep.
June 23rd, we started early in the morning in the search of Mr Truman’s sheep; the mounted party opened
out & examined the whole portion of land between the banks of the Murray & Rapid. One mile and a half
from the camp, many natives’ huts were seen, strewed with sheep skins & bones. The number slaughtered
were estimated at 1,000 & the number of natives to have been present, 500. The whole day was occupied in
the search, only 13 Natives were seen & no prisoners taken as they dived into the water the moment they
were approached. After [16] the country had been so thoroughly searched, we all were of opinion that no
sheep were remaining.
June 24th, We visited Mr Langhorne’s crossing place on the Rufus and found one of the bodies lying on the
banks of the River. The abdomen and chest were cut open, the lower jaw fractured on the right side &
several severe contusions on the head. The place of attack was about 20 miles distant from where Mr
Truman had his encounter, & the attack undoubtedly made by the same tribe. There were no natives seen
within five miles of the spot.
At day break on the 25th, eleven were seen on the opposite side of the Murray. I took the Adelaide boy with
me & asked them to come over to us, not hinting in any way at the recent atrocities with the whites but they
said they were too much afraid. I enquired why & they answered – lest they should be shot. I repeated the
invitation several times, assuring them that there would be no …
At 9 o’clock, we left the Murray again for the Rufus & after interring the body found on the previous day, the
detachment was divided into two parties, one crossed the river & each opened out to scour the country on
both sides as far as Lake Victoria. There were 30 Natives seen, but as the parties approached the water, they
took to their canoes & went upon the Lake.
In conclusion, I feel greatly disappointed that the instructions given to me by His Excellency have not been
fully carried out. I have really had no opportunity of inquiring from the Natives themselves the real cause of
the contests between the two populations. The question, how Mr Truman’s party and the Natives came into
collision, was put to the man with the wound in his thigh, but he replied that the natives were following Mr
Truman & the party left the sheep from fear. The same question was asked our guides at Dead Man’s Flat &
they said, because those men are notorious thieves, we recommend you to shoot them. I cannot place much
confidence [17] in either of the above answers. The first was evidently given to clear himself and all
connected with him and the second is such, as is generally obtained from uncivilized people- one individual
or tribe will at any time implicate another to extenuate himself.
We are now on the road home and have travelled sixty miles from Langhorne’s Ferry on the Rufus.
[Moorhouse]
15
Adelaide
July 12th 1841
A M Munday Esqr,
Private Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Ex: the Governor that I arrived in Adelaide on the 9 ulto from the expedition to
the Murray, and continue my report from the 30th of June, the date of my last.
July 1st, we encamped three miles S.W. of Lake Bonney on the territories of a tribe who professed to be
friendly on our march up the river. In the evening six male adults came to our encampment - they were
asked why they dare approach – they said because we have nothing to fear, as we have not injured the
Europeans. On the following day (2nd) we marched 7 miles & in the evening three strange Natives came to
us. Through the Adelaide boy I conversed with them for an hour, about their country, means of subsistence,
catching game &c, & when leaving them for the night, they inquired if I or any of the party wished to have
their women brought. They said all the white people they had seen before, had had their women brought for
the purpose of sexual intercourse, to whom the Europeans gave flour, animals & clothing.
At Dead Man’s Flat, on the 5th of July, one of the guides that left us on the Rapid, made his appearance.
Major O’Halloran made [18] him a prisoner for his clandestine departure from the detachment on the 22nd
of June. He was made to understand that he would be taken to Adelaide and here kept for a while & that if
his tribe interfered with the overland parties, he might not be allowed to return to them. The same was told
to all who visited him after he was taken prisoner.
The statement given to me on the 2nd, I have every reason to believe. The Europeans themselves admit their
correctness. Fourteen months ago, the Revd Mr Teichelmann & myself were inquiring of a Sydney Native
who had travelled the overland road twice in two years & he said it was becoming dangerous for Europeans
to come overland. He said the Blacks were becoming enraged with the whites, for the latter had used the
women of the former & much abused them. The abuse, he explained, consisted in the Europeans promising
the Aborigines food, clothing and tomahawks for the use of their females, but the Europeans did not fulfil
their promises, after qualifying their passions, the women were turned out late in the evening or in the night;
& instead of the men having their promised rewards, they were laughed at and ridiculed.
Mr Millar’s statements support, indirectly, those of the Sydney native. He said this is the third time I have
come overland from Sydney; the first time I came the Natives were of great assistance to my party; they
helped us to drive our cattle for many miles, they did not attempt to teal or take anything from us. The
second time they were more bold, they would pilfer and steal from our encampment and in the night they
several times crossed the Murray and speared the sheep, so that the shepherds were obliged to fire upon
them. I never saw them to offer to attack the drays before the present time.
Indiscriminate shooting, according to our present knowledge, does not appear to deter the Aborigines on the
Rufus from attacking drays containing provisions, clothing & implements &c. It is the opinion of many
Colonists that this expedition [19] having refrained from shooting has tended to encourage rather than
intimidate the Aborigines in acts of aggression and outrage. This must of necessity remain as an opinion, as
no direct proof can be brought to establish it as a fact. To confirm this, I may give the treatment of two
parties attacked at Langhorn’s Ferry before Mr Langhorn’s party. Nineteen months ago, the drays of a cattle
party were attempted to be taken at this very place by a group of Natives. Ten men on horseback all supplied
with firearms were on the banks of the River at the time, and repelled the Natives at once by firing upon
them. The Natives retreated as soon as they saw one or two of their tribe shot, but they were followed for
about 15 miles by those on horseback & Firing kept up the whole time. Thirteen months ago a similar
encounter took place on the same spot & the [?] routed with great loss.
As the Natives have been victorious in the last three contests with Europeans, there appears at present no
means of preventing further collision, but strong numerical force in overland parties; if their force be
numerous they would be at once awed, as they evidently were when the Police force approached.
The overland parties have not acted judiciously in allowing the Native women to be brought to their
encampments. It was an intimacy that encouraged the Native at once to require something at the hand of
the European. When he received food or clothing, he was acquiring a taste for food that could not be
obtained in his savage state; & there can be no wonder, that when he sees it in the possession of others, he
should take it by force, unless there should be sufficient strength to resist. Mr Millar and all his party believe,
that had they left their dray with its provisions & clothing there would not have been a single European
wounded.
[Moorhouse]
16
Lake Bonney, 190 miles from Adelaide
September 4th 1841
A M Munday Esqre
Private Secretary: His Ex: the Governor
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor that the expedition, consisting of 29 Europeans and 3
Aborigines, sent from Adelaide on the 31st of July, is now on its return, having been effectual in rendering all
the assistance (to whom it was designed) that was necessary.
I joined the detachment 50 miles from Adelaide, on the 4th of August, and upon reaching the “Pound” early
on the 7th, I had all the party assembled to read the instructions given to me by His Excellency and to explain
to each the nature of the expedition, and the duties they would be expected to perform. There were several
Natives there, and although within a mile of our tents, did not visit us. Our Natives however visited them and
on their return in the evening, said they had received some important reports.
Their friends had informed them that all the Natives had gone up the River, in consequence of one individual
coming down and recommending all to congregate and attack a party coming from Sydney with Bullocks,
Sheep, Clothing &c. I was at a loss how far to believe the report, but as we travelled along the Murray, we
noticed a scarcity of Native encampments, which led me to give probability to the story. In passing over a
distance of 90 miles, we only saw one placed where Natives were living – the number consisted of 24 old
emaciated men & women – such as were not able to travel. I inquired where the young men were, & they
replied higher up the River.
On the 18th, we halted for the night, three miles to the South of Lake Bonney & our Adelaide Natives took me,
the Sub-Inspector of Police & a Volunteer Gentleman to a Creek 2 miles distant from our tent, where we saw
105 of their brethren; some were much intimidated at our approach; several women placed their children
upon their backs and ran into the water; a few adults seized their spears & stood firmly by their huts, whilst
two, whom I saw on my former visit came to me & inquired if I did not recognise them. They shewed great
anxiety to be on friendly terms with us, & aw that they could prove to us that they were not guilty of spearing
European property. They saw there [21] are three horses grazing near our habitation, which we could
spear at any time, but have refrained in order to keep friendly with the white man. They took us through a
belt of scrub & shewed us the horses within 300 yards of a hut.
On the 19th, rose at day break that we might commence our march at an early hour- at 9 o’clock the cattle
were ll brought in and at half past, were yoked ready for starting. 40 of the Natives that were seen the night
before came to us, & strongly advised us not to go on, as there were many Natives two days’ march in our
advance, occupied in preparing spears, shields & other implements of war. One of those present had come
from their encampment two days before & said they would attack us – they were (turla butto) full of wrath &
would take our provisions & clothing. I desired him to accompany us, but he would not. This interview had a
bad effect upon those that accompanied us from Adelaide; two of them turned aside from the road
professedly to hunt but did not return, fortunately however we had a third upon one of the Drays whom we
did not suffer to escape.
We reached Tolmer’s Flat 12 miles to the N.E. of Lake Bonney on the 19 th & on the 20th halted to rest our
cattle. We were then in the district of the hostile people & had the first instance of aggression that I had
witnessed on the Murray. The party was at drill in the morning & the sheep that had been brought with us as
supplies, were permitted to graze without a shepherd; as soon as drill was over, the shepherd went after his
sheep & greatly to his surprise, found one with a spear in its side; the Native who threw it was seen, but
could not be approached.
After this we had some difficulty in keeping our Adelaide interpreter with us; as he went along the River he
made many inquiries from those on the opposite side. He frequently asked me how far we were from Lake
Victoria, because he was told that we should be attacked there; he persuaded three to go along with us,
whom we supplied abundantly with kangaroo & suffered to sleep at our encampment, charging them not to
move about in the night, that the four guards that were on duty should shoot them.
Pangki Pangki (our Adelaide interpreter) said by all means have drill every day, that the strangers may see the
superiority of muskets over spears, shields, waddies, &c. On the 25th, Mr Shaw had a tree marked at a
distance of 50 yards & had a single round fired at the mark, allowing three seconds between the firing of each
shot. Pangki [22] Pangki saw this pleases me, and the constant fear that possessed me is now gone. The
three that had been with us, for several days were terrified, & proposed going before us to the Lake, to
describe the European powers of warfare; I wished them to do so, and hoped that their statements would be
regarded.
On the 27th, as we were only five miles from the Lake, I had the party assembled to repeat my instructions.
Each individual was distinctly told that no firing could be allowed, until the Sub-Inspector of Police gave the
command. I advised them in case of attack from the Natives, to use every exertion to protect our drays. At
nine o’clock we marched and in an hour and a half we saw two gentlemen on horseback (Mr Robinson & Mr
Levi) on the opposite side of the Rufus, one mile below Langhorne’s Ferry. We saluted them heartily and
inquired if their party were all safe. They replied that both their persons and property were uninjured,
although they had been attacked on the previous day by a party of 300 Blacks. Mr Robinson continued that
about mid-day, as they [ere] driving the sheep and cattle along the road, they observed at the distance of
about a hundred yards a number of Blacks; he suspected that their movements were hostile & accordingly
ordered all the property to be collected into as limited a space as possible. Seven men were set to guard the
cattle & sheep (& nineteen well-armed men, ten mounted & nine on foot) to the front.
Whilst they were doing this the Natives had formed themselves into a semi-circular line, each flank not being
more than thirty yards from the sheep. The Europeans formed into a single line and commenced firing, &
continued until they had fired eight rounds each. By this time the Natives not having approached sufficiently
near to spear the sheep, had lost five of their number & ten more wounded. The party being two miles from
the Rufus, continued their march and encamped at “Langhorne’s Ferry”.
After narrating the previous day’s adventure, Mr Robinson inquired where he could cross the herds & drays,
as he was then reconnoitering the River & intended to cross immediately. He had just been up to the Lake,
but the Rufus at its junction with the Lake, was too broad & too deep – therefore [23] he should [cross] by
the Ferry. The Sub-Inspector of Police, Volunteer Gentleman and myself rode in advance of our party along
the Rufus as far as the Lake & greatly to our surprise, discovered a large mob of Natives running towards us,
each bearing his implements of war. We hastened to our party & communicated what we had seen; we had
the drays placed on the banks of the River & formed the constables into a line two-deep in order to protect
them.
In half an hour after, the Natives were seen in the scrub about half a mile from us, intending evidently to
commence an attack. I then gave the command of the party to Mr Shaw, the Sub-Inspector of Police, & said
he might issue such orders as he thought necessary for our ?safety & the overland property that we had to
protect, urging him strongly not to allow any firing until I had spoken to the hostile Natives. I requested
Pangki to accompany me in advance & after proceeding 400 yards from the Ferry, the three Natives that had
left us three days before, plunged into the water and came to us. I asked them the result of their interview;
They answered that the Lake people would not listen to their advice; they knew the Europeans had
tomahawks, Blankets & food & they were determined to take them, let the consequences be what they
might. I took the two Natives to the Ferry & recommended them to sit there until the contest was over.
Mr Shaw’s party on the western, and Mr Robinson’s on the Eastern side of the Rufus, now advanced &
commenced firing. The Natives were almost instantly thrown into confusion, one hundred running into the
Scrub, and about fifty into the water, with an intention of concealing themselves in the reeds. The Europeans
followed them to the water’s edge, & continued the firing for about 15 or 20 minutes, and the result was to
the Natives, death of nearly thirty, about ten wounded & four (one adult male, one boy & two females) taken
prisoners; and to the Europeans, one individual (Mr Robinson) speared in the left arm. As soon as there was
the least probability of taking prisoners, the command to cease firing was given & immediately obeyed.
More might have been taken had we carefully examined the reeds, but we were prevented doing so by
hearing a loud noise at the drays as if the Natives had rushed upon them. Those who remained in the reeds
escaped during our absence. Instead of pursuing them, all hands were employed in crossing the Cattle &
Sheep.
At 11 o’clock on the following day, every thing was safely got across [24] ; and before proceeding I had all
the constables assembled, armed, surrounding the prisoners and I spoke to the latter in the following
manner:
“You have been captured in retreating from a contest your own tribes were guilty of promoting. You were
advised, strongly & perseveringly advised, by our aboriginal allies, not rashly to attempt what you had no
probability of accomplishing, but you disregarded the advice and two of you with many others that escaped,
are now experiencing the consequences. From the contest on the previous day, you may learn two lessons –
first, the immense superiority of the white man over the black in his movements of defence; & second, the
destruction of life which took place was not to gratify a destructive propensity, or your lives would not have
been spared, but to protect that property which the Black man wished unlawfully to obtain.
“The white man in this instance has shewn as much ?lenity? as could have been expected; and to convince
you of his benevolent intentions, I will by virtue of instructions given to me by the highest authority in the
province, request that you two who are wounded be allowed to return to your friends; the woman whose
husband was shot, & who was rescued by the Adelaide native, has consented to become his wife &
accompany him to Town, may be allowed to do so; & the male adult I must inform you I cannot liberate; he
will be taken to Adelaide & kept there for a while, and it will depend upon his tribe what treatment he
receives.
“Should they again attack parties on their road from Sydney he may possibly be put to death but if they
should be peaceful and quiet, he will be allowed to return to them in safety. Should you at any future time
meet with outrage or insult from Europeans, I advise you as your protector & friend, not to attempt your own
defence. The Government has promised to listen to any charges you may have to prefer; & for all aggression
upon your rights, you are promised immediate and satisfactory redress.”
I then formally took the two wounded prisoners, after supplying them with a days’ provisions, & said they
were at liberty to return to their friends. I tried particularly to impress them with the idea, that we were
wishful of living on peaceful terms [25] with them, & requested them to bear in mind that the prisoner was
taken as a guarantee for their future conduct. On the 29th, the wounded prisoner escaped & leaped at once
into the River; he had several shots fired at him whilst swimming across & was wounded in the left arm and
lower jaw – he was followed across the River by three Europeans & retaken. I recommended every group
that I saw along the Murray River never for the future to visit the encampments of the overland parties; they
were enraged at being attacked three times in succession, and in their rage they may shoot all the blacks they
may see.
I hope to bring several males with me from Lake Bonney; & by shewing them an European settlement, with
numbers of natives living there in perfect safety I think it may have a good effect in convincing them that the
whites are not to be trifled with.
[Moorhouse]
17
Sep 3th 1841
The Honble the Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor of my return to Town from my visit to the Rivers
Murray and Rufus.
My report of the rencontre with the Natives forwarded by Mr Robinson to His Excellency gave a general
statement of facts as they occurred in consequence of the short notice I had to prepare; a more detailed
account may, therefore be acceptable to the Government and the public in general.
I then stated, that upon reaching the Pound (the first point where the road from Adelaide reaches the
Murray), I heard of the hostile intentions of the Natives. That all the young and vigorous had gone up the
River & my own observations confirmed the statement. At Lake Bonney, the North-Eastern boundary of the
territory of those living on peaceful terms with Europeans, I saw above one hundred Natives assembled,
apparently for the purpose [26] of having an interview with us; & warning us of our danger in approaching
Lake Victoria. They all advised us to return to Adelaide as they knew we should be attacked and probably
murdered; one man distinctly said that he had just arrived from visiting the 60 miles higher up the River &
they informed him that they would attack the next party coming overland, & for this purpose they were all
preparing warlike implements of every description.
He also informed us, that our number in comparison with the Aborigines was so small, that the latter were
sure to prove victorious. This information completely intimidated our Adelaide Natives, two of whom, as I
reported before, left us; the same feeling in a degree was produced amongst the Europeans, but they felt it
their bounden duty to proceed, as they intended to render assistance to those, whose lives were likely to be
placed in imminent danger.
From Lake Bonney to Lake Victoria the distance is 70 miles, the first 50 of which we had three Murray Natives
with us, & they said we should be attacked; these are three that saw the Europeans fire at a marked tree &
endeavoured to pacify the Lake Victoria people after witnessing the use of firearm & European ?? made of
applying them. Notwithstanding the efforts of these three to persuade the Lake tribes to desist from their
schemes of attack, they would not listen; they had been successful in taking 4,000 sheep from Mr Inman four
months before, & all the clothing and provisions, besides killing four men of Mr Langhorne’s party two
months after, and were much emboldened in consequence.
They had made an attempt at taking 6,000 sheep from Messrs Robinson & Phillipson on the 26 th August the
very day before they attacked. At 0 o’clock on the morning of the 27 th, when on Lake Victoria with Mr Shaw
& a volunteer gentleman, we saw the same people armed with spears & shields rapidly approaching us & had
to retreat for the safety of our lives. Being on horseback we reached our drays in 10 minutes; the Natives
pursued us & when in sight of us again, we were with our party consisting of 29 Europeans from Adelaide and
26 from Sydney. This force did not seem to alter their determination; encouraged by former success, they
gradually approached, drew themselves into a single line armed [27] with Spears & Shields & their chests
and faces ornamented with white chalk indicating war. Their gradual advance & the determined manner in
which it was made required measures for the safety of the Europeans to be adopted. Pacification I thought
the most desirable & I took the interpreter with me in advance to inquire into the cause of such dispositions
towards white people. I had little intercourse with them as Pangki Pangki would not expose himself within
spear throw of his enemies; I only received the message sent by the three that had been with us two days
before which was that the Europeans had food and clothing & they would take them let the consequences be
what they might; had I approached without the interpreter, I could have effected no good, as their dialect is
so totally different from that spoken in Adelaide that I could not have made myself understood – it would
have been incurring the risk disproportionate to the advantage.
At this juncture there was resistance or certain death before the Europeans & to have withheld the
permission to fire any longer would have placed their lives in jeopardy & the liberty taken in self-defence.
The firing commenced before spears were thrown on account of inequality in between the two parties; the
natives at least were 150 strong whilst the Europeans had only 36 that could be spared apart from Sheep,
Cattle & Drays. Some Natives had two & three spears each, every spear being equal to a musket if
sufficiently near an object to be thrown; & to have waited until the Natives were within that distance, would
have been to expose the Europeans to certain defeat.
The Natives were thrown into confusion shortly after the firing commenced, 100 disappeared altogether in
the Polygonum scrub & the rest took to the River. Mr Robinson was the leader of his party & in following
several that he had seen in the Rufus, he was speared in the arm by one who was concealed in the Reeds;
this caused him to examine the Reeds & in doing so he detected a group of 30 concealed there. He pointed
out the group with their spears within a few yards of the side of the River where the Europeans were passing
– they were fired upon & about ten shot & the remaining 20 we left there. Whilst the firing [28] was going
on, the Europeans had to bear in mind that 100 had gone into the scrub, not more than 20 yards from the
River, & whether they had run off altogether, or had concealed themselves there was not known; this caused
the firing to continue for longer than it otherwise might have been, upon those in the River. Had they
escaped they might have reinforced those in the Scrub & surrounded the Europeans in such a manner as to
have either killed or driven them into the River.
My position, as a Magistrate on this occasion, I conceived required the strictest impartiality, in ?Judging of
this distressing scene & my conviction is that the Natives in this instance were at fault; they were determined
at all risks to cut off every white man, to be enabled to procure the property. The contest could not have
been avoided & tho’ the result to the Natives was so serious, when compared to that of the Europeans, there
was reason to believe that more ?lenity ?levity would have been attended ultimately with more slaughter, as
they would have attacked again.
In accompanying the overland party 130 miles down the Murray, I had an opportunity of witnessing their
treatment of those natives who visit their encampments. In the afternoon of the 27 th, a few hours after the
affray, a Shepherd named Cooney applied to the Adelaide Native for permission to have intercourse with the
wife that had been taken prisoner. The Native asked me if it was allowed, I replied no & expressed my regret
that he did not at once deny the European. As soon as I had answered the Native I spoke to Cooney to the
same effect. At that moment I was invited into Mr Robinson’s tent to examine his arm and dress his would- I
dressed his wound and was about 20 minutes with him; during my absence Cooney had taken the woman out
of her hut much against her will & effected his purpose; another shepherd immediately after that had
intercourse with her by her own fire.
On the 5th of September another scene more open [29] than the above occurred; about 50 natives,
including men, women and children, encamped about half a mile from us, as is their wonted practice went to
them and agreed for the women, promising to give their husbands meat and clothing as remuneration. Mr
Phillipson heard of the Shepherds being with the Natives & informed me what was going on. I accompanied
him to the huts and found three Shepherds, Cooney, Featherstone and Ryan having intercourse with the
young
females
in
the
presence
of
several
other
Europeans. I threatened them with punishment but they said there was no law against such practices, & they
should not regard any commands from their employers to that effect.
Messrs Phillipson and Robinson reprimanded their servants, but they still replied, that they would do the
same again, as soon as opportunity presented itself. There were several Natives accompanying me from Lake
Bonney to Adelaide, but I doubt whether they will reach Adelaide, on account of the incessant application for
their wives from the Europeans. When I left the party, I placed a Sentry at the Native hut during the night
and ordered every person who visited the females to be taken in charge by the Police. These breaches of
moral rectitude on the part of the Europeans have, I fear, been the source of so many disasters to the
overland parties. I enquired of our guides, why the people on Lake Victoria were about to attack us ? was it
to retaliate past insults from the white man ? but they said not, it was for the sheep & clothing which they so
much desired, & they acquired a taste for this food & clothing from the rewards given to them for the use of
their women.
From the disposition of the Natives, manifested on the Lake, I am of opinion that unless there be an
European station there, or the overland parties came in greater numerical strength, scenes of warfare &
bloodshed will occur [30] A number of Europeans stationed in that district for six or twelve months might
be a means for establishing a friendly relation with them, or if greater numerical force be more practical, I
should strongly recommend the appointment of an individual to accompany each party, invested with power
to punish all breaches moral or legal that may be committed during the journey.
[Moorhouse]
18
October 7th 1841
The Honble the Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report my arrival in Town from visiting the Rivers Hill, Wakefield & Hutt. I examined the
Special Surveys in that district with a view of recommending some portions as suitable for Native reserves.
On the Hutt River there is abundance of well-watered land, not claimed by the proprietors, it may therefore
be desirable to appropriate such as is not included within the Survey, & in this instance I should recommend
several sections at Mr Eyre’s encamping place, immediately below a 500 block claimed by John Morphett
Esqre.
In the two Surveys on the Rivers Hill & Wakefield and a 500 acre block on the Skillygolee Creek, the
proprietors will claim every particle of water. If His Excellency the Governor will sanction any reserve in these
districts, I should recommend “346” on [31] Skillygollee Creek or 159 or 157 on the Hill River whichever
will interfere least with the proprietor.
[Moorhouse]
19
Oct 7th 1841
The Honble the Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your memorandum of the 24th of September, I have the honor to inform you that the late
Governor Colonel Gawler, gave a gratuity of £50 to the two missionaries in 1839. Shortly after the
celebration of Her Majesty’s birthday in 1840 another gratuity of the same amount was presented to the
Missionaries, & His Excellency the present with the promise to repeat it every year upon the same occasion.
When Mr Schurmann embarked for Port Lincoln he certainly was led to believe that had Colonel Gawler
remained in the province, that the gratuity would have been continued.
[Moorhouse]
20
October 9th /41
Hon. Col. Sec.
Sir,
His Excellency the Governor has requested me to dispense with the Services of the Instructor and his wife at
the end of the present month; they are living at present in a house at the location & have a garden the seeds
for which cost £3; I am desirous of knowing if His Excellency could allow them to have the crop from the
garden when sufficiently matured for reaping & also if they could be allowed to remain in the house as daily
tenants until it may be required for some other purpose.
[Moorhouse]
21
[32] October 9th 41
The Hon. The Col. Sec.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor that there are two Natives in prison, awaiting to take
their trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court, & I am anxious to know if His Excellency will sanction the
engagement of Counsel for the prisoners on the occasion.
[Moorhouse]
22
October 9th 1841
The Hon. The Advocate-General
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that I have seen the police constables that were with me on the Murray & am
not able to obtain any evidence from them regarding the breach of morals that took place on Sunday 5th of
September. The witness, whose evidence is of most value is nearly 100 miles from Adelaide & I very much
question whether he would be inclined to state anything that would lead to a conviction.
[Moorhouse]
23
October 9th 41
The Hon. The Col. Sec.
Sir,
His Excellency the Governor has intimated to me that more extensive reserves of land will for the future be
allowed for the Aborigines in this province, I have [33] therefore the honor of recommending two Sections in
Skillygolee Creek in addition to No. “346” in my memorandum of the 7th ult, namely “347” and ?”347”. I
should also recommend Nos. “156” & “172” on the Hill River for the approval of His Excellency.
[Moorhouse]
24
Oct 20th 41
The Hon. The Advocate-General
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that on Saturday the 16th ulto, I visited Waterloo Plains where the Native
Worta was shot at by Roach. I examined the hut carefully & am fully prepared to state that there were no
calfs’ bones in the hut at the time I saw it; there were bones of the kangaroo, specimens of which I have
collected and brought to Town & can produce them if called for.
[Moorhouse]
25
October 26th 1841
Rev. Mr Schurmann
Port Lincoln
Sir,
As there appears to have been some misunderstanding regarding your salary being drawn at Port Lincoln, I
have been requested by the late Colonial Treasurer, J. Alex Jackson Esqre, to state that I have never received
your salary in Adelaide, neither have I, at any time sent any money to Port Lincoln since you were there.
You must have mistaken the money from Mr Teichelmann for Government money which you will at once
perceive could not be from [34] me if you will just refer to my letter dated 20th March.
Mr Teichelmann informed you in his last letter, at the request of the Governor, that His Excellency thinks it
desirable to do away with the office of Deputy Protector of Aborigines and confer certain powers on the
Resident Magistrate in your district – how & in what manner these duties are to be performed, Mr McDonald
would be directed by the Colonial Secretary.
I have however great pleasure in stating that His Excellency will continue the £ 70 a year but instead
of being given to any single individual, it is to be considered to the funds of your society.
[Moorhouse]
26
Oct 26 181
The Col Secretary
Sir,
In reference to your letter of the 20th Ulto, stating that His Excellency the Governor conceives that sufficient
land has been surveyed in the districts of the Rivers Hill & Wakefield so as to admit of additional reserves
being made for the Aborigines, I think that it is desirable for some arrangement to be made with the
proprietors which while it should not injure the prospects of the Natives, would not at the same time destroy
the plans of the purchasers, I beg to inform His Excellency that if No. “346” on Skillygolee Creek & No. ‘172’
on the Hill River be allowed, then may other suitable reserves be made in districts that are not yet surveyed.
[Moorhouse]
27
[35]
October 27th 1841
The Hon the Assistant Commissioner
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that His Excellency the Governor has allowed Sections 346 on Skillygolee
Creek and 172 on the Hill River to be reserved for the Aborigines.
[Moorhouse]
28
Nov 20th 41
The Hon Col Secretary
Sir,
During the last ten days I have had many complaints from the Colonists concerning the wild dogs which the
Natives are at present keeping in a state of partial domestication. The Natives have been repeatedly asked to
keep their dogs under proper command; they have made no efforts to do so, & in consequence the fowls,
goats, and other animals belonging to the Europeans are frequently taken. After having advised the Natives
how to train their dogs and keep them under proper control & they have altogether disregarded the advice, I
should recommend for the safety of persons & property in general, that such dogs as the Natives cannot
control, be put to death by the police.
I have pointed out such dogs as are unruly & have told the owners, that unless they be carefully secured by
Monday evening & kept so, His Excellency the governor, would have them destroyed; this statement of
course was given by the permission of His Excellency.
[Moorhouse]
29
[36]
Nov 20th /41
To the Honble Colonial Secretary
Sir,
There are several Special Surveys & other surveyed districts about to be thrown open for selection & as His
Excellency the Governor allows one Section to be taken for the Aborigines, from each Survey, & other
reserves to be made from the surveyed districts, I have the honor to recommend the following:
In the Barossa Special Survey, “921”.
In the Survey claimed by G.T. Davenport Esqr, Section “2839”.
In the two surveys on the Light, Sections “1185” & “1178”
& on the Todd River in the Port Lincoln District, Nos. “126”, “127”, “128”.
[Moorhouse]
30
Nov 20th 41
The Hon Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to forward the inclosed communication from the Revd Mr Meyer of Encounter Bay in order
that His Excellency the Governor may state how far I should be justified in allowing food to be sent to that
station. I think the Estimates for the Department will allow a supply of Rice & Sugar for the children in that
district.
[Moorhouse]
31
Dec 23rd /41
To Hon. Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have received the inclosed communication from John Morphett Esqre & have the honor to forward it, for
the decision of His Excellency the Governor. I may respectfully state to His Excellency that at the time I
recommended the two Sections in that district, I was not aware that the two would be taken from one
survey; I knew that the block of land I examined [37] had been claimed by Mr Morphett but had no
information that the block on the Hill River contained only 500 acres instead of 4000.
Should His Excellency conclude to relinquish one Section, I should strongly recommend the one on the Hill
River to be given up; as that on Skillygolee Creek is decidedly the best, on account of the abundant supply of
water it contains.
[Moorhouse]
32
Dec 31st 1841
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
As the special Surveys claimed by Chas Flaxman Esqre are about to be open for Selection, I beg leave to
recommend to His Excellency the Governor No “406” “141” “142”. “3” & “4” as desirable Sections for
reserves for the Aborigines.
In October last, I was informed by His Excellency that more extensive reserves would for the future be
allowed for the Natives & upon the strength of this information I would respectfully recommend Section
“1566” on the Little Para as a reserve. As the Natives have no land in the district of the Para, and as the
Section now recommended is one of the most valuable, it may be desirable that His Excellency should know
under what circumstances it has been surveyed.
The Deputy Surveyor-General informed me that the Section has water upon it & in consequence of its being a
good section, a Special application was made for its survey, by the holder of a land order. Under such
conditions I was not aware whether His Excellency would sanction the appropriation of the land for the
Natives, therefore it appeared to me desirable to mention it.
[Moorhouse]
33
[38]
Jan 29th 1842
The Hon: The Colonial Sec.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that there are some Sections open for selection on the outside of the Eastern
sources of the Torrens and would recommend on (No. 1673) to His Excellency the Governor as a reserve for
the Aborigines.
[Moorhouse]
34
Feb 7th 1842
The Hon the Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I beg respectfully to report to His Excellency the Governor the death of a Native woman under very peculiar
circumstances.
On Saturday morning, the 5th ultimo, the Fowl house of Robt Gouger Esqre was entered by one or more wild
dogs & several fowls taken away; the same dogs had twice before stolen fowls from the same place to the
amount of sixty or seventy. On Saturday evening Mr Gouger took his servant to the Native huts and ordered
him to shoot one of the dogs & the Servant did as he was ordered. The Native to whom the dog belonged
made from Town & upon being told by his wife what had happened, he became enraged with her & said that
if she had kept the dog at home, it would have been still living. Immediately after saying this, he took up a
spear and ran it through her body & the poor woman died in 20 minutes.
The man saw what he had done and immediately ran off into the bush & has not returned. I can meet with
no European that saw the Native spear his wife & even should the man be taken he does not understand the
Adelaide language & consequently cannot be tried. Under [39] such circumstances, I should like to have
instructions from His Excellency the Governor for any proceedings that may be required to be taken.
[Moorhouse]
35
Feb 9th 1842
C.B. Newenham Esqre
Auditor-General
Sir,
In reply to your memorandum of yesterday, I have the honor to inform you that I continue to take bread from
Mr Stuckey upon the authority of the “Government Gazette” of September 30th 1841; the Notice there states
that the supply shall be for six months.
[Moorhouse]
36
Feb 26th 1842
The Hon the Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to forward to you for the information of His Excellency the Governor the voluntary
statements of Mark Richards & the evidence of two shepherds as taken before me at Mr Hawker’s Station
[Bungaree] regarding a Native, who was shot there on the second Ultimo. The hut keeper was not given into
the charge of the Police, he is at the Station & at present so ill as to be confined to his bed.
On the 16th of Feb, I continued my journey & on the 19th reached the Crystal Brook, where I was requested by
His Excellency to endeavour to find a desirable locality upon which to plant a Settlement for the Natives. In a
distance of sixty miles, beyond the farthest settlement, I met with no place that had the three requisites for a
location, namely good land, wood & water.
The most suitable place that I saw lies immediately to the north of Mr Hawker’s Station [Bungaree] & if His
Excellency should conclude to have a location in the North, I have no hesitation [40] in recommending the
one just mentioned. The Natives in that district appear to be in a very unsettled state; since the one was shot
by Mr Hawker’s hut keeper, the same flock of sheep have been attacked twice & several calves speared in
that neighbourhood.
I was thirteen days absent from Town & have travelled three hundred miles, but I was not able to see one
Native; the black and white populations are afraid of each other & if a station could be formed there, the
object of which should be reconciliation of the two, & improvement of the former, I think it would certainly
check the aggressions of the Natives and be an effectual protection to both.
[Moorhouse]
37
March 1st 1842
The Hon the Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In travelling through the various districts of the Colony where my duties require me to go, I should find it a
great advantage to be accompanied by a Native & especially in those districts where Europeans have not yet
settled. The horse that I ride is well-adapted for a spring cart & as there was one in the possession of the
Colonial Storekeeper, I would respectfully ask His Excellency the Governor to allow it to be transferred to the
Aborigines Department. The cart at present is scarcely fit for service but with a little repairing would be
made useful.
I am desirous of obtaining the Native names of the various localities in the province, the family name ?heiring
each district – how many generations it has been in the name of each occupier & how obtained, with
information that experience may suggest. To obtain this, I must necessarily travel with a Native acquainted
with or belonging to, the place that I may visit [41] on one journey & I should find a cart the best
inducement that would secure their accompaniment.
[Moorhouse]
38
March 1st 1842
C.B. Newenham Esqre
Auditor-General
Sir,
In reply to your memorandum of the 11th of Feby, I have the honor to forward you a copy of the Authority
upon which I drew bread from Mr Stuckey the Baker.
My requisition for this Quarter as approved by His Excellency the Governor states that 10 cwt of Bread will be
required for the quarter & a letter from the Colonial Secretary dated 20th January after authorizing me to
draw, from different parties, implements, stationery &c, says –
“The remainder of the Articles required for the use of your department will be supplied from the Colonial
Stores or from this office.”
[Moorhouse]
39
March 1st 1842
A.M. Munday Esqre
Private Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to include the communication of W.S. Whitington Esqre & at the same time state my
opinion as required by His Excellency the Governor. There are four Sections in a block where Mr Whitington
is settled & one is of first rate quality. Mr Whitington does not mention upon which his buildings are erected,
but if they are upon the best section, I should decidedly say, that by an exchange, the Natives would suffer a
considerable loss.
The Sections in that neighbourhood which are not selected, are indifferent land & have no water upon them.
I would with pleasure visit the place & see where Mr Whitington’s buildings are placed if His Excellency
should wish.
[Moorhouse]
40 [42]
March 2nd 1842
The Hon The Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In drawing out my Requisition for the Quarter ending 30th June 1842, I am desirous of knowing how much His
Excellency the Governor will allow to be spent in clothings, provisions, &c for the Adelaide district – the
estimates for the year allow the Aborigines Department six hundred pounds. If His Excellency intend to
distribute food & blankets on Her Majesty’s birthday, I consider that we shall have 300 Natives present & the
requisition will contain the food and blankets that His Excellency may allow.
[Moorhouse]
41
March 3rd 1842
The Hon The Colonial Secretary
Sir,
It is now nearly six months since the lands belonging to the Aborigines were let by public auction; I expect
that it will be necessary to apply to the different lessees for the rents, almost immediately, but as I have no
copy of the conditions upon which they were let or the names of any lessee, I could not furnish the
Government or Colonial Treasurer with any information which might be required on the subject. S. Bentham
Esqre, the Government Auctioner will be able to give a return of all particulars, if His Excellency the Governor
should think it desirable that I should be possessed of them. In case any lessees should be defaulters, what
course should be adopted to recover the rents.
[Moorhouse]
42
March 3rd 1842
The Hon The Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to include a communication from the Reverend Mr Teichelmann upon the Natives
wandering about Town in a state of exposure which I know from actual observation to be correct. The
Missionaries have told them over and over again of the impropriety but they do not regard us.
[Moorhouse]
43
March 11th 1842
A.M. Mundy Esqre
Private Secretary
Sir,
In reply to His Excellency’s inquiry regarding the included letter from M.S. Whitington Esqre, I have the honor
to report upon Mr Whitington’s improvements which I saw this morning upon the Section. There is a
Mannings Wooden House upon the ground, erected for the Superintendent of the Station, it is fixed upon
posts & could be removed in a day. There is no fencing except a Stockyard which Mr Whitington must have
put up, had he settled upon unsurveyed land. These are all the improvements that Mr W. has made; he
could not have done with less improvement. There is nothing done that will be worth anything at the
expiration of the lease.
[Moorhouse]
44
March 11th 1842
A.M. Mundy Esqre
Private Secretary
Sir,
In reply to the inclosed communication from Edward J. Eyre Esqre, I have the honor to inform His Excellency
the Governor that the expense of 100 Blankets would be about 25 pounds.
During Mr Eyre’s late visit in Adelaide, I was in conversation with him upon the distribution of Blankets
amongst the Aborigines & we agreed that we should distribute them on the same day in order that no person
could be supplied with two.
[44] Mr Eyre said that he could not meet the expectations of the Natives, if he had not one hundred for
distribution.
[Moorhouse]
45
March 14th 1842
The Commissioner of Police
Sir,
In reply to your memorandum of the 4th March, regarding Mr Teichelmann’s letter, a copy of which has been
forwarded to me by the Honble the Colonial Secretary, I have the honor to inform you that the Natives have
been assembled & your order dated 4th March to the force under your charge fully explained to them.
[Moorhouse]
46
March 14th 1842
The Hon the Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your communication of the 7th Ulto, accompanied by a memorandum from the Commissioner of
Police, I have the honor to state that the suggestions of locking up the Natives for 24 hours, if they are found
wandering about in a state of nudity, is, in my opinion, good & lenient enough; it would tend greatly to check
the indecent exposure which Mr Teichelmann mentioned in his letter.
If the Natives continue to annoy the Shopkeepers, as much as they recently have done, I should decidedly
recommend the same punishment to be applied; it would show them really that they must, in common with
Europeans, be subjected to laws that ensure good behaviour. I have had the Natives assembled & have
translated to them the order of the Commissioner of Police dated March 8th & have informed the
Commissioner of the same.
[Moorhouse]
47 [45]
March 14th 1842
The Hon The Colonial secretary
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 8th Ulto, regarding the cart now in the possession of the Colonial Engineer, I have
the honor to inform you that after an examination I find it in such repair as will do my work for 8 or 12
months. I have forwarded a requisition to the Engineer Storekeeper according to your instructions.
[Moorhouse]
48
March 14th 1842
The Hon The Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your letter dated 4th of March requesting me to give a rough estimate of the expense of
distributing food & presents to the Aborigines on Her Majesty’s birthday, I have the honor to lay my plan
before His Excellency the Governor with the expenses, as nearly as it can be calculated. At present, we have
290 Natives in Adelaide, & by the time of distribution we shall have 380 at the least calculation; but in order
to have a sufficient supply I have estimate 400 & to these I would give 1 lb of Beef & 1 lb of Bread each and
100 Blankets might suffice, as the most deserving only are to be supplied.
£
s
d
400 lbs of Bread @ 2 ½ d
4 3 - 4
400 lbs of Beef @ 3 ½ d
5 - 16 - 8
100 Blankets @ 5/25 - 0 - 0
£ 35 - 0 - 0
For an occasion like the one in question, 1 lb of Bread is a small allowance & His Excellency would probably
permit two pounds to be given which would bring the expense to about £ 40.
[Moorhouse]
49
March 17th 1842
Mr John Stuckey,
Bakers
Mr Stuckey,
I beg to inform you that your letter to me of March 14th complaining of Annoyances from the Aborigines, had
been laid before His Excellency the Governor, & I have to state that for the future [46] the Commissioner of
Police will give such instructions to the force under his charge, as he hopes will prevent similar occurrences.
[Moorhouse]
50
March 9th 1842
Alex Tolmer Esqre
Inspector of Mounted Police
Sir,
I have just returned from the Reed Beds with Police Constable McCullock. Our object was to inquire after a
Native woman who is alleged to have been shot by a person named Thomas Pool or Pall. I saw a young boy
who, I think, gave me a fair and candid statement of what took place & his evidence goes far to impress me
with the idea that the Native woman is not dead. McCullock heard the boy’s statement & if you would be
kind enough to send him down to hear what Thos Paul has to say for himself in the morning, I should feel
much obliged. I would have seen him this afternoon but he was not at home, he had come to Town with
vegetables. If you report McCullock’s statements to the Major on Monday, I will call at the Commissioner’s
office to see it.
[Moorhouse]
51
March 22nd 1842
A.M. Mundy Esqre
Private Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor that the case of the Native woman supposed to have
been shot at the Reed Beds has been fully inquired into by the Commissioner of Police & myself & I am
satisfied that the European did not wound the woman when the gun was fired. I, in company with two
Natives and a police constable went to the place on Saturday to search for the body - [47] we saw the place
where the woman was caught but no trace of Blood could be discovered; some shreds of opossum skin were
found upon the spot but nothing more.
At the time the European fired the gun there were three boys present & they gave me their statements
before they even suspected the object of my inquiries. The presumption in this case is, that an European
would not commit such an act of cruelty in the presence of three young boys, almost strangers to him.
[Moorhouse]
52
March 23rd 1842
The Hon The Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inclose a requisition for the ensuing quarter. 200 Blankets are ordered, 100 are to be
sent to the Resident Magistrate on the Murray & the other are for distribution in Adelaide. 800 lbs of Bread
& 400 lbs of Beef are for the celebrations of Her Majesty’s birthday on the 24 th May. The 500 Broad Palings
and 2000 Bricks are to repair the house occupied by Revd Mr Teichelmann, if His Excellency the governor
allows.
[Moorhouse]
53
March 30th 1842
The Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 26th Ulto, I am requested by the Revd Mr Teichelmann to tender his sincere
thanks to His Excellency the Governor for the kind offer of His Excellency to have the house at the Native
Location examined & repaired if the Colonial Engineer should think it necessary. Mr Teichelmann will gladly
accept the labor & furnish materials, namely Bricks & Broad palings himself.
[Moorhouse]
54 [48]
March 30th 1842
A.M. Mundy Esqre
Private Secretary
Sir,
In reply to the question put to me by His Excellency the Governor, relating to the inclosed communication
from W.T. Whitington Esqre, I have the honor to state that the exchange proposed by Mr Whitington could
not be made in justice to the Aborigines. The site of the house & buildings is not fairly represented in Mr
Whitington’s plan, for in reality it happens to be in between the two Sections 5001 & 5004 where I have
dotted & upon the river which he does not represent.
The objections to an exchange are
1st
It would be greatly deteriorating the value of the Sections 5001 and 5004 to have such a small block
taken from their centre & especially that part which touches the River.
2nd
The site of the buildings is the very best land in the four sections & to take that away would give its
proprietor an opportunity of depasturing stock upon the back grounds of those sections which may at some
distant period render them valuable to the Aborigines.
Mr Whitington has given a description of his various buildings but I think he ought not to have mentioned
sheep folds, as he is supplied with Hurdles that are moved every night.
The wooden cottage that he gives as having cost £ 25 is what sheep farmers term a slab hut & the fowl
houses & other out-buildings will not serve seven years – the term of his Lease.
[Moorhouse]
55
April 6th 1842
A.M. Mundy Esqre
Private Secretary
Sir,
In accordance to the request of His Excellency the Governor I have the honor to forward an estimate of the
probable expense of supporting [49] 100 Native children at Kangaroo Island. The first two years would be
placing the children just one step above their present habits. I would not dress them at the commencement,
but the second year the materials for dresses might be bought & the girls make them. I have allowed nothing
for salary for Schoolmaster & mistress as His Excellency intends to appoint some of the better educated
emigrants. Each child would want two Blankets each year.
200 Blankets at 5/Rations say for one week:
7 lbs Meat
7 lbs Bread
2 lbs Rice
½ lb of Sugar for each child
[totals]
36,500 lbs Bread @ 3d
36,500 lbs Meat @ 3d
10,400 lbs Rice @ 2d
650 lbs Sugar @ 3d
40 Spades @ 4/6 each
10 Pick Axes at 4/-
£
50
456
456
86
32
9
2
£ 1092
s
0
d
0
5
5
13
10
0
0
13
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Building expenses for the first year & passage of Children to the place, I cannot calculate.
I think the expense would decrease every year as there would be their own produce for consumption. The
children would be all required to be engaged with cultivation in the afternoon.
[Moorhouse]
56
April 6th 1842
The Hon. The Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In looking over the plan of the Special Surveys claimed by Chas Flaxman Esqre, I observe 4 of the Sections,
namely No 3, , 141 & 142, that I recommended to His Excellency the Governor have been selected by Mr
Flaxman’s agent. Numbers 404 & 406, have not been selected & probably it is not too late to appropriate
them to the Natives.
[Moorhouse]
57
[50]
April 9th 1842
Revd. C.M. Schurmann
Port Lincoln
Sir,
I have been commanded by the Honorable the Colonial Secretary to request that you will come over to
Adelaide to act as Interpreter to the two Natives that have been sent from Port Lincoln. The instructions to
me from the Colonial Secretary are, “to request that you come with the least possible delay”, but I don’t
think it necessary for you to come by the “Governor Gawler” on her return from this voyage.
You will be wanted at the next sittings of the Supreme Court which will take place the first week in July next
& if Mr Underwood can promise to make another trip to Port Lincoln & have you here by that time you will
be soon enough. Perhaps you had better inquire when the witness will be here & came over with them.
I am instructed to inform you that your passage money will be allowed to you by the Colonial Government.
[Moorhouse]
58
April 9th 1842
C. Driver Esqre
Government Resident
Port Lincoln
Sir,
I have been commanded by His Excellency the Governor to send two or three Adelaide natives to you at Port
Lincoln. I believe they are intended to act as Constables, & are sent to you that they may be regularly
supplied with rations & such comforts as you may think them worthy of. You will probably have some
Dispatch from the Honble the Colonial Secretary regarding them.
[Moorhouse]
59 [51]
April 16th 1842
Thomas Burr Esqre
Deputy Surveyor General
Sir,
I have the honor to forward you a Return of the Sections reserved for the Aborigines during the year 1841. It
is not strictly a correct return as some Sections on the Bend of the Murray Special survey were marked off
during my absence from Town. I would also call your attention to three Sections in the Green Hills Survey
claimed by J. Morphett Esqre. My application was made in December 1840 but I do not now when they were
marked off in the land office. The following were allowed:
Sections 2839 - in the Davenport Surveys
1185 & 1178 - on the River Light
126, 127, 128 - on the Todd River, Port Lincoln- outside of Sources of the Torrens
1673 - outside of Sources of the Torrens
346 - Skillygolee Creek
172 - on the Hill River
[Moorhouse]
60
April 21st 1842
The Hon The Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor, to inclose three tenders for Blankets which have been forwarded to me in accordance with
your Gazette Notice of the 5th ulto. After carefully examining each tender & the accompanying sample, I am
decidedly of opinion that the one from Sanders & Miller is the lowest. I propose dividing each pair into three,
as they are of a large size. It appears that they can only supply 50 pairs, so I have recommended the quantity
to be made up from Mr Roberts’ tender.
[Moorhouse]
61 [52]
April 25th 1842
E.J. Eyre Esqre
Moorunde
Sir,
You will receive by this Dray 30 double Blankets which with the ten you had sent to you before, will make up
the 100. This appears illogical, but it is true nevertheless. It is proposed that each double Blanket be divided
into three & if so the package now forwarded will divide into 90. I have to do so with all that are distributed
in Adelaide.
[Moorhouse]
62
May 17th 1842
The Hon The Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report my return from visiting the most northern settled district. I left town on the 4 th
ulto [?] & went direct to the Station of the Messrs Peter where I saw the Hut Keeper that had been so
severely beaten by the Natives on the Murray plains. I remained there two days, but could obtain no
information about the haunts of the Aborigines. As the police had been so recently in that district, I had not
much hope of seeing them there, so I crossed over to the Station of G.C. Hawker Esqre, on the Hutt River;
after a three days search I met with a group to the Westward of the River. The boy that accompanied me
from Adelaide persuaded them to come to Mr Hawker’s Station, & I kept them there all night.
I communicated to them the object of my visit – it was to seek an interview with them & tell them the
consequences of their repeated attacks upon the stations in their neighbourhood. They acknowledged
having attacked the flocks – they did so because they “shipi paru padlatti” (longed for sheep flesh). I advised
them to desist for the future, as punishment sooner or later would be sure to follow; they would render
themselves obnoxious in the sight of the Europeans & be liable to be persecuted & abused. They appeared
to think that cessation from outrage would be the best policy and will [53] possibly adopt it.
I am now satisfied that the Northern tribes understand when they are doing wrong & rendering themselves
subject to our laws on the points of theft & murder, & they are conscious that they deserve punishments for
attacks similar to those made upon the Hut keeper of the Messrs Peter.
[Moorhouse]
63
Wellington
15th June 1842
The Hon The Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that on the 8th ulto, whilst at Wellington, I received your instruction to proceed
with Mr Shaw, the Sub-Inspector of Police, & three Constables, to Bonney’s Water Hole, where an European
is alleged to have been murdered by the Natives. We reached the Water Holes on the 11 th & on the 12th
proceeded in a south easterly direction as far as the Coorong, a distance of about 30 miles. We there found
the encampment of the three Europeans who were on their road overland to Port Phillip. One hundred yards
to the eastern of the encampment we found part of a skeleton recognized by the hair of the head to be that
of McGrath.
The wild dogs had taken away, the arms, collar & blade bones, & left foot, gnawed of the cartilages of the ribs
& completely stripped the bones that remained, with the exception of the skull cap. The frontal & right
temporal bones had been shattered to pieces during life as the wounds & extravascular? Blood fully proved.
After having carefully [examined] the bones & especially the fractured parts about the head, we deposited
them in a grave about three feet deep on the evening of that day & commenced our march homeward on the
following morning.
The two Europeans that were beaten but not killed, are still at Wellington & intend to come to Adelaide as
soon as they are sufficiently recovered to endure the journey.
A thorough search has been made by the police along the eastern side of the Murray & Lake for the
perpretators of this melancholy act but it has not been successful; they are on the south side of Lake Albert
where the police cannot approach, but the natives at Wellington have [54] promised to find out the
murderers & bring them to the police station at the crossing place.
In consequence of this outrage I have not distributed all the blankets that I had with me for the Wellington
Natives; I told them that they would be given to those who might bring in the guilty parties.
The four Natives implicated in this affair are well known – one is a boy who has lived 18 months with
Europeans and understands well the use of firearms; on the 8th ulto, he was heard by two of Mr McLeod’s
shepherds, shooting wild ducks & swans on Lake Alexandrina. It is supposed that the guns and ammunition
proved a great source of temptation & especially to the boy who is acquainted with their application.
[Moorhouse]
64
June 23rd 1842
The Hon the Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that there are at present five Natives confined in Gaol, who are to be tried at
the next sittings of the Supreme Court. I should feel obliged if you would convey to me the opinion of His
Excellency the Governor about providing Counsel to defend the, & in the event of Counsel being allowed,
unto whom the application should be made.
[Moorhouse]
65
July 12th 1842
The Hon Col Sec
Sir
I have received the inclosed communication from James Poole Esqre regarding a Native boy that has been
living nearly two years with a Survey Party under Mr Poole’s charge. I know the boy from having seen him at
Mr Poole’s camp on Lake Albert in December 1840 & as he has not absented himself from the party [55]
since that period, I am of opinion that the boy deserves support, if His
Excellency the Governor would have the goodness to allow it. In a few days I will visit Mr Poole’s camp &
report upon the boy’s conduct &c.
[Moorhouse]
66
July 12th 1842
C. Driver Esre
Government Resident, Port Lincoln
Sir,
Your letter dated April, requesting a scale of rations for the aborigines, reached me in the latter part of June,
or you would have had an earlier reply. The Scale allowed by His Excellency the Governor to those who are
on duty as police constables, is precisely that which the European constables are allowed; the issue however
may depend entirely upon your judgment – if the Native be obliging, obedient & active, he would be allowed
the same as an European but if he be indisposed to exert himself & manifests great inactivity, I think you
would do well to reward him accordingly.
[Moorhouse]
67
July 14th 1842
The Hon Col Sec
Sir,
As the sittings of the Supreme Court are now over, the object of Mr Schurmann’s visit to Adelaide as
interpreter between the Court & Port Lincoln Natives, is accomplished, Mr Schurmann is desirous of knowing
what views His Excellency the Governor may take regarding the Natives at Port Lincoln, & whether His
Excellency wishes Mr Schurmann to return.
Should His Excellency conclude that it is desirable for Mr Schurmann to continue in the Port Lincoln district,
Mr Schurmann wishes me respectfully to communicate to His Excellency the following suggestions which at
present appear to Mr Schurmann to be essential in getting [56] into contact with the Natives, in bringing
about any amicable relation between them & the Europeans & in presenting the study of the language, which
alone is calculated to qualify him for the prime object of his mission, namely, to impart Christian instruction.
In the first place a supply of food for the Natives is very desirable & unless he be allowed some, he can obtain
no interview with the Natives at Port Lincoln for some time to come.
2nd , Mr Schurmann’s situation at Port Lincoln is such as to compel him to keep a boy, to act more as a hut
keeper than a servant – when Mr S is required to visit the country, as he has repeatedly been, his house
cannot be left lest it should be plundered by the Natives – Mr S’s has been left & in four instances has been
plundered by the Aborigines.
3rd , In consequence of Mr Schurmann being in receipt of a salary from Government, he does not share in any
remittances from his Society at Dresden; £ 70 per annum, the sum allowed him by His Excellency, will not
support him & a boy; the sum might be sufficient if residing in or near Adelaide, but the distance of Port
Lincoln from the Capital, whence provisions are procured, causes many expenses to be incurred in carriage
&c which cannot be defrayed with his present allowance.
Mr Schurmann wishes distinctly to impress His Excellency that these statements are not forwarded to obtain
a sum of money in order to accumulate, but he is anxious to have a fair subsistence, that he may be able to
devote his time exclusively to the claims of the Natives.
[Moorhouse]
68
July 6th 1842
The Hon Col Sec
Sir,
In reply to your letter of yesterday’s date regarding a Native boy under charge of Superintendent Poole, I
have the honor to state that the scale of rations proposed by His Excellency [57] the Governor, namely
1/3rd of the rations allowed to adult men with the with the addition of 4 ounces of rice daily, will in my
opinion be sufficient for the support of the boy.
[Moorhouse]
69
July 23rd 1842
The Hon Col Sec
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 21st Ulto, requesting an explanation of the reason of my report being dated June
30th & not being forwarded until the 19th July, I beg respectfully to state, that I had seen reports from
individuals connected with the Natives in the New South Wales & Swan River Colonies and they were dated
the last day of the year. Those in the New South Wales Colony being a long distance in the interior, could not
be forwarded sometimes for several weeks after they were written.
My case however is different, as I can always forward my communications; I am conscious that I am in error,
& I now perceive very distinctly that such a course might have led to serious inconvenience.
[Moorhouse]
70
July 27th 1842
The Hon Col Sec
Sir,
One of the Natives sent from Port Lincoln had no witness appearing against him at the last sittings of the
Supreme Court & His Honor the Judge liberated him from custody. Since his liberation he has received
rations at the Location; I would feel honoured if you would communicate to me the views of His Excellency
the Governor regarding the Native. Is he to remain here or be sent back to Port Lincoln.
[Moorhouse]
71 [58]
August 1st 42
The Revd Mr Meyer, Encounter Bay
Sir,
I beg to inform you that by Dr Wark’s dray, I sent four double blankets for you to distribute amongst the
Natives at Encounter Bay. They are given to you with full power to distribute them to such Natives as have
been wishful to communicate the language & make themselves generally useful.
[Moorhouse]
72
August 2nd 42
The Hon Col Sec
Sir,
In conversation a few days ago with His Excellency the Governor I mentioned to His Excellency the situation
of the Revd Mr Meyer at Encounter Bay. He is married & has two children & in consequence of Mrs Meyer
being in a very delicate state of health, he is obliged to keep a girl as domestic servant. His Excellency may
probably feel justified in affording Mr Meyer some relief in allowing a ration or some other assistance which
may suggest itself to His Excellency, as Mr Meyer does not receive his remittances regularly from his Society.
[Moorhouse]
73
August 3rd 42
The Sheriff
Sir,
In reply to your note of this day’s date, I beg to state that I will assemble the Natives that are living about
Adelaide & have them present on the occasion. I will explain to them the punishment of whipping & state
that it may be the manner in which theft for the future will be corrected.
[Moorhouse]
74 [59]
August 6th 1842
The Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I beg to inform you that there are 26 Sextions on the Little Para to be opened for Selection on the 11 th inst.
The Aborigines have no Reserves in that district; I would therefore recommend three Sections namely
“1697”, “2174”, & 2175 as native Reserves for the approval of His Excellency the Governor.
[Moorhouse]
75
August 10th 1842
The Hon Col Sec
Sir,
In my letter of the 12th ulto, inclosing a report from Superintendent Poole regarding a Native boy, I promised
to see the boy on my road to Mount Barker. Yesterday I called at the Superintendent’s Tents & found the
boy there. Mr Poole speaks highly in his favour & confidently states that in cooking, collecting working
bullocks in a morning & jobbing about the tents, he is equal to a European. I find however that the boy is not
satisfied with the ration that was allowed on the 15th of July, namely one third of the full rations of an adult
emigrant with the addition of 4 oz of rice daily. Mr Poole assures me that he eats more than an adult
European (which is correct, provide he can obtain it) & if His Excellency the Governor would allow a full
ration, he will be required to perform as much duty as any labourer in his party.
[Moorhouse]
76 [60]
August 26th 1842
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
It is expected that the “Governor Gawler” will sail for Port Lincoln in a few days & Mr Schurmann intends to
return in her. Mr Schurmann was summoned from Port Lincoln to interpret between the Court & three
Natives that were to be put on trial at the last sittings of the Supreme Court; his passage to Adelaide was paid
& I should favoured if you should inform me, whether or not his passage back will be allowed by the Colonial
Government.
[Moorhouse]
77
Sept 9th 1842
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to inclose a Requisition for the Aborigines Department for the Quarter ending 31 st
December. The Narrow Palings are intended to keep the fence surrounding the Location in repair, which the
Natives are continually breaking & destroying.
[Moorhouse]
78
Sep 10th 1842
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27 th ultimo, stating “that it appears to His
Excellency no longer expedient for the Government to maintain a salaried officer as Deputy Protector of
Aborigines at the Port Lincoln Station, also His Excellency’s [61] willingness to contribute on the part of
Government £ 100 to the general funds of the German Lutheran Mission, upon condition that one of the
Missionaries shall reside at Port Lincoln & constantly hold himself in readiness to act under orders of the
Government Resident there, in all cases relating to the welfare of the Aborigines. In reply I have to inform
you that Mr Schurmann has returned to the Port Lincoln Station, subject to these conditions.
I am not aware how far this letter affects Mr Schurmann’s present position. The estimates for the year 1842
allow £ 50 a year salary and £ 20 for house rent at Port Lincoln; would [you] have the goodness to inform me
whether Mr Schurmann is to continue during the current year at £ 50 salary & £ 20 house rent, or is his
situation to be forthwith at an end & the £ 100 to the Lutheran society be allowed before the
commencement of 1842 ?
[Moorhouse]
79
Sept 19th 1842
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
The enclosed amount for Mr Schurmann’s passage to Port Lincoln has been delivered to me by C.
Underwood, Master of the “Governor Gawler”. I possess no authority to inclose with it to the Auditor
General; I have therefore the honor to forward it, that it may receive the approval or non-approval of His
Excellency the governor.
[Moorhouse]
80
Sept 30th 1842
John McLaren Esqre, Land Office
Sir,
In accordance with your wish, I have inclosed a return of the Sections reserved for the Aborigines during the
12 months ending September 30th 1842.
[62] Section
2839
Davenport’s Survey
1183, 1178 River Light
126, 127 & 128 Todd River, Port Lincoln
346
Skillygolee Creek
172
Hill River
1673
Sources of the Torrens
404 & 406 Flaxman’s Special Surveys
14
Inman River
[Moorhouse]
81
October 19th 42
Revd Mr Schurmann, Port Lincoln
Sir,
The inclosed amounts are forwarded to have your signature attached. When signed be kind enough to return
them to me.
I have also to inform you that one of the Natives whose term of imprisonment is over, has been sent back to
his friends & I am requested by the Col Sec to “beg the Rev Mr Schurmann the German Missionary at Port
Lincoln to explain to this Native & the other Port Lincoln Natives that the term of imprisonment of the Port
Lincoln Native who remains in Gaol is dependent upon the conduct of the family to which he belongs. In the
event of their conducting themselves well, His Excellency will be disposed to shorten the term of his
imprisonment.”
I was glad to hear of the safe arrival of the two overland Natives & you will perhaps be kind enough to report
upon their future conduct.
In a private communication to your fellow Missionaries, you wished to be informed about your salary – its
amount and how it is to be paid. I have a communication from the Hon Col Sec stating that your office as
Deputy Protector of Aborigines ceased on 30th of Sept & that the first of October [63] would be the date
from which your Society would be allowed the £ 100 per annum. The £100 is not to be considered a
permanent arrangement until the sanction of the Right Honorable the Secretary of State is received.
[Moorhouse]
82
October 29th 1842
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that there is one Native for trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court,
charged with Cattle stealing; would you have the kindness to convey to me the intentions of His Excellency
the Governor regarding him, is he to have Counsel provided & if so who is to be engaged ?
[Moorhouse]
83
December 13th 1842
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to inclose a Requisition for the Aborigines Department for the Quarter ending 31 st 1842
[1843?]. The 400 lb of Flour are intended for the Aborigines at Encounter Bay which will be given as a reward
for the Children attending School. During the last half year they had rice & sugar which were sent from
Adelaide & I had to pay 3/6 per 100 lb for carriage; in order however to save this I would recommend to His
Excellency the Governor that the flour be purchased in the neighbourhood, or that the advertisement for the
tender should state that 400 lb should be delivered at Mr Meyer’s residence.
[Moornhouse]
84 [64]
January 5th 1843
A.M. Mundy Esqre
Private Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor I yesterday visited the Aboriginal Reserve, mentioned
in Mr McLean’s memorial & found from measurement that the quantity of fencing as stated by Mr McLean is
correct, but the rate (5/- per rood) at which he has calculated it, is decidedly higher than the current price for
a three-railed fence.
Mr McLean has only fenced the North side, the east side joins his private property & is not fenced, whilst the
south and west boundaries have been fenced by the proprietors of the adjoining sections, as shown in the
annexed diagram: [in side bar]
It is completely cleared from trees and bush wood & in consequence improved much in value, but I don’t
think it could be leased again at £ 1 per acre, if the present lessee be permitted to give it up. Mr Mclean says
the lease was never executed as the required security could not be given.
[Moorhouse]
85
January 21st 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I beg respectfully to inform you that there are four Natives for trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court two from Port Lincoln charged with the murder of Mrs ?Tully, one from the North for sheep stealing & a
fourth from Wellington for felony.
In your letter to me having date October 31st 1842, you conveyed the views of His Excellency the Governor,
regarding Natives having Counsel [65] to defend them & that it was desirable to engage Mr Mann & Mr
Fisher alternately. I should feel honoured if you would inform me whether I to consider that letter as a
standing order, & if so, continue to engage Mr Fisher and Mr Mann alternately until I receive further
instructions.
[Moorhouse]
86
Jan 27th 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
With reference to a letter written to you this day by the Commissioner of Police, recommending that a
Constable be stationed at the old Torrens bridge, I have the honor to notify the following additional reasons
why this arrangement would be productive of good to the public, namely frequent complaints are being
made against the Natives assembling at the water hole, using abusive language to the female passengers &
bathing in the river, so as to cause the water to be thick and dirty.
[Moorhouse]
87
Jan 21st 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I beg to inform you that His Honor the Judge refused to have Natives put upon their trial unless an interpreter
who will engage to translate the main facts of the evidence to the accused, can be provided, & in the case of
the two Port Lincoln natives, it may perhaps be necessary to request Mr Schurmann’s attendance. If His
Excellency the Governor [66] should think it desirable that Mr Schurmann should be sent for, there will be
an opportunity of sending to Port Lincoln in a few days.
[Moorhouse]
88
Jan 31st 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the Revd. Mr Meyer of Encounter Bay has applied to me to be allowed to
settle upon Section 14 reserved for the Aborigines in that district. Mr Meyer is anxious to make an attempt
at locating the Natives and inducing them to practise habits of industry, & if His Excellency the Governor
would permit him to have that Section granted on the following conditions, he would at once commence
without soliciting any immediate aid from the Government.
1st , That the Section be appropriated to no other purpose than a location for the Aborigines speaking the
Encounter Bay language[,] for 21 years.
2nd , That as Mr Meyer would build his own residence upon the Section he might have 20 acres of it upon a
lease of 21 years, but only to hold it on the condition, that that he continues his occupation as a Missionary
to the Aborigines.
Mr Meyer applies for the 20 acres in order that be may be enabled to produce corn, potatoes &c for his
domestic consumption, & should circumstances compel him to renounce his Missionary calling, he would at
once quit & give up possession of the property.
[Moorhouse]
89
Feb 8th 1843
The Hon Col Sec
Sir,
In obedience to the request of His Excellency the Governor, I have the honor to report upon the application
made by Mr Meyer of Encounter Bay to have a portion of Section 14 in that district granted upon a lease of
21 years.
Mr Meyer’s proposals as stated in my letter of the 31st ulto, appear to me to be reasonable; & his presence
being secured upon an Aboriginal reserve would, no doubt, be of be of great advantage to the Natives. Mr
Meyer has already made considerable progress in the Encounter Bay language & is now preparing materials
for a plan of instructing the young and it is his intention in a very short time to commence translating
portions of Scripture.
But I could recommend Mr Meyer’s application to be granted, independently of his acquaintance with the
language. I have known him for 2 ½ years & my impression is, that he will under all circumstances consider
the interest of the Natives, and labour for their advantage and improvement. He would enter the
engagement without any expectation whatever of receiving aid from Government; if His Excellency the
Governor could at any time grant an allowance of provisions to children attending School as at the Location in
Adelaide, Mr Meyer would thankfully receive them; he by no means would think of asking for them as right,
neither would he enter the engagement in the expectation of receiving them.
[Moorhouse]
90
Feb 8th 1843
The Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to report my return to Town on the 6th ult from visit the Station of G.C. Hawker Esqre on the
Hutt River. I was requested by His Excellency the Governor to proceed to that district, in consequence of a
report having been forwarded to His Excellency of the Natives being in a state of anxiety on account of a
woman having been shot by a hut keeper in the employ of the Messrs Jacob. I obtained no further evidence
about the case, as neither Natives nor Europeans witnessed the scene.
I spoke to the Natives about the event & explained to them the course that would be taken with the hut
keeper – he would be tried & punished as a murderer. They evinced no feeling of exasperation or revenge &
after several conversations upon the subject, they calmly said, “we hope the ‘pepa meyu’ will hang him.”
I fortunately met with a Native from Mount Bryan & informed him of settlers being about to proceed to the
westward of his country. I requested him to inform his acquaintances of the fact & recommended them to
keep from too intimate contact with the settlers & especially from theft.
[Moorhouse]
91
Feb 17th 1843
J.H. Fisher Esqre
Stephens Place
Sir,
Here are five Natives for trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court which you are requested by His
Excellency the Governor to defend, namely,
[69]
King John, alias Merainmalla charged with stealing three sheep from Mr Lake? Lade?
Jimmy alias
Yuki Warritya
Stealing sheep from C.H. Bagot Esqre
Tommy alias Kepuin
Stealing silver spoons from Captain Duff
Nuttia & Moullia, from Port Lincoln,
for the murder of Rolls, Brook & others.
[Moorhouse]
92
23rd March 1843
The Hon. Col. Sec
Sir,
I have received the inclosed communication from Mr Schurmann which I have the honor to forward for the
decision of His Excellency the Governor.
It appears desirable to have the money paid in Adelaide, because the return might then be signed by Mr
Teichelmann as he is Treasurer to the Lutheran Missionary Society.
I have proposed a form of return which I forward for your approval or disapproval.
[Moorhouse]
93
4th April 1843
The Hon. Col. Sec.
Sir,
I have the honor to inclose a Requisition for the Current Quarter for the Aborigines Department.
It would have been forwarded last month but I wished to see Mr Eyre upon the subject of distributing
blankets on Her Majesty’s Birth day. There are 200 Murray Natives in Adelaide at the present time, but as
they have no proprietary right here, we have thought it desirable not to supply them in Town with blankets.
The 100 blankets contained in this Requisition are intended for the four districts of Adelaide, Encounter Bay,
Port Lincoln and the Hutt River; as follows:
[70] - 72 for Adelaide, to be given to the Children for attending School, and their parents for allowing them
to attend, and what remain, to those who have worked in the garden, and to the infirm and blind;
- 10 to be sent to Encounter Bay;
- 10 to Port Lincoln &
- 8 to Mr Hawker’s Station [Bungaree] on the Hutt River.
The 1400 lb of Flour I proposed distributing in the following manner by His Excellency’s permission:
600 lb to Encounter Bay;
- 400 lb to Port Lincoln &
- 400 lb in Adelaide.
In conversation with Mr Meyer of Encounter Bay, I find that as soon as he can obtain a supply of provisions,
he intends to commence a regular School & Mr Schurmann of Port Lincoln will engage the Adults in
cultivating the ground. Should His Excellency allow the flour, I should respectfully recommend that the
tender should require the quantities to be delivered at Encounter Bay and Port Lincoln respectively.
The inclosed note is from G.C. Hawker Esqre and is in my opinion deserving attention. At the time I visited
Mr Hawker’s Station in February last, I saw 33 natives there, eight of whom were in Mr Hawker’s employ &
for the services of eight male adults, the whole number were supplied with flour out of Mr Hawker’s private
store. I would recommend eight blankets to be sent to Mr Hawker which may be spared from the 100
contained in the inclosed requisition.
[Moorhouse]
94
6th April 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to state for the information of His Excellency the Governor, that the Encounter Bay Natives
are now at Willunga or Onkaparinga on their route to Adelaide. They have been expressly invited by the
Adelaide Natives to drive away the Murray people from Town, and as soon as they arrive there will be a
severe contest. On [71] the 23rd of December last the Encounter Bay Natives wounded seven and killed
one of the Murray tribe and in the intended battle, there will probably be several lives lost unless the Police
interfere.
The fight will commence at Holdfast Bay on Sunday or Monday next, according to the statement of the
Natives, but in order to prevent it, I would respectfully suggest that a mounted Police Constable be placed on
duty there to watch the approach of the Encounter Bay tribes, and report immediately their arrival. On their
arrival, two mounted men would be sufficient to keep them quiet; they cannot remain more than two days
there as they will suffer from a scarcity of food. The Natives in Town know that the Missionaries & myself
oppose their fighting & will cautiously conceal their movements about the time of the engagement.
[Moorhouse]
95
7th April 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
In obedience to the request of His Excellency the Governor, I beg to state that I have made all the inquiries
that were likely to elicit further information regarding a Native shot by Mr Harris’ stockkeeper on the 3 rd of
January last.
The Northern Natives tell me that they know well Miaru, the Native mentioned in Mr Eyre’s communication
of the 1st ulto – that his country lies on the Murray plains between the head of the Gilbert and Broughton
Rivers, that he occasionally comes so far south as Captain Bagot’s Station, but has never been in Adelaide –
they have not seen Miaru since he accompanied Mr Harris to the North, but they received intelligence of the
death of Miaru’s father about two months ago, he was not shot but died of age & diseased chest; they do not
acknowledge having heard of a Native being shot by an European about Christmas.
If His Excellency should think it necessary that I should go up to the Broughton and endeavour to see Miaru, I
will do so, but if not, I will bear the subject in mind, the first time other duties call me into that
neighbourhood.
I have to state that I saw Mr Harris the day [72] after his depositions were taken before the Resident
Magistrate & the Commissioner of Police & he had a severe wound on the upper part of the frontal bone; it
was smaller then (7 days after the accident) & I have no hesitation in stating that it was enough to produce
insensibility.
[Moorhouse]
96
19th April 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Governor that the anticipated contest
between the Encounter Bay and Murray Natives has been effectually prevented.
In obedience of the instructions sent to me in your letter of the 7th last, I interpreted its contents on the same
day, to the assembled Natives which had the desired effect of causing them to desist. Mr Eyre also informed
the Murray tribe of the orders which the Police had received, and instead of going to Holdfast Bay, through
his persuasion, they accompanied him to their own territory.
On Saturday & Sunday all the Encounter Bay Natives left Glenelg and are now on their road to their own
district; most of the Adelaide people have come to Town and several of their children are in School this
morning.
[Moorhouse]
97
22 April 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
As Mr Howard’s tender for blankets is the only one which has been forwarded according to the Gazette
notice, & as the quality of his blankets is too fine, I have made inquiry in Town about [73] procuring a
lower priced article. I find that by private contract, 50 pairs might be bought at 13/- a pair and 50 pairs at
16/6 upon the condition that the payment be made in cash 14 days after delivery.
[Moorhouse]
98
24th April 1843
The Revd Mr Schurmann
Port Lincoln
Sir,
I am requested by the Colonial Secretary to inform you that Mr C. Underwood is to supply you with four
hundred pounds of flour for the use of the Aborigines. When the flour is delivered you will be kind enough to
give Mr Underwood a receipt stating that the flour is good & the weight correct. I think the following would
be a proper form.
‘Received of Mr C. Underwood for the use of the Aborigines, four hundred pounds of good second quality
flour from which 12 per cent of Bran has been extracted.’
[A copy of the above letter is sent to Mr Meyer of Encounter Bay stating that Mr Underwood is to deliver
?400 ?600 lbs of flour]
[Moorhouse]
99
25th April 1843
A.M. Mundy Esqre
Private Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inclose Dr Wark’s letter to His Excellency the Governor, asking for a supply of medicines
to distribute to the Aborigines. In June last when at Encounter Bay, I saw two Natives whom Dr Wark was
attending, & supplying with medicine from his private stock, and under these circumstances it might be
desirable to grant a supply for Dr Wark. I cannot say that my experience would suggest an extensive
assortment of drugs, for I have only met with two cases that subjected themselves to medical treatment until
they were perfectly recovered [74]
The following is a list of medicine which I use? I think would meet any urgent demands that Dr Wark might
have at Encounter Bay.
Adhesive plaster
Sundr. Caustic
Blue Pill
Carbonate of soda
Rhubarb
2 yds
2 oz
1 lb
½ lb
½ lb
Calomel
½ oz
Epsom Salts
4 lbs
Mercury with chalk 1 oz
Ext: Colocynth Co. ½ lb
Aloe
1 lb
If to the above list Dr Wark had calico (say 5 yds) according to his own suggestion, I think he would be
supplied for 12 months. I have given to each article the quantity likely to be required & have calculated the
cost to be about L 2.
[Moorhouse]
100
25th April 1843
[A.M. Mundy?] Private Secretary
Sir,
I have read the inclosed communication from Edward J. Eyre Esqre regarding the tribes of the Murray visiting
Adelaide. I may add as an additional reason of them being kept from Town, that if they are allowed to locate
here, the real proprietors of the soil (the Adelaide tribes) will at once leave, & our attempts at education
greatly retarded.
It would be desirable that Mr Eyre should tell them that if they come to Adelaide, they would be driven back
by the Police, and if they disregard the advice, I would recommend that an escort of Police take them back
the days after their arrival in town. The Natives would then believe that the Government were resolved upon
keeping them in their own territory.
[Moorhouse]
101
26th April 1843
E.J. Eyre Esqre
Moorunde
Sir,
I have been requested by the Colonial Secretary to forward (100) on hundred blankets to you for distribution
amongst the Aborigines. Each pair may be divided into three as you did last year and as we shall have to do
in Adelaide, Encounter Bay & Port Lincoln.
P.S. Be kind enough to send me a receipt.
[Moorhouse]
102
[75]
1st May 1843
The Revd Mr Meyer
Encounter Bay
Sir,
I have been requested by the Hon Col Sec to inform you that the Encounter Bay Natives are intending to visit
Adelaide in order to fight the Murray River tribes. You are therefore requested to state to the Encounter Bay
Natives that the Police have been directed to apprehend such of the Natives as are found with Spears, & to
break their Spears, as well as to take them before the Magistrate & have them punished for contemplating
the injury of others.
[Moorhouse]
103
12 May 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I should feel obliged if you would convey to me the views of His Excellency the Governor regarding the
distribution of food and clothing to the Aborigines on Her Majesty’s Birth day. Last year each Native was
allowed a pound of roast Beef & two pounds of bread & had the supply whilst entering the gateway of the
ground before Government House. This was much more convenient than having tables erected & should the
same plan be acted upon, I will at once make the arrangements. I expect 450 or 500 Natives to be present.
The Baker supplying the Government contract for bread will roast the meat at ½ d per lb & if it have to be
roasted, it is desirable to have your authority in order to pass.
[Moorhouse]
104
13 May 1843
The Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In obedience to the request of His Excellency the Governor, I have the honor to report upon the case of
Buccomolo, the Native mentioned in Mr Eyre’s letter dated 26th April.
Buccomolo was charged with assault with intent to kill a hut keeper of the Messrs Peter; [76] he was
committed to Gaol on the 5th May 1842 & convicted on the 9th of July following before the Supreme Court.
His sentence was “death recorded”. His behaviour in prison has been uniformly good since he was first
lodged there, but on the road to Adelaide, he & another native made an attempt to escape from the Custody
of the Police at Gawler Town, & were so far determined as to endanger the life of the constable who had
them in charge. The other Native escaped & has not been re-captured.
Buccomolo is about 42 years old, & an influential person amongst his tribe; he is a sorcerer & ever since his
lodgement in Jail, the Northern Natives who visit Adelaide have been in perpetual fear of some great evil
befalling them, on account of an individual of his frank being kept in custody.
I may add that according to his own confession he is guilty of the Crime for which he is now suffering – he
admits having held the hut keeper whilst an associate beat him.
[Moorhouse]
105
5 June 1843
A.M. Mundy Esqre
Private Secretary
Sir,
I have received the inclosed communication from Mr Meyer of Encounter Bay which I forward along with the
conditions of the lease to which the letter refers, for the information of His Excellency the Governor. Mr
Meyer is afraid that if he were to spend money upon the second condition, that it might not be sanctioned by
his Society, as in case of his decease his wife might be subjected to an ejectment.
In a former letter to me Mr Meyer was anxious to have an acre of freehold & applied to the proprietor of a
Section who lives at Encounter Bay; the proprietor however asked L5 per acre, a sum which Mr Meyer could
not pay. In examining a plan at the land office I find that Section “82” which belongs to me, is contiguous to
the Native Section No “14” & if His Excellency would have [77] no objection to Mr Meyer building upon
freehold & keeping the lease in every other respect as it now stands, I would give an acre to Mr Mayer. The
inclosed plan will shew how “82” and “14” stand in relation to each other.
[Moorhouse]
106
5th June 1843
A.M. Mundy Esqre
Private Secretary
Sir,
The following is an estimate of the quantity of materials required for ceiling & otherwise repairing the house
intended for the matron at the Aborigines Location which I forward according to the request of His Excellency
the Governor.
1000 Bricks. 1000 Laths.
20 Bushels of Lime.
6 lb of Lath Nails.
4 lb of 3-inch Nails.
[Moorhouse]
107
June 6th 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I beg to inform you that there is a Port Lincoln Native for trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court. As an
interpreter will be required, perhaps His Excellency the Governor may request Mr Schurmann attend here to
act in that capacity. There is no other individual able to interpret that district.
[Moorhouse]
108
9th June 1843
Mr Schurmann
Port Lincoln
Sir,
Your presence will be required at the next sitting of the Supreme Court to interpret for the Natives now in
Gaol, charged with the murder of Mrs Stubbs. The Court will commence its sittings on the second Tuesday in
July & I have authority from the Col Sec “to state that your attendance will be secured.” The Advocate [80]
General will probably request the Government Resident at Port Lincoln to give you instructions to this effect,
but if he should not, you will take this as your authority.
[Moorhouse]
109
July 11th 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
In reply to your letter of yesterday’s date, I have the honor to report that I am not able to state how many
men Mr J.B. Hughes has in his service. I visited his Stations in February last but he has increased their
number since that time and I have no knowledge to what extent. He is nearly thirty miles from any other
settler & in consequence greatly exposed to the attacks of the Natives. The Pauls too are placed from seven
to ten miles apart & this circumstance renders them more exposed.
The treatment of the Native population by Mr Hughes’ Servants has been such as too frequently obtains at
many of the outer stations. The Shepherds & hut keepers have been in the habit of giving them dead sheep
and lambs, and in return have asked for Native women. The Natives have been drawn to the Stations by the
supply of food and they become dangerous in the ratio of their numbers. So long as Mr Hughes’ Servants
continue to supply the Natives with food for the use of their women, I am satisfied that there will always be a
number in the neighbourhood of the Stations & sheep or lambs will from time to time be taken away.
[Moorhouse]
110
July 17th 1843
Private Secretary
Sir,
In reply to the communication from His Excellency the Governor dated 14th July, I have the honor to state in
detail the number of [79] instances in which the Natives of the Mount Barker district have made fast the
hut keepers whilst the Stations have been robbed. The first occurred at Mr Lawson’s Station about 4 miles to
the S.E. of the village of Nairne. The second was of Mr Harriot’s Station on the Bremer in April, and the third
was at the station of Jaffray and McBean on the “Finniss” on the 27th June.
I have also repeated my inquiries about the Native convicted of Cattle stealing, from the Hutt River – the
Native says he was acting nearly two months as a police constable. Mr Tolmer, Inspector of Mounted Police,
says he was at Mr Hawker’s Station a few days after the Native was sent to Town and he was told that he had
been attached to the Police force. P.C. Robins was at the Station at the time and says that in August the
Native was living with Mr Hawker and was always called “a police man”. He was the only Native regularly
employed at the Station, and on referring to the acts of the Mounted Police force from the first of July to
Sept 30th, a Native is there entered as having his rations allowed.
On the 24th May I understood from Mr Hawker that the Native employed from February to May had been
once absent with his friends in the bush.
[Moorhouse]
111
24th July 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
The inclosed communications from the Revds Mr Schurmann & Meyer were received by me on the evening of
the 21st and I have the honor to forward them for the information of His Excellency the Governor. I have
conversed with both on the subject of these letters & find them willing to continue their operations with the
Natives provided His Excellency would be pleased to repeat the assistance in provisions & implements. The
cold season is the only one in which the Natives will fence & clear, & both the Missionaries are desirous of
taking the present opportunity of extending their operations.
At Christmas there will be the wheat which will more than pay for the reaping and the surplus will be given
for affecting further improvements upon he locations.
The fencing done by the Encounter Bay [80] Natives I have been informed by those who have seen it, is
good and substantial and equal to any put up by the Europeans, but the one at Port Lincoln is more of a
temporary character, there being no cattle to fence against, near the locality. Mr Schurmann would feel glad
if the location referred to, could be reserved for the Natives.
[Moorhouse]
112
July 27th 1843
Private Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to submit to His Excellency the Governor the inclosed communication from the Revd Mr
Schurmann concerning the Port Lincoln Native “Ngarbi” now in confinement and under sentence of death.
I would humbly petition His Excellency to consider the statements and admissions there given, which are
infrequent from the lips of Aborigines of this continent, and if consistent with justice to the white population,
be pleased to spare the life of this unfortunate Native.
I would solicit mercy on his behalf for the following reasons:
1st , He fully confessed his crime, which is not usual amongst the Natives of this Province;
2nd , He is conscious of his guilt and sees it in a more obvious light than he formerly did – when asked why he
speared these friendly people (Mr Biddle and others) he seems now astonished that he could so far forget
himself after all their kindness, & he emphatically asks the same question – how could I have speared them.
3rd , the execution of “Ngaltya” at the station where the Europeans were murdered, is [81] sufficient to
prove to the Natives, that the taking away of life from an European, renders them subject to the same severe
penalty.
4th , His remaining in Custody will convince the Natives that the Europeans have him still in their power, to
inflict such punishment as our laws may dictate.
5th , His moral guilt is not so much aggravated by having been more kindly treated than the rest of the
Natives, by the Europeans as would seem on the first sight – his older associates took advantage of his
acquaintance with Europeans and entreated him to be prominent in the attack.
6th , Whatever a majority of the older Natives decided upon, must be carried out if practicable by the younger
men, the whole of the tribe agreed to attack Mr Biddle’s Station; it was with them a tribal (national) decision
& he could not have prevented the melancholic attack, had he been ever so disposed.
7th , From his years, he could have little influence in tribal decisions – only being about 20 years old.
[Moorhouse]
113
August 11th 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the Revd Mr Schurmann of Port Lincoln has intimated to me that he has
commenced fencing and cultivating of portion of ground with the Natives in the Port Lincoln district, and in
order that the Natives may not be deprived of the fruits of their labor, I would respectfully ask His Excellency
the Governor to allow the Section No 9, upon which these operations have been commenced, to be marked
off as a Native reserve.
[Moorhouse]
114
[82]
August 14th 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to inclose a letter from Mr T.C. Hewitt near Willunga, regarding a Native, who is lying there
in a sick state. I at once forwarded such medicines which I thought would be suitable to his disease but I did
not forward a blanket. I have many applications for blankets from settlers in various parts of the Colony, for
Natives who have been industrious upon their farms for a month or six weeks, but I have refused, stating that
the parties, for whose benefit the Natives are employed, should remunerate them.
In case of sickness about Town, I occasionally give a blanket, but how far this may be done in the country
from the representations of settlers, I do not wish to determine, therefore I would submit the
communication to His Excellency the governor for decision.
I will call upon His Excellency tomorrow morning, for instructions upon this case.
[Moorhouse]
115
August 23rd 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor that the ladies constituting the Committee for
instructing Native Children are anxious to see them clothed when attending School & have requested me to
lay the subject before His Excellency. The Ladies state that they could not at present raise a sufficient sum
[83] by subscription to carry their project & I would therefore respectfully ask His Excellency to grant a
supply of material and they will superintend the making by the Native girls.
The choice of material has been considered by the Committee and they would venture to recommend one of
the inclosed patterns, which have been procured from two wholesale houses in Town. The green is 4/- per
yard & the printed pattern 3 /4. In the green piece there will be about 20 yards and in the printed piece
about 50 yards. The children are pleased with the printed pattern, but the ladies would recommend the
green for durability. As there are 16 children it will require about 24 yards to clothe them.
[Moorhouse]
116
August 25th 1843
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that I, according to the request of His Excellency the Governor, yesterday
visited the Native Yenaitya, who is lying in a sick state near the house of Mr T.C. Hewitt of Willunga. I found
the man in a very reduced state, having for some weeks past suffered from inflammation of the bowels. The
disease has now nearly subsided, but the debility it has caused, renders it questionable whether he will
recover or not.
I left with Mr Hewitt a supply of medicine, and as the Native wanted a good & nutritious diet, Mr Hewitt
promised such as his domestics are in the habit of preparing.
I took a blanket with me and gave it to the Native as he was in such a feeble condition.
[Moorhouse]
117
[84]
September 4th 1843
G.W. Nichols Esqre
Coroner
Sir,
I beg to inform you that on Thursday morning last a Native woman named Wirra Ngangki was killed by her
husband Tidlaitpinna.
The Natives tell me that on Thursday evening Tidlaitpinna was at Walkerville at a Corroberee & having
returned to his hut near Thebarton had a quarrel with his wife; he took up a waddy & commenced beating
her on the back part of the head, & in about an hour after she died.
I have inquired of the Europeans in the neighbourhood of the huts but I can meet with no one who saw
Tedlaitinna strike his wife. Mr Peter Cook, the superintendent of the city market, says he can speak to the
Native woman being alive at five o’clock for she was helping him in the slaughter house and Wm Wilkins, Inn
keeper at Thebarton, says he heard the Natives quarrelling at half past 9 o’clock and at 11 o’clock, he heard
the crying as if over a dead person.
On the following morning Mr Peter Cook went to the Native huts & found the woman wrapped & prepared
for interment at ½ past 6 o’clock.
[Moorhouse]
118
September 15th 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to state that the last Requisition which was forwarded for the Aborigines Department for
the current Quarter had the following return:
Meat Estimated quantity
Additional supplies
Total for the
On hand:
during the Quarter:
Quarter:
500 lb
600 lb
1100 lb
[85] The 500 was the quantity allowed on previous quarters but not drawn, so I thought it might be drawn
whenever it might be required. The Colonial storekeeper informs me that he cannot allow the 500 remaining
of last Quarter to be drawn in the present, unless he has direct instructions to do so; I would therefore
respectfully inquire if the Colonial Storekeeper could be instructed to issue the 500 lbs, or if desirable, that I
should forward a Requisition to be approved by His Excellency the Governor.
[Moorhouse]
119
September 25th 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to report that I have this day forwarded to the board of audit a Return for Contribution to
the Lutheran Missionary at Dresden for the month ending September 30th.
His Excellency the Governor, as given in the late Colonial Secretary’s letter to me dated 13 th of September
1843, expressly states “that the contribution of £ 100 (one hundred pounds) per annum is not to be
considered as a permanent arrangement until the sanction of the Right Honorable the Secretary of State is
received.”
The term for the first contribution will end on the 30th of the present month & under these circumstances, I
shall not be able to forward another return, until I receive instructions to that effect. Would you honor me
with directions upon the subject, whether it is His Excellency’s pleasure to continue the contribution or not.
[Moorhouse]
120 [86]
September 26th 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
In obedience to the request of His Excellency the Governor I have the honor to forward an estimate of the
Aborigines Department for the year 1844.
£
s
d
£
s
d
Salary allowed in 1843 including allowance for Horse
300
0
0
300
0
0
20 Sacks of Flour @ £ 1 per Sack
200 lb Bread @ 1 /2 d per lb
3640 lb of Meat @ 2 d per lb
1200 lb of Sugar @ 3 d per lb
Clothings
Matron’s Salary
Total School expenses
Miscellaneous
Donation to Lutheran Society (uncertain)
Ration allowance of 1d per diem to Mr Meyer
of Encounter Bay
Implements, cooking utensils &c
15 [50?] pair of Blankets @ 14/- a pair
Counsel for prisoners, allow 10 cases @ L5 each case
Total Miscellaneous
Grand Total for the Year
20
12
30
15
10
20
107
0
10
6
0
0
0
16
0
0
8
0
0
0
8
100
-
-
18
15
35
50
218
5
5
0
£
107
16
8
218
5
-
626
1
8
In the estimates for the provisions for the School I have included the ration allowance to the Matron & the
food distributed amongst the adults for work. The 50 pair of Blankets would supply Adelaide, Mr Hawker’s
Station, Encounter Bay & Port Lincoln.
I have made no calculation for provisions to be forwarded to Encounter Bay or Port Lincoln; if His Excellency
the Governor would allow a sum for each place, I should have pleasure in communicating the fact to the
Missionary stationed at each place.
[87]
[Moorhouse]
121
September 30th 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the Mare allowed by His Excellency the Governor, for the use of the
Aborigines Department, is now about to foal & consequently not fit for much work. Under these
circumstances, I beg to state that I would willingly resign her into the possession of the Government
whenever His Excellency would be pleased to call for her. She is in excellent condition, and might sell to
greater advantage now than at any other period.
During the two years that the mare has been in my possession, she has reared a colt which is 19 months old.
At the time of her foaling in 1842, I was ordered to visit the Chrystal Stream [Crystal Brook] 160 miles to the
North of Adelaide & I borrowed Mr Teichelmann’s horse & cart, & promised as a remuneration that he might
use the Colt when old enough to be worked, provided the Government gave me any authority over the
animal.
I therefore mention the circumstance. I would respectfully inquire if His Excellency would allow the colt to
remain in the Department under the charge of Mr Teichelmann.
[Moorhouse]
122
October 7th 1843
Col Sec
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 5th Inst, I have the honor to state that I have communicated with Mr
Teichelmann upon the contents & have received the inclosed reply.
[Moorhouse]
123 [88]
October 11th 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
At the Request of His Excellency the Governor, I have the honor to forward the following return of
Convictions of the Aborigines for the last four years.
Supreme Court
ending 30 Sept
1841 1842 1843
Murder
3
Attempt at bodily Harm
2
Sheep Stealing
1
2
Cattle Stealing
1
Larceny
1
2
Resident Magistrates’ Court
1840
Assault
Stealing Potatoes
Stealing Melons
ending 30 Sept
1840 1841 1843
1
3
3
1
1
Two Natives were hanged in July 1840 for the murder of Europeans in the Milmenrura country.
[Moorhouse]
124
November 2nd 1843
Hon Col Sec
Sir,
In obedience to a communication conveyed to me in a circular dated June 8th from the Hon the late Colonial
Secretary relative to broken panes of glass, I have to report that there are five panes broken in the Girls’
Sewing Room. I visited the School yesterday & was informed that they were broken by some person
unknown on Thursday evening or Friday morning last.
[Moorhouse]
125 [89]
20th of November 1843
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that your letter to me dated September 26th, upon the subject of the
contribution of £ 100 per annum to the Lutheran Missionary Society stated “that His Excellency is pleased to
authorise the continuance of the present arrangement until the 31st of October.” I suppose that the
contribution is included in in the ordinance for the general appropriation of the Revenue for 1844 in the £
350 for the contingent expenses of the Protector of Aborigines, but I have no instructions regarding the
months of November and December 1843. Would you be kind enough to favour me with instructions
regarding the two months of this year.
[Moorhouse]
126
December 4th 1843
Col Sec
Sir,
I beg to report to you for the information of His Excellency the Governor that at the last sittings of the
Supreme Court, a Native boy from 12 to 14 years of age, was convicted of Larceny & sentenced to 12 months
imprisonment. This boy is at a desirable age for receiving instruction & could he be allowed to come over
every morning to the Location, he might be under instruction for 12 months. He might have a pair of light
?Trous upon him, & be accompanied by either Mr Klose or myself to and from the jail every day. The hours
of attendance would be from 9 to 12 daily except Sunday.
[Moorhouse]
127 [90]
December 7th 1843
Private Secretary
Sir,
In reply to inclosed Minute from His Excellency the Governor, I have the honor to state that in February last I
visited Mr Hawker’s Station on the Hutt River & found 37 Natives there. This is more than an average
number, as they had assembled for the purpose of circumcising two boys. A bag of flour (200 lb) would
afford a little more than 5 lb to each man, woman & child, which would give a good day’s supply, but if His
Excellency intends it to be repeated at stated intervals, it would of course require more. The cost of the flour
would be 12/- per 100 lb.
[Moorhouse]
128
December 9th 1843
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to forward an estimate of the probable expenses of a School for native Children at
Encounter Bay, with an average number of 7 children for 2 months, as requested by His Excellency the
Governor.
Flour – will be supplied by the Settlers of the District
£
s
d
Meat – in addition to what the Settlers will supply – 1000 lb @ 2d
8
6
0
Sugar – 700 lb at 3d
8
15
6
Cooking Pot
10
0
Blankets 14
3
10
0
£
21
11
6
Plates and Spoons could be supplied from the present Stock at the Location.
Mr Meyer is anxious to have a School Room [91]
erected near his own residence and having asked
assistance from the settlers, he [] that a School room answering every purpose for the present, might be built
for £ 30. He has already had a promise of £ 5 from the South Australian Missionary Society so that the sum
now wanted is £ 25. If His Excellency could allow a small sum towards the erection of the building, it would
be thankfully received.
[Moorhouse]
129
December 9th 1843
Private Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to forward the information required by His Excellency the Governor regarding the Native
convicted of Cattle stealing in November 1842.
Name
Kuati Mukarta
Committed
Sept 26th 1842
Convicted November Sittings of Sup Court in 1842
Sentence
10 years transportation.
[Moorhouse]
130
10th January 1844
Captain Butler
Chairman of the Board of Audit
Sir,
The inclosed account has just been forwarded to me from Mr Mann; it might have been sent in July or August
last, but Mr Mann did not think of it. He was employed on the authority of the Honble the Col. Sec.’s letter to
me bearing date 31st of October 1842.
[Moorhouse]
131 [92]
23rd January 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
In the ordinance for the general appropriation of Revenue for the year 1844, there is a sum of £ 350 allowed
for contingent expenses in the department of the Protector of Aborigines. Out of this sum, I understand it to
be the intention of His Excellency the Governor to allow £ 100 to be applied to the support of the German
Mission; if so would you have the kindness to supply me with the necessary authority for making out the
monthly pay Return.
[Moorhouse]
132
25th January 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
In obedience to the request of His Excellency the Governor I have the honor to inform you that I have found a
building at Walkerville, which is fitted for the purpose of a School House and lodging rooms for the Native
Children. The premises belong to the Honorable John Morphett, and upon inquiry I found that he asks for a
rental of £ 12 a year. I am not acquainted with the precise date upon which the premises could be entered.
[Moorhouse]
133
6 March 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to invite the attention of His Excellency the Governor to the periodical [[93] distribution of
Blankets to the Aborigines.
The supply allowed by His Excellency in 1843 consisted of 200, which were distributed in the following
manner:
Moorunde
100
Adelaide
70
Hutt River
10
Encounter Bay
10
Port Lincoln
10
Total
200
The gross amount was £ 73. 15. 0 being an average of about 7/4 each blanket.
If the School for the Murray children, which is now under consideration should be established, it will be
requisite to have to have either an additional number for the Adelaide district, or supply those Children from
the number allowed for the Murray.
Supposing there is an allowance of 8/- per blanket, the following might meet the views of His Excellency the
Governor:
Number
Value
Moorunde
125
£ 50
Adelaide if the Murray Children are to be supplied
100
40
Encounter Bay
10
4
Hutt River
10
4
Pot Lincoln
10
4
255
102
{Moorhouse]
134
13th March 844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Governor that I yesterday examined the
building at Walkerville, intended as a School for the Native Children, and found it to be suitable for the
purpose. The overseer of works accompanied me & will forward an estimate of the repairs required to put
the building into [94] habitable condition. The estimate will be for making the six rooms into neat and
comfortable dwellings.
[Moorhouse]
135
18th March 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to forward a Requisition for the Quarter ending 30th June, for the Aborigines Department.
The Articles in the Column of Miscellaneous stores & Supplies are intended for the School about to be
commenced at Walkerville for the Children of the Murray Natives. The Provisions have been calculated for
supplying 20 Children in the Adelaide, and 30 at the Walkerville Schools & the adults on Her Majesty’s Birth
day.
[Moorhouse]
136
2nd April 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to forward a copy of a resolution passed yesterday at a meeting of the Committee of Ladies
for instructing Native children, namely
“That as the winter season is approaching and there is an increase of children, Mr Moorhouse be requested
to apply to His Excellency the Governor for another supply of green cloth for dresses, in order that the fresh
children may be supplied with a winter garment for [95] attending School and a place of worship.”
There are at present six children who have no winter garment & in the cold weather we expect to have four
more, so that if His Excellency should decide in favour of the resolution, it would be desirable to have 20 yds
which would make the dresses. The material may be obtained for about 3/- a yard.
[Moorhouse]
137
3rd April 1844
Advocate-General
Sir,
According to the request of the Colonial Secretary, I have the honor to forward the particulars regarding the
School House about to be leased from the Honorable John Morphett for the use of the Native Children.
[Moorhouse]
138
9th April 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to report to His Excellency the Governor that the Native adults have for eight months been
supplied with food for attending divine service on a Sabbath, according to the permission of His Excellency,
but that permission was not accompanied by a scale of allowance; I would therefore respectfully ask the
Governor to supply us with a scale of quantity for our future guidance. Sugar, as well as flour, has been given
for the last three weeks, but we shall want an additional supply if we continue its distribution.
The object of supplying the Natives with food on a Sabbath was to do away with their excuse, that if they
attended worship [96] they had no time for procuring food, & if flour only were distributed, their argument
would be met; a pound of flour would afford a good meal for an adult.
[Moorhouse]
139
9th April 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to state for the information of His Excellency the Governor that the overseer of works stated
that the house at Walkerville will be nearly ready at the end of the week. As soon as the building is repaired,
there will be required the following furniture to complete the arrangements for a school, namely
2
Guard beds
1
Writing Desk
1
Dining Table
1
Black board
Forms for seating 30 children
I am not yet able to give the dimensions of the beds, tables and desk, but hope to be able to do so on Friday
or Saturday next.
[Moorhouse]
140
8th May 1844
Captain Butler
Chairman of the Board of Audit
Sir,
I have the honor to reply to the observations of the board of Audit of yesterday’s date regarding the blankets
purchased for the Aborigines.
Reply to 1st Observation:
The issue of Blankets
[97] of the best quality was not a prominent
consideration of the purchase. We met with a quantity at Mr Howard’s Store that were not saleable in
consequence of being for private use too large & by taking the whole we obtained them from 15 to 20 per
cent below the invoice price. Those at 18/6 are divided into six single Blankets; those at 17/6 & 15/- into
four which reduces the price of a single Blanket to less than they could have been purchased, as small sized
ones. There is a supply of lower priced goods in the Colony, but we could not obtain the same size of a lower
quality for the price which we gave.
Observation 2nd – There is no further expense to be incurred for this service than is shewn by the accounts
now before the board, amounting in all to £ 100 – 14 – 3.
[Moorhouse]
141
15th May 1844
Mr Smith
Master of Walkerville School
Sir,
I beg to forward to you for your information and guidance, an outline of the mode of conducting the Native
School at the Location.
Hours of Attendance in School
“
“
A.M.
P.M.
9 to 12
2 to 4
The children are required to sleep on the premises; the boys and girls in separate rooms. At 8 o’clock A.M.
they are supplied with breakfast, at 12 with dinner, and at 6 with supper.
During the School hours, it will be necessary to vary the instruction in order to secure the attention of the
Children; it is difficult to give precisely the manner in which this will have to be done, but experience will
suggest the mode of doing it with advantage to yourself and profit to the Children. I shall have pleasure in
giving you any information [98] that I am able to give upon the subject.
[Moorhouse]
142
16th May 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
In consequence of the increased number of children attending School I am compelled to apply for a
supplementary supply of provisions for the current quarter. At the Location School, we are averaging 45
children, and at Walkerville 70 which is double the number we calculated for in making out my quarterly
requisition. There has also been an average of more than 100 adults on a Sabbath for the last four weeks,
and as they are allowed a pound of flour each, an additional quantity is required to supply this demand.
[Moorhouse]
143
17th May 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
The inclosed letters Nos 1 & 2 were given to me by the Revd. C.M. Schurmann. Mr Kook the writer of No 1 is
a German and an intimate friend of Mr Schurmann.
The subject of the improvement of the Natives has been one which Mr Schurmann & his friend have
frequently considered, and as they have expressed their views, I have the honor now to forward them to His
Excellency the Governor. Mr Schurmann is still in Adelaide if His Excellency should wish to see him.
[Moorhouse]
144 {99]
21st May 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to call the attention of His Excellency the Governor to the periodical distribution of food and
blankets to the Aborigines on Her Majesty’s Birth day. The arrangement last year was economical and
convenient; a pound of roast beef and two pounds of bread, were given to each Native on entering the
western gateway of the grounds of the Government Domain.
I expect about 600 Natives will be present on the occasion. If His Excellency should again allow roast beef, it
would be desirable that I should have authority for incurring the expense.
[Moorhouse]
145
29th May 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to forward a Requisition for the Aborigines Department. It would have not been sent before
the expiration of the Quarter, had it not been for the numerous attendance of children at the Walkerville
School.
See Requisition
Many of the articles can be supplied by the Colonial Engineer and might be obtained at once. The Cooking
pots are required as soon as they can be conveniently procured as there are eighty children to provide for at
Walkerville. The Saws, Wedges & Wheelbarrows are required for supplying fire wood to the Schools.
[Moorhouse]
146 [100]
29th May 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I beg to call the attention of His Excellency the Governor to the condition of the two School Houses for the
Native children. The boys’ sleeping room at Walkerville allows the rain to enter through the roof, so much so
that it cannot be used at all on a wet night.
The building at the Location is pise & wants repairing on the outside; I would also respectfully suggest to His
Excellency the desirableness of completing the division wall between the School and Store Rooms, as the
children are apt to climb the wall and take away provisions; 600 – 700 bricks would, I think, be sufficient.
[Moorhouse]
147
11th June 1844
Col Sec
Sir
In the Gazette of the 6th Instant, I observed a quantity of land advertised for sale on the 28th under the former
Act for regulating the sale of waste lands of the Colony – the Aborigines were allowed to have a portion set
apart for their use under the name or title of ‘Reserves’.
Since the present Act came into operation, there have been no reserves made for the Natives, and I could
respectfully inquire if His Excellency the Governor could entertain an application of this Nature on behalf of
the Aborigines.
[Moorhouse]
148 [101]
11th June 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 6th Instant, inclosing a memorandum from the Colonial Engineer upon the
subject of repairing the School House at Walkerville, I have the honor to state that I have seen Mr Morphett
and the inclosed note is his reply.
Mr Morphett stated more in conversation than is contained in his note; he views the transaction of taking the
premises for one year as already closed and is willing only to make an arrangement for the school of two
years which the Government has optional power over.
[Moorhouse]
149
17th June 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to forward a Requisition for the Aborigines Department for the Quarter ending 30th
September.
The establishment of the Walkerville School has caused a great demand for Miscellaneous Stores and
Supplies for the quarter which will not occur again, but most of them can be supplied by the Colonial
Storekeeper.
The needles, thread and thimbles are to supply both the Adelaide and Walkerville Schools.
[Moorhouse]
150
26th June 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to report that there are twenty Aboriginal Children in the Walkerville School who write
tolerably well upon the slate. Whilst examining their slates yesterday [102] with Mr Smith, we thought it
desirable that they should be able to practice upon paper; if so I would ask His Excellency the Governor to
allow a quart of Ink to be added to the Requisition for the Aborigines Department. The Requisition was
forwarded on the 17th current.
[Moorhouse]
151
26th June 1844
Col. Sec.
Sir,
I have occasionally been applied to for information upon the Reserves of Land for the Aborigines, but have
not been able to afford as much information as I could wish; I have therefore the honor to request that His
Excellency the Governor would permit me to have a list furnished of such facts as it may appear desirable
that I should possess.
I would respectfully suggest the following names of parties in whose favour leases have been granted:
No. of Section and District
Date of Occupancy
Annual Rental
[Moorhouse]
152
26th June 1844
J. W. Fisher Esqre
Sir,
I beg to inform you that there are five Aboriginal Natives for trial at the approaching sittings of the Supreme
Court, and I have to request that you will undertake their defence.
[Moorhouse]
153 [103]
11th July 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Governor, that I have seen Mr Langmead,
the Name attached to the inclosed petition.
Mr Langmead’s lease has 4 ½ years to run from the 1st July current; he has £ 3 – 5 – 0 to pay into the Treasury
which ought to have been paid on the 1st of this month. Instead of paying £ 3 – 5 – 0 he proposes to pay £5
and have the ground rent-free 2 ½ years from the first of the current month and then surrender the lease.
Mr Langmead will ratify any agreement drawn out on the above conditions, provided His Excellency’s views
are met in the propositions.
[Moorhouse]
154
19th July 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
The inclosed letter on the subject of the School House at Walkerville being allowed for performing divine
service on Sabbath mornings, according to the forms of the Church of England, has been forwarded to me by
Mr Fleming, and I have the honor to support the application, as it would be of advantage to the Native
Children to attend service on a Sabbath. The children are assembled morning and afternoon for catechetical
instruction and the evening is unoccupied, so that the present arrangements would not meet with the least
interruption.
[Moorhouse]
155 [104]
19th July 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
The inclosed letter from the Revd Mr Meyer of Encounter Bay reached me last evening and I have the honor
of forwarding it for the information of His Excellency the Governor.
The disease from which the Natives of Encounter Bay are suffering at present is the venereal chiefly, and
during Mr Meyer’s visit to Town ten days ago, we several times considered plans to offer relief to the Natives.
The treatment of the disease as it shews itself amongst the Natives is not difficult, and I see no objection to
Mr Meyer being supplied with medicine. I should be able to give written directions, sufficiently simple, to Mr
Meyer to enable him to combat the complaint, if His Excellency would sanction such an arrangement.
If Mr Meyer could have a little flour, say two bags allowed, it would assist him in his undertaking, as I know
from experience that a Native will seldom fetch medicine, from even a short distance, unless he has a supply
of food at the same time.
Mr Meyer would have seen the Governor upon the subject but His Excellency was not in Town.
[Moorhouse]
156
23rd July 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to inclose a Requisition for Medicines to be supplied to the Natives of Encounter Bay, for the
approval of His Excellency [105] the Governor.
If it could be allowed that the two bags of flour which His Excellency has been kind enough to grant, could be
purchased at the Bay, there would be a saving of expense to Government, as well as time in the delivery.
Mr Giles Strangways is a holder of wheat and would supply two bags of flour, I have no doubt at the Adelaide
contract price for other Government supplies, if His Excellency would be pleased to sanction such an
arrangement.
[Moorhouse]
157
2 August 1844
Revd Edward Meyer
Sir,
I have pleasure in stating to you that His Excellency the Governor has allowed two bags of flour for the
Natives at Encounter Bay who are suffering from disease. You are authorised to purchase the two bags from
Mr Strangways provided he will supply them at the contract price in Adelaide, namely 7s 6d per bag, but the
bags are to be given back to him.
If Mr Strangways will not sell at that price, you will be kind enough to procure them from any of the settlers,
whom you think proper. When the flour has been delivered, if you will let me know, I will make the accounts
out and forward them to the Treasury and the money will be ready on the following day.
[Moorhouse]
158
13 August 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to forward a Requisition for the repairing of implements belonging to the Aborigines
Department. The two School establishments require a great quantity of wood for [106] cooking purposes
and the implements are much out of repair.
Two grindstone handles are in the Colonial Engineer’s Store; my Quarterly Requisition, the Aborigines
Department was allowed two grindstones but the handles were not issued with them.
The 12 panes of Glass are intended for the Walkerville school. Two were broken by the workmen when
repairing the building and the others have been broken at intervals by the children, and would have been
reported in obedience to your instructions of June 8th 1843, had not the distance been too great for the
contractors to go to put in each pane separately.
[Moorhouse]
159
15th August 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the governor that the Committee of Ladies
for Instructing Native Children (CLINC) met yesterday and they expressed a wish to extend their operations to
the Children in the Walkerville School.
The Committee arranged that Mrs Klose and the Matron at the Location should instruct the Adelaide children
for the future and that the children from Walkerville should be allowed to come to the Room formerly
occupied as a Sewing Room, near Government House.
The Committee requested me to make these arrangements known to the Governor, and if they met with
approval, to respectfully ask if His Excellency would allow the old Sewing Room [107] to be again occupied
for the purpose.
It would not be requisite for the present occupier to leave the dwelling; the children would only be
assembled four times a week & would not interfere much with the tenants.
[Moorhouse]
160
14th September 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to inclose two Requisitions – one for 2000 lb of flour, and the other for 4 lb of Sulphur, for
the approval of His Excellency the Governor. The large average [number] of children at Walkerville, has
compelled me to ask for a supplementary supply of flour which I hope His Excellency will be pleased to grant,
and the prevalence of itch, at the present time amongst the Aborigines, causes a considerable consumption
of Sulphur.
[Moorhouse]
161
14 September 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I beg to inform His Excellency the Governor that there is a Native to be tried at the next sittings of the
Supreme Court.
Mr Fisher was employed in July last to defend the Natives, but your instructions to me dated 24th January
1843, require me to engage Mr Fisher and Mr Mann alternately. As Mr Mann cannot be engaged under
present circumstances, I would respectfully ask for further instructions from His Excellency.
[Moorhouse]
162 [108-110]
7th October 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to report my arrival in Town, from visiting Mount Bryan where, it was alleged that a party of
Europeans had committed a daring outrage upon a group of Natives encamped in that neighbourhood.
I left Town on the 21st Sept and reached Mr Hawker’s Station on the 23rd where I joined a party of Mounted
Police, under the charge of Sub-Inspector Gordon. As I passed Mr Horrocks’ Station, I met with a party of
eight Natives, and inquired if they had heard of Europeans killing a number of their brethren, at Mr Hallett’s
Station at Mount Bryan, and they replied that they understood, six had been shot, namely two men, two
women and two children; and 2 women wounded. Mr Horrocks’ Station is 50 miles from Mr Hallett’s.
In the evening of the 23rd, I went to an encampment of 30 Natives in the neighbourhood of Mr Hawker’s, and
repeated my inquiries & their report was, that one man, one woman and two children had been killed, and
one man wounded . On the 25th a Meeting of the Magistrates was held at the police station on the Hutt
River, and it was thought desirable to procure the evidence of those Natives, who had witnessed the
rencontre. With this object in view, the party went to Mr Hughes’ Station on the Reedy Creek on the 26th.
There were no natives there, but we learnt that a few families were living three miles higher up the Creek.
On the 27th, we rode three miles up the Creek to Mr Campbell’s heifer station and found 9 Natives there;
their account agreed with that we received at Mr Hawker’s Station. During the day we passed three of Mr
Hughes’ outstations, and met [109] with Natives at each, and they gave the same Report.
On the 28th we reached Dr Brown’s Head Station, only 14 miles from Mount Bryan, and saw 4 Natives. I
found their story much modified; they said they had heard of the Europeans & Natives having had a battle,
and that one man and one woman had been killed, and two children stock-whipped. They had received the
report from Natives who had been present & l, on inquiring where I could see those Natives, I was told that
they had left the District and gone to the Murray.
On the 29th I reached Mr Hallett’s Station at Mount Bryan. I heard the statement of the shepherd from whom
the sheep had been taken and accompanied him, Sub-Inspector Gordon and a police constable to the place
where the Natives had encamped the sheep. We saw a yard made of branches, capable of holding from two
to three hundred sheep, a number of Native huts and three Native ovens in which meat had been roasted;
there were also sheep skins, and bones scattered about the ovens, proving undoubtedly that the Natives had
been partaking of the sheep.
In the evening I examined Mr Hallett’s present overseer, and his statements agree with those of Carter and
Spratt who were examined upon oath by the bench of Magistrates. I have enclosed the examination of
Carter and Spratt for the information of His Excellency the Governor.
The examination of Carter upon oath is very different from that which he gave to Henry Price Esqre J.P. about
six weeks ago. Carter told Mr Price that he had “fought with the blacks, killed a man and woman, the woman
was with child, and he had set a bull dog upon her, which tore open the belly and womb – he took the child
out of the womb and gave it to [110] the dog to Eat.” Mr Price and Mr Stein will give evidence on the
case, if required.
The Native prisoner, Kangaroo Jack, was committed for trial and arrived in town yesterday. The manner in
which this boy was captured is deserving of notice. On the information of Carter a warrant was issued for the
apprehension of this boy, about six weeks ago.
Mr Hughes told his shepherds that a warrant was issued, and said that if any could entice the boy into their
huts, they had better make him a prisoner. They did not obey Mr Hughes’ instructions, and entice him into
the hut, but each took a gun loaded with quail shot and as the boy naturally resisted being taken and began
to use his spear and waddy, he was fired upon and wounded in the leg.
Mr Price and myself examined both the shepherds, but we did not take their statements down, as they made
out a case of felony against the boy, and he already stood charged with one in which he would probably be
committed.
[Moorhouse]
163
19th October 1844
Col. Sec.
Sir,
I have been informed by His Excellency the Governor that a number of books has arrived in the Colony for the
use of the Aborigines. I have the honor to report that some of the Native Children are so far advanced as to
read in the New Testament, and would respectfully ask his Excellency for a supply.
The School at the Location is in want of 20, and the Walkerville School in a few weeks will require 40. [111]
If there should be a supply of any other kind of books suitable for the School they would be thankfully
received.
[Moorhouse]
164
19th October 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to invite the attention of His Excellency the Governor to the proposed alteration in the
allowance of the Colonial Government to the Lutheran Mission. The second year terminated on the 30th of
Sept, and as His Excellency proposed for the third year naming parties unto whom sums should be paid, I
have the honor to apply for the names, and the sum to be paid to each.
His Excellency thought at one time of dividing the £ 100 between Mr Schurmann and Mr Klose – Mr
Schurmann in consideration of his being stationed at Port Lincoln and Mr Klose in consideration of his acting
as schoolmaster at the Location. If however being engaged as Schoolmaster will be considered as a claim, I
would respectfully ask that Mr Meyer of Encounter Bay may be included, as he will open is School on Monday
next.
[Moorhouse]
165
19th October 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I beg to inform His Excellency the Governor that the Guard beds and School Room floor at Walkerville are
wanting a little repair. One day’s work of a joiner and one of a bricklayer would do all that is required if His
Excellency would be kind enough to allow them to be sent for a day.
[Moorhouse]
166 [112]
23rd October 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
At a meeting of the Ladies’ committee held yesterday, I reported that His Excellency the Governor had
expressed a wish to see the Native boys clothed as well as the girls in a summer garment. The ladies are now
occupied in preparing the girls’ dresses & will gladly undertake to prepare a set for the boys if His Excellency
would be kind enough to allow material. From the two Schools there would be 50 boys, who would want a
dress each.
The ladies recommend strong blue shirting or unbleached holland – it would require 200 yds of material, one
pound of sewing cotton and fifty knots of tape. The price would be about 1/- per yard.
[Moorhouse]
167
28 October
Col Sec
Sir,
In obedience to the request of His Excellency the Governor, I assisted by Mr Schurmann, have the honor to
report the estimated expense of supporting a Native School in the Port Lincoln district.
Mr Schurmann thinks that for the first year, he would average about 20 Children, and we calculate the cost of
each child per week in rations would be 3/-. The cost for 20 children for one year would be:
£
s
d
Rations
156
0
0
Cooking Utensils
2
0
0
Blankets, 20 @ 5/5
0
0
Books, Slates &c
2
0
0
£
165
0
0
[113] To the above estimate would be required a larger sum if the Children were lodged as at the Location
and Walkerville. A Matron would be necessary and a greater number of Blankets. The extra expense for
these would be about £ 30 per annum.
[Moorhouse]
168
2nd November 1844
Advocate-General
Sir,
According to your request I have returned the memorandum signed by Mr Morphett. I have taken a copy in
order that I may not have to trouble you again for the original.
Mr Morphett does not wish for any other agreement, as the amount is so small, so I am glad to take your
advice and not move further in the matter.
[Moorhouse]
169
4th December 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to state, for the information of His Excellency the Governor, that Mr Peacock intends giving
a Tea party at his Section, Walkerville, the 11th of the current month; to which the Native Children are invited.
Mr Peacock is in want of a Tent for the occasion, and has requested me to apply to His Excellency the
Governor for the loan of a large Marquee, if His Excellency would have the kindness to allow one to be lent
for the day.
[Moorhouse]
170
4th December 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
The enclosed list of Stores recommended to be sold by Auction was forwarded to me requesting that I would
state whether any articles [114] would be of service in the Aborigines Department.
In reply to that request I have the honor to state that the following would be of great service as they are
constantly in use in the Department.
Beams and Scales
1
Boiler’s Iron
3
Bottle Pewter
1
Board, Mortar
1
Cans, Water
2
Cans, Oil
2
Caps, forage (might be worn
By the boys)
19
Dishes, Tin
20
Forks, ?Flesh?
4
Forks, Table
14
Hoes, narrow
Knives, table
Ladles, tin
Pannikins
Plates, Tin
Pans, Sauce
4
8
2
25
200
2
Rings, Maul
Saws, X cut
Tomahawks
Wedges, Iron
10
2
2
20
[Moorhouse]
171
6th December 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Governor, that a Native named Pare
Kudnutya was this day charged before the Commissioner of Police with stealing sheep, the property of John
Hallett Esqre, at Mount Bryan, in July last.
The Native admits that he was present and he has supplied the information which I failed in obtaining when
at Mount Bryan. He says that Mr Hallett’s men wounded four Natives – three men and one woman. One
man and one woman died; the former was wounded in four places with a sword only, and the latter was
wounded with a gun. Two men were wounded with a gun only, one received two wounds, the other one, but
they have both recovered. The Natives buried the dead bodies and [115] not the Europeans as was
formerly suspected.
{Moorhouse]
172
24th December 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Governor that I arrived in Town yesterday
from Mount Bryan, which place I was requested to visit, to endeavour to carry into effect the measures
proposed by the Advocate-General in his report upon the “affray with the Natives at Mount Bryan” dated
December 9th 1844.
On the 14th current, I left Adelaide accompanied by Sub-Inspector Gordon, two police constables (one a
European, the other a native) and Pari Kudnutja a native of Mount Bryan, and reached the spot where the
bodies were buried on the 20th. On our road to the North we called upon three Magistrates, and Mr Brown
the nearest medical man, but none of them would accompany us, in search of the bodies.
Pari Kudnutja took us to the man’s grave a little after 8 o’clock A.M. and P.C. Barber removed the branches
and earth, but no body could be found. We asked him then to shew us the woman’s grave which he did,
about 45 paces to the North, and as we had found no body the other, we asked Pari Kudnutja if that grave
had been disturbed, and he said no, the branches are as the black man laid them. On removing the branches
however, we found no body, to the great astonishment of the Native. A piece of old garment was discovered
two paces from the woman’s grave in which her body had been wrapped and on searching the surrounding
scrub for about half an hour we discovered the remains of a large fire; we examined the ashes and charcoal &
found human teeth and small bones of the hands and feet; [116] these have been carefully collected and
brought to Town. The fire covered a space of 9 x 5 feet.
I asked Pari Kudnutja if Natives or Europeans had made the fire & he said the Europeans. The fire was made
75 paces eastward of the man’s grave and 130 to the Eastward of the woman’s. The distance between the
Native encampment and graves was about 200 yards. The man was wounded with the sword and lived three
days; the woman was wounded with a gun and lived only one day; both were buried on the spot upon which
they died.
As all the Magistrates for the Northern district had left for Town, Mr Gordon & myself thought it desirable to
bring the Europeans to Adelaide for examination; three of them were found at Mr Hallett’s Station and
brought to Town. They arrived this morning & have heard the statement of the Native Pari Kudnutya before
the Commissioner of Police.
[Moorhouse]
173
27th December 1844
Col Sec
Sir,
The prevalence of the Itch [Scabies?] amongst the Natives compels me to ask for another supply of Sulphur. I
have the honor to enclose a Requisition for 10 lbs, for the approval of His Excellency the Governor. It is three
months since I received the last supply of 4 lb, and with it nearly 200 cases have been cured.
[Moorhouse]
174 [117]
27th December 1844
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
During the last six months, there have been six panes of glass broken at the Aborigines Location, Adelaide.
The school children have broken them and as they have no money to give towards repairing them, I have the
honor to apply to His Excellency the Governor to allow the Clerk of the Works to give directions for their
being repaired.
[Moorhouse]
175
28th December 1844
Commissioner of Police
Sir,
I have been requested by the Colonial Secretary to supply you with the blankets for the purpose of
distribution among certain Natives who have rendered themselves useful to the Police on various occasions,
and beg to inform you that the blankets will be forwarded as soon as I receive the next quarter’s supply for
the Aborigines Department.
[Moorhouse]
176
31st December 1844
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor that I have made the necessary inquiries about the
Collars for Natives’ dogs & find that they may be purchased with the Numbers upon them for one shilling &
sixpence each. Twelve collars I think would be sufficient for the present, if His Excellency the Governor would
allow that Number to be purchased.
[Moorhouse]
177 [118]
27th January 1843
Revd G.C. Teichelmann
Sir,
I have been requested by His Excellency the Governor to apply to you to send back the two Native boys
Naittye and Paitya to the School at the Location, which is under the charge of the Revd Mr Klose. Early
attention to this request is desirable as I wish to report the result.
[Moorhouse]
178
30th January 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The enclosed are copies of correspondence between Mr Teichelmann and myself regarding the two Native
School boys, about whom His Excellency the Governor made enquiries two days ago, when visiting the
Location.
The two boys arrived at the Location last evening and brought with them the boy Charly mentioned in Mr
Teichelmann’s post-script; they are all in school this morning.
I have not replied to Mr Teichelmann’s letter, neither do I intend, unless requested to do so by His Excellency.
[Moorhouse]
179
31st January 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
On visiting the Walkerville School this morning, Mr Smith called my attention to the state of the roof and
front wall. The wall is falling outwards, and has already gone from three to four inches from the
perpendicular and the wall plates [119] in consequence are being left without support.
I have the honor to apply to His Excellency the Governor to direct the Overseer of Works to examine the
premises and repair them, if they can be repaired with safety.
[Moorhouse]
180
6th February 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to the enclosed memorandum from His Excellency the Governor, relating to Mr Teichelmann’s
connection with the Native School and his real avocation with the Aborigines since he quitted the School, I
have to report that since May 1841, Mr Teichelmann has taken no active part whatever in the School; not
having given the children a day’s instruction except assembling them with the adults on a Sabbath. He claims
connection with the School from belonging to the same Society to which Mr Klose belongs.
Since that period Mr Teichelmann has always said that he would attend to the adults & from May 1841 to
November 1842 he assembled the adults and children on a Sabbath and addressed them on religious
subjects.
In November 1842 he commenced his country operations, and left the Native Location with an intention of
coming to Town every week to conduct service, as he had been accustomed to do for some months provided
he could not persuade the Natives to settle with him upon the Section. Ever since that period, Mr
Teichelmann’s visits to Town have been irregular. I have known him to be seven weeks in succession without
assembling the adults, and the following two months he was pretty regular. At the present time he
professedly comes once a fortnight.
I may add that I have heard of Mr Teichelmann addressing the adults on a Sabbath several times in the
neighbourhood of his Section.
[Moorhouse]
181 [120]
8th February 1845
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose a return of the attendance, expenses, &c of the Native Schools in the Province for
the year ending 1844. The return which I saw in your office yesterday was not the average attendance for
the past year, but a statement of the numbers of children in the School on the very day that the Police
Constables called to collect statistical information.
The Police Constables asked the question in the present tense, and Mr Klose & Mr Smith kept strictly to the
letter of the question, not knowing for what purpose the information was required.
[Moorhouse]
182
12th February 1845
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to state to His Excellency the Governor that Mr Klose, Mr Smith & myself intend to take the
Native Children to the Horticultural Exhibition on the 14th and as we wish them to partake of some of the
produce, I would respectfully ask His Excellency the Governor to allow a Melon to be purchased & given to
each child upon the spot.
Our early Melon Crop at the Native Location has failed entirely this season & I fear that the Children will leave
the School occasionally to work for various parties who can supply them with melons; I would enquire if His
Excellency the Governor would be pleased to sanction the purchasing of two or three pounds for each child
per week during the melon season.
[Moorhouse]
183 [121]
12th February 1845
Col Sec
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Governor upon the inclosed application
from Mr T. Whitington to purchase some of the Aboriginal Reserves situated in the special Survey of the
sources of the Onkaparinga.
These four Sections “5001”, “5003”, “5004” and “5005” were originally let to Mr Jno Baker, but he refused
paying the rent. In August 1843, a distress warrant was issued for the recovery of the rents due upon the
four Sections, but it was withdrawn upon condition of Mr Baker’s surrendering “5001”, “5003” and “5005”
and retaining “5004” (82 acres) at 2/- per acre per annum; the rent on the other Sections being abandoned.
There are three sections out of the four producing nothing; if His Excellency the Governor has determined
upon selling the Aboriginal Reserves, I know of no reason why these unoccupied sections should not be sold
as well as any other.
[Moorhouse]
184
19th February 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Governor that I have made all the inquiry
that I can make into the subject of the inclosed communication from J. W. Nicholls Esqre, Coroner.
I have seen Mr McDonald & Mr Thomas, and they can only speak to a spear wound being the cause of the
death of the Native woman. Mr McDonald says that he made all important inquiries on the spot & none of
the Natives would confess that they knew who had thrown [122] the spear.
I have also seen the Commissioner of Police and he states that he has not been able to collect more than Mr
MacDonald has given. The Police Sergeant at Willunga found the body placed in a tree near Mr Hewitt’s
Station & perceived on examination a spear wound in the breast; the tribe of Natives to which the woman
belonged was seen by the Police Sergeant, but no further information obtained.
Under these circumstances I am not able to see any necessity for my proceeding to the spot to continue the
investigation. I intend to ask the Natives occasionally to point out the man who threw the spear, and may
probably obtain all particulars; if so I shall not fail to report them to His Excellency the Governor.
[Moorhouse]
185
17th March 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to invite the attention of His Excellency the Governor to the annual distribution of food and
blankets to the Aborigines on Her Majesty’s birth day.
The following were the arrangements of last year; 2 lb of Bread & 1 lb of Roast Beef were given to every
Native in Adelaide on the 24th May. A blanket was given to each parent who had a child in the Adelaide or
Walkerville School; 125 blankets were sent to Moorunde for distribution and 10 to each of the following
places, namely Bungaree (Mr Hawker’s station), Port Lincoln and Encounter Bay.
The distribution of food in Town draws a large assemblage of Natives. They come in groups of sixty and
seventy and such numbers cannot procure Native food on the road. Deficiency of food drives the natives to
importunate [123] begging and if this fails, they have recourse to theft.
Two men were convicted in July last for attacking Stations on their road to Adelaide to be present at the last
annual distribution of food. The defence of those Natives cost the Government £ 11.
I would respectfully submit to His Excellency the Governor a modified plan for adoption this year. In order to
collect the School children, the Northern tribes speaking the Adelaide language, and the Moorunde tribes
might come as before, & receive their usual allowance of food, but those from Lake Alexandrina & Lake
Albert and Encounter Bay might have theirs at their respective stations of abode. The Corporals of Police
might be instructed to take charge of the distribution.
As the Government Resident at Port Lincoln required an additional supply of blankets last winter, perhaps the
following might meet with His Excellency’s approval:
100 Blankets to be supplied to Moorunde
100
for Adelaide & the two Schools
30
to Port Lincoln
30
to Encounter Bay
10
to Bungaree.
270
or 135 pairs.
The expense of the Blankets would be about £ 70.
[Moorhouse]
186
20th March 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Governor that the Revd Mr Long would
take into his house, the Native girl Tainmunda and treat her as his own child. Mr Long could not afford to
supply her with provisions from his limited income, but if His Excellency could allow 2/- [124] Mr Long will
be able to bear the remainder.
The girl expresses herself willing to live with Mr & Mrs Long and I have pleasure in recommending the
application to the favourable consideration of His Excellency the Governor; I am satisfied that the parties will
treat the girl with kindness and endeavour to make her comfortable and happy.
[Moorhouse]
187
31st March 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inclose a communication from Mr Smith, Master of the Walkerville School, for the
information of His Excellency the Governor.
I reference to the recommendation of sending those children suffering from contagious diseases, to the
Hospital, I cannot say that I am desirous of supporting the recommendation. If a solitary child were sent to
the Hospital, I am afraid that it would not like to remain; everything would be strange, and what an European
would esteem as comforts, a Native child would disregard.
A child too when ill, prefers being amongst its own friends, and those speaking the same language; it can
then communicate its wants& feel satisfied.
In cases of serious illness it would be impossible for the Colonial Surgeon to inquire fully into the condition of
the patients without an interpreter, and it might, in many instances, be inconvenient to procure an
interpreter at the time he might be most wanted.
The chief contagious disease to which the Natives at present are subject, is the Itch & those children who
absent themselves from School for a few weeks, are sure to be affected with Itch on [125] their return. If a
room could be provided for such cases, attached the School, I am [of] opinion that the children would like
that better, than being sent to the Hospital. If His Excellency should decide upon providing fresh School
appartments, I would recommend that a room should be set apart as an Hospital. In the meantime however
there will not be much difficulty in treating successfully such contagious diseases as may affect the Natives.
[Moorhouse]
188
31st March 1845
Hon. John Morphett M.L.C.
Sir,
I have been requested by His Excellency the Governor to apply to you for permission to occupy the building
at Walkerville until the 30th of June. During the last two months the walls of the building have given way &
will not most probably stand through the Winter; it would therefore not be desirable to take it for more than
three months at a time.
[Moorhouse]
189
5th April
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inclose a communication from the Hon. John Morphett, received by me this day, for the
information of His Excellency the Governor.
[Moorhouse]
190
8th April 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inclose a Requisition for Medicines for the Aborigines. I am able to report that the Itch is
somewhat on the decline; it is certainly not so general in Town as it was three months ago.
[Moorhouse]
191 [126]
11th April 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to state to His Excellency the Governor that I have received an application from Mr Smith,
Master of the Walkerville School, for a team of Bullocks, for two days, to draw firewood.
The land in the immediate neighbourhood of the School is all purchased, and it is more than the Children can
accomplish to carry the wood from the Park Land, North Adelaide, to the School. The logs will be prepared by
the Children, and if drawn by bullocks to Walkerville, will then be sawn and split as they are wanted.
As the building has been taken for another quarter, I would respectfully ask His Excellency the Governor to
allow the windows to be glazed; there are nine panes broken.
[Moorhouse]
192
17th April 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I beg to inform His Excellency the Governor that I yesterday received a communication from Mr Meyer of
Encounter Bay, reporting the death of the Timor Poney which was supplied to him by the Government in
1841 [had been Mr Schurmann’s?]
[Moorhouse]
193
24th April 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that I have received an application from Mr Smith, Master of the Walkerville
School, for a team of bullocks to be supplied two or three days for [127] the purpose of drawing fire wood
from North Adelaide to Walkerville. The wood has been cut down by the School children, but the distance is
too great for them to carry it.
As the building is to be occupied until the end of the current quarter, I would respectfully recommend that
the windows be glazed as the cold weather has set in; nine panes are wanted.
[Moorhouse]
194
26th April 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
As there are only four weeks intervening between this date and Her Majesty’s Birth day, I have the honor to
suggest that the managements proposed in my letter of the 17 th ultimo and sanctioned by His Excellency in
your reply on the 20th ulto, be now matured.
As far as regards the distribution of food and blankets in Adelaide, there will be no alteration from the last
year’s plan, and in case of adverse winds or accidents – which might prevent my being present – I have given
detailed instructions to Mr Smith, to complete the plans.
Regarding Lake Alexandrina and Encounter Bay, I have thought that it would be least trouble and expense to
authorise the Corporals of Police to purchase flour in the neighbourhood and give four pounds to each adult
and two pounds to each child under 7 years of age, on the 24th of May. If this suggestion should meet the
views of His Excellency, it would be necessary to issue at once instructions to the Commissioner of Police, in
order that the flour might be ready on that day.
[128] There are 50 pairs of Blankets to be sent to Mr Nation of Moorunde for distribution; I am not aware
whether Mr Nation has been informed about them, if not, I would venture to recommend that instructions
be forwarded with the Blankets, stating that they are for distribution to the Aborigines.
[Moorhouse]
195
5th May 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In obedience to the instructions of His Excellency the Governor, conveyed to me on the 23rd ulto, I have the
honor to report that, I accompanied the two liberated Natives Mulya & Murpa to their own district.
We left Adelaide on Saturday the 26th of April, in the cutter “Governor Gawler” and reached Port Lincoln on
the evening of the 28th. The two Natives were landed and slept at the huts of their friends, who were then
staying in Town. On the 29th I called upon Chas Driver Esqre, Government Resident, with the Natives and
stated that they had been pardoned by His Excellency the Governor & were now free. In the afternoon I
went with Mr Driver, Mr Schurmann, Klose and a Native as far as the Swamp, four miles from Town, & called
at Captain Hawson’s station. The Natives are in the habit of visiting this Station and assisting in farming
operations from time to time. Captain Hawson employs Natives from time to time. This fact is the more to
be regarded, as Captain Hawson had the misfortune to lose a son by the hands of the Natives three years
ago.
On the 30th I visited the Station of Messrs Higgins, 16 miles from Port Lincoln. This [129] is the farthest
station from Town. They had only been three weeks there; they had been visited by no Natives since they
went but two boys had been seen on the run; they were about two miles from the hut. They do not
apprehend danger from the Natives. This is the Station where Rolls Biddle, his servants Fastings and Mrs
Stubbs were murdered three years ago & where the Native Nultia [Ngaltia] was hanged on the 7th April 1843,
for the crime.
On the first of May, I returned to Town [Port Lincoln], calling at Mr Clay’s Station; on inquiry I found that he
is in the habit of employing the Natives about his place, and has lost the fear which he had 12 months ago, of
having his property attacked by them. Mr Clay contemplates going further in to the interior in the spring as
he considers he may do so with safety; I reached Town in the afternoon of this day, not having met with a
single Native about any of the Stations.
In the evening His Excellency the Governor had the Natives assembled & flour distributed to them; there
were present 26 men, 17 women & 27 children. Since the periodical distribution of flour commenced, crime
has certainly decreased, but whether the punishments inflicted upon those who have been found guilty, or
the flour distributions, have caused the decrease, I could not say, both probably have had an influence. That
it has decreased is undoubted and that confidence is subsisting, is proved by what I myself witnessed. Whilst
at the Messrs Higgins Station on the evening of the 30th, Mr Thomas Hawson arrived with a number of Cattle;
he had been to Pilla Worta, 10 miles more in the interior, collecting the cattle alone; he told me that he is in
the habit of sleeping at Pilla Worta quite alone, & he fears nothing from the Blacks. He dare not have done
this two years ago.
The whole of the Native population for 60 miles from Port Lincoln, is in a state of quietitude & I see no reason
why it should not continue; petty thefts will probably occasionally happen, but there is not much fear of
capital crimes being committed. There are from three to four hundred natives now [130] acquainted with
the Europeans, and as these occupy a country extending sixty miles from the Town, the inhabitants may fairly
calculate upon their property being secure, until they begin to settle beyond that distance.
In conclusion I would venture to invite His Excellency the Governor’s attention to the claims of the Native
children of that district. At the distribution of flour, which His Excellency witnessed, there were present 27
children, 15 of whom were old enough to attend school. As there is already a Missionary stationed there,
who would conduct the School, the expense of supplying a number of children with food would not be great;
the children by this means would be gradually advancing & becoming more fit to be received into a more
advanced stage of instruction, which His Excellency the Governor contemplated establishing.
I arrived in Adelaide yesterday in the government cutter “Jane & Emma” having been kindly offered a
passage by His Excellency the Governor.
[Moorhouse]
196
10th May 1845
William Nation Esqre
Moorunde
Sir,
I have been requested by His Excellency the Governor to state to you the plan which His Excellency has
thought desirable to be carried out in the distribution of blankets to the Natives at the full moon or on the
24th Current, her Majesty’s Birth day; which ever is most in accordance with your plans.
Many of the Moorunde Natives are now in Town, and on mentioning the fact to the Governor His Excellency
said they had better return to their own country on order to receive a blanket when the distribution takes
place at Moorunde. Several of these natives have children in School, & to such His Excellency authorized me
to give a [131] note of introduction or rather recommendation to you for a blanket, as an encouragement
to others to send their children to the School.
Some children have not been absent a day since the School was established in April 1844 & to their parents I
will give the first recommendation, say 1-2-3-4-5-6- &c so that you will understand that the highest numbers
have the least claim to your notice.
You had 100 Blankets forwarded but I have only given 33 recommendations as you will most probably want
the remainder, as rewards to those, whose merit from your own observation, you wish to reward.
[Moorhouse]
197
17 May 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to forward for the information of His Excellency the Governor copy of a letter received from
the Honorable John Morphett regarding the School premises at Walkerville.
I have this morning seen Robert Carter the person to whom Mr Morphett has sold the premises & he agrees
to let the Government remain as Quarterly tenants, as long as they wish, at the same rate of rent, namely £
12 per annum.
Copy: North Terrace
30th April 1845
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that possession of the premises in Walkerville is requested at the
expiry of the Quarter, for which it was let to the Government, as the premises in question are sold.
Signed: C. Wright, for John Morphett.
[Moorhouse]
198
[132]
17th May 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to apply to His Excellency the Governor for permission to have the buildings at the Native
Location whitewashed, by an European, once a month, after the manner of the Walkerville School.
[Moorhouse]
199
20th May 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to invite the attention of His Excellency to the position of a Native named Merainmilla or
King John, who is at present confined in Gaol & have great pleasure in being able to recommend his case to
the favourable consideration of His Excellency the Governor.
King John was committed for trial on the 28th December 1842 and convicted on the 7th of March 1843 for
stealing three sheep & sentenced to 10 years transportation. He had been for 12 months in the habit of
taking flour and clothing from the stations in the neighbourhood of Lake Alexandrina and was an object of
fear to the inhabitants, but I am satisfied that he has seen so much of the Europeans, the manner in which
crime is punished, and white men as well as black are made to suffer for it, that he will not be guilty of such
aberrations again.
During his confinement he has been obedient and active, & has done as much if not more than any other
individual in washing and cleaning the premises, I would therefore apply to His Excellency the Lieutenant
Governor on behalf of King John that clemency may be shewn to him, and if consistent with the ends of
justice, have a free pardon granted, on the approaching Birth day of Her majesty the Queen.
[Moorhouse]
200
[133]
20th May 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to forward the inclosed application for a Ration allowance from Mr Smith, Master of the
Walkerville School, & would recommend it to the favourable notice of His Excellency the Governor.
[Moorhouse]
201
28th May 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I reply to some questions put to me yesterday, relative to the number of Blankets sent annually to Moorunde
for the Natives, I have the honor to state that the following are the returns for the last three years:
1843
1844
1845
100 Blankets
125
“
100
“
The extra 25 were granted specially for distribution to the Rufus Natives amongst whom Mr Eyre had twice
been & promised blankets for good behaviour.
[Moorhouse]
202
29th May 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
At the request of His Excellency the Governor I have the honor to forward an Estimate of the probable
expense of fitting up the proposed Native School at the Barracks now occupied by the Sappers & Miners.
£
s
d
Mattresses for 80 children at 6/- each
Guard beds for 80 “
Extra forms required
100 Blankets at 4/- each
100 Rugs at 3/- each
Cooking Utensils
Knives, Forks & Plates
24
96
5
20
15
5
10
175
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
£
[134]
The Mattresses could be made by the Native girls; my calculation only includes the material. At present,
there would not be more than 80 children in the School, but I am confident that the above sum of £ 175
would meet the present demand.
[Moorhouse]
203
9th June 1845
Captain O’Halloran
Private Secretary: His Excellency the Governor
Sir,
I have the honor to return the inclosed minute from His Excellency the Governor & beg respectfully to state
to His Excellency that Mr Hawker may have promised the Blankets to the Natives of his district, as he has
been in the habit of receiving flour and blankets for two years.
The Natives from the North did not come to the distribution of food on the 24th ulto & they may probably
have remained in their own district on the strength of having been supplied on the two previous years.
Under Existing circumstances, I would venture to recommend to His Excellency that the 10 Blankets and two
bags of flour be forwarded to the Bungaree Station.
It was a disappointment to us however that the Northern Natives did not come to Adelaide as we hoped to
get their children into School & His Excellency may probably see the desirableness of not continuing to send
food and blankets to the North as by so doing we are prevented coming in contact with the children.
[Moorhouse]
204
14th June 1845
Private Secretary
Sir,
In reply to the communication of Mr M. Collison to the Hon. Col. Sec., I have the honor to inform His
Excellency the Lieutenant Governor that my Reports [135] dated Nov 24th 1842 and Feb 16th 1843 will give
the information that Mr Collison desires. I am not aware whether the Colonial Secretary will be able to lend a
copy of the first Report dated Nov 24th as I only forwarded it in original; if not, I shall be happy to do so.
[Moorhouse]
205
14th June 1845
Private Secretary
Sir,
In returning the inclosed to His Excellency the Governor, I would respectfully state that it is very desirable to
have the Walkerville children removed at the end of the current Month, to that part of the Sappers’ Barracks
occupied by Captain Frome. There is sufficient room for the Children, and Mr Smith, and the only addition
required will be two guard beds, in two of the western rooms occupied as bed rooms by Captain Frome.
[Moorhouse]
206
17th June 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Governor that three Natives from
Moorunde arrived in Adelaide on Sunday last and give the following account about Captain Sturt’s party.
About 4 months ago, whilst Captain Sturt and party were encamped on a plain a long way North West of the
Rufus, some Natives came up, and asked for food, but captain Sturt saw that they were without teeth &
refused to give them any. The Natives then required Blankets, but the Europeans would not give them
blankets.
The Natives were displeased at being [136] refused and caused pillars of vapour to rise from the earth
(query: is this a volcanic district); when these pillars had risen to a certain height, they descended, tore up the
ground and buried the party alive, including men, horses & bullocks.
On repeating the enquiry this morning the same story was given to me. I inquired more minutely about the
character of the Natives there, but elicited nothing more, except that the Natives are without front teeth &
supplied with double ones at the back of the mouth. The country is good in some places, having plains like
that on the Port Road, skirted with scrub in some places, and others with hills; there are no stringy bark hills
in that part. The Natives do not know whether the party was returning or not, at the time the occurrence
took place.
[Moorhouse]
207
30th June 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor that I have seen Captain Frome about the Native
Location being occupied by the Sappers, and we have agreed to the Location being given up on Friday next.
It will be necessary to have a horse and cart to remove the Native Stores, guard beds, forms & tables and I
would respectfully apply to His Excellency for permission to hire a horse and cart for one day for the purpose.
[Moorhouse]
208
2nd July 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to forward the inclosed application from Mr Smith, applying for a team of six [137]
Bullocks to draw fire wood from North Adelaide to the Walkerville School. The team will be required two
days to draw a three-months supply of fire wood & I would respectfully ask His Excellency permission to have
a team allowed for two days for the above purpose.
[Moorhouse]
209
Aboriginal School Establishment [henceforth]
8th July 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report to His Excellency the Governor that the forms, tables and beds are this day being
removed from Walkerville to the Sappers Barracks. It is desirable to have two or three joiners under the
direction of the Overseer of Works to put up the beds & effect the necessary repairs. I would venture to
suggest that the beds be made to stand apart from the wall, and put together, so as we can take them down
from time to time. It is also desirable to have all the building whitewashed & I would ask permission of His
Excellency to have a man allowed to whitewash & repair the plastering in all the rooms which may require
repairing.
As the two schools are now united, & removed a greater distance from firewood, it will be necessary to have
a dray occasionally hired to carry the wood, which the children may cut on the Park Land, to the School
house. There is an abundant supply of dead wood on the Park Land, where the Police houses now run & the
school boys could cut it up, if His Excellency would allow them. No wood would be cut except under the
direct superintendence of Mr Smith and myself.
It will probably be necessary that I should open a petty cash account to pay for the hire of the dray which is
removing the goods from the Walkerville School this day & which may be required for carrying fire wood, if
His Excellency would sanction my doing so, would you have the [138] kindness to furnish me with a copy of
the regulations under which petty cash Accounts are opened.
[Moorhouse]
210
11th July 185
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The enclosed Accounts – one from Mr Shepherd for £ 2 – 11 – 0 and the other from Mr Martin for £1– 5 – 0 I
have the honor to forward for the approval of His Excellency the Governor. In your letter to me of 20th March
last, you started in reply to mine of the 17th March that His Excellency approved of the arrangements
suggested by me; I omitted applying for express permission to have the Beef roasted and hence the
necessity of having now to forward Mr Martin’s account.
Mr Shepherd’s account was contracted on the eve of His Excellency’s departure for Port Lincoln. I was
requested to supply 12 Blankets in the evening, and as I had none in store, was compelled to purchase them
without written authority.
[Moorhouse]
211
18th July 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your circular of yesterday’s date in which you state that the “four cooking pots were accidentally
omitted in the public call for tenders”, I beg to inform you, that there are in the Colonial Storekeeper’s charge
a number of boilers which would answer our purpose, if you would have the goodness to request Mr Gilbert
to supply them to the Aborigines Department.
[Moorhouse]
212
[139]
26th July 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor that the Colonial Storekeeper has a number of forms,
from four to five bushels of split peas and from thirty to forty pounds of bacon in store which are not likely to
be wanted by the Government & he wishes to pass them on to the Aborigines Department, provided His
Excellency would request his doing so.
The forms are not actually wanted by the Native Children at present, but if more should be brought into the
School, the forms would be required. The peas & bacon would be used at once & would constitute an
agreeable change of diet.
[Moorhouse]
213
26th July 1845
The Sherriff
Sir,
On visiting the Prison yesterday I mentioned to Mr Ashton the desirableness of having the walls of the
Natives’ day cell whitewashed. The walls and ceiling are much blackened by smoke, and whitewashing would
do little good unless some change be made in the fire place.
It if were practicable and considered safe, to have a fire place in the room it would be preferable to its being
on the floor, as at present.
[Moorhouse]
214
29th July 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to forward the enclosed from Thomas Russell, husband of Mrs Russell the Matron at the
Native School Establishment. It is an account of Materials Expended in improving the building lately occupied
as a Matron’s [140] Residence and girls’ sleeping apartment at the old Native Location. The building when
first used for the above purposes was small and inconvenient, the kitchen had only a mud floor, there was no
oven for cooking & the back premises were not fenced. Thomas Russell enlarged the bed room and kitchen,
built a new oven and fenced in the back premises& this account is for the Materials expended. He gave ten
days of labour; for this he does not wish to be paid, but would feel grateful, if His Excellency the Governor
would allow the outlay in the Material to be repaid as the improvements are permanent & felt by those who
occupy the house.
Copy of Russell’s Acct forwarded:
s
d
Brick to floor, chimney, & oven, 800
16
0
15 Bushels of Lime
7
6
Glass & Putty
7
10
Iron bar to oven
2
6
Narrow paling
19
6
£2
13
4
[Moorhouse]
215
1st August 1845
Private Secretary
Sir,
In answer to the inclosed minute from His Excellency the Governor, I have the honor to state that no terms or
conditions were entered into on the part of the Government upon which Thomas Russell made the
improvements.
The bed room was small, only 8 ft x 6 ft, & there was no oven. Mrs Russell considered it essential to her
health to have a larger bedroom, and the oven was necessary for cooking purposes for the children, as well
as herself. [141]
Thomas Russell made the improvements on his own responsibility and forwarded the application to His
Excellency rather upon the merits of his position, than the strict conformity to terms & conditions.
[Moorhouse]
216
4th August 1845
Private Secretary
Sir,
The enclosed account is forwarded for the approval of His Excellency the Governor. As the premises were
kept until the 8th of July, His Excellency requested me to add an explanatory memorandum, why rent was
allowed until the middle of August, which I have done, but before it can pass the Auditor General, it will be
necessary for His Excellency to approve it. If the memorandum should not be sufficiently clear, I shall have
pleasure in altering it.
[Moorhouse]
217
6th August 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to apply to His Excellency the Governor for permission to have 12 panes of glass supplied to
the Native School Establishment.
I have endeavoured, in obedience to the request of His Excellency to procure a 20-gallon boiler in Town, but I
have not succeeded; Mr Pybus will undertake to make a copper one if he be requested to do so.
I would also venture to ask permission for supply of 50 Blankets; as the School children are increasing in
Number, & each child requires supplying with a Blanket when first admitted into the Establishment.
The enclosed requisition is for the Quarterly supply of Medicines for the Native Department.
[Moorhouse]
218 [142]
19th August 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
Reply to your letter of 13th May in which you request me to furnish an estimate of the probable cost of
establishing a School for Native Children at Port Lincoln & the probable annual cost of maintaining it, I have
the honor to state that I wrote to Mr Schurmann requesting his assistance and yesterday received his answer.
Mr Schurmann thinks that an average of 30 children might be calculated upon, & each child would cost 3/per week in rations; An Establishment on the plan of the one in Adelaide would cost in fitting up £ 65 and
maintaining it per annum would be
House rent
Matron’s Salary
Rations
Blankets, 60 at 5/Books, Slates &c
Clothing
Total annual expenditure
£
£
10
20
234
15
5
20
304
[Moorhouse]
219
5th Sept 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report my arrival in town from visiting Captain Hughes’ Station on The Hummock Ranges,
where, a hut keeper had reported that he had beaten a Native adult & that, in several days after the beating,
the Native had died.
On the morning of the 31st of August I reached the spot & on making inquiry of the shepherd in what district
the Native boy, who was present [143] at the Contest between the Native and the hut keeper, was living, I
was informed that he too was dead & had been found two days before by a shepherd at the next station. I
accompanied by P.C. McCullock, went immediately to the next Station and saw the shepherd & requested
him to conduct us to the spot at day break on the following morning; he did so & we found the body of a boy
about 12 years of age, one mile from the hut. I examined the body carefully & finding no marks of violence
upon it, had it buried upon the spot. The boy had been dead 12 to 14 days, or I should have had strong
suspicions that he had been poisoned, but he must have died within one or two days of his father, and at a
time when the hut keeper thought he was in a safe position.
The boy, I believe, died from starvation, but if anything should occur in the investigation of the case, before
the Commissioner of Police tomorrow, that should lead to suspicion, the stomach of the boy can be brought
to Town, and its contents analysed. I should have brought the stomach with me but I had no suitable vessel
for the purpose.
At 8 o’clock, I had the body of the Adult Native exhumed & made an examination of the head. I found five
wounds on the head – four on the parietal bones & one on the left temporal; the largest wound was 3 x 1
inch on left parietal bone & there was considerable swelling about the left ear & left side of the neck. There
was no fracture of the skull, & on opening the head, I found that the brain had sustained no injury.
A healthy person subjected to good treatment & careful nursing would recover from such wounds, but this
man was in a barren country, had been suffering severely for some months and to these circumstances,
untoward enough in themselves, was added, being tied up to a tree, during whole night & these
simultaneously acting, appear to have produced death.
[Moorhouse]
220
11th September 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I beg to inform His Excellency the Governor that the joiner who has been fitting up the guard beds at the
Native School Establishment has completed all that is required with the Exception of one bed. Our material is
exhausted and as there is only 80 ft of ¾ inch deal board wanted to finish the last bed, I have the honor to
apply to His to request that the Col Engineer may supply the boards in order that the work may be
completed.
[Moorhouse]
221
13th Sept 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor that a Native named Charley from Rivoli Bay was
discharged from Gaol on Thursday the 11th Current. He was given over to my care & is now at the Native
School Establishment
If it should be the wish of His Excellency the Governor that this Native should be sent back to Rivoli Bay,
Captain Underwood intends sailing for that place about Wednesday next.
I would state that this Native was committed in May last on a charge of sheep stealing but has not been tried
as no interpreter could be found for his dialect; if he were to remain in Adelaide until Captain Underwood
returns, it would be keeping him in contact with the Town & giving him an insight into the Numbers &
Strength of the Europeans. His remaining here a few months longer may possibly have a good effect on his
tribe; they will be aware that he is still in the hands of the white people & this fact [145] may make them
cautious in their future movements towards the shepherds & flocks of that district.
[Moorhouse]
222
13th Sept 1845
The Honorable Captain Frome
Sir,
I beg to inform you that at the old Native Location there are the remains of a Spring Cart and an old dray
which are of no service to the Native Department, I would therefore pass them over to your care to some
purpose in the Engineer Department. I should feel obliged by your giving me a receipt for them.
[Moorhouse]
223
16th Sept 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to apply to His Excellency the Governor for permission to have 50 cloth dresses made to
order for the boys, now in the Native School. If each boy can be supplied with a woollen suit at once, I think
the girls will be able to keep them supplied with Summer Clothing after this time. I therefore would
respectfully ask His Excellency‘s permission to have calls for tenders made in the next Gazette for 50 Dresses.
[Moorhouse]
224
17th Sept 1845
Captain O’Halloran
Private Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to return Mr Meyers’ communication of the 4th of August. At the request of His Excellency
the Governor I wrote to ask Mr Meyer how he would like the £ 20 to be spent & his reply dated 13th August
enclosed, furnished a list of the articles.
I may state for the [146] information of His Excellency that all the articles excepting the flour & sugar, could
be supplied from the Store of the School Establishment when the quarterly supplies are received, but it
would be the most economical plan, either to purchase the flour and sugar of Mr Helmne, at the prices given
by Mr Meyer, or call for tenders & have them delivered at the Native school, Encounter Bay.
List of Articles contained in Mr Meyer’s letter:
10 bags of flour
3 bags of sugar
2 large Pots
18 Plates
18 poons
18 Knives & forks
18 Tin Cups
A black board
Paper, Ink, Steel Pens & pencils
6 Cobs
Stuff for boys’ dresses
6 Spades
2 Axes.
[Moorhouse]
225
19th Sept 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your letter of yesterday, requesting to know the Nature of the authority I received for handing
over the remains of a dray and Spring Cart to the Engineer Department, I have thought it desirable to give the
details of the circumstances for the information of His Excellency the Governor.
On Saturday the 13th Current, the overseer of the works asked me if the iron work of the spring cart left at
the old Location were of any use to the Native Department & I replied not at present. Porter said I have a
spring cart to repair and the wheel boxes would suit my purpose & save the expense of my buying new ones;
I answered, that I would write to the Colonial Secretary & recommend that the remains of the spring cart &
the dray should be given back to the Engineer Department – the spring cart, as the iron work alone was of
use, and the dray as we had no carting of fire wood here, as at the old Location.
Porter was on his way to see Captain Frome about business & mentioned the conversation that [147] had
passed; on Porter’s return to the work Shops, he said that Captain Frome thought that as the Spring Cart and
Dray had been supplied from the Engineer Department, it would be quite sufficient to return them & have a
receipt from him.
As Captain Frome took that view of the matter, I felt no hesitation in proposing to hand over the things to his
charge, feeling satisfied that if Captain Frome thought it necessary he would not fail to obtain His Excellency‘s
permission by forwarding a minute to that effect.
[Moorhouse]
226
29th Sept 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to state that the time allowed for tenders being sent in, for fifty boys’ dresses expired at 12
o’clock this day; no tender having been forwarded, and as the dresses are much required for the Native boys,
I would respectfully renew my application to His Excellency for permission to procure them in some other
way.
If we had the material purchased and a journeyman tailor engaged by the week, several of the boys might be
placed under him or instruction.
[Moorhouse]
227
30th September 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Governor that the overseer of works had
two well-sinkers this morning to examine the Well near the Police Barracks & they find that nearly 30 ft of
rock will have to be passed through. They propose to sink the well for £20 & brick up the sides if the
Government will find the bricks (2000). [148] Should there be any salt-water springs near the top, the sides
will require to be puddled, & for this they ask £5 extra.
Although the above sum appears paying dearly for the Convenience of a Well, I would strongly recommend it
to the favourable consideration if His Excellency the Governor. Cooking, washing and cleaning for the Native
School Establishment require from one to two hundred gallons of water per diem & it is with difficulty that
we can procure this quantity.
If to our present demands we should have baths allowed by His Excellency, we shall find a Well absolutely
necessary to carry out the views of His efficiently.
[Moorhouse]
228
14th October 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to inform His Excellency the Governor that the “Victoria” is to sail in a day or two for Rivoli
Bay and it would be a desirable opportunity to send the Rivoli Bay Native Charley down by her, as His
Excellency has expressed a wish to send him back to his own district. Captain Underwood would take charge
of him & see that his [needs] were supplied during the passage. The expense will be about 30/-, not more.
[Moorhouse]
230
15th October 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I beg to inform His Excellency the Governor that a Native boy named Wombarno persuaded six of the Native
girls to leave the School Establishment on Monday evening. I heard of them last evening, being on their road
through the tiers [149] to the Mount Barker district, in company with the boy Wombarno.
I have the honor to apply to His Excellency the Governor for permission to have a Constable sent after them
& especially to bring in the boy Wombarno; he is well known to the police force. The girls were the oldest
scholars and the most advanced of any of the Murray children & as this is the first decided stand that the
adults have made in taking away the girls, it is very desirable to resist it. The girls can be described to any
Constable who may be instructed to go for them.
[Moorhouse]
231
17th October 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to invite the attention of His Excellency the Governor to the requirements of the Native
School Establishment.
During the week, 34 boys have been supplied with white duck trousers & striped shirts, all of which will
require to be washed on Saturday. At present we have only the Matron (Mrs Russell) to superintend the
manual labor - as cleaning the rooms, cooking, and washing the Mess plates, knives, forks and pannicans.
Hitherto the girls’ frocks have been washed under the superintendence of Mr Smith, but he is not able to
undertake more, but on the contrary, it is desirable that he should give up the washing as he can be more
advantageously employed with to her things. I would therefore call His Excellency’s notice to the
appointment of a house maid for the Establishment, to take charge of the washing & be occupied in other
useful callings until the Hospital be ready for Mrs Russell.
There are also two water closets required, one for the boys & another for the girls; also baths to prevent the
children bathing in the Torrens. [150]
The expense of these will not be great & especially if the work be done by some one who can be assisted by
the Native boys.
[Moorhouse]
232
17th October 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to apply to His Excellency the Governor for a supply of petty cash for the Current Quarter for
the Aborigines Department. The chief articles required to be purchased with it, are various kinds of buttons,
thread and cloth for mending children’s clothing which may require from three to five pounds.
[Moorhouse]
233
20th October 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to return the communications of the Government Resident of Port Lincoln which were sent
to me on Saturday for perusal and I beg to call your attention to an extract from Mr Driver’s note book, of
which the Native William Bluff was the bearer.
It appears desirable to inquire more fully into the conduct of the Master of the “Vulcan”; the Native is with
me, and if legal proceedings should be instituted against the Master, I will accompany him to the
Commissioner of Police or Advocate-General.
The Native seems desirous of having his mother and three brothers brought over from Flinders Island, which I
would recommend to be done if practicable; the children I find are brothers to the half-caste girl living in my
house.
[Moorhouse]
234
[151]
19th November 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to state for the information of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor that the 200 yards of
Russia duck allowed by His Excellency Captain Grey, in April last, for boys’ trousers has been made up and
another supply of 200 yards would be very desirable, in order that the girls may have employment. The last
supply made 70 pairs of trousers averaging rather more than two pairs for each boy; we should like to have
another set ready by the time those now in use, are worn out. I would therefore respectfully apply to His
Excellency to have another supply of 200 yds for the above purpose.
[Moorhouse]
235
20th November 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
On making inquiry at your office yesterday I was informed that the grammar of the Murray dialect has been
put into the hands of the printer. Some months ago I forwarded a vocabulary of that dialect to His
Excellency Captain Grey which was sent to Captain Sturt. It was the intention of the late Governor to have
the Grammar and Vocabulary printed together and in case His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor should
take the same view of the matter, I have forwarded a copy of the Vocabulary [compiled by E.J. Eyre?]. This
contains all the words, but I would make a fair Alphabetical copy if His Excellency should decide upon having
it printed.
I would also venture to suggest that the printer be instructed to refer to me for the correction of the proofs,
as the correction would [152] be difficult to any person unacquainted with the language.
[Moorhouse]
236
27th November 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, that the pocket
money for the Native Children, left in my possession by the late Governor Captain Grey, became exhausted
on Saturday last.
As the distribution of pocket money to the School Children was a new arrangement, His Excellency Captain
Grey allowed it from his private pocket, to try whether or not it would work favourably, and if favourably, it
was His Excellency’s intention to authorize its being drawn from the Colonial Treasury. I am glad to be able to
report that it is a great means of keeping the Children at School, and I can confidently recommend it to the
sanction of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor.
The sum distributed every week varies according to the number of children; the following scale of allowance:
2d per week
to all who are able to read the New Testament.
1 ½ d per week
to each child in the class below the New Testament.
1d per week
to all the remainder.
The sum has hitherto averaged from 7/- to 10/- per week.
[Moorhouse]
237
10th December 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
As there were no tenders forwarded this day for the 200 yds of Russia Duck for the Aborigines, I have the
honor to apply to His Excellency the Governor for permission to purchase it by private contract.
[Moorhouse]
238 [153]
10th December 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
Your letter to me of the 2nd Current authorises me to supply the Native Children with pocket money out of
the petty cash allowed for the Aborigines Department. There were only £ 5 allowed for the Current Quarter,
and it is now expended; I would therefore respectfully apply to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor for a
further allowance of £ 5 to serve the remaining part of the Quarter.
[Moorhouse]
239
19th December 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
As the new buildings at the Native School Establishment will be fit for occupancy about the 1st of January
next, I have the honor to invite the attention of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to the fittings
required for the same. I venture to suggest that the following be supplied:
2 deal dinner tables 10 ft long 3 ft wide
4 forms for ditto
2 cupboards for books, slates &c
30 boxes for Clothes 3 ft long, 8 in deep, 18 in broad.
30 Iron stretcher frames with two deal polls?
1 raised plat form & desk for School master.
We have thirty boys in the School regularly & it is proposed to supply each boy with a box to put his clothes
and other property in; if each be allowed a separate bed, it would add much to the arrangement to have a
box also.
The raised plat form is not for the School Master alone; the late Governor Captain Grey requested the
Colonial Chaplain to perform divine service, once a week in the School Room [154] and the plat form is
required more for that service than for the School Master.
If His should sanction this application, the overseer of works will be able to give the dimensions of the
cupboards and desks.
[Moorhouse]
240
19th December 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The inclosed communication is from Mrs Russell, the Matron of the Native School Establishment. As the
statements regarding herself and husband are not sufficiently clear, I have the honor to explain more in
detail, the nature of the application for the information of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor.
Mrs Russell is at present receiving £ 20 a year and a Ration for her services; her duties since being removed o
the present building have been much increased. Her husband is a bricklayer by trade, and is occasionally
unoccupied; when not engaged at his trade, he has assisted in cutting fire wood and repairing the premises,
as resetting the fire places, whitewashing the rooms, and repairing various implements belonging to the
place.
If His Excellency should think it desirable to entertain this application, it would be necessary of course to have
a fixed time to be given in return for the rations.
[Moorhouse]
241
27th December 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the supply of Soap for the Aborigines Department is exhausted & as the
tenders for the next quarter will not be accepted until the 31st of January next, I would respectfully apply to
His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to allow an additional supply of 1 cwt to meet our immediate
requirements.
[Moorhouse]
242 [155]
29th December 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your letter of 24th Current concerning a ration being allowed to Thomas Russell, husband of the
Matron at the native school, in which you observe “that as a man’s rations at the present contract are valued
at £ 6 – 5 – 4 per annum, it should be distinctly shewn what amount of service is required, and will be
rendered in return for such an allowance.” I have the honor to state that I have seen Thomas Russell upon
the subject and he agrees to give not less than 32 days during the year and as much more time as he may be
unoccupied at his trade.
At present the Colonial Engineer has a standing order, to employ a European one day in each month to
whitewash the building, but when that order was given, there were only six rooms in the building and now
there are 18. One day per month is not sufficient to keep the walls of 18 rooms outside and inside in good
order, it requires at least two days per month, and Russell would be required to perform this work.; the
remaining 8 days, he could be advantageously engage in repairs which may be required about the premises,
such as resetting the fire places and repairing implements.
[Moorhouse]
243
29th December 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to apply to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor for permission to have 20 loads of Clay,
delivered at the Native School. On Sunday the 14th Current, the rain washed in the sides of the Well, which
was sunk a few weeks before & since then the salt water has drained in.
The only way to remedy this evil, will be to puddle the sides, as far as two or three feet below to point where
the salt water enters, and it is for this purpose that the Clay is required.
There is a supply in Rundle Street, thrown from the foundation of a house which the overseer of works has
permission to remove and the expense of removing it would not be great.
[Moorhouse]
[156]
244
30th December 1845
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have to report that during the Quarter there have been 12 panes of glass broken at the Native Location;
they have been broken from time to time by the Native Children, and as they have no money to give towards
repairing them, I have the honor to apply to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to have them repaired by
the Colonial Engineer.
[Moorhouse]
245
10th January 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to apply to you for permission to have a tent allowed to the Native School children for 19
days. They have no holidays in Christmas week, as we were afraid of them running into mischief and in the
place of Christmas week they were promised a visit to Holdfast Bay. It is propose to take them next week if
the tent can be conveniently spared.
[Moorhouse]
246
13th January 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to invite the attention of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to several instances of
insubordination on the part of Mr William Smith, Schoolmaster to the Natives. The enclosed instructions
were given to Mr Smith when he entered upon his duties (copy forwarded).
When the Adelaide and Walkerville Schools were united and removed to their present locality, it was agreed
for Mrs Russell to take all the cooking and the cleaning of the girls’ portion of the building, and Mrs Smith was
to attend to the Sewing Department and keeping the [157] children’s clothes in order. His Excellency
Captain Grey requested me to give an outline of the duties of all persons connected with the School in order
that they might be considered and fully prepared by the time the new School building would be ready. I
obeyed the request, and recommended that Mrs Smith should attend to the instruction of the girls in sewing
and be responsible for all dresses to be kept in good repair belonging to all the Children in the Establishment;
to attend in School 4 days in the week from 2 to 4 o’clock P M to instruct the girls in needlework. His
Excellency sanctioned this recommendation verbally, and Mrs Smith obeyed it until December last.
In December Mrs Smith was confined and could not be expected to attend to her duties, for a few weeks, but
she is now recovered, and going about as usual. I have applied several times to Mr Smith to know why Mrs
Smith does not return [to] her duties and he told me three successive times, that she shall attend no more,
he does not think any duty belongs to her, and she shall not do any; he will rather lose his situation. During
the last three weeks Mr Smith has attempted to take her place, and superintend the sewing, but the attempt
cannot be longer allowed; ten or twelve new dresses have been made, but they will have to be taken to
pieces again and the material cut to waste in order to make them decent garments, and the old dresses are
nearly all out of repair and unfit for use. These will be lost and the loss would be great extravagance, as Mr
Smith will not allow his wife to act. Mrs Smith, I may add, is drawing a ration although she performs no duty.
I have had much difficulty in dealing with Mr Smith over time since his appointment. In April last I gave him
written instructions to superintend the arrangements of providing dinner for the Natives on the 24 th May,
provided I should not be in Town. I was then about to go to Port Lincoln and Rivoli Bay. Mr Smith refused to
execute the instructions as he was not authorised by the Colonial secretary; at that time he commenced
forwarding his communications to His Excellency the Governor Captain Grey, but they were returned to him
to be forwarded through the Head of his Department. The result [158] of this affair was, that I was
requested to inquire for another individual to fill Mr Smith’s place; I did not meet with a person at that time,
and the late Governor knew of no one, except Mr Litchfield, Inspector of the Metropolitan Police, and it was
thought a pity to take Mr Litchfield away, as he was a valuable servant, and had a probability of promotion in
the police force; so it was thought desirable to give Mr Smit another trial.
I am sorry to report however that Mr Smith had another outbreak of his insubordinate movements yesterday
and in conversation, I had occasion to state that if he repeated an expression, which he knew to be incorrect,
I should be under the necessity of giving him the lie & he replied that he was in a good mind to knock me
down. I remonstrated with him this morning about the language used, but he increased the insult by telling
me, “that I had the reputation of not being a man of truth, and he could not believe me.”
A few weeks ago Mr Smith applied to me for petty cash, to pay for covering a ball; I wished him to teach the
Children how to cover their own balls, and offered him a needle and string; he would not even take them
from me, and he declined shewing the children anything about it; he said he applied to me for petty cash and
not for instructions to teach the children how to cover balls.
Since Mr Smith commenced his duties as Schoolmaster, I have heard many complaints against him. He had
on one occasion to wait upon the late Private Secretary, Captain O’Halloran, at his private residence, and Mr
Smith’s manner was such that Captain O’Halloran was obliged to order him out of his house.
There is a committee of Ladies who attend the Native School four days in the week, to instruct the girls in
needlework. After the School was removed to its present building, the ladies were brought into contact with
Mr Smith and at their second visit, found by Mr Smith’s expressions & manner, that their services were not
required [159] the ladies ceased to attend & finding out the reason, I waited upon several of the ladies and
explained to them, that Mr Smith had greatly exceeded his powers and would for the future would give them
a room apart from his, & I would attend to their wants. They then recommenced their attendance. This
Committee of Ladies was formed by the express invitation of His Excellency Captain Grey.
There is an Excellent young man named Kekwick who has attended the Sunday School punctually, since its
commencement & has regularly taken one or two children home with him to dinner on a Sunday. The late
Governor was pleased at Mr Kekwick’s attention, and when His left for New Zealand, presented Mr Kekwick
with a copy of his “Travels in North Western Australia” & had the present accompanied with a kind &
complimentary note. Mr Smith’s jealousy was aroused at this and forbid any more children going with Mr
Kekwick to dine on a Sunday. Mr Smith did this without my knowledge. I was greatly pained at the
circumstance, as all who are acquainted with Mr Kekwick, well know that he is anxious to improve the
Natives and encourage them in habits of order and cleanliness.
I am sorry that I have been compelled to bring Mr Smith’s perversity before His Excellency the Lieutenant
Governor; I would not have done so, but I thought entreaty or even a large share of submission to his irritable
temper would have enabled me to go on peaceably with him, but I can entertain no hope; he tells me that I
am not able to get him removed, and this assumed idea, makes him insufferably awkward.
Under these circumstances, I would respectfully apply for Mr Smith’s removal. If His should wish me to enter
more into detail, I shall have pleasure in doing so, or if His should think it desirable to have others to speak of
Mr Smith’s general behaviour, I have no doubt Captain O’Halloran would do it & he has seen most of him
when visiting the School from time to time with the late Governor Captain Grey.
[Moorhouse]
247
[160]
18th February 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
At your request I have the honor to report upon the inclosed communication from the Commissioner of
Police, respecting the Adult Natives locating on the Park Lands, and the School children bathing in the
Torrens.
The adults have for nearly six years been allowed to locate on a plot of Park Land between the South Side of
the Port Road and the Torrens and extending to the Eastward and Westward of the old Location fence 400
yards. The trees on this portion of ground are very much cut, and do not yield branches sufficient for a
Native encampment; the consequence is, that the Natives do not locate there except a few weeks in the
Summer Season. They prefer moving from place to place along the banks of the Torrens & it is almost
impossible to prevent them doing so.
At the time that there were Park Rangers, the Natives could not be altogether kept from cutting the trees,
but the present rate of injury might be greatly checked, by fixing two certain localities for the adults when in
Town, and never allowing them to erect huts on any other spot. I would recommend two localities, as one
becomes filthy and dirty after six weeks occupancy. There are no Reserves, which the Commissioner of Police
alludes to, that would be sufficiently near water to render them desirable sites.
The Park Land on the North Adelaide Hill appears to me to be the most suitable.
Regarding the School Children being in the habit of bathing in the Torrens, I am sorry to say that we cannot
keep them from doing it, unless we punish them severely. This treatment we do not like to adopt, as it would
tend and especially in the summer season, to drive them from School.
A few months ago, I recommended the erection of baths at the Native School Establishment, purposely to
keep the Children from the River, but His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor thought “that the baths might
be [161] deferred for future consideration.” Baths would answer better than any other means that could
be used; in their absence, we have kept a large washing tub supplied with water; we will for the future have
two tubs, and state that no bathing in the River will be allowed under any pretext whatever.
If these attempts do not lessen the evil, I will report for the information of His Excellency the Lieutenant
Governor.
[Moorhouse]
248
[new copier] 2nd March 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The enclosed report upon the Port Lincoln Natives has been forwarded to me by the Revd. Mr Schurmann.
It has been prepared at the request of the late Governor Captain Grey who would be glad to have a copy
forwarded to New Zealand if His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor would allow one to be sent.
[Moorhouse]
249
4th March 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose my observations upon Mr Smith’s answer to the charges preferred against him in
my letter of the 13th Ulto.
My reply need not be lengthy, as the character of the man is well set forth in attempting to explain away Mrs
Smith’s duties and making her attendance a voluntary one (No. 1 of Mr Smith’s remarks).
His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor will now clearly see the difficulty I have in dealing with an individual
who has written instructions stating that Mrs Smith, as matron will be allowed the same rations as are given
to the Matron at the other Native School !! and declare that she had [162] attended voluntaryly as she had
done for 12 months before at Walkerville. Mrs Smith has performed in Matron’s duty since July and it was
her duty to attend to the sewing instead. His will perceive that the last paragraph of Mr Smith’s instructions
(previously forwarded) gives me power to require Mrs Smith’s attendance in the School, if I deemed it
necessary.
No. 2 of Mr Smith’s remarks are not true, I have applied to him for Mr Smith to recommence attendance I
said I was willing to make any fair arrangement with him. Mrs Smith’s sister is living with them and I said if
she attended when Mrs Smith was not able, I should be satisfied, but Mr Smith replied, “no she shall have
nothing at all to do with it.” and disregarded all my proposals. I distinctly deny having said that “the
needlework of the Establishment was more than two females could superintend.”
No. 3. Mr Smith has attended to the cutting out of the girls’ frocks because it was very trying to the fingers of
a female – he did it to relieve Mrs Smith, but I cannot allow Mr Smith to settle down in the belief that His
Excellency Governor Grey ever intended him to be girl dressmaker in the Establishment; the idea of a male
being dress maker to a girls school appears to me to be an absurd one. The statement that Mr Smith has
“not deemed it degrading to be Tailor” as well as dress maker, leads me to give an account of the manner in
which he became the tailor and His Excellency will see that he was not quite so disinterested in the
movement, as he wishes His to believe him to have been.
In October the late Governor authorized me to employ two journeymen tailors to make up a number of
dresses for the Native Boys – journeymen could not be procured, so Mr [163] Smith said he could procure
two journeywomen if that could be allowed – it was allowed and he recommended his wife’s sister and one
of her friends and said, as they cannot cut out, I will undertake to do that for them – Mr Smith was not
cutting out at my request, he was doing it for his sister in law [ ] he proposed doing it. I did not request him
to cut the patterns but requested an experienced Tailor from Town to cut them & enclose a certificate.
No. 1 to prove my Statement.
No. 4 The cunning quibble here is very disgraceful to Mr Smith – he says “Mrs Smith has not drawn her
Rations since she left off going into the School.” No but Mr Smith has drawn them for her which is morally
the same thing. A ration for a male allows 130 lbs of flour per Quarter and Mr Smith has already drawn 200
lbs of flour.
Enclosure No. 2. Mr Smith has taken from me an order for 221 lbs of Meat being the allowance for himself
and wife for the quarter, I have written to the butcher to allow Mr Smith to that amount during the quarter
on account of the Aborigines Department.
Allowing that Mr Smith had only drawn rations for himself during the quarter, where are his instructions to
cease drawing for his wife and to withdraw her services from the Establishment ? I could not have allowed it
unless I had received instructions from the head of the Government to that effect and I entertain too strong a
confidence in His Excellency’s regard for discipline to continue an individual in office who has the assurance
to assume such power. This attempt displays another feature in Mr Smith’s character and will I think
convinced His of its same general tendency namely to assume power.
I would suggest, very respectfully that Mr Smith be requested to produce copy of his authority for Mrs Smith
to “leave off going into the School room” and to cease drawing rations.
I must pass over the remarks No. 5 and 6 of Mr Smith, [164] as no third party can be called in as witness –
As I have proved Mr Smith’s statements to be false respecting the rations and cutting the patterns for boys
dresses, I hope I may claim belief in my first complaints. Mr Smith’s own admissions, I venture to hope, will
satisfy His Excellency, that he is ignorant of his official rank and unfitted to occupy any rank connected with
the Aborigines Department. I should have great difficulty in co-operating with an individual, who will tell me,
twice at one interview that he doubted my statement; the next step would be to doubt my orders & please
himself whether he obeyed them or not.
No. 7. Is answered by Captain O’Halloran. Inclosure No. 3.
No. 8. I called upon Mrs Quick the Lady who Mr Smith says sent him word “that nothing in the world but her
own delicate state of health caused her to stay away.” And she pronounced this statement to be false. She
suggested to me that a Committee of the Ladies and His Private Secretary be invited to attend and give a full
expose of the treatment they received from those connected with the school – If His Excellency should think
this desirable, I will call a meeting of the Ladies and have the whole matter thoroughly examined.
In reply to Mr Smith’s concluding paragraph, I beg to observe that I do not wish to take away “his good
name” but I wish him distinctly to understand that I am not willing to allow him to a good character on the
ruins of mine, without a full and patient enquiry. If His Excellency should have the least difficulty in deciding
between our statements, I would humbly solicit an enquiry into any that are not clear and satisfactory.
In conclusion, I will sincerely say that I have no desire to injure Mr Smith. I experienced insolence and
insubordination in my official dealings with him and was necessarily driven to apply for his removal.
[Moorhouse]
250
9th March 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
Have the honor to enclose a requisition for 2 Cwt of Soap for the Native Children. Since the House Maid
commenced her duties, the children’s clothes have been washed twice a week and the soap, in consequence
has become exhausted before the termination of the Quarter.
[Moorhouse]
251
14th March 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The enclosed application has been sent to be forwarded to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor by Mr
Mitchell, Tailor of Morphett Street, who on enquiry I find is a steady, respectable and honest man.
From the experience we have had in trying the girls as domestic servants, I am afraid that we should not be
able to recommend a girl that would remain any time in a situation. The only plan now open, appears to be
marrying the older boys and girls and putting them out in couples. If His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor
could entertain this plan there are several couples that might at once be put out, the males to have some
trade and the females domestic duties.
[Moorhouse]
252
19th March 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose the Quarterly Requisitions for the Aborigines Department.
The number of Blankets required may appear great, but I wish to state that these are for the Annual Supply
which are intended for distribution on the 24th May, Her Majesty’s Birth day. Last year there were 190
allowed which were distribute as follows, [166]
Moorunde
100
Adelaide
30
Port Lincoln
30
Encounter Bay
20
Wellington on the Murray 10
190
Those parents who had children in School had the first claim to a blanket and as we expected most of the
parents of the school children being at Moorunde, there were no blankets sent there. It so happened
however that the parents were in Adelaide on the day of distribution and could not be supplied. I fully
expect them in Adelaide this year on the 24th May, I would therefore recommend 20 to be taken from the
Moorunde supply and added to that of Adelaide in order to meet the expectation of the parents of the school
children.
I would also invite the attention of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to the usual distribution of flour
on Her Majesty’s Birth day. The plan adopted last year answered very well. At Encounter Bay and Wellington
on the Murray, the Corporals of Police had a supply forwarded to them with instructions to issue on the 24th
of May, 4 lbs to each adult male and female and half that quantity to all children under 7 years old. The flour
was supplied by the Col Storekeeper and instructions to the corporals of the stations by the Commissioner of
Police. Returns were made of the attendance o the Natives and the quantity of flour distributed to the
Commissioner of Police. We find this the best mode of ascertaining the population of the native inhabitants
that we have adopted.
There is a station in the North, Bungaree, which was not supplied last year, as it was intended that the
Natives of that district should come to Town and bring their children to school; they did not come however
and in June a supply of flour (400 lbs) & Blankets (10) was forwarded on the application of George Hawker
Esqr. His Excellency Captain Grey did not intend forwarding any more blankets, but I would respectfully
recommend a supply of flour (600 lbs) or three bags, for the Station. The shoes and blacksmith’s aprons are
intended for the boys engaged in the Colonial Engineer ‘s Department.
[Moorhouse]
253
19th March 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that Mr Keckwick has declined the appointment of Schoolmaster to the Native
School as he was under engagement to enter Mr Jno Baker’s service.
Acting in accordance with your recommendation, I have called several times upon the Colonial Chaplain and
we have met with two persons, both of whom are fitted to fill the situation – Mr Ross and a Mr White who
came out in the “Kingston” with very good testimonials.
Mr Ross is an old Colonist and well known. Mr Farrell says his services will be invaluable and from what I
know of the man, I can say that there is not a more suitable person in the colony. He is favourably
mentioned in the enclosed printed report of a public school which he and Mrs Ross had under their care in
London. Mrs Ross undertakes to instruct the girls in sewing and making all garments for the children, as Mrs
Smith did formerly.
At Mr Farrell’s suggestion, I have enclosed Mr White’s testimonials as they may be useful to him, provided
any similar situation should offer itself connected with the Col Govt. We however recommend His Excellency
the Lieutenant Governor to appoint Mr & Mrs Ross to the situation connected with the native children.
[Moorhouse]
254
19th March 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to apply for instructions regarding the pay list for the Donation to the Lutheran Missionary
Society of Dresden.
The following instructions were forwarded to me on the 27th of August 1842: (Copy here inserted)
On the 23rd of October 1844, I received the following instructions regarding the £ 100 granted (here copy
them)
Mr Klose has left the School and his portion of the grant been discontinued; Mr Schurmann has left Port
Lincoln and I could only return him on the pay list as long as he remained in that district. Under these
circumstances I would apply to His for instructions whether Mr Schuurman is to continue his allowance now
that he has left Port Lincoln and as the conditions of the Grant, when first made have been broken whether
Mr Meyer of Encounter Bay is to continue drawing his allowance.
[Moorhouse]
255
[168]
27th March 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that at the request of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor I have called upon
the Colonial Store Keeper and find that there are saws, wedges, maul rings, scales weights in store, which
could be issued to the adult Natives for the purpose of cutting fire wood for sale.
The following would be required to carry the project into operation, namely:
2 cross-cut Saws
12 Wedges
4 Maul Rings
1 beam, scales & triangle
2 56-lb weights
1 ’28-lb’ weight
1 ’14-lb’ weight
1 ‘7-lb’ weight
The maul rings will require to be mounted before they can be used, which His Excellency will perhaps be kind
enough to allow the Colonial Engineer to have done on application being made by me.
[Moorhouse]
256
April 6TH 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In my memorandum of the 4th, responding to Mr Meyer’s letter about the Encounter Bay natives, I stated
that one half had left Adelaide on Thursday morning, another part on Friday morning and I expected the
remainder would leave on Saturday evening. I have to report yesterday morning they all returned and had a
skirmish with the Murray Natives, unknown to me or the Police. I visited them this morning at day break and
advised them to return to their own district, one hundred and twenty took my advice and after seeing them
over the Creek, near Dr Everard’s on the South Road, I returned to town. The few that now remain are those
who have been appointed to take care of the wounded.
[Moorhouse]
257
[169]
30th April 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor that the Colonial
Chaplain has examined a number of school children, relating to the subject of marriage and after considering
the matter Mr Farrell wrote me the enclosed note:
‘There are now three couples in the school old enough according to Native customs, to be married, and I
would recommend to His Excellency that they be married by the Deputy Registrar as soon as practicable.
‘I perceive from a report upon the Natives of Swan River that they are adopting the very course which I have
the honor now to recommend; I am decidedly of opinion that this plan is the only one at present, practicable
to prevent the girls running into the bush.
‘If His Excellency should allow the children to be married by the Deputy Registrar, it will be necessary to
authorize the payment of the customary fees.’
[Moorhouse]
258
5th May 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the maul, axe & saw & wedges used by the Natives who are cutting wood at
the Grounds about Government House require to be repaired but the overseer of works cannot repair them
without an order to that effect.
It would be desirable to have a standing order for the tools of the wood cutters to be repaired when broken,
if His Excellency would be pleased to allow such an order to be given to the Colonial Engineer.
[Moorhouse]
259
1st June 1846
Mr James Cutchell
I have been informed that for some time there has been a sick native lying near your Station and not having
been able to procure the Police cart to bring the man to Adelaide, I would request you to take a passage for
him in the Burra Burra Cart and I will pay the expense of the cart and his provisions [170] on the road.
Provided he is not able to find room in the cart, I wish you to let me know and I will bring out a spring cart
expressly for him.
[Moorhouse]
260
10th June 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your minute dated 8th Current requesting me to report upon the memorial signed by the
inhabitants of Encounter Bay, soliciting aid from the Local Government for the Natives of that district, I have
the honor to state that the sum of £ 20 was granted last year to assist Mr Meyer and this in addition to a
further sum of £ 22.12.0 furnished by the inhabitants enabled Mr Meyer to maintain 12 children.
I have seen Mr Meyer upon the subject of the petition and he thinks that 20 children might be persuaded to
attend the school, but he is afraid that the inhabitants will not raise so much as they did last year towards
their support; we calculate that £ 50 will be required to carry on the school until 1st of January 1847 and if the
petitioners would affix their intended donations to their names, I could from what I saw of the school on my
last visit to that Station, confidently recommend the deficiency to be made up by His Ex Lieut.
The last paragraph of the petition would be a more expensive undertaking than the school, as materials for
building would be required. Mr Meyer appears confident that the natives would live in the huts provided
they could be built, but experience with the Adelaide natives is against the opinion, they formerly had huts
built but they only lived in them for a few months during the winter.
[Moorhouse]
261
12th June 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that I have seen Mr Meyer of Encounter Bay and have obtained from him the
probable amount of donations which would be forthcoming from private parties. The following have been
promised [171]
Jno Hudson
3/Mr Hawk
3 Bushels of wheat
Mr Morris
do
Mr Lindsay
do
Mr Brown
do
Mr ?Helmore
1 bag of flour,
Amounting in all to about £ 5.
The rest of the names are chiefly whalers with the exception of Dr Wark and Mr Newland. Dr Wark gave
about 3/- last year on Medicine and although his name appears first on the list Mr Meyer says he will give
nothing. Mr Newland produced very little wheat last year as he was absent from the Colony, but he gave
liberally the year before.
As there cannot be more than £ 5 expected from the inhabitants His Excellency will perceive that £45 in
addition will be required from some other source. He school is deserving of support, and I have pleasure in
recommending it to the favourable consideration of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor.
[Moorhouse]
262
22nd June 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that in obedience to your instructions of the 18th of May I have applied to Messrs
Flett & Linklater for 400 yards of Stuff for girls’ dresses, but there appears to have been some
misunderstanding about the material – they expected to supply cotton material and woollen stuff is required
which is more expensive than cotton. The enclosed pattern No. 1 is the stuff required and is 2/4 per yard.
We could make 200 yards suffice for the winter if His Excellency would be pleased to allow us that quantity.
I would also recommend the purchase of 100 yards of the blue serge pattern No. 1 for boys shirts, to be worn
instead of jackets. The dress would be much neater and more economical than that now used and on those
grounds I have ventured to recommend its adoption by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor.
[Moorhouse]
263
30th June 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In obedience to the request of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, I have the honor to apply for 200
yards of unbleached calico to make into undergarments for the Native school girls. In my requisition for the
Quarter, I applied for 10 yards, and if that tender should [172] have been already called I would
respectfully apply for permission to receive 200 yards instead of 10 yards from the contractor.
[Moorhouse]
264
14th July 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
At the request of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor I have the honor to report upon the Ordinance now
before the Legislative Council, allowing the Natives to give evidence without the sanction of an Oath.
I have thought it desirable to report upon the degree of importance that may be attached to Native evidence.
1st
when given for or against other Natives
nd
2
when given for or against Europeans
If a Native had simply to narrate what takes place amongst his own friends his evidence might in almost every
instance be dependent upon, but if he had to give evidence in matters affecting unfriendly tribes, he would
not hesitate to disregard the truth in order that he might injure them; I appears to be a recognised principle
for neighbouring tribes to speak disrespectfully of and injure each other. It could always be ascertained
whether a Native possesses a friendly or unfriendly feeling towards any native against whom any charge
might be preferred in artfully of ?? and injure each other. It could always be ascertained whether a native
possesses a friendly or unfriendly Natives feeling towards any native against whom any charge might be
preferred in a court of justice.
Their evidence for or against Europeans might generally be believed as they have no tribal jealousies to
influence them, but this could only be believed when given as a simple narrative.
Gross examinations puzzle the Natives and there is considerable difficulty in explaining their true nature
when interpreting. I have sometimes been asked by a Native what does the European (the Counsel) wish me
to say and if the examination be severe a native will assent or dissent just as he thinks the Counsel wishes
him.
[Moorhouse]
265
16th July 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that on the 13th Inst. I arrived in town from Encounter Bay, Currency Creek and
Lake Alexandrina. My object in visiting those districts was to explain to the Natives the reason why the boy
Mantyuelde who was tried at the last sittings of the [173] Supreme Court for attempting to spear a Police
Constable, was acquitted. It was thought that the acquittal of this boy might convey an impression to the
Natives that the Police Constables might be speared without fear of punishment. The Revd Mr Meyer kindly
offered to accompany me on a tour amongst the Natives to act as interpreter;
At Encounter Bay we saw 261 Natives, at the Swamp near the Finniss 4, at the Finniss 41 and at the junction
of Langhorne’s Creek with the Lake 8, to all of whom we explained the nature of the charge against the boy
and why he was acquitted. We also advised the Natives never again to offer resistance to the Police
Constables & if taken into custody at any time we recommended them to come to Adelaide, where the
charges against them would be examined and such as are innocent would be sure to be liberated without
punishment.
[Moorhouse]
266
17th July 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the house maid at the Native School Establishment has given notice to leave
her situation on the last day of the current month. There are at present two adults in the hospital and she is
afraid of becoming affected with their diseases, so she is desirous of removing from all contact with them.
I would respectfully apply to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor for the appointment of another female
to fill her situation from the 1st of August next.
[Moorhouse]
-
267
17th July 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to invite the attention of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to several repairs which are
much required at the Native School Establishment and at the same time to ask if the Colonial Engineer might
examine and report upon them, namely
Rails upon which to hang the lesson boards in the school room
A new door jamb to pantry
A brick floor to cooking room
A brick floor to Boys and Girls washing rooms
A door and window to Girls washing room
A window to boys washing room
A door repairing? To ditto
A copper fixing
And drain to take off the refuse water in the wash house
Brick or flag flooring six or eight feet around the top of the well
And thirty loads of gravel for the yard premises about the well, washhouse & school.
[Moorhouse]
268
[174]
22nd July 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The enclosed communication is from Mr Meyer of Encounter Bay, & I have the honor to forward it from the
approval of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor.
The grant of the Colonial Government last year to the Encounter Bay School was £ 20, a call for tenders was
made in the Gazette, and the articles were to be delivered at the Bay. Should this be the plan adopted in the
present instance it would be desirable to give a fortnight at least for the forwarding of tenders in order that
the inhabitants of the district might have an opportunity of tendering.
[Copy of Mr Meyers’s requisition:
1 Ton Flour
2 bags Sugar
30 lbs of Meat / day
1 doz dresses for boys
2 Galls oil
4 windows for school room]
[Moorhouse]
269
22nd July 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the Burra Burra Mail cart brought in a sick Native from the River Gilbert a few
weeks back and charged 15/- for his conveyance; I would respectfully apply to His Excellency for permission
to pay this sum from the petty cash of the Department.
[Moorhouse]
270
15th August 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have to report that an adult native died this morning in the Hospital and as his friends are not in Town we
shall be under the necessity of burying him. I have the honor to apply for instructions to be issued to the
undertaker to supply a coffin for the deceased.
[Moorhouse]
271
[175]
18th August 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to return the enclosed application from Messrs Jones & Handcock, for police protection, or
in the event of this being impracticable, blankets and flour for distribution amongst the natives.
Regarding police protection, I observed that Mr Nation recommended the formation of a police station in the
neighbourhood of Lake Bonney, in his last half-yearly report. He had just visited that district and the
unprotected state of property drew his attention – the formation of a Station therefore seems very desirable.
Regarding the distribution of food by private settlers, I have to report that the plan has always been opposed
by the Government, for if one settler should be supplied there would be no end to the applications from
other settlers. Should His Excellency find that the formation of another police station on the Murray is not, at
present practicable, I would respectfully but strongly recommend that Mr Nation have permission to
commence a monthly distribution of flour, in order to prevent hostilities between the settlers and natives.
[Moorhouse]
272
19th August 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In obedience to the request of His Excellency the Governor, I have the honor to forward a return of the
heighth of the boys, at present in the Native School Establishment – there are
20 boys
8 boys
12 boys
from 4 ft to 4 ft 6 in
from 4 ft 6 in to 5 ft
from 5 ft to 5 ft 6 ins
If it is His intention to write to England for a supply of clothes for these children, I would respectfully
recommend that they should be made of stout Pilot Cloth so as to form the winter clothing. The summer
clothing are made by the school girls and as materials may be procured from England at the same time, I may
state that strong military duck is best suited for strength and durability. It will require 400 yards per annum
to supply the children and 400 yards of striped cotton [176] shirting to supply shirts. The girls will require
400 yards of ?windy stuff for winter dresses, 400 yards of striped shirting for summer dresses and 200 yards
of unbleached cotton for chemises, each year.
As the boys are now out of clothing, I have the honor to apply for 200 yards of baize to make into garments
for the spring – the girls can make it into shirts and the schoolmaster and myself think a loose smock would
be more suitable than the jackets at present used.
[Moorhouse]
273
August 25th 1846
The Auditor-General
Sir,
In reply to your question relating to the Classes of rations, the scale of each ration and the authority by which
the scale was fixed; also how many lamps are authorised to be lighted, the allowance of oil and cotton for
winter and summer and the authority[.] I beg to state that the following is the dietary at present adopted at
the Native School Establishment:
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Breakfast
Bread and sugar water
Rice
Flour Soup
Bread and Sugar Water
Rice
Bread & Sugar water
Flour Soup
Dinner
Rice or Pye
Meat & bread
Meat & Potatoes
Meat & Dumplings
Suet Pudding
Meat & Pye
Meat & Potatoes
Supper
Bread and Tea
“
“
“
“
“
“
This table was sanctioned by His Excellency Captain Grey verbally only. We give each child as much as he can
eat and if there be any thing spared at one meal, it is used at the following one. For instance if there be any
Rice left from the Sunday’s [?] dinner I is boiled up with the meat on the Monday and eaten with the soup. A
scale of rations is altogether impracticable as we never know at breakfast how many children we shall have at
dinner. They are frequently leaving the school and being brought back again by their parents and from
breakfast to dinner I have sometimes know an increase of 16 children; under these circumstances we are
obliged to supply all with a portion and if [177] they are not satisfied we either make up the deficiency with
bread or let them wait until the next meal and then give them as much as they can eat.
I have no direct authority for using lamps. Their adoption was at the request of His Excellency the late
Governor. I included oil, lamps and cotton in my quarterly requisitions and they were approved.
The allowance for oil and cotton might be fixed as we exactly know the time that lamps are required. The
girls have one lamp from twilight to 8 o’clock every evening – Three evenings in the week the boys are in
school one hour and have four lamps burning and every evening in the week four lamps are required for half
an hour for putting the children to bed.
[Moorhouse]
274
29th August 1846
The Auditor-General
Sir,
I have examined with care the enclosed return of rations issued at the Liverpool Male Orphan School, with a
view of reporting upon the practicability of adopting it, in the Native School Establishment.
I have considered the scale of rations and find that several alterations would be desirable, as neither
potatoes nor rice are included in the list. I would therefore recommend the following; the Schoolmaster and
Mistress, Matron and her husband and House maid remain at present namely
Male rations to be
22 ounces of flour
22 do of Meat
4 ½ oz of Sugar
½ oz of Tea
¼ oz of Salt
¼ oz of Soap
Female rations
22 oz of flour
16 oz of Meat
2 ¼ oz of Sugar
½ oz of Tea
½ oz of Soap
The children’s rations to be:
Monday & Thursday
Tuesday & Friday
24 oz Bread
12 oz Bread
12 oz Meat
6 oz Rice
½ oz Salt
12 oz Meat
¼ oz Tea
½ oz Salt
1 ½ oz Sugar
¼ oz Tea
¼ oz Soap
1 ½ oz Sugar
¼ oz Soap
Wednesday & Saturday
8 oz Bread
8 oz flour
8 oz Potatoes
12 oz Meat
½ oz Salt
¼ oz Tea
1 ½ oz Sugar
¼ oz Soap
Sunday & Holidays
24 oz Bread
8 oz flour
½ oz Salt
¼ oz Tea
1 ½ oz Sugar
1 ¼ oz Raisins
1 ½ oz Suet
1/3 oz Soap
[178] To the above there will be required the following extra allowances per quarter:
4 Gallons of Lamp oil
3 cwt of Soap
600 lbs of flour
200 lbs of Sugar
1 lb of Cotton
The soap is required for washing the children’s garments and
the flour and sugar for the adult Natives who are sick and
bring their children to the School.
[Moorhouse]
275
3rd September 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor that the eldest
children in the Native School are at present in a very unsettled state. The return of spring has given them a
strong desire to join their friends and accompany them into the country. The girls are the most anxious to go,
some of them to join their husbands and others simply to visit their old districts.
The Sunday School teachers thought it desirable that I should apply to His or permission to purchase each girl
a doll, as an inducement to remain in school; they have furnished a quantity of print for dressing the dolls and
would superintend the making of the dresses out of the regular school hours.
On considering this matter, I am disposed to recommend the purchasing of the dolls, to the favourable
consideration of His Excellency, as the making of the dresses would be profitable occupying the children’s
play hours & perhaps tend to divert their inclinations. Dolls may be purchased at 15/- a dozen and there
would be required 2 ½ dozen to supply every child.
I would also venture to ask for an allowance of 6d a week for each of the boys who are put out to trades; they
are required to attend an evening school three days in the week and unless they meet with some reward, it
may appear that their time is unfavourable occupied, by being required to be in school whilst the others are
at play.
[Moorhouse]
276 [179]
9th Sept 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to invite the attention of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to the merits of the Native
boys who have commenced the learning of trades. Their hours of attendance at their various occupations
are more than those of School and they naturally expect to receive more reward, than those children who are
required to attend School only. I would therefore respectfully ask His Excellency’s permission to give each
boy who is learning a trade, an allowance of 6’ a week, to be paid out of the petty cash, allowed for the
Aborigines Department.
[Moorhouse]
277
23rd September 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your letter of yesterday’s date requesting info about the Cakes of Blacking inserted in my
requisition for supplies for the next quarter, I have the honor to state, that here are now six boys in the
School who are wearing boots – 4 at the Government Workshops and two with Mr Peacock and they have
hitherto been proud of having clean boots on a Sunday morning. During the Current Quarter they have used
six cakes of Blacking and as the boys have shewn a desire to appear neat and clean, I ventured to include
blacking and brushes in my last requisition.
[Moorhouse]
278
23rd Sept 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the Native Pilgulta from Port Lincoln was acquitted on a charge of assault, on
Saturday last and is now under my charge, I could respectfully apply for instructions to send him back to his
own district by the “Albatross” which is expected to sail for Port Lincoln in a few days.
[Moorhouse]
279 [180]
23rd September 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the sheds intended for the Natives at the old Location appear to be ready for
occupation, the Natives have not yet taken possession of them as I have no authority to tell them to do so;
would you have the kindness to convey to me His Excellency’s instructions about the sheds, whether they are
ready or not and if the Natives are to be at once requested to occupy them.
[Moorhouse]
280
25th September 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
At the request of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor I have the honor to report upon the inclosed
application from Mr Klose, for a piece of ground to be given into his charge, upon which to employ the adult
Aborigines. I have pleasure in recommending that the ground for which Mr Klose has applied should be given
into his care for his purpose named in his memorial as his design is intended to benefit the Natives.
As the Missionaries do not feel themselves at liberty to be controlled by the Government, it appears
desirable that Mr Klose should have a distinct understanding whether he or the Government should keep the
fence in repair and supply the implements required for carrying on his operations.
The portion of land applied for is at present used as a garden by the Royal Sappers and Miners and His might
not consider it fair to take it from them – if so another portion might be allotted to Mr Klose in order that he
might have an opportunity of trying his plan.
[Moorhouse]
281
9th October 1846
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In this day’s Gazette I observe a notice that all permissions for removing timber off the Park Land heretofore
granted are now cancelled. The notice I am aware is intended for the public [181] generally but as all
permissions are cancelled I thought it desirable to renew my application to His Excellency the Lieutenant
Governor for the Native School children , as heretofore, to be allowed to cut dead timber for the use of the
school establishment.
[Moorhouse]
282
4th November 1846 [copied as ‘1849’]
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I beg to report the death of a Native which took place at 3 o’clock this day in the Native Hospital. I have the
honor to apply for the necessary instructions to be issued to the Contractor, in order that he may be interred
as soon as possible.
[Moorhouse]
283
23rd November 1846 [‘1849’]
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have to report the death of a Native School girl which took place yesterday in the Hospital connected with
the native School and respectfully apply for authority to have her buried by the Government Contractor.
[Moorhouse]
284
1st December 1846 [‘1849’]
Colonial Secretary ?
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 27th ulto requesting me to communicate with the Advocate General about the
murder of a Native at Rivoli Bay and requesting me to make arrangements for proceeding to the scene of the
murder for the purpose of exhuming the body and of subjecting it to a thorough medical search, I have the
honor to report that I was not able to see the Advocate General until this day and he informs me that as my
visit is a medical one I must have such means and adopt such plans as will enable me to give correct
information in the case.
I purpose leaving Adelaide tomorrow to visit Rivoli Bay if I should receive no instructions to the contrary.
[Moorhouse]
285
24th Dec 1846 [‘1849’]
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In obedience to the instructions contained in your letter to me of the 27th ulto, I have the honor to report
that I this day arrived in [182] Adelaide from visiting Rivoli Bay, where I went to exhume the body of the
Native shot by Donnely in September last. In the course of ten minutes, I found a ball, which I gave into the
charge of P.C. Brooks who accompanied me from Town. P.C. Brooks will be in Adelaide on Saturday evening
or on Monday we shall appear before the Police Magistrate to give our evidence regarding the case.
[Moorhouse]
286
Jan 4th 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
A few days ago I had an interview with His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor upon the subject of receiving
the supplies for the Native Children’s Clothing from England and I was requested to forward a requisition for
such materials as are likely to be wanted in 1848. The following is the quantity as nearly s we are able to
calculate:
Girls
Boys
200 yds of unbleached cotton for chemises
200 yds of red woollen shirting
200 yds of striped shirting for dresses
400 yds of strong naval duck for summer 100 yds
Woollen Stuff for Winter Dresses
jackets and trowsers
200 yds of Striped Shirting
Boys
20 Cloth Jackets and trousers, ready made for boys from 5 ft to 5 ft 6 in
20
“
“
“
4 ft 6 in to 5 ft
20
“
“
“
4 ft to 4 ft 6 in
For the department generally
500 Blankets
[Moorhouse]
287
Jan 5th 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your circular of the 26th ulto., requesting me to forward you a scale of the oil and lamp wick used
nightly in the Native Department. I have the honor to state that half a pint of oil and ¼ oz of cotton Wick will
supply our lamps on an average the year round.
[Moorhouse]
288 [183]
Jan 16th 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In obedience to the request of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, I have the honor to state that I and Mr
Ross have examined the list of school books recently sent out from England and we would respectfully apply
for the following works for the Native School children:
20 Bibles
½ doz copies of Goldsmith’s Geography
20 Testaments
½ doz copies of Dowel’s question on ?Geography?
1 Set of Tablet Arithmetic (Lessons)
1 Set copy slips
1S Set of Spelling and Reading do
1 Doz. Carpenter’s Spelling Books
½ doz of each of the Reading Books
[Moorhouse]
289
21st January 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your letter of yesterday’s date, requesting me to proceed at my earliest convenience to the Mount
Remarkable district, to communicate with the Natives there and elicit their account of the late affray
between them and Mr Fergusson’s party, I have the honor to state that, I intend to carry out my instructions
as early as possible regarding the enquiry, and the explanation to be given to the Natives regarding European
aggression upon them and vice versa.
I have also [to] make the enquiries suggested by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor about periodical
distribution of flour, the most practicable manner of efficiently conducting the distribution with a view to
obtaining at the same time if practicable, a Registry of the Native tribes in each district and on my return to
Town will report upon the subject for the information of the Lieutenant Governor.
During the last fortnight, I have been chiefly engaged in collecting the school children and have had little time
to devote to office duties and in consequence my yearly returns and report are not ready – There are still two
groups of children about the Port and Holdfast Bay which I hope to gather in tomorrow, I will then prepare
my returns and start for Mount remarkable. I am afraid I shall not be able to leave Town until next Thursday
or Friday.
[Moorhouse]
290 [184]
21st Jan 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have to report that there is now in Gaol a native boy who was sent up from Guichen Bay as a witness in the
case of a Native named Taly charged with murdering a European. The boy is in a yard separate from the
other Natives and must feel very much the want of associates of the same color; I have the honor to apply for
permission to have the boy placed in the Native School with the other children as it is impossible for him to
escape. Should there be any difficulty in placing this boy in the School without bail, I am willing to become
bail, rather than he should remain in Gaol.
[Moorhouse]
291
25th Jan 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 21st Current regarding Section No. 2039, an Aboriginal Reserve in district A, now
in the occupation of Mr Philip Langmede, I have the honor to report that I have visited the Section and seen
Mr Langmede and he informs me that he has determined to give up possession on the 31st Current.
As the Section is surrounded by a fence, and has upon it, a hut, stockyard, several outbuildings and a well, it
seems desirable to keep some person on the property if it were only to prevent the destruction of the house
and fencing,; it is near town and would let to advantage at the present time, if put up to auction.
[Moorhouse]
292
27 Jan 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that there is a native boy now in School, who has for some time, expressed a
desire to engage with Thos Russell, the Matron’s husband, to learn the bricklaying trade. As I know Thos
Russell to be a steady and upright man, I have pleasure in recommending [185] that the boy Kudmo Murro
be put under his care.
Thos Russell will of course supply the boy with food so long as he has the advantage of the boy’s labour, but
as it would be of no cost to the Government to allow him to sleep with the other children I would respectfully
apply for His Excellency’s permission for him to enjoy all other privileges of the institution except the rations.
[Moorhouse]
293
27th Jan 1847
Advocate General
Sir,
As I was informed by you that it was not necessary to have Donelly brought up to hear any part of evidence in
his case, I have to report that in December last I visited Mr Davenport’s station and exhumed the body of a
Native alleged to have been shot by Donelly in September last.
On the 12th of December I was taken by P.C. Brooks to a spot where he had buried a native about 3 months
before. We exhumed the body which Brooks identified as being the same he had previously examined and
buried there. I found that the chest and abdomen had been opened – the heart and left lung displaced and
the intestines removed altogether. My object was to ascertain if any ball could be found so as to determine,
if possible, the cause of death – After a search of about ten minutes, I found a ball in a portion of putrid
matter which dropped from the right hip. The Ball was given into the charge of P.C. Brooks who will produce
it when required.
From the putrid state of the body it was impossible for me to ascertain what parts had been injured, but a
ball passing from the left to the right side of the abdomen is quite sufficient to produce death.
[Moorhouse]
294
2nd March 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to apply to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor on behalf of a Native named Langko
Melantya alias King William, charged “assault with intent to do bodily harm” and convicted and sentenced to
15 years transportation at the sittings of the Supreme Court in July 1844. He was committed in May 1844
and has been nearly three years in gaol. It has been the plan hitherto adopted to pardon the Natives who
have had sentence of transportation passed upon them after a confinement [186] of about three years in
prison, I have pleasure therefore in applying for the pardon of the above-named Native.
It was not my intention to make this application until Her Majesty’s Birth day in May next but this Native
understands the Mount Remarkable dialect and is qualified to act as interpreter to four natives who are to be
tried at the approaching Sittings of the Supreme Court. I have seen the Advocate General upon the subject
and he says that King William would be received as an interpreter, if pardoned, although he has been
convicted of a serious crime.
[Moorhouse]
295
3rd March 1847
J.P. Addison Esq.
Sir,
In reply to your communication of the 26th Ulto., reporting a Native child had presented for sale to Mr Lowe’s
Shopman a Hymn Book taken from Trinity Church and belonging to you, I beg to present my thanks for the
trouble you have taken in bringing the case under our notice – We have ascertained who the culprit is and
have administered such punishment as we hope will prevent a repetition of the crime.
[Moorhouse]
296
5th March 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In obedience to the instructions contained in your letter of the 20th January last, I have the honor to report
that I procured a copy of the Depositions taken in the case of certain natives being shot near Mt Remarkable
and on the 9th Ulto left town to proceed to that locality, where I had an interview with some of the Natives
who were present at the time when the European fired upon the Aborigines and rescued the sheep.
I elicited the following from a female who was present – She said some time ago the Natives had a quantity
of sheep in their possession and the Europeans came to take them away – she struck a white man several
times with a stick [187] because he had hold of her husband and she wanted to get her husband away –
the white men fired a gun, killed a native woman upon the spot – two men were so much wounded that they
died in a few days and one man was shot in the hand but he recovered. The most important point I could not
satisfactorily ascertain – whether the Europeans really attempted to recover the sheep quietly or whether
they at once seized the Natives and meeting with some resistance, fired upon them. The Natives
acknowledge their guilt in having the sheep in their possession.
In my road to Mt Remarkable, I fell in with Corporal Rowe on the 13th and he reported to me another case of
a shepherd shooting at the Natives on the 4th Feb. I requested Corporal Rowe to accompany me to the
Station where the shooting affair had taken place; we reached the spot on the 15 th and obtained the
following statements from the shepherd – On the 4th of February whilst his sheep were lying about a water
hole, some native approached slyly and took two lambs and a sheep from the flock – On leaving the water
hole he observed some natives and on approaching them found some sheep in their possession with their
legs tied – whilst stooping down to examine the sheep, he received a blow on the back of the head from a
Native who was standing by – it was his impression that the Blacks wanted to kill him in order to get the
sheep – he levelled his gun which was loaded with shot and fired it at the man who struck him.
On the date that I visited the station the same shepherd had fired again at some natives near the water hole.
The brother of the man who was wounded on the 4th was sitting with a group of his friends and when the
shepherd approached the group he arose and offered to beat the European with a yam stick. The European
kept retreating and told the Native repeatedly to throw down his stick or he would be compelled to fire. The
nearer the Native approached him, the more anger he manifested, so the shepherd fired upon him.
On the 16th I went in company with Corporal Rowe to look for the wounded natives, we found the first that
was wounded, at Dr Browne’s Station near Mt Locke. He admitted having sheep in his possession, but said
he did not steal them, other natives had stolen them and he was about to kill and eat [one]. I did not return
to take the shepherd’s statement upon oath, as that would have forced upon me the Native’s committal, I
preferred therefore leaving the matter for the Commissioner of Police [188] I left the wounded man at Dr
Brown’s Station where he was promised food and medical advice so long as he chosed to remain; had he
been committed, he would not have been in a fit state to be removed to Town.
The other native fired upon on the 15th was in the neighbourhood but he would not be seen as I had a P.C.
with me. The natives declined shewing me where he was living.
[Moorhouse]
297
5th March 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that in obedience to the instructions contained in your letter No. 135/47, I have
visited the native tribes in the Mt Remarkable district and explained to them as well as my acquaintance with
their dialect would allow me, the nature of British Law as affecting property – that this Law is administered
alike to White and Black men and I believe that they understand the main outline of that, I endeavoured to
communicate.
I also inquired into the number of tribes in order to recommend some plan for making periodical distributions
of flour to the Aborigines. I find that all the Natives are known about the various stations by the names of
the proprietors of runs and to a European this is more easy than adopting a native name and especially so as
they divide themselves into Groups according to the dialect they speak. All the Natives living on Mr Hawker’s
runs are called Hawker’s Blacks and those on Mr Hughes’ runs, Hughes’ Blacks &c - they are well known by
these names.
As it is His Excellency’s intention to commenced a general system of distributing flour and at the same time
to procure a registration of the Natives, and having requested me to communicate any plan which may have
suggested itself to my mind as best adopted for carrying out the proposed system, I would respectfully
recommend that the distribution of flour should take place once a month (at the full moon) that at the
outstations 4lbs should be issued to each adult and 2 lbs to each child under 12 years and a registry kept of
all who attend. Mr White has kindly promised to undertake the duty in the Mt Remarkable [189] district.
The police at their various stations might be instructed to issue the flour and keep a registry of attendance –
it would bring them into more frequent contact with the natives and both would become better acquainted
with each other. It would be advisable also to keep a return of the births and deaths – these might be
gathered by the police during their patrols.
The following form to be sent in quarterly would furnish the information required:
Flour distributed to the natives at
Date
Tribe
Name
Police Station in the Month of
1847
Man Women Children under 12 yrs
Males
Females
Remarks – such as deaths and births during the month.
The Stations at which such distributions are to take place will of course be named by His Excellency the
Lieutenant Governor – The following have been thought of:
Bungaree or Mr Hawker’s
Mt Remarkable or Mr White’s
Moorunde
- already allowed
Lake Bonney up the Murray
Wellington
Port Lincoln
- already allowed
Encounter Bay
Guichen Bay
Mount Gambier
There were some good instructions issued by His Excellency Captain Grey in 1841 or 1842, to Mr Driver of
Port Lincoln, regarding the distribution of flour to the Aborigines – I allude to that part of the instructions
which requested Mr Driver to suspend the issue provided any thefts had been committed during the month,
until the thief shall be given up by his own tribe – the plan worked very beneficially both at Port Lincoln and
Moorunde and would be worth adopting at the other stations.
In conclusion I would respectfully ask how the flour is to be procured at the different stations, Moorundee
and [190] Port Lincoln are supplied from the Contractor in Town and I see no other way of supplying Mt
Remarkable, Bungaree and Lake Bonney, but there are parties who would contract for supplying Wellington,
Guichen and Rivoli Bays – it would require carting from Rivoli Bay to Mount Gambier which I dare say the
manager of the South Australian Company would undertake to do, considering the object in view.
[Moorhouse]
298
19th March 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose a certificate from the Master of the Supreme Court, regarding a claim made by a
Native for attendance at the Supreme Court, also a letter from the Sherriff, stating that he has some
hesitation in paying the claim without the sanction of the Government.
I have to report to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor that I suggested to the Native that he should claim
for his attendance, as he has come twice from the Crystal Brook to Adelaide; there was another native from
Mount Remarkable, on account of whom no claim has been made, as I thought the £ 4.12.6 would satisfy
both - The expense of these Natives coming to Town has exceeded four pounds.
Corporal Kenny has advanced the money and I felt anxious that he should be repaid and on these grounds I
suggested the application to the Sherriff.
[Moorhouse]
299
20th March 1847
E.B. Scott Esq.,
Sub-Protector
Moorundee
Sir,
I have been requested by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to inform you that after the 1st of April next,
the natives will not be allowed to wander and beg in the streets of Adelaide; and provided there be not
sufficient employment for them amongst the inhabitants, the government will require them to work upon
the streets and pay them at the rate of 1d per hour. If they persist in begging, the adults will be treated as
vagrants, by being sent to [191] gaol and the children will be sent to the school and have some mild
chastisement which experience may suggest.
You are requested to communicate this to the Natives of your District, in order that they may have an
opportunity of remaining in their own territory if they prefer doing so, rather than be subject to the above
regulations.
[Moorhouse]
300
25th March 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In obedience to your circular of the 5th Current, I have the honor to enclose an estimate, in detail, of the
expenses of the Aborigines Department for the year 1848.
I have placed on the list of salaries an officer for the Rivoli Bay district whose duty would be to attend to the
interests of the Natives, especially in acquiring the language of the district and endeavouring to establish a
School. I might also recommend that a similar appointment should be made for the neighbourhood of
Mount Arden [north of Quorn], as the dialect spoken there is not known by any European. It would not be
necessary to continue for more than two years the Mount Arden appointment. The dialect is a mixture of the
Port Lincoln and Adelaide and as Mr Schurmann is acquainted with these, he could in the course of a couple
of years make himself acquainted with it.
If His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor should determine upon having a School formed in the Rivoli Bay
district – it would be necessary to include its expenses in the estimates. There would not, I am persuaded, be
more than 20 children for the first year and 1/- per diem would be sufficient to cover all expenses, except
those of building.
[Moorhouse]
301 [192]
12th April 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that, at the request of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, I have seen the
Commissioner of Police, on the subject of the Natives wandering about the Town and find, that as the police
force, on the 1st Current was increased, the Commissioner will be able to prevent acts of vagrancy on the part
of the Natives in a few weeks from this date.
As it is intended in the future to keep the Natives more strictly to their own location in the Park Lands, the
Commissioner of Police requested me to have their boundaries marked off, either by posts or a ploughed
furrow and so soon as instructions reach him that the boundaries are to be observed by the Natives, he will
carry out such instructions. It will be necessary in this case to have the boundaries marked off as soon as
practicable, and have them pointed out to the Natives.
It is the Lieutenant Governor’s wish also to provide means of employment for the Natives when the Vagrant
Act is put in force and I have the honor to apply for instructions upon the subject. In conversation with His
Excellency a few weeks ago I understood that the Natives are to be employed by the Town Surveyor and paid
a fixed sum per hour, in order that they may have a field for labor constantly open and no excuse for
practising vagrancy. This appears to be a very desirable plan to adopt and may be easily carried out; The
Town Surveyor might be instructed to receive all the Native applicants and pay them at such a rate as His
may be pleased to allow.
It was once thought desirable that the Town Surveyor should give an order upon me for payment, but on
considering the matter, I find that this plan could not easily be adopted; I am sometimes absent from Town
for two or three weeks at a time – as when I visited Rivoli Bay in December and Mount [193] Remarkable
in February and I am afraid the Natives would not have patience to wait for their pay until I returned.
[Moorhouse]
302
12th April 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The approach of Her Majesty’s Birth day, 24th May, leads me to invite the attention of His Excellency the
Lieutenant Governor to the annual distribution of flour and blankets to the Aborigines.
The plan adopted for the last two years answered very well – the Corporals of Police in charge of the out
Stations made the distribution and it would be well to commit the charge again into their care – I would
respectfully recommend that as the distribution is intended to be more general this year than in any previous
year, that an attempt be made to procure a Census of the native population – If instructions were forwarded
to all the stations at which flour and blankets are to be distributed, the thing would be easily accomplished.
The following form would easily be filled up and it would furnish as much information as would be required.
Adults
Males
Females
Children under 12 years
Males
Females
The following supplies are recommended for the approval of His Excellency:
Stations
Blankets
Flour
Bungaree
1 Ton
Moorundee
50
1 Ton
Port Lincoln
50
1 Ton
Lake Bonney
½ Ton
Mt Remarkable
10
1 Ton
Wellington
20
2 Tons
Encounter Bay
20
1 Ton
Guichen Bay
Supplied
Supplied
Mount Gambier
Do
Do
In case there should be any supplies remaining, they would be ready for the monthly distributions which His
Excellency thought of commencing –
If this recommendation should be approved, I would respectfully ask for authority to forward the supplies
forthwith. Those for Wellington and Encounter Bay had better be done by gender as parties in the respective
districts have flour to dispose of.
[Moorhouse]
303 [194]
24th April 1847
E.B. Scott Esq.
Sub-Protector
Moorundee
Sir,
I have the honor to forward for your information and guidance, extracts from a letter addressed by the
Colonial Secretary to the Commissioner of Police, regarding distribution of flour and blankets to the Natives
of this province:
??
Instead of making your reports to the Colonial Secretary as mentioned in the above instructions you are
requested to forward them to me.
[Moorhouse]
304 [195]
29th April 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your letter of yesterday’s date, stating that His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor approves of the
conveyance of stores to Lake Bonney, Bungaree and Mt Remarkable by private contract, but requesting me
to submit the arrangement to His Excellency for approval. I have the honor to state that the flour for Lake
Bonney may be forwarded to Moorundee at the contract price and thence to Lake Bonney by a Dray or by
water as Mr Scott may find most convenient.
Mr Geo. Hawker contracts for his flour to be carted to Bungaree at £ 3 per ton and he would forward 2 tons
of flour for the Natives at that rate and one ton could be sent thence to Mt Remarkable; perhaps Mr White
would send his own dray for it from Mr Hawker’s if requested to do so. I am not able to procure a Dray to go
from Town direct to Mount Remarkable as the rains have set in.
The freight by water to Port Lincoln is 30/- per ton.
[Moorhouse]
305
12th June 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In consequence of the increase of children in the Native School I have the honor to apply to His Excellency the
Lieutenant Governor for an additional supply of £ 3 in the petty cash account for the current quarter. The
number now in attendance (92) is greater than at any former period since the present building has been
occupied and this causes an increased issue of pocket money from the petty cash.
[Moorhouse]
306
12 June 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The enclosed Account from Wm Bartley Esq., for defending a native prisoner is forwarded for the
consideration of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor.
Mr Bartley was engaged to defend the Native “Laing” in November last; he was charged with the murder of a
fellow Aboriginal Native and Mr Bartley appeared and argued that the court had no jurisdiction over cases
affecting only questions amongst the Natives themselves. The Prisoner was [196] remanded for three
months; Mr Bartley forwarded his account, which was certified and paid.
Mr Bartley appeared at the March Sitting of the Court to apply for the discharge of the prisoner; he appeared
three days in succession, but only on the third day had he an opportunity of making the necessary
applications; Mr Bartley’s attendance was from an hour to an hour and a half each day. It has hitherto been
usual for Counsel engaged for the natives to complete a case for the customary fee and as this is the first
deviation, I could not certify the account without express authority.
As there are now so many difficulties presenting themselves, relative to the interpretation of the dialects of
the Rivoli Bay and Mt Remarkable districts and as there is more or less uncertainty about any natives from
these districts being tried upon their first arrangement [arraignment?] this Account seems to suggest the
desirableness of some alteration in engaging Counsel. Mr Fisher’s plan has hitherto been to complete a case
for the usual fee and if consistent with the practices of the profession, I would respectfully suggest that some
such arrangements should be made with those who may in future be appointed to defend the Natives.
[Moorhouse]
307
17th June 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that a European named Thos Adams gave notice at the Deputy Registrar’s Office
this day that he intends to marry a native girl named Kudnorto from Crystal Brook. I have several times seen
the girl and questioned her about the obligation of the Contract and whether she is attached to the man. She
replied that she has lived a long time with him (18 months) that he is her husband and she likes him much
better than the black ones.
There is one difficulty in the case, namely that the girl is a minor and under such circumstances I have felt it
my duty to report the case to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor The Deputy Registrar says that the Act
authorizes him to marry, even minors, provided 21 days’ notice is given and the notice be lodged in his office.
Regarding the character of the man, Thos [197] Adams, I have nothing to say for or against; during the
time the girl has lived with him he has kept her clean and supplied her liberally with everything she required;
he appears much attached to the girl and as far as I can judge, would make her a good husband.
[Moorhouse]
308
23rd June 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 9th Current requesting me to enquire into and report upon the cause of inferior
flour being sent to Guichen Bay for distribution amongst the Aborigines, I have the honor to report that I and
the Colonial Storekeeper have enquired into the case and have come to the conclusion that the flour must
have been exchanged, whether intentionally or not we cannot say, during the passage from Adelaide to
Guichen Bay.
The Colonial Storekeeper ordered the flour from L. Bryant & Co and the enclosed communication from Mr
Bryant to Mr Gilbert is forwarded to shew that some exchange has been made, as the supply for Mount
Gambier was taken from the same heap as the supply for Guichen Bay.
[Moorhouse]
309
25th June 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have to report that the Building at the Native School has received several injuries from the late storm and
we are in consequence much inconvenienced by the leaky state of the roof; I would therefore respectfully
apply for instructions to be given to the overseer of works to repair the building as soon as convenient.
[Moorhouse]
310
29th June 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your letter of yesterday’s date requesting me to report on two points in detail, regarding Mr
Bartley’s claim for defencing the Native prisoner, Laing, I have the honor to state that Mr Bartley was asked
to attend and to apply for the discharge of the native at the March sittings of the Court. It was not
absolutely necessary that Mr Bartley should have applied as he had been engaged for the case, I [198]
asked him as a matter of courtesy to make the application. The reason of my asking Mr Bartley was, because
I knew Mr Fisher preferred applying himself for the discharge of any Native for whom he had been retained
and I naturally thought that this was the practice of the Bar. Mr Fisher applied on the same day for the
liberation of prisoners for whom he had been retained six months before, but he made no second charge for
the application.
The nature of Mr Bartley’s ? at the November Sessions was a general one to defend the case; there was no
understanding that his services were or were not retained for the November Sessions only.
[Moorhouse]
311
19th July 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
A few weeks ago I was requested by the Lieutenant Governor to communicate with Corporal Mason of
Wellington, respecting reserves of land for the Natives of Wellington; I have now the honor to report that I
have called at the Land Office with Corporal Mason and after examining the plan, venture to recommend the
following Sections for reservation, namely:
1011
-
1012
-
1077
-
1078
-
1079
-
1091
& 1092 –
These Sections would secure the best fishing grounds of any yet unselected.
[Moorhouse]
312
19th July 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to state that Corporal Mason has reported to me that the supply of flour for the monthly
distribution to the Aborigines at Wellington is nearly finished and another supply of one ton is required; I
would therefore respectfully apply for authority to forward the above quantity. I have seen the Contractor
and he will deliver it at the same price, namely £ 14 per ton.
[Moorhouse]
313
23rd July 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your letter of yesterday, requesting me to wait upon the Lieutenant Governor, as His Excellency
wished to confer with me, regarding a supply of flour and Blankets which Messrs [199] Jones & Handcock
wished to be forwarded to their Station on the Rufus for distribution amongst the Natives there, I have the
honor to state that I saw His Excellency and that it was arranged verbally that Mr Scott the sub-protector
accompanied by a Police Constable should take a supply of flour up to the Rufus and distribute it amongst the
Natives.
I have seen the Commissioner of Police and he is able to spare a constable for that purpose but it might be
desirable that both he and I should have instructions to request Mr Scott and a Police Constable to proceed
to the Rufus for the above purpose.
[Moorhouse]
314
26th July 1847
E.B. Scott Esq, Sub-Protector
Moorundee
Sir,
An application having been made to His Excellency by Messrs Jones and Handcocks of the Rufus for a supply
of flour and blankets for distribution amongst the Aborigines of that district, I have to inform you that I have
this day received His Excellency’s directions, to request that you will proceed at as early a date as possible
with a supply of flour, fishing tackle and a few blankets and distribute them among the Aborigines of that
district.
You will be kind enough to take the supply from the Store at Moorundee and I will replace them from our
Store in Adelaide.
The Commissioner of Police will be requested to give orders for one of the Police Constables to accompany
you and act under your instructions on this occasion.
[Moorhouse]
315
3rd September 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor has kindly promised to allow another supply of books for the use of
the Native School, I have therefore the honor of applying for the following which I hope will meet with the
approval of the Lieutenant Governor:
1 Copy of each of Maunder’s four Treasuries
1 Copy Marcel’s conversations on land and water
1 do. Maunder’s Class book
1 do. Lee’s Natural History
nd
12 2 Class books
12 sequel to 2nd Class book
12 Third Class book
6 copies 1st book of Arithmetic
1 Key to Ditto
1 Nesbit’s Mensuration
3 Epitomes of Geography
3 Compendiums of Epitomes Ditto [Moorhouse]
316
[200]
7th September 1847
One copy to Mr Bartley, one to Mr Fisher
Sir,
I have received instructions from Hon. Colonial Secretary to engage for the future, Counsel for the Aborigines,
on the following terms, namely:
That five guineas be the fee for each separate case including one or more prisoners.
That the duty of a Native Prisoners’ Counsel includes making himself acquainted, by means of copies of
Depositions or otherwise, with the facts of the case, and acting as Counsel at the trial and on any collateral
occasion arising out of the charge.
Would you be kind enough to inform me whether you will continue to act as Counsel for the Natives [on] the
above conditions.
[Moorhouse]
317
13th Sept 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
Your letter to me No. 988/47 July 2nd, contained the conditions under which Counsel for Native prisoners
should for the future be engaged. I forwarded copies of those conditions to Messrs Fisher and Bartley,
requesting them to inform me whether they would continue to act as Counsel on the terms specified and
have received the enclosed replies which I have the honor to forward for the information of His Excellency
the Governor.
Regarding the question of Counsel attending preliminary investigations in the Police Court, I have to report
that Counsel has never yet been allowed, but if in any case it should be necessary, I could make special
application.
The second question of being supplied with copies of depositions, perhaps might easily be met; in many cases
they are not very lengthy and the Advocate General’s Clerk might possibly be able to furnish them.
[Moorhouse]
318 [201]
14th Sept 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to forward my requisition for the Quarter ending 31st December.
There is one item for 66 red shirts which requires an explanation, why I should have inserted it. There is a
Storekeeper in Adelaide (Mr Nathan) who has 5 ½ dozen red shirts in his Store and as the Natives are
wearing such garments, Mr Nathan finds them quite unsaleable; The material of the shirts made in the School
costs 3/4 for each shirt and to this cost there is the making; Mr Nathan offers his lot at 2/6 and provided they
are required, he will tender them at this price and under these circumstances, I have ventured to insert the
shirts in this requisition.
[Moorhouse]
319
6th Oct 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report my arrival in Town from visiting Guichen Bay and Lake Hawdon. I left Port
Adelaide with a Native boy to act as Interpreter on the 17th September and reached Guichen Bay on the 21st;
on the 22nd we, accompanied by P.C. Hall, reached Mr Bates’ Station on Lake Hawdon where Michael
Flannigan had been living as overseer to Mr Bates.
On the 23rd, I left the Station with P.C. Hall, one boy accompanied me from Adelaide and the other I found at
the Station; I went in search of the body of the Native who had met with his death at the hands of Michael
Flannigan, a European, and two Natives of the Mount Gambier district. After a search of five hours’ duration
we met with a group of ten Natives on Lake Hawdon, one of whom took us to the grave of the deceased; I
exhumed the body and found it in the following condition:
Two wounds on the abdomen (sword thrusts) one over the navel through which the intestines protruded and
the other under the right side of the termination of the breast bone, this would penetrated the Chest; a
sword cut on the left side of the head about 5 inches long – the under-jaw bone broken and many wounds on
the right arm, communicating with each other and produced either by a spear or ball.
I replaced the body in the grave and took the ten natives with me to Mr Bates’ hut. On the 24 th, P.C. Hall was
sent to Break Poll Marsh distant 150 miles with a [202] warrant from Captain Butler for the apprehension
of Flannigan and I returned to Guichen Bay accompanied by 12 Natives to whom Capt. Butler gave flour, two
shirts and a blanket [each?] shortly after we arrived.
On the 25th I had arranged to start for Adelaide but as I heard that about 100 Natives were about miles from
Guichen Bay, Captain Butler and myself were anxious to get into contact with them; I sent two boys out in a
Western and three men in an Eastern direction to bring into the settlement the whole of the tribes inhabiting
that district, the two boys did not succeeded in bringing [any?] away, but the men brought thirty others back
with them on the 7th. Captain Butler had flour distributed immediately after their arrival and the assembly
was addresses through the Interpreter Jacky and cautioned against spearing either cattle or sheep. They
promised to steal no more and said that they would advise others to do the same. They were also told that if
the Europeans annoyed them, Captain Butler would attend to any complaints and not allow them to be
injured under any circumstances.
The two Native boys who were with Flannigan were not to be found, one belonging to Lake Hawdon had left
the spot and gone about 70 miles more into the Interior; the other was supposed to be on the Glenelg as he
is a Native of the Port Phillip side of that river. The three women mentioned in Flannigan’s statement could
not then be found, but the Police will use every means to take both the boys and the women in order to
obtain their statements before the Gov. Resident. I left the interpreter Jacky to assist Captain Butler in
getting at the facts of the case.
There is no provision made for a Native Constable at Guichen Bay, and as I found it would have been
impossible to have found the body of the Native killed by Flannigan and others on Lake Hawdon and to have
brought in the group of Natives for the reception of flour without my boy Jacky, I would respectfully
recommend to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to grant an allowance as is granted to several other
Police Stations in the Colony.
The flour sent to Guichen Bay for the Aborigines and reported by Captain Butler to be of very inferior quality,
I have pleasure in reporting is not so bad as was [203] expected; there was one bag very inferior and
smutty and Captain Butler happened to open it the first on the lot; the two bags distributed whilst I was
there, were of excellent quality.
[Moorhouse]
320
11th Oct 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that Corporal Mason has applied for another ton of flour for the Aborigines at the
Wellington Station; I would therefore respectfully apply for permission to forward the above quantity. The
Contractor will deliver it at the same price as before, namely £ 14 per ton.
[Moorhouse]
321
11th October 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the Revd Mr Meyer has applied for another Ton of flour for the Aborigines of
Encounter Bay, I would therefore respectfully apply for permission to request Mr Helmore the contractor to
supply the above quantity at the Contract price, namely £ 13 per ton.
[Moorhouse]
322
14th Oct 1847
E.B. Scott Esq
Sub-Protector
Moorundee
Sir,
In the Gazette of this day I notice a call for tenders for the rations under your charge in the Moorundee Store,
but you will observe that the meat has not been mentioned; the Lieutenant Governor having ordered it to be
issued to the Natives in your District.
[Moorhouse]
323
23rd Oct 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I beg to report that one of the unmarried female Immigrants ex “Lady McNaughton” is very unwell and from
the symptoms shewing themselves this morning, it is probable that the case will be one of fever. I would
therefore respectfully apply to His Excellency for permission to have the girl removed to the Hospital. As I
have no cart at command and no petty cash account for the female Immigrants, perhaps it would not be
asking too much to allow the Police Cart to be used for the purpose.
[Moorhouse]
324 [204]
28th October 1847
E.. Scott Esq.
Sub-Protector
Moorundee
Sir,
On the 23rd November next, the Criminal Sittings of the Supreme Court will commence, and there is a Native
girl from the Murray committed for trial; I have the honor therefore to request that you will be in attendance
to interpret between the prisoner and the Court.
[Moorhouse]
325
10th Nov 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to yours of yesterday’s date, requesting me to call together the Natives and explain that they must
conform to the usage of the Europeans and abstain from making noise on Sundays, I have the honor to report
that I informed the assembled Natives this morning of the instructions issued by His Excellency the
Lieutenant Governor and they promised to obey.
If the Natives only had been interested in this matter, the practice would not have amounted to an
inconvenience to the inhabitants of the Town. I have told them repeatedly not to corroberry on the Sabbath
but crowds of Europeans visit them on this day and offer them money and the natives find it more profitable
to listen to them than to me. Last Sunday, I believe they made nearly two pounds by their performances; but
I have never told them that no more will be allowed.
[Moorhouse]
326
18th Nov 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that Corporal Mason has applied for another Ton of flour for the Aborigines at
Wellington and respectfully apply for His authority to forward it. The Contractor will deliver it at £ 14 per ton
as before.
[Moorhouse]
327
24th Nov 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I received yesterday an application from Dr McDougall for an additional supply of medicines for the Natives
on the Murray and I have the honor to enclose a requisition for the approval of His Excellency the Lieutenant
Governor.
[Moorhouse]
328 [205]
2nd Dec 1847
Wm Lang Esq
Resident Magistrate
Burra Mine
Sir,
I have been advised by J.B.Hughes Esq of Bungalee [Bundalee?] of an assault having been committed by a
European named John Miller upon a Native named Tammy and his Lubra living in the neighbourhood of
Bungalee. Mr Hughes’ communication was forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor and His requested me to
report the case to you as the Magistrate of that district.
The European is to have a charge of assault preferred against him and Mr Hughes’ evidence taken to support
Native evidence. Mr Hughes, I am informed, will be at the Burra Mine about the 6 th Current, from whom you
will be able to procure sufficient information to commence proceedings in the above case.
[Moorhouse]
329
4th Dec 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
As it is probable that account for Rations, wood and conveyance up from the Port will be contracted monthly
for the single female Immigrants, I have the honor to apply for the requisite authority for those accounts
which will be required by the Auditor General.
[Moorhouse]
330
17th Dec 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose my quarterly requisition for the Aborigines Department. I have inserted 4 dozen
of striped shirts as I find that they are to be procured in town, made up for less money than the material can
be purchased at and as it will be a decided saving, I have ventured to recommend them.
[Moorhouse]
331
17th Dec 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In my last quarterly requisition I inserted 4 pieces of Calico and the quantity has been supplied by two parties
named P. Cumming & Son, and Messrs Flett & Linklater – the tenders of both having been accepted. Mr
Cumming’s A/c has been passed and as we shall want calico during the net quarter, I would respectfully apply
for permission to take the quantity supplied by Flett & Linklater as an extra supply for the current quarter.
[Moorhouse]
332 [206]
17th Dec 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the shirts supplied by Geo Phillips & Co for the Current quarter is altogether
unfitted for the use of the Native Children – the lowest price was accepted by the Colonial Storekeeper [but]
the material unfortunately proves to be too thin for our purpose. Mr Phillips forwarded no sample or his
tender could not have been accepted. Under these circumstances I would recommend that Mr Phillips take
back the material or supply a better quality.
[Moorhouse]
333
17th Dec 1847
Wm Lang Esq.
Burra Mine
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 8th Current requesting a copy of Mr Hughes’ letter go me reporting an assault
committed upon a Native at Bundalee and of mine enclosing Mr Hughes’ to the Lieutenant Governor, I have
the honor to enclose a copy of Mr Hughes’ and to state that I only made the following minute upon its fly
sheet
“Forwarded to the Col. Secretary’s Office for insertions upon the Case (signed) M. Moorhouse, 26 th
November 1846”
and my instructions from the Lieutenant Governor were to state what I forwarded to you under date of the
2nd of December.
[Moorhouse]
334
24th December 1847
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
At a private interview with His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor a few days ago, I was requested to visit
Yorke Peninsula and endeavour to assemble the Natives of that part about the various stations with a view to
prevent collision between them and the settlers. The Commissioner of Police informs me that arrangements
are made for some Police Constables to meet me on the coast east from Mr Anstey’s Station on the 29 th
Current and as His Excellency intended me to leave the [207] Port on the evening of the 28th in the
“Lapwing” with a supply of flour, I have the honor to apply for authority to procure 600 lbs of flour from the
Contractor and for intimation to be given to the Harbour Master about the Government Cutter.
[Moorhouse]
335
15th Jan 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report my return to Adelaide from visiting Yorke’s Peninsula. I left Town on the 28 th
December/47 and reached Munta Wurta Point on the following day where I met the police waiting the arrival
of the cutter – The object of my visit was to assemble the Natives of that part, explain to them our law
relating to theft and prevent if possible collision between them and the settlers.
On the 30th December I assembled 34 Natives at Kooly Wurta Kaure and distributed flour to them and
advised the not to interfere with the flocks of the settlers – this tribe has not done so and they promised me
that they never would. On the 31st, I gave two young men a blanket each and engaged them to take us to the
various tribes on the Peninsula.
We left the Camp at 5 o’clock in the morning, travelled about 18 miles, but saw no natives – On the 1st of
January we met with 5 – one man, three women and one child, in travelling from Witto (a native well) to Mr
Anstey’s Station we invited them to accompany us and wished them to bring as many of their friends as
could be found in the neighbourhood – the man joined our party and the women were left to look for their
friends, with an understanding that they would meet us at Mr Anstey’s Station in the evening.
The women did not come; they had heard of Mr Coutts’ party having lost one thousand sheep and did not
care for the flour I had for distribution – My guides left me at Mr Anstey’s Station; they preferred returning to
their [208] friends to feast upon Mutton rather than accompany me for flour and blankets. I required
them to travel a short stage every day, but this was too much for them in the hot weather, and especially as
they had an abundance of mutton without even the exertion of killing the sheep.
I visited in company with two of the Police all the occupied Stations on the Peninsula after the guides left me,
but saw no Natives. They seldom approach the Stations and as yet, have not been very troublesome. In one
instance only have they taken sheep and the whole 30 were recovered; ten had been slain but their carcases
were found before they had been eaten.
The Natives on the Peninsula are not numerous, they will not exceed 150 in number but they might muster in
groups sufficiently strong, to attack the Europeans and their flocks. This has invariably been the case in
newly settled districts and it would be well to prevent collision in this part, by forming as soon as practicable,
a police station in the centre of the runs. If His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor could entertain such a
project, I would recommend that a Native Constable should be engaged, (a boy belonging to that part) and
that for a few months the police might have flour for distribution.
I am of opinion that as far as the Natives are concerned, the Police would not be required for more than 18
months – all the Natives would by that time be known, and our laws fully impressed upon their minds – As I
was unsuccessful in collecting the Aborigines on the Southern part of the Peninsula, I would with pleasure
attempt it again in a few months, with the police if they should be stationed there. From what I saw of the
country, I would recommend Mr Sharples’ run as being the most suited for a police station – it is in the centre
of the good country within 4 miles of Sturt Bay and in consequence, provisions easily procured and a place
which will supply abundant pasturage for horses.
[Moorhouse]
336
26th Jan 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to apply for the authority of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to be given to the
Colonial Storekeeper for the issue of the following goods, to the Aborigines Department, recently received
from England via “Derwent” namely,
216 yards of Cotton
411 ½ yards Naval Duck
408 yards of Shirting
60 pr Trowsers
112 yards of Stuff
500 Blankets
96 yards of Red Shirting
[Moorhouse]
337 [209]
28th January 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 29th November No. 1839, stating that His Excellency had sanctioned an
expenditure of £ 65 from the land fund upon the brick huts at the Location, for the purpose of effecting
certain alterations suggested by the Natives themselves and requesting whether I would ascertain from them
whether any other alterations are required, I have the honor to state that the Natives who occasionally live in
the huts were away from Adelaide but returned a few days ago. They say they only want another length of
paling adding to the roof to carry the water over their fires and feet; His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor
however proposed spouting in addition to the paling which I think would be a decided improvement.
[Moorhouse]
338
28th January 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that Mr Scott has applied for a ton and a half of flour for distribution to the
Aborigines of his district. This quantity is not immediately wanted, but as the means of transit are few and
irregular in the winter season, Mr Scott recommends the above quantity to serve over the winter.
[Moorhouse]
339
9th February 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that Corporal Mason has applied for a ton of flour for distribution amongst the
Aborigines of the Coorong and Lake Alexandrina – Corporal Mason informs me that he has just returned from
the Salt Creek and has promised to supply all the Coorong Natives with flour at the full of the present moon,
provided they would meet him at the South End of Lake Albert and they promised to do so.
The Contractor Donald Gollan will deliver it at the Contract price as before.
[Moorhouse]
340
15th Feb 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The enclosed application, from Thos Adams who recently married a Native Girl from the North permission to
occupy an Aboriginal reserve Section on Skillygolie Creek, I have forwarded for the Consideration of His
Excellency the Lieutenant Governor.
These reserved Sections were intended
1st to settle the Natives upon them, provided any Natives could be induced to settle and
2nd Provide they would not, for some time to come, it was thought that a revenue might be produced by
letting them and the proceeds were to be applied to the use [210] of the Natives.
I had many conversations with Governor Grey regarding these Sections, more especially upon the almost
certainty of the half-caste children being prepared to settle upon them and His Excellency expressed himself
ready to allow any who would really occupy and cultivate the lands. I had some time ago an interview with
Lieutenant Governor Robe upon the same subject and His Excellency seemed to take the same favourable
view.
With the present applicant Thos Adams I have nothing to do, but wish only to represent his wife who is an
Aboriginal Native of the Province. I would therefore respectfully ask on her behalf, that she may be able to
settle on the Section in the Skilygolee Creek and have His Excellency’s promise that she be allowed to remain
there so long as she lives on the Section.
There might be legal difficulties in the way of granting her a lease, but even if there were none, I think it
would not be desirable as Adams might possibly sub-let the property and spend the proceeds – It appears to
me to be sufficient, that you give Mary Adams a letter granting His Excellency’s permission to occupy the
Section on the above conditions, a copy of which might be lodged in my office and I feel satisfied that no
future Governor of the Province would wish to disturb her so long as she lives with her husband and they
continue steady and industrious.
[Moorhouse]
341
11th March 1848
Corporal Mason
Wellington
Sir,
In reply to your application, dated 4th Current, for flour, to distribute amongst the Aborigines, I have the
honor by command of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, to inform you that the distributions will for
the future be made during the winter months only from May until the end of September.
The flour which you have now on hand is to be given to such Natives as may render the Government
assistance in raising the punt and as some Government drays are about to leave Adelaide for the Murray, if is
intended if practicable, to forward six bags of flour to be applied for the above purpose, that is, to such as
really make themselves useful. In case any Natives shew more than ordinary diligence, you can, by
forwarding an application to me [211] have a supply of fish hooks to reward their diligence.
[Moorhouse]
342
March 14th 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
As it is intended that I shall visit the Southern districts, Mount Gambier, Rivoli Bay and Guichen Bay, after the
sittings of the Supreme Court, I have the honor to apply for arrangements to be made for supplying
Wellington and Encounter Bay with flour for distribution amongst the Natives on the Queen’s Birth day as I
might not return in time to do so. At present flour is very cheap and it appears to me desirable to call for
fresh tenders and have the winter’s supply delivered at the same time.
Wellington would require four tons and Encounter Bay two tons. This would effect a saving of sixteen
pounds for the Wellington Station and six for the Encounter Bay.
[Moorhouse]
343
March 21st 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The enclosed letter from the Advocate General with the accompanying memoranda from Mr James Smith, I
have the honor to return and according to request report upon the subject matter.
The boy Duncan Stewart Smith is an intelligent person and has made very creditable progress in the Native
language for the time his attention has been given to it. From Mr Smith’s Statement (mem. No. 1) it appears
that he has already incurred an expense of £ 25 in acquiring the dialect; the undertaking is a difficult one and
deserves all the encouragement that can be given by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor. If His
Excellency should consider a bonus, for the progress already made, desirable, Mr Smith would feel grateful
for it, and would feel very satisfied with £ 20; this sum would include the present journey to Adelaide which
by the local ordinance he could claim if he had been a witness £ 7 -11-0 – the difference £ 12-9-0 might then
be considered either a bonus or a grant on account of expenses incurred by Mr Smith.
Regarding future remuneration, I would venture to recommend a fixed allowance with an understanding that
D.S. Smith should attend the Court at Adelaide, Guichen Bay or Mount Gambier without additional charge to
the Government whenever he may be required as interpreter. Mr Smith will engage to do so for £33 .6 .8 per
annum – I mentioned this sum as I have been informed [212] by the Revd Mr Meyer that he intends leaving
Encounter Bay at the end of this month, to become pastor of a German congregation in the North and it
would be simply transferring Mr Meyer’s allowance to Mr Smith – no additional charge would fall upon the
Department. Mr Smith’s appointment would then take effect on the 1st of April.
[Moorhouse]
344
27th April 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that at the request of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, I waited upon
Captain Lipson [Harbour Master] yesterday with some Native boys, who are intended for the Harbour
Master’s service. Captain Lipson thought that two would be as many as he could undertake to manage at
present and if they turn out well, he could take two more. We are of opinion that it will require two pounds
per month for each boy to provide food and clothing for them. Captain Lipson suggests that material for
three suits be supplied at the commencement and afterwards their pay will be sufficient to keep them
properly clothed – we have the materials in store.
I have recommended Wailtze and Manara for trial.
[Moorhouse]
345
6th May 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that there is an half-caste orphan boy in the Native School named Thos Brown,
about 9 years old and it appears a pity to keep him in contact with the Native children lest he should contract
their habits of idleness, I venture to apply to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor for permission to have
the boy put out to some respectable individual as an apprentice.
I find on enquiry that the boy’s father was an Englishman, his mother a Native of Van Diemen’s Land so that
the Ordinance No. 12 – 1844 which appoints the Protector of Aborigines to act as guardian to half-caste
children is not applicable in this case; I would therefore respectfully apply for instructions how to act in the
present instance.
In case the boy is to be apprenticed, Mr R.E. Tapley, a teacher in the Native Sunday School, has expressed his
willingness to take him.
[Moorhouse]
346 [213]
20th May 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to apply for instructions to procure the usual supplies for distribution to the Natives on Her
Majesty’s Birth day – His was kind enough to allow the best bread last year and I would respectfully ask the
same indulgence this year – There will be required 600 lbs of Roast Beef and 1200 lbs of Bread.
[Moorhouse]
347
20th May 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
As I am desirous of having the Native School building in good order on Her Majesty’s Birth day, I have
ventured to enclose a Requisition for repairing the whole of the windows in the Establishment.
[Moorhouse]
348
20th May 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to apply to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor on behalf of Wekweki, a native at
present confined in Gaol. Wekweki was convicted for murder on the 10th June 1845 and sentenced to be
executed on the 24th. On the 23rd of June, the late Governor Captain Grey was pleased to grant a reprieve, as
this man had a good character and several modifying circumstances in his favor.
It has hitherto been usual to liberate Natives who have served about three years in Gaol, this man has been
in custody since the 5th April 1845 and has been obedient, industrious and civil and he is as worthy a
character as any towards whom leniency has been shewn. I have pleasure therefore in being able to
recommend Wekweki to the merciful attention of the Lieutenant Governor and to ask for his pardon.
[Moorhouse]
349
26th May 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
A few days ago I had an interview with His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, at which I was requested to
forward a requisition or transmission to England for such materials as would be required for the Native
Department during the year 1849. Our supply of clothing will serve until December 1849 and for the supplies
of 1850, I will forward the requisition in December next.
[Moorhouse]
350 [214]
30th May 1848
Thos Adams
Penwortham Village
Sir,
I have to inform you that the Lieutenant Governor has granted permission to your wife Mary Adams to
occupy the Section numbered 346 on Skylogolee Creek for and during the term of her natural life with full
power to clear, enclose and cultivate the said Section. It is distinctly stated however that your wife will have
to settle and continually to actually reside upon the Section and will not be allowed to assign or under-let it.
The Lieutenant Governor’s authority to me will be kept in my office and may be seen by you whenever you
wish.
I have seen Mr Oakden and he informs me that his station is not upon the Native reserved Section.
[Moorhouse]
351
30th May 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have to report that the flour allowed to the Natives at Mr White’s Station, Mount Remarkable, has been all
distributed and Mr White has applied for a further supply, I have therefore the honor of applying for the
Lieutenant Governor’s permission to forward another ton by the earliest conveyance.
[Moorhouse]
352
1st June 1848
Corporal Mason
Wellington
Sir,
The bearer of this communication is Wekweki, a Native belonging to the Wellington district. He has received
a free pardon from His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor and has this day been liberated from prison.
I have been requested by the Lieutenant Governor to ask you to procure employment if you can for this
Native as he is a good and steady character [215] and report to me the result.
[Moorhouse]
353
10th June 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In obedience to your instructions of the 30th May requesting me to visit certain Aboriginal Reserve Sections
and report whether any and what improvements have been made and by whom occupied, I have the honor
to state that I have visited the Sections and found the following improvements.
Section 5004: on the Onkaparinga, leased to Mr Whitington is now occupied by George Allston and has a fiveroomed house upon it, the best portion of which is wood – 20 acres are fenced in – fence a little out of repair
– 2 ½ acres of garden containing vines and fruit trees – fenced with narrow paling – a stockyard and stable –
he improvements are well worth £ 100.
Section 3338: in the green hills leased to McBeath, has no one living upon it – 16 acres are fenced with a very
poor fence and there is an old uninhabited hut covered with broad paling – improvements are worth about £
10.
Section 2069: district A leased to Roberts, is now occupied by James Bevan – it is enclosed with an
indifferent ditch and rail fence worth about £ 20.
[Moorhouse]
354
27th June 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that I have seen Mr Younghusband about the two Native boys Wirra and Kadno
Kaira being apprenticed to him as sailors. When in conversation with Mr Younghusbnd about food, clothing
&c for the boys we thought it desirable to adopt the form of indenture used in England and insert such
Clauses of the Local Ordinance as may be requisite – The boys are both orphans and the Ordinance No. 12 –
1844 is applicable to their cases.
I have enclosed a copy of an English indenture for the information of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor
and in case these boys are to be bound I would respectfully apply for an indenture to be prepared and I
would at once arrange for its execution.
[Moorhouse]
355
[216]
th
27 June 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that there are two dead trees standing near the Native huts at the Location and
the Natives when in want of wood are apt to cut portions of the stem away. In a few days, I am afraid one
will be falling and would break down the roof and walls of the huts, I would recommend that the overseer of
works should have both trees cut down under his superintendence.
[Moorhouse]
356
4th July 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the yards at the Native School are becoming very soft and muddy in
consequence of the constant trampling of the children during the wet weather; a few loads of gravel would
add very much to the comfort and appearance of the premises if His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor
would be pleased to grant us a supply. I think six loads would suffice.
[Moorhouse]
357
14th July 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the flour for the Aborigines at the Mount Gambier Station is exhausted and
Corporal McCullock is desirous of having another supply –
There is considerable difficulty in forwarding flour to Mount Gambier – and has to be landed a Rivoli Bay and
thence carted 60 miles – one mile of which is over a difficult swamp. The flour costs 2d per lb when delivered
there and the time of delivery is always uncertain.
Under these circumstances I venture to recommend beef to be distributed instead of flour provided beef can
be obtained, and I think it can be in the neighbourhood of the police station at or below 2d per lb – one
pound of beef to be given instead of one pound of flour.
[Moorhouse]
358
13th September 1848
Thos Adams
Sir
In reply to your communication requesting to be supplied with a team of bullocks by the Colonial
Government to enable you to fence in the Section upon which Mary Adams has permission to settle, I have to
state that your application was duly forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor and His Excellency declined
granting your request.
[Moorhouse]
359 [217]
Oct 6th 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to the enclosed minute from His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, I have the honor to forward the
information required.
The out-stations alluded to in Mr Driver’s application are two about to be formed in the Port Lincoln district,
if flour and blankets should be allowed, they could only be under the control of the Police as the other
stations are.
The place, time and quantities are given in the enclosed returns, and copy of a letter to the Commissioner of
Police, and I have the honor to add the cost of the supplies since May 1847 up to the present date.
Bungaree
Mount Remarkable
Port Lincoln
Moorundee
Lake Bonney
Wellington
Encounter Bay
Mount Gambier
Guichen Bay
Flour
£
11
28
20
40
5
124
43
13
21
s
6
13
9
3
13
0
0
6
13
d
8
4
4
4
4
0
0
8
4
Blankets
£
s
d
26
26
6
6
8
8
10
8
4
6
6
2
0
0
8
6
0
0
Special instructions were issued for Mt Gambier and Guichen Bay.
[Moorhouse]
360
10th Oct 1848 [copied as ‘1849’]
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that on Saturday last we had the misfortune to experience a loss of more than one
half of the Native children from the School – The parents came and reported that four Natives had come
from the Burra Mine to inform all living in Adelaide that the Native Sorcerors were about to visit the town
and impart mortiferous powers to the water, so that all the inhabitants, white as well as black, would
certainly die.
The adult natives believe in such powers and effects and they gave the narrative in such a manner as to make
the children believe also. Their remedy against such calamities, is change of locality, and in this instance, all
collected their goods and started immediately for the Murray - a distance of from one to two hundred miles.
Thirty two children [218] left us to accompany their parents in spite of our attempts to convince them of
the absurdity of the report and that the whites had no fear about themselves.
The following is a return of the time the absent children had been in the school and the progress made:
-
2 boys had been 4 years and were in the most advanced class, given in my quarterly reports;
2 had been 3 years and could read, write and cypher
6 had been 2 years, and could read and write
22 had been upwards of one year and could read words of two and three letters and write a little.
It appears very desirable to overcome these superstitions and as persuasive efforts prove ineffectual, I would
respectfully venture to state that there would be no injustice done to the children if compelled to return
under charge of a Police constable – They were all clean when they took their departure, but on their return
which may be in four months’ time, they will all be suffering from the Itch.
[Moorhouse]
361
23rd Oct 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that a Native boy found a ten pound note on Saturday last in Hindley Street and as
it is desirable that the rightful owner should have it returned, I would respectfully suggest that publicity be
given to the affair. Unfortunately the boy showed it to some Europeans before he reported it to me and I
find on enquiry that one individual took the No. of the Note and if advertised might claim it – Several other
particulars might be required besides the number before the note be given up – I have thought of the
following advertisement, which if it meets the approbation of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, I
would recommend its insertion in the Government Gazette :
“Found by a native boy, a ten pound note – any party giving satisfactory testimony [219] of being the
rightful owners of the above, may have it on application to ….. “
[Moorhouse]
363
8th November 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to forward the returns called for in your letter to me of 6 th Current; namely a list of places at
which issues are authorised to be made to the Aborigines and the names of persons who make the issues and
a memorandum of the gross amount paid during the quarter on account of the Aborigines.
Places of Issue
By whom issued
Witnesses
Bungaree
PC
Mt Remarkable
“
Mr White
Port Lincoln
“
Govt Resident
Moorundee
“
Sub protector
Lake Bonney
“
Do
Do
Wellington
“
-------Encounter Bay
“
-------Mount Gambier
“
Mr [Beverley] Sturt
Guichen Bay
“
Govt Resident
The flour is distributed one a month – 4 lb to every adult and2 lb to each child under 12 years of age
The accounts for the following Issues have passed through my office during the quarter ended 30th Sept 1848:
[220]
July
£
112 - 5 11
August
104 - 17 9
September
95 - 18 11
Petty Cash
11
-9 - 6
£
324
12
1
[Moorhouse]
364
21st Nov 1848
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose an application from Mr Bull to be supplied with medicines for the purpose of
relieving the sick Aborigines at Kooringa – Applications of this nature have been in two instances entertained
and medicines supplied – One medical man, Mr Dougall, of Lake Alexandrina, has at present a stock of
medicines on hand for administering to the Natives.
The plan usually adopted is to request the applicant to forward a list of such medicines as he may require and
if the list be moderate to procure them from the Colonial Surgeon and forward them – No other allowance
has ever been made.
[Moorhouse]
365
30th Nov 1848
Dr Bull
[Kooringa]
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 15th Current, I beg to state that I forwarded your application to the Colonial Secretary
and have been requested to apply to you for a list of such medicines as you may require for distribution
amongst the Aborigines. His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor will sanction a supply to a limited extent
being forwarded to the township of Kooringa.
[Moorhouse]
366
16th December 1848
Corporal Mason
Wellington
Sir,
Since my return from the Murray I have had more conversations with His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor
about the subject of a Native School being established at Wellington. The Lieutenant Governor is desirous of
having every means used which are calculated to improve the condition of the Natives and as educational
efforts have not yet been made amongst the tribes of Wellington and the Lakes, the Government is prepared
to view favourably the establishment of a school provided the success promises to be even a small
proportion of the expenditure. [221]
In conversation with you at Wellington, you stated that an average of 40 children could be induced to attend
school, would you be kind enough to give your opinion in writing and I will forward it for the Lieutenant
Governor’s information. The expenses of rationing and clothing the children I can give from the returns of
the school in Town and will do so when forwarding your report.
After I left the Murray it occurred to me that I had not asked your opinion upon the practicability of bringing
the children from your district to the school in Town. This was tried by the late Governor and myself but we
failed; you also tried and failed, but what is your opinion, in case you should be appointed Sub Protector and
accompany the children yourself to Town – This plan succeeds with the children higher up the Murray. When
Mr. Sub-Protector Scott meets with a group of Children he always forwards them to Town – he can do it and
do you think you could not ?
[Moorhouse]
367
12th Jan 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose Corporal Mason’s report upon the number of Native Children likely to attend in
the event of a school being opened at Wellington. I wrote to Corporal Mason on the 16 th December wishing
him to report upon the practicability of sending the children to the Adelaide school, I stated to him that this is
the method we have practised for five years with the Murray children; when Mr. Sub-protector Scott meets
with a group of children he forwards them to Town under an escort of two adult Natives and hence all the
Murray children as far as the New South Wales boundary have been more or less in school – Mr Mason
however thinks this at present impracticable – although he were to accompany them.
The following is an estimate of expenses of a school, filled up and conducted like the school in Town.
Fittings including forms, desks, beds and cooking utensils
Blankets 80 @ 5/Rations of 40 children at 3/- per week
Clothing children
Slates, books, paper
Schoolmaster’s salary
£
£
65 – 0 – 0
20 – 0 - 0
308 – 0 – 0 [? 306?]
23 – 0 – 0
5–0–0
75 – 0 – 0
496 – 0 - 0
[Moorhouse]
368
12th Jan 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
Regarding the Gazette notice of the 26th October stating that a Native boy had found a ten-pound note, and
the owner might have it on application to me, I have the honor to report that only one application has been
made but it does not satisfy me that the applicant is the owner.
A man of color named Edward Stepney is a Greenwich pensioner and had a day or two before the note was
found, lost a Bank of Australasia note; he got tipsy on the day he received it and on recovering his senses
found that he had lost the ten-pound note.
This is all the account I can give.
The Commissariat Clerk Mr Beddome informs me that he paid this said man Edwd Stepney a ten-pound Bank
of Australasia Bank note one or two days before the Native boy found one, but can give no account of the
date or number of the note – This is all the information I have gathered and as time sufficient has elapsed
(three months) for claimants to come forward I would respectfully enquire what I must do with the money.
[Moorhouse]
369
16th Jan 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your communication of yesterday requesting me to forward my quarterly report, without further
delay, I have the honor to state that I had determined to forward it on the 2nd Current and should have
carried into effect my determination had not the business of the Orphan Immigrants prevented me.
Since the15th of December, I have not had an average one hour a day that I could devote to the Aborigines
Department. I hoped to have completed the Orphan business [223] by the 31st December as there was a
Gazette Notice requesting parties who had orphans in their employ to execute the indentures by the 31st
December but up to this date only 62 parties have attended to the request and there are 142 indentures
prepared that have not been executed.
There is much more labour connected with this Orphan Immigration than could have been anticipated. The
Colonists do not readily come forward to bind their apprentices because the girls themselves generally object
and there appears to be an advantage in the indenture. If an Orphan be bound by indenture and she refuse
to do her duty it costs the Master one pound to put the girl in jail; out of 32 that have left their situations only
one has taken the case into Court. The girls are becoming aware of this and will break the conditions of an
indenture with as much coolness as if it were but waste paper. Instead of the parties going into Court all
come to me as Secretary and my time is occupied with hearing complaints and adjusting differences. For the
sake of illustration, I may give to occupation of this day.
From ½ past 8 the time I attend the Depot till ½ past 11, I had five cases or Orphans leaving their situations –
Three were sent away at once to other situations – at 12 I attended the Resident Magistrate’s Court – a girl
was brought up for deserting her service – this case was not over till ½ past 2 – on returning to the Depot at 3
o’clock I found 2 other girls who had left their situations and seven unmarried females had arrived from the
“Samuel Boddington”. These cases all require immediate attention – they had to be rationed – fire wood and
cooking utensils immediately on arrival. The part of the business however which consumes most time is that
of parties calling, wishing to see the girls and arrange about wages &c.
I find it impossible to do the work of the Orphans and the Aborigines single-handed. I thought the Orphan
part would by this time have been over but it increases every day – girls leave their places – their wages are
unpaid, and their boxes left behind and the number of letters I have to write for wages and boxes is very
considerable – If His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor would allow me the assistance of a Clerk for one
month, I should be able to have the business in good working order; the funds for Immigrants would afford it,
as there are [224] upwards of £ 400 unexpended.
In case another cargo of orphans should arrive, I am afraid I could not undertake to prepare the indentures, I
really could not get through them unless I had assistance and His would probably not object to have them
either prepared for execution or allow a Clerk to do them in my office.
I hope I shall be able to forward my report upon the Aborigines Department during next week.
[Moorhouse]
370
24th January 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose the correspondence relating to the account for amputating the arm of the
Moorundee Native ?? The enclosure from Mr Scott gives the early history of the accident, but he does not
represent that the mortification was advancing so rapidly as to endanger the life of the boy. It appears to
have been the impression of all who saw the case, that it would have been unkind and cruel to have sent the
boy on to Town and Mr John Williams asked Dr. Pabst to take charge of the case. Dr Pabst’s account and
letter are enclosed No. 2 & 3as well as Mr Frederick Osswald’s the publican, for board and lodging, No. 4.
In consequence of the Lieutenant Governor’s Minute upon Mr Scott’s first letter {enclose No. 1) Mr Scott
wrote to Mr Williams and enclose No. 5 is the reply. Mr Williams declines paying the account and the Native
has no resources out of which he can satisfy the claim.
Under these circumstances it appears desirable that I should apply to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor
on behalf of the Native and ask for this claim to be met out of the funds of the Department. I must admit
that there was irregularity in private parties incurring the liability without proper authority, but the case is
much modified when the necessity for immediate aid is duly considered. The boy’s life was in immediate
danger and medical aid timely afforded saved it.
[Moorhouse]
371
25th Jan 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the contents of your letter to me of the 15th Current relating to the £10 note,
were communicated to Mr Edwd Stepney on the 16th. This day I have received a written application from Mr
Waler, Stepney’s Attorney, which I enclose for the Lieutenant Governor’s information. [225]
Mr Walker proposes that the note should be given up to Stepney and a guarantee would be given by himself
to return the amount in case an undoubted owner should be found.
It appears very probable that Stepney is the owner and in case a guarantee were given by Mr Walker, there
would be no injustice done to any undoubted owner that might afterwards be found.
[Moorhouse]
372
31st January 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your communication of the 29th Current, I have the honor to forward a return of all public
buildings connected with the Aborigines Department throughout the Province.
1st : Native School building on the Park Land, North Terrace, consisting of the following rooms:
1
1
5
2
2
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
2
1
3
2
[27]
nd
2 : Native Hospital
Male ward
Female Ward
1
Itch ward
2
Sleeping
Play
Store
Laundry
Scullery
Cooking
Washing
School (1 Large, 3 Small)
Mess
Wood house
Water Closets
Work shop
for the Schoolmaster
for the Matron
consisting of 5 rooms, namely:
for the Hospital Nurse but one of these is used as a Mess room for any
Inmates except those suffering from Itch.
[5]
[32 rooms in total]
The House in course of completion and intended for the Sub-Protector at Wellington can scarcely be said to
belong to the Department as it has not been given over by the Contractor.
[Moorhouse]
373
?? March 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 30th of January requesting me to visit the South Eastern district and to enquire
into a suspected murder of some Natives, I have the honor to report that I left Adelaide on the 7th of February
and arrived at Guichen Bay on the 19th. On the 21st I left the Bay accompanied by the Interpreter [226] of
the district, an adult Native guide and Corporal Burgon [Burgoyne?] of the Mounted Police.
On the 23rd, 40 miles from Guichen Bay, we procured a native who had seen a settler named Brown some
months before with a gun and on the same spot several Natives lying dead with wounds fresh and bleeding.
This Native took us to the spot where we found five holes in which had been deposited human bodies. On
searching the neighbourhood of the graves, we found fragments of human bones scattered in every
direction, faint tracks of Natives, one European and one horse – we continued our examination of the ground
for some time and discovered, about 80 paces from the graves, the remains of a fire amongst which were
portions of calcined human bones, native bags and mats.
It was evident that the bodies had been exhumed and burnt but there were remains sufficient to prove that
they were natives. The burning of the bodies has rendered it impossible to speak medically as to the cause of
death, but on the other hand it strengthens the convictions that guilt prompted such a proceeding.
The bones and other fragments were conveyed to Guichen Bay and left in charge of the police; they were
produced at the first hearing of the case before Captain Butler on the 1st Current.
Mr James Brown was charged with the offence on the 1st Current; he was remanded and is at present in
custody. It will take about a month to bring all the witnesses in the case to Guichen Bay; I arrived in Adelaide
on the ? Current.
10th March
Mem. Forwarded to Colonial Secretary upon Captain Butler’s requisition for Blankets and
Shirts.
Whilst at Guichen Bay Captain Butler spoke to me about these supplies and proposed 30 Shirts and 20
Blankets – making a total of 50 articles – The Natives of the Murray from Moorundee and upwards as far as
the Rufus have only 50 Blankets allowed yearly and there are more than four times the number in that
district than in the Guichen Bay district; Blankets are decidedly more useful to the Natives than Shirts and 20
would be a fair proportion to the supplied allowed for the other Stations.
12th March
Mem. Forwarded to CS upon Captain Butler’s application for a Native School at Guichen Bay
dated 12th Feb.
I entered fully into this subject with Captain Butler during my recent visit to Guichen Bay and on carefully
calculating the probable attendance we could not say that more than an average of 20 Children could be
procured. My own impression is that this average could not be kept up after the novelty of the School had
passed away. The prospects do not appear sufficiently encouraging to justify me in recommending the
Government to commence a School.
Mem. Upon Captain Butler’s letter enclosing a letter from Mr Smith applying for appointment as
schoolmaster at Guichen Bay.
The cost or erecting a suitable school building would be considerable – The walls and roof would cost at least
£ 200.
Beds and bedding £ 40 and each child 3/- per week for food.
To the above expense, there would have to be added the Schoolmaster’s salary.
I feel some little hesitation in offering even a word which would tend to retard any project intended for the
good of the Natives but the probable attendance of children at Guichen Bay would I fear bear a low
proportion to the expense incurred.
[Moorhouse]
374 [227]
21st March 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
1, I have to report that a Port Lincoln Native was subpoenaed as a witness in a case which came before the
Supreme Court last week. The Natives are not allowed mileage as other witnesses, I have therefore the
honor to apply for permission to pass the account for his passage from Port Lincoln to Adelaide and back
again.
2, The Native Kamballa charged with murdering a Native woman was discharged, I would also apply for
authority to send him back to his own district.
[Moorhouse]
375
21st March 1849
His Honor the Acting Judge
Sir,
An instance of irregularity having occurred in your Court on Monday the 19th Current, it appears to be my
duty to report the party.
When Mr Schuurmann applied for his allowance for attending as Interpreter to the Port Lincoln Natives, the
Crier of the Court, Brooks, asked for a fee and aid he was entitled to one and it was usual for parties to give
him one – Mr Schurmann inquired how much and Brooks replied what he thought proper – Mr Schurmann
gave him half a crown. This is the first time I ever heard of a fee being demanded on the Criminal side of the
Supreme Court by any officer on his own account.
[Moorhouse]
376
22nd March 1859
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to apply for the usual authority to procure the Blankets for the customary distribution to the
Aborigines at the various outstations on Her Majesty’s Birth day, the 24th May next.
The following has been the allowance for several years past and it appears to meet the present
requirements:
Adelaide district
Moorundee
Port Lincoln
Wellington
50 Blankets
50
50
30
Encounter Bay
Mount Remarkable
Guichen Bay Authority
Mount Gambier
[TOTAL]
20 Blankets
10
Already recd for 20
20
230
[Moorhouse]
377 [228]
28th March 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In the estimates of Receipts and Expenditure of the Colonial Government for the year ending 31 st March
1851, I observe £ 150 allowed for an assistant Protector at Wellington and I have the honor to invite the
attention of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to the subject in order that I may be furnished with
instructions.
His will have heard that the Corporal of Police, Mr Samuel [George?] Mason, has been highly recommended
for the appointment and I am happy to be able to support the recommendation from having known Mr
Mason for upwards of nine years.
In case Mr Mason should receive the appointment, he may wish to be informed of his duties, with whom to
communicate and to whom to report &c; instructions were given to Mr Scott upon this subject in a letter
dated 9th January 1847 – I would respectfully recommend the additions to these instructions, of a yearly
report to be made as well as special ones upon every matter connected to the Aborigines.
Instructions for Sub-protector Mason stationed at forwarded 13th April 1849
1st Your district will extend as far as the Wellington dialect is understood and within this district you are
required to become acquainted with the Natives – to visit them and act a friendly part towards them – to
ascertain as nearly as possible their numbers and keep a Registry of the births and deaths and make yourself
acquainted with their language.
2nd You will have personally to inquire into all disputes arising between the Natives and Europeans and report
especially upon all cases of importance coming under your notice – and use every exertion to pro mote and
maintain good understanding between them and the settlers.
3rd You are to forward to this office during the last week in December of each year an annual report of the
Natives in your district giving as much statistical information as you are able – including number of Natives
living with Europeans – Services rendered to the Europeans.
4th Keep a detailed journal of all your proceedings. [229]
?? memorandum upon the Lieutenant Governor’s minute regarding the expense of an inquest held upon a
Native shot by a settler at Port Lincoln.
The circumstances under which this expense was incurred are given in the depositions of Mr Symes affixed to
Mr Driver’s quarterly report (enclosed). I find that Mr Driver is the Coroner of the Port Lincoln district with
instructions to the effect that he is entitled to the usual coroner’s fees.
My reply has been delayed in consequence of my endeavouring to devise less expensive and equally
satisfactory means of arriving at the same information in future”
[Moorhouse]
378
May 1st 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The Government Resident at Port Lincoln has reported to me that the supply of flour for the Natives of that
district is exhausted and another supply is required for the distribution on the next full moon; I have
therefore the honor to apply for authority to procure from the contractor one ton of flour and forward the
same in the “Yatala” about to proceed to Port Lincoln.
[Moorhouse]
379
May 1st 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I am informed that the “Yatala” is under orders to proceed to Port Lincoln and as I am desirous of visiting
Yorke’s Peninsula with a native Interpreter, I have the honor to apply to His Excellency the Lieutenant
Governor for permission for the “Yatala” to leave me and the Native at Oyster Bay on the Western side of
the Gulf, on her voyage to Port Lincoln.
[Moorhouse]
380
16th May 1849
Minute upon an account sent by Mr Driver for holding an inquest upon a Native shot by a European at Port
Lincoln.
This case was a Native who was shot by a European in self-defense – I find on enquiry at the Colonial
Secretary’s Office that the Government Resident has instructions to the effect that he will be paid mileage for
inquest. In cases like the present, it does not necessarily follow that an inquest should be held over the body;
the party who shot the Native at once communicated the fact and should similar cases happen it would be
less expensive and I think considered equally satisfactory for the nearest magistrate to take the statements
upon oath – Several instances have occurred since I have been connected with the Natives in which
depositions taken before a magistrate were deemed sufficient – This procedure however has only been
sanctioned in cases free from ambiguity.
[Moorhouse]
381 [230]
Undated, unaddressed: memorandum to Colonial Secretary ?
I have deferred reply to this minute until I had seen parties from the Murray and Wellington to ascertain the
rate at which land is letting. I find that Mr Haywood is giving only at the rate of £ 1 per 00 acres, which is
lower than his offer for the Native Sections. Mr Giles, the Manager of the South Australian co., informs me
that he lets land at Wellington at the rate of £ 1 for 100 acres. This is also lower than the price offered by
Messrs Cooke and Wark.
I am of opinion that the tenders of Messrs Holthouse, Newland, Field & Lorimer are as high as can be
procured for the respective sections for a seven years’ lease as they are only required to claim rights of
pasturage in the different hundreds.
[Moorhouse]
382
18th May 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
1 The approach of the 24th May, Her Majesty’s Birth day, leads me to apply for the usual authority for the
food to be distributed to the Aborigines - From the number of Natives in the neighbourhood of Adelaide I
think 1000 lbs of best bread and 500 lbs of roast beef will be required.
2, I saw yesterday Mr Donald Gollan, the individual who has supplied the Wellington station for three years
with flour and he will engage to deliver at Wellington 2 tons of flour before the Queen’s Birth day at the
Contract Price in town namely £ 10 per ton. Mr Sub-protector Mason recommends that the monthly
distribution should be discontinued and what remains of the two tons should be given to the sick about his
Station in quantities of 2 lb per diem for each invalid.
3, I cannot at present recommend any flour for the Encounter Bay Natives. A fortnight ago they came to
Adelaide and in spite of all remonstrance and advice, attacked the Murray natives with spears, intending to
drive them from Adelaide – Had it not been for the interference of the Mounted Police there [231] would
have been eight to ten lives lost. I would respectfully recommend that the Corporal in charge of the
Encounter Bay station should be informed that the flour has been withheld in consequence of that tribe
having come up to Town and commenced an attack upon the Murray Tribe in the immediate neighbourhood
of Adelaide.
[Moorhouse]
383
19th May 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have to report that Mr. Sub-protector Scott has reported that the supply of flour at Moorundee will not last
over the winter months and he suggests that a ton should be forwarded before the roads become
impassable; I have therefore the honor to apply for permission to procure from the Contractor the above
quantity and forward it at once to Moorundee.
[Moorhouse]
384
10th May 1849
Chief Protector [Robinson?]
Port Philip
Sir,
Your communication of the 23rd March requesting to be favoured with details relative to the management or
working of the Adelaide Native School , reached me on the 7th Current – Your letter being an official one,
required the sanction of the Lieutenant Governor which was immediately given on application.
Your application is expressed in very general terms which leads me to the conclusion that you wish to be
furnished with a full account of our Establishment. I give this under the following heads – 1, The Building - 2.
The Officers connected with it – 3rd Moe of procuring the attendance of Children – 4th Instructions imparted
and 5th cost per annum for each child and 6th the results.
1st, the building can accommodate 150 boarders and consists of
5 Sleeping rooms – 2 Play Do – 2 Stores - 1 Laundry [232] - 1 Scullery – 1 Cooking – 1 Washing – 4 School
(1 large and 3 small) – 1 Mess – 1 Wood shed – 2 Water Closets - - 1 Work Shop – 3 for the Schoolmaster – 2
for the Matron.
There is a Hospital about 400 yards from the School buildings consisting of 5 rooms, namely –
1 male ward – 1 female ward – 1 Itch ward – 2 for the Nurse, but one of these is used as a Mess room for all
inmates except those suffering from the Itch.
2nd, The Officer engaged in conducting the Establishment are a Schoolmaster and Mistress, a Matron and
House Maid or Hospital Nurse.
The Schoolmaster lives upon the premises and has the entire charge of the Children – The Schoolmistress
instructs the Girls in Sewing and with their assistance makes shirts and trowsers for the boys and the frocks
and chemises for the girls.
The Matron has charge of the Stores, superintends the cooking and has to keep the building in order.
House Maid lives in the Hospital and has charge of the Sick – she has to superintend the washing of the
clothes and to keep them on proper repair –
3rd, The Children’s attendance is procured in various ways – some will come into the School because they
prefer a regular supply of food to an irregular one and especially in the winter season – others are sent by the
parents on condition that they receive a blanket for three months attendance and others again are sent by
the police if found begging about town – No healthy adult is entitled to receive a blanket on the Queen’s
Birth day unless they have a child in the School. [233]
4th, Plan of instruction adopted in the School is that of the British and Foreign School Society – with the
younger children, the Infant School system as far as we are able - The mornings are occupied with reading,
writing, arithmetic, geography and other mental exercises, and the afternoons with manual labour – the boys
in digging the garden, or cutting fire wood and the girls in making garments under the Schoolmistress’
charge.
5th, The cost per annum for each child is about £ 10.5.0 – this includes food, clothing, instructions and all
furniture, stationery &c
6th, Results – These have not been very satisfactory – we have had the School in operation nine years.
Thirty two boys and 42 girls – a total of 74, have been educated, that is, have been taught to read the Bible,
to write, and to go through the common rules of Arithmetic as well as to sew and dig but every child, on
arriving at puberty, went into the bush – the boys to be initiated into the Secrets of Manhood and the girls to
live with their husbands – on the boys attaining the age of about 14 they were put out to trades and the
following were tried:
2, Tanners
4, Blacksmiths
6, Joiners
4, Messengers to the public offices
4, Gardeners
2, to man the Harbourmaster’s boat
2, as Sailors
The tanners worked steadily 18 months
1 Blacksmith for about 2 years
2, Joiners – 14 months
4, messengers upwards of 2 years
2, Gardeners – 18 months
2, at Harbourmaster’s boat 6 months
2, Sailors, one voyage to Van Diemen’s Land and the other ran away.
[234]
We attempted to marry the boys and girls as they arrived at puberty and intended to assign to each couple a
separate room in the Establishment – this we think would have inclined them to settle – The boys would have
procured a livelihood in Town and the girls would have been under strict superintendence to keep the room
in order – we failed however in the marriage affair – the Colonial Chaplain could not do it as they were not
baptised and the Deputy Registrar could not do it without the consent of the parents as they were all minors
– We hope still to make a trial of the affair – the Bishop of Adelaide [Augustus Short ?] has considered the
subject and is disposed to overcome the difficulty.
I may mention in conclusion that only one child who has been in the School has been charged with theft
during the nine years.
[Moorhouse]
385
26th May 1849
Mr Sub-protector Mason
Wellington
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose for your information an extract No. 2 of a letter from the Colonial Secretary to me
dated 21st May /49.
[Moorhouse]
386
26th May 1849
The Commissioner of Police
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose an extract No. 3 of a letter from the Colonial Secretary to me dated 21 st May
which you will be kind enough to forward to the Corporal in charge of the Encounter Bay Station.
[Moorhouse]
387
9th June 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The enclosed letter from George Murray I have the honor to forward for the information of His Excellency the
Lieutenant Governor. The man named Murray was married to an Aboriginal Native girl on the 14th of last
May and he is desirous of having a Section of Land upon which the Government will allow him to settle and I
would recommend that he be allowed 80 acres for the purpose at the three springs as proposed in his letter.
The conditions upon which Thos Adams who married a Native girl, were allowed, a Section are the following
[235]
1st, The Section is placed in trust for the benefit of the girl;
2nd, the husband is not allowed to sell or sublet any part of it and if there be any children, the land to be given
to them if the Govt think proper to do so on the decease of the Mother.
[Moorhouse]
388
19th June 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that my attendance at the Supreme Court was this morning dispensed with – and
have nothing to prevent my going over to Port Lincoln. From what I hear of the duties there, it will be almost
impracticable to perform them without a horse and the small trading cutters are not sufficiently spacious to
take over a horse. The Government Resident informed me when in Town that the horses in Port Lincoln were
all knocked up in consequence of so many volunteer parties having been out in pursuit of Natives and no
horse in condition could be procured; under these circumstances I would respectfully apply to go in the
“Yatala” in her next trip to Port Lincoln.
[Moorhouse]
389
21st June 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that several applications have been made to me, by parties wishing to rent Section
2038 in District A, Hundred of Adelaide. Tenders were invited for the above Section a few days ago and [I]
observe that the property is suffering from not having a tenant – the fence is being removed, brought to
Town and sold for fire wood. Under these circumstances I would recommend that tenders be invited for the
rental of the above Section.
[Moorhouse]
390
Undated: end June 1849?
Memorandum in the poisoning case at Port Lincoln
I have this day seen the Advocate General upon the subject of Natives supposed to have been poisoned and
both are of opinion that it will be difficult to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion as to the cause of death.
Inspector Tolmer [236] reports that he found bodies of two Native boys lying upon a Stony range without
any appearance of Camp or fire and near one of the bodies a piece of rag which appeared to have been used
for mixing a damper upon – it would be desirable to procure that rag and ascertain whether arsenic were
present.
I understand from Mr Schurmann that there are some Natives surviving who were ill from eating some kind
of food at Mr Mortlock’s Station; when the excitement at Port Lincoln has subsided a little, these Natives may
be seen and their Statements heard - I will make every effort to see them during my visit.
[Moorhouse]
391
Port Lincoln, 16th July 1849
Colonial Secretary?
Sir,
I have the honor to report that I arrived in Port Lincoln here in the “Yatala” on the 9th Current. I found the
following Natives in Custody of the Police committed upon various charges:
Pulluringer
Nintalta
(a boy)
Ngalta
Korlo
Putarpinye
(an old man)
(woman)
(woman)
charged with the murder of Mrs Eastern – these
were captured by Mr Tolmer’s party
Yarngalta
Yabmanna
Wirao
Yalluma
Winnulu
(male dult)
(woman)
(woman)
(boy)
(boy)
These are charged with
robbery and violence; they were
captured by Mr Horne’s party
at the time they attacked
the Station.
(a boy)
Charged with murdering Mr Beevor
these were captured by a Shepherd named Young
The two following are to be brought before the government Resident this morning at 10 o’clock and will be
most probably committed for the murder of a shepherd named Hamp in June 1848.
Malgatta
Maingalta
Taken by
the police
The detachment of police under Mr Tolmer’s direction has been particularly active and I may say [237]
[has] been the means for restoring the district to a state of peace and confidence – The settlers all feel
satisfied that an effectual check has been put upon the aggressions of the Natives and the innocent Natives
themselves express their satisfaction at the proceedings of the Europeans. There are still about five of the
guilty at large and will probably be taken in a few weeks.
The damper cloth mentioned in Mr Tolmer’s report upon the poisoning case, was found on Wednesday last
and is at present in the Station. On inquiry upon the spot, I find that the Statement in my quarterly report
that the poisoning took place previous to the murder of Mr Beevor and Mrs Eastern {?} I took the surgeon’s
deposition as my guide – he was examined on the 4th of June and (I speak from memory now) I thought,
stated that the bodies had been dead 21 days and not more – meant that the bodies had been dead 21 days
when he found them, namely on the 18th of May.
On Thursday next, I proceed with Mr Tolmer and the Interpreter, Mr Schurmann, to the outstations on the
Western Coast, about 120 miles from the Township.
[Moorhouse]
392
Native School Establishment
4th July 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that in obedience to your instructions of the 30 th of June, I have handed over to
the Commissioner of Crown Lands the charge of all Aboriginal Reserves in this Province and furnished him
with a list of all the reserves, names of lessees, amount of rent tendered and the numbers and localities of
the reserves still unlet.
[Moorhouse]
393
4th July 1849
Commissioner of Crown Lands
Sir,
I have the honor, by direction of His Excellency the Governor, to hand over to you the charge of all the
Aboriginal Reserves in this province, with a list of the same, - names of the lessees – amount of rent tendered
for each and the numbers and localities of the Reserves still unlet – The terms of the leases are given in the
Government Gazette of the 22nd of March.
[Moorhouse]
[238]
394
17th August 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that I have this morning seen Inspector Berkley and Sergeant Major McCullock and
they inform me that they will not have their arrangements made until tomorrow afternoon, to start for
Yorke’s Peninsula. I am satisfied that the police will not be able to come to much in contact with the natives
of that district unless they have food to distribute amongst them. After the death of the two recently
reported, the natives will naturally be afraid of approaching the Europeans; and the Europeans after having
two of their number killed will repel rather than encourage further intercourse with the Natives. The police
under these circumstances are the best fitted for inviting communications with the Natives and I would
respectfully enclose a requisition for flour for His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor’s approval. If the flour
be allowed it could be taken over with us in the “Yatala”.
[Moorhouse]
395
17th August 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I beg to report that no tenders have been received in reply to the call for the Aborigines Department, dated
2nd July last, and respectfully apply for authority to purchase the articles by private contract.
[Moorhouse]
396
17th August 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I beg to report that there are at present in Gaol four Native boys from the Port Lincoln district – two,
Pulluringer and Nintalta, are charged with being concerned in the murder of Mr Beevor, but the evidence
against them is very slight – the other two, Yalluma and Winnulu, are implicated in the robbery at Mr
Horne’s station but as boys they cannot be considered so guilty as their seniors, under whose direction they
were evidently acting. The boys would be better employed [239] in school and being brought into contact
with the other school children than in Gaol and I would respectfully apply for them to be placed in school
until the Sessions, and I would undertake to produce them before the Supreme Court at the proper time.
[Moorhouse]
397
17th August 1849
Commissioner of Crown Lands
Sir,
In the Gazette notice for tenders for the Aboriginal Reserves, I observe Section 1078, at Wellington, is offered
– The Sub-protector’s house is upon this Section and I think it would be desirable to withdraw the Section
altogether. If you are of the same opinion, would you have the kindness to omit it in the next notice.
[Moorhouse]
398
17th August 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have to report that during my visit at Kangaroo Island, I witnessed the painful sight of a father and six
children being in a stater verging on starvation.
The man is a German named Gottlieb Christian who has lived on the Island 11 years – he is a tailor by trade
but has been unwell for the last two years – three months ago his wife died of starvation and left six
children, the youngest of which was 8 months old – since the death of the mother the youngest child has
become diseased and rickety – and will soon die unless put under more liberal diet – I wished very much to
bring them to Town but as I had already incurred the responsibility of taking on board the suffering relations
of Mr Oliver, I did not like to put this man and family on board.
I had on £ 1 of money upon me which I gave to the poor man and gave instructions for a neighbour to supply
the family until they could be sent to Town and I would discharge the account. P.C. Keech gave the man 10/-.
To bring this family to Town, would cost about £ 4 but as he cannot raise this sum I promised to apply to His
Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to allow the “Yatala” to call for them when returning from Rivoli Bay.
I infer that the “Yatala” will shortly be taking a survey party to the Mount Gambier district, as I have seen a
notice in the Gazette from the Surveyor General that a party will be in that district on or before the 1st of
Sept.
[Moorhouse]
[240]
399
17th August 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
1, I have the honor to report that I returned last evening in the “Yatala” from Kangaroo Island, having called
there to inquire into the cause of the death of the late Chas. Oliver.
2, I took the statements upon oath of the shepherd and two respectable neighbours from which it appears
that Mr Oliver shot himself and most probably intentionally so.
I inquired of all the neighbours and their impression is that he was greatly distressed about the shot he had
accidentally received five days before – he was afraid he would lose his leg and that preyed very much upon
his spirits.
3, On the Sunday morning ,a brother and brother-in-law of the deceased Mr Oliver were at the Port
[Adelaide], anxious to accompany me and be present at the inquiry. Captn Lipson was at Church and I could
not obtain his permission and as no other vessel was likely soon to call at the Island, I thought I should not be
incurring too great a responsibility in taking the brothers of the deceased down with me in the “Yatala”.
They went down with me, were present at the investigation and were satisfied that no second party was
implicated in this distressing affair.
[Moorhouse]
400
30th August 1849
Commissioner of Crown Lands
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 25th Current, inquiring if there are other Aboriginal Reserves Sections than those
contained in my list enclosed on the 7th Current, I have the honor to start that I know of none.
Regarding the Section 2039 formerly leased to Landmead, I imagine there had been a mistake in copying the
number – I think the number 2038 was intended for Landmead’s – The Section however is open, not being
legally occupied by any one ; Langmead’s lease expired with the rest.
[Moorhouse]
[241]
401
6th September 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose a communication from Mrs Russell, the Matron to the Native School, resigning
her situation on account of ill health. This causes a vacancy not only in the situation of Matron but that of
the Matron’s husband – The husband has been in the receipt of a ration for about three years for
whitewashing the building and effecting such repairs as required immediate attention. He undertook to give
not less than eight days per quarter and as much more as circumstances might require.
If His Excellency the Governor should not have a person whom he would wish to appoint, I would respectfully
recommend that the Destitute Board should be permitted to appoint some widow who might be considered
fitted for the situation, and the husband of Mrs Hill (the Hospital nurse) have the ration for whitewashing and
repairing the premises.
[Moorhouse]
402
18th September 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose two applications for flour for the Aborigines – One from Mr Sub-protector Scott
and the other from the Sub-protector at Wellington. The supplies for Moorundee have hitherto been
procured from the Contractor in Town, but those for Wellington, have generally been supplied by Donald
Gollan and delivered at Wellington at the Contract price in Town. I would respectfully apply to His Excellency
for permission to supply one ton to each place.
[Moorhouse]
403
18th September 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that at the commencement of last month I returned from Port Lincoln in the
“Petrel’ and incurred an expense of £ 2 in passage money. I have hitherto paid my own expenses by sea, out
of my horse allowance when I visited a locality by vessels rather than on horseback, but in returning from the
above place, I had no alternative and would apply to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to allow the
payment of the expenses of passage.
[Moorhouse]
[242]
404
20th September 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose a communication from Mr Plumstead, a gentleman who is desirous of
commencing a Singing Class and who would undertake to teach the Native children in the Schoolroom on
condition that he might at the same time be permitted to have Europeans. I know of no objection to this
proposition being granted, but on the contrary the Schoolmaster and myself feel that it would be a decided
advantage to the Native Children.
Mr Plumstead, I am informed, would advertise for European pupils provided His Excellency the Lieutenant
Governor would not object to his doing so and commence the Classes forthwith.
[Moorhouse]
405
28th September 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
As the “Yatala” did not visit Rivoli Bay, and consequently could not bring the Destitute family, referred to in
my letter of the 17th Ulto., from Kangaroo Island, I have the honor to apply for His Excellency the Lieutenant
Governor to sanction the engagement of some coasting craft to call on a return trip from Guichen Bay or Port
Lincoln.
The harbour master is in daily contact with the coasting vessels and would be able to engage one to call in at
Kingscote for the above purpose.
[Moorhouse]
406
8th October 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The results of the trials at the late Criminal Sittings of the Supreme Court, suggests to me the desirability of
addressing His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor upon the sentence of death, passed on Nintalta, Kulgatta,
Maingalta and Mangalta.
Nintalta and Kulgatta were charged with the murder of Mr James Beevor and found guilty – Regarding these
two I would wish to remark, that Kulgatta throughout the trial admitted his guilt, but declared to the
Interpreter, Mr Schurmann, that Nintalta took no part whatever in the affair and did not countenance or
sanction the attack either directly or indirectly – English law renders a person guilty if present, as aiding and
abetting, but the native usages do not, unless actually assisting with blows [of] a [243] weapon to produce
death – This Nintalta had for some months been fed and clothed by Mr Beevor and was living at his Station
and there is nothing to cause one to think that he would co-operate in proceedings which would certainly
take away his supplies. From knowing something of Native habits, I can attach great importance to the
statement of Kulgatta – he was told by Mr Schurmann that he would most probably have to suffer and had
Nintalta shared in the crime, Kulgatta, I am satisfied would not have declared him to be innocent. The
inference is that he would have rejoiced rather than otherwise to have an associate in his sufferings.
I was in court during the trial of these four unfortunate Natives and must conscientiously declare my
conviction, that had they been Europeans, the juries would not from the evidence produced have brought
them in guilty.
In the 1st place – the chief evidence against them was given by Natives, a kind of evidence which a few days
before had been rejected as dangerous and unsatisfactory when given against Europeans.
2nd, The next evidence in importance was by the Corporal of police as being admissions of the prisoners
whilst in charge of the Police – I would hope that His Excellency will reject their evidence altogether for to do
otherwise would be taking advantage of the ignorance of the Natives, regarding our laws. Corporal Geharty
spoke professedly in the Native tongue and a very unsatisfactory speaking it was to anyone acquainted with
language – a substantive was used for a verb and a possessive for a personal pronoun – These Natives had
seen very little of Europeans, some of them only a few times, and I would with seriousness say that they
could not understand such broken phraseology and yet the Corporal gave in evidence what he considered to
be the answers to his broken unintelligible questions – Mr Schurmann the Interpreter said in court that the
Natives could not understand the phrase. Had they been Europeans, the admission would not have been
made, consequently in fairness should not be used against the Natives supposing them to be true.
A most disadvantageous position in which Natives are placed appears in the prejudicial feeling existing in the
minds of juries – This prejudice was forcibly displayed in the minds of jurors during the late trials. On one
occasion after His Honor the Judge had directed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty – one juror had the
injudiciousness to maintain [244] a feeling contrary to the direction and before he would yield had to be
told by the Judge that to return a verdict contrary to the evidence, would be deemed murder and His Honour
felt bound, in discharging his duties, to advise them of the danger of their position.
The poor Natives meet with little sympathy or compassion before tribunals composed entirely of white men
– I am informed that only two of the Grand Jury possessed favourable feelings towards them and before His
Excellency and the Executive Council decide upon the fate of the condemned prisoners, I would respectfully
entreat that these facts my suggest a lenient and merciful procedure. If mercy and forbearance be not
entertained by this, the final tribunal and such evidence, I must say that I shall have some difficulty in
believing the declaration that the Natives enjoy the protection of the British Law.
[Moorhouse]
407
20th Oct 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
During my recent visit to Port Lincoln I had several conversations with the three Magistrates of the district
upon the subject of executing the Natives now under sentence of death and I have the honor to enclose their
opinions for the information of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor.
They all agree that in case any Native should have the sentence of the Law carried into effect, that it would
tend to check future outrages, if the execution took place upon the spot where the murder was committed.
[Moorhouse]
408
27th October 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In obedience to the Minute of His Excellency the Governor, I have the honor to report upon the observations
presented by the Grand Jury to the Court at the last Criminal sittings.
Regarding the Statement of the Grand Jury “expressing their belief that previous to these melancholy events
of murder of, and by the Aborigines, the district in which they [245] occurred were not sufficiently under
police control, or the oversight of an officer, whose humane duty it is to protect the savage and to guard the
settlers from the incursions of the Natives.”
The districts here referred to at Port Lincoln and Yorke’s Peninsula.
In reference to the Port Lincoln district, I may observe that there are about 400 Europeans and these in that
locality at their various stations are brought into contact with about 200 Aborigines – 4 Police Constables
have been stationed there for the last 3 years, but during the last two years, the sheep stations have been
extended along two narrow coast lines, that to the Westward for 130 miles, and that to the Eastward about
50 miles.
In November 1844, it was thought desirable to increase the Police force and form two additional Stations,
one in the West and the other on the East Coast. But the late Commissioner of Police was prevented doing
so by funds not being at his disposal. As soon however as the financial year commenced (April 1st) which I
believe provided funds for additional police, the Port Lincoln district received immediate attention and
before the murder of Mr Beevor and Mrs Eastern an additional force of 4 men had been granted – This
increased force is there now and is quite sufficient to afford protection to both the black and white
population.
On Yorke’s Peninsula there are from 70 to 80 Europeans and 150 Natives – one half of the latter live in the
scrub and the other half on portions occupied by the settlers. It was never contemplated to fix a permanent
police force here as it has not been practicable to afford a detachment for every 80 Europeans and 75
Natives. In January 1848, I was on the Peninsula and on my return recommended His Excellency Col. Robe to
send a detachment for 18 months as all the Natives would by that time be known and our laws fully
impressed upon their minds. There were however at that time other localities in which Europeans and
Natives were much more numerous and whose demands for protection were much more urgent.
It does not altogether depend upon the amount of Police protection afforded to a district whether the
Natives are quiet or not. If the Settlers are injudicious in exposing their property and the shepherds
determined to hold intercourse with the women [246] the latter of which happened at Yorke’s Peninsula
as reported in the case of Armstrong and which I believe would have happened if Police had been on the
Peninsula, it is impossible to prevent collision. I am of opinion that the force stationed there at the present is
capable of giving efficient protection to Europeans and Natives.
I may in conclusion observe that for several years past there have been districts, destitute of police forces in
which natives are more numerous than at Port Lincoln or Yorke’s Peninsula and no serious collisions have
taken place. I allude to the Coorong – the Tatiara Country and the Upper Murray. The Coorong supports
upwards of 300 Natives and as it is the main road between Port Philip and Adelaide is much frequented by
travellers, and there are innumerable instances of solitary individuals sleeping amongst groups of Natives and
for the last five years nothing has happened to one or the other. I have heard of nothing of a serious nature
between the Europeans and Natives from that part of the Tatiara Country at which a Police Station has just
been formed – the station was required to keep the white population at peace with each other – The Upper
Murray supports about 500 Natives and there never was a station in this district – in seven years there has
only occurred one case of assault of a native upon a European and none of the Europeans upon the Natives
that have been reported to me – The Commissioner of Police states that a station is now in course of
formation at Ralral on the Upper Murray.
[Moorhouse]
409
2nd November 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have this day received a Memorandum from His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor requesting me to
forward a return of the flour distributions to the Aborigines at the outstations, during the last quarter. I am
not able to forward this return at present [247] as all have not yet been forwarded to the Commissioner of
Police.
Under the present regulations I shall never be able to embody these returns in my report, but in order that I
can do so, I would respectfully suggest that the Commissioner of Police be requested to have the returns
made up a month earlier than usual, namely at the end of the months of November, February, May and
August.
[Moorhouse]
410
3rd Nov 1849
Mr C.W. Schurmann
Port Lincoln,
Sir,
On my return from Port Lincoln, His Excellency the Governor went with me in detail into the subject of
commencing a school for the Native children there.
Your previous connection with the Natives as Missionary amongst them, and your present position as
Interpreter for the district, appear to point you out as the individual who ought to undertake it.
You are at present receiving from Government £ 50 per annum as Interpreter and if you would undertake the
school, I am authorised by His Excellency to state that an additional Sum of £ 50 would be added, making
your salary altogether £ 100. This sum however would only be given on the distinct understanding that you
ceased farming operations on your own account and gave your time exclusively to the duties of Interpreter
and to the instruction of the children. You expressed to me in conversation that you would like to keep a
couple of cows for domestic purposes. I can see no objection to this as attending cows would be as useful a
branch of education as any other.
[Moorhouse]
411
1st Nov. 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that during my last visit to Port Lincoln, I had several applications from the settlers
to be supplied with married Native couples as servants from the Adelaide district, I have this day been
informed that the “Yatala” is under orders to proceed to Port Lincoln on Saturday next and I would
respectfully apply for permission to forward six natives who have volunteered to go to that district and to
enter the service of the settlers.
[Moorhouse]
[248] 412
Nov. 1st 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
A few days ago I had an interview with the Lieutenant Governor and His Excellency expressed a wish for me,
for the future to embody in my general Quarterly reports, extracts from reports from the various remote
districts – as Guichen Bay, Port Lincoln, Wellington and the Upper Murray – To carry this out with regularity it
will be necessary to have reports from these districts prepared and forwarded once month before the end of
the usual quarter in order to reach me in time for the general report. I can procure those from the Upper
Murray and Wellington but it will be necessary for instructions to Captain Butler and Mr Driver to proceed
from your office.
[Moorhouse]
413
5th November 1849
Thos Adams
Your communication of the 20th of October, addressed to the Lieutenant Governor and a copy of which you
forwarded to me, has been laid before His Excellency and I am commanded in reply to state
1st , That there is no reserve made of the water made for the public in your section and you are at liberty to
fence in the swamp and charge for any use that the public may make of it – the rate of charge is left to
yourself.
2nd , There is a public road running across your section and if the bullocks on the ?mine?main road are liable
to trespass and injure your crops, you must either put up a substantial fence or impound the cattle.
[Moorhouse]
414
6th Nov. 1859
E.B. Scott Esq &
Mr Geo Mason
Sir,
I have to inform you that I have received instructions from the Lieutenant Governor to embody in my
quarterly reports for the future, extracts from reports from the various outstations in the Colony, [249]
Guichen Bay, Port Lincoln, the Murray and Wellington, upon the State of the Aborigines, and have to request
you henceforth to report quarterly upon the Natives of your district – In order that such reports may reach
me in time, you will have the goodness to make your quarters terminate on the 30 th of November, 28th of
February, 31st of May and August and transmit the reports without delay to my office.
[Moorhouse]
415
6th Nov. 1849
Hermann Kook Esq.
Surveyor
Post Office
Tanunda
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 24th Ulto., requesting to be informed if Sections 24 – 31 and 32 in the Hundred of
Moorooroo belong to the Aborigines, I have the honor to state that they have not been reserved for the
Natives, but are still I believe Government property and open for sale.
[Moorhouse]
416
6th Nov. 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to state that Mr White of Mt Remarkable has reported that the flour for distribution
amongst the Natives is exhausted and application made for another supply of one ton.
[Moorhouse]
417
15th Nov. 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 8th current requesting me to furnish dates of the issues of flour at Mt Remarkable and
of persons to whom it was issued, I have the honor to forward a copy of the last return:
Date
July 5th
Aug 4th
Sept 3rd
Adult
9
23
18
8
21
11
Children under 12
8
3
11
12
7
10
Total
28
67
46
[Moorhouse]
[250]
418
6th Dec. 1849
Mr Fredk Augustus Struve
Schoolmaster
Myponga
Sir,
In reply to your application dated 30th November, requesting me to give permission to you to marry a Native
girl, I beg to state that I have no authority to marry any girl contrary to her wish. Two Europeans have
married Native girls, but in both instances the girls expressed an attachment to their respective husbands. It
is usual for the Government to grant a Section of land to the girl when married but the land is never intended
to become the absolute property of the husband.
If you really wish to carry out your views, it will be necessary for you to gain the affections of a girl and when
this is done bring her up to Town and the affair will be settled.
[Moorhouse]
419
12th Dec. 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
We have the honor to enclose the statement made before us on the 10th Current relating to the fire which
occurred on the Native School premises on the 9th.
We have carefully examined all parties who first saw the fire but have not satisfactorily ascertained who was
the real cause of it. We are quite satisfied however that it was purely an accidental occurrence.
The difficulty in this case lies in the testimony given by Johanna Dounavan, an Irish orphan and John Hill, a
joiner living upon the establishment. The girl states that she saw Hill enter the workshop with a lighted pipe
and Hill pointedly denies having smoked that morning before the fire broke out –The girl states that she saw
a native boy who told [251] her the time by the clock, but she does not point out the boy – it could not be
a school boy as all the boys were in bed and locked up in their room. Inquiry has been made amongst the
boys who are living in the neighbourhood of the school, but none admit having seen the girl.
Had the boy been produced he would have said whether or not he saw Hill with a pipe before the fire broke
out and that would have cleared the point of difficulty. She however gives us no clue in describing the boy
and her statements are so general that we have some difficulty in believing them. We may observe also that
the girl’s statements do not always agree with Mrs Murphy’s.
In conclusion we may observe that no statements made before us, lead us in any way to attach blame or
suspicion to any of the destitute Irish who were on the premises – our impression is that Hill went to the
workshop for some chips to light his fire and a spark might have dropt from the pipe which ignited the
shavings.
[Signed]
A. Tolmer, Comm. of Police
M. Moorhouse, Prot of As
Chas Bonney, C. of C.L.
420
11th December 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the painful duty of reporting for the information of His Excellency the Governor, that on Sunday the 9 th
Current, the following portions of the Native School Establishment were destroyed by fire:
Matron’s sitting room
Matron’s bed room
Scullery
2- store rooms
2- Bed rooms
5- rooms occupied by destitute Immigrants
1 – work shop
1 – small Store closet
Partially destroyed but easily repaired:
2 – rooms occd by Schoolmaster
1 – office occd by Immign Agent
1 – office occd by protector of Abor.
1 – office occd by the destitute
[252] 1. Contained in the Store room and Work shop.
90 Pannicans
3 dozen knives & forks
4 carving knives
1 Steel 24 iron skewers
4 doz. Plates
8 Iron Meat Stands
4 do Spoons
15 scrubbing brushes
8 brooms
5 door mats
3 water casks
1 well bucket
4 washing tubs
6 water buckets
6 cooking dishes
2 swinging lamps
1 keg of paint
6 tin lamps
2 hand saws
1 cross-cut saw
1 axe
5 spades
2 Dressers
1 Carpenter’s bench
1 grind stone
2 guard beds
200 new narrow palings
5 boxes belonging to Irish Orphans
In Store and Laundry:
20 days Rations
10 Blankets
20 girls’ stuff capes
50girls’ dresses
30 chemises
1 boiler
2 tin buckets
2 oil cans
1 whitewash brush
2 knife boxes
2 soup ladles
1 Tormentor
1 knife board
2 water dishes
In Store Closet:
20 pr Canvas Trowsers 15 dresses (various)
24 Chemises
24 handkerchiefs
24 Red shirts
24 cloth shawls
3 Fustian jackets
1 pr drill trowsers
10 yards of calico
3 yds bleached
24 leathern belts
20 towels
3 yards towelling
4 pieces of striped shirting
1 piece of canvas
2 pieces of Merino
8 pieces of unbleached calico
10 yards of red serge 25 double blankets
I am sorry to state that I have not been able to ascertain the cause of the fire, but the Board appointed by His
Excellency the Governor to ascertain and report upon the origin of the fire has sat twice and will forward the
evidence taken with their report tomorrow.
[Moorhouse]
[253]
421
13th Dec. 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The destruction by fire of a number of rooms, at the Native School, as reported by me yesterday, has caused
me to address His Excellency the Lieutenant governor upon the subject of reparation.
I may observe that the building for the last six months has been occupied by newly arrived immigrants as well
as natives – the former had four and sometimes five of the rooms and the Natives 7. In applying therefore
for the reparation, of the Building, I only ask for such accommodation as will be required for the Native
Children. The following are what I would respectfully suggest:
2, rooms for the Matron
1, provision Store room
1, Sleeping room for native girls to accommodate 30
1, Scullery
2, rooms for the Schoolmaster which are partially destroyed
1, Office for the Immigration Agent
1, Office for the Protector of Aborigines
1, store room for clothes
The estimate for the above, will not I believe, be very heavy as there are bricks, doors and windows sufficient
to complete the whole and it will not be necessary to plaster any of the inside work.
I would strongly recommend a broad verandah on the North side of the building to shelter the children in the
rainy season.
[Moorhouse]
422
14th December 1849
Sub-protector Mason
Wellington
Sir,
Your report dated 5th Dec. reached me on the 8th and I am commanded by His Excellency the Lieutenant
Governor to thank you for it as being a very interesting and satisfactory one.
I am desired also to state that the twine applied for, to be distributed amongst the Coorong [254] Natives
will be forwarded after the lapse of sufficient time for having the requisition approved and the tenders for its
supply sanctioned.
You are requested to make known to the native who brought back the strayed sheep, that His was very glad
to hear of his good conduct and has ordered a suitable present to be made to him in the name of the
Lieutenant Governor as a reward for such conduct. You will probably have blankets in your possession
belonging to the Department, if so, present him with a single or double one at your option.
[Moorhouse]
423
17th December 1849
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
[I] have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter sent to Mr Schurmann of Port Lincoln regarding the
establishment of a School for the Aboriginal children of that district and Mr Schurmann’s reply to the same,
for the information of the Lieutenant Governor.
Mr Schurmann thinks that for the first year he might average about 20 children and each child would cost in
rations 3/- per week. The following is an estimate of the cost of the School for the 12 months:
20 Children at 3/- per week
£ 156 0
0
Cooking utensils, as boilers, iron pots, knives & forks and spoons
5 0
0
Blankets may be supplied out of our School (second hand) and
These would do for clothing during the 1st year
Stationery and Black board
3 0
0
2, forms might be sent from our School and
one desk – Freight for the above
2 0
0
£ 166 0
0
To these expenses would have to be added Mr Schurmann’s increased Salary.
[Moorhouse]
[255]
424
31st January 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 29th Current, No. 183/50, requesting me to inquire into the cause of the irregular
attendance of the Native boys at the Government Printing Establishment, I have the honor to state that I
have done so and find that the following reasons conjointly have produced the irregularity explained of –
1st , After the races, the adult Natives left Town and took all the boys from the School with the exception of
12 – the boys taken away were those chiefly attending the Printing Office;
2nd , The boys have always shown a particular reluctance to the Printing Office duty – they like to be engaged
in pairs and as a solitary one at a time has only been required there for duty Mr Ross could not persuade one
to attend regularly since the numbers have been so reduced – I am afraid we shall not be able to supply boys
before Mr Scott sends a number in from the Murray.
[Moorhouse]
425
2nd Feb. 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that an account is present lying in my office from Mr Fisher for defending native
prisoners. On referring to the estimate for 1850 I find that the item has been accidentally omitted. In the
estimate forwarded by me to your office in April last I applied for an allowance of £75 for this service and
would now respectfully repeat the application for the consideration of His Excellency the Lieutenant
Governor.
[Moorhouse]
426
2nd Feb. 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose for approval an account from Dr Wehl of Mount Gambier for attending some
Natives at the request of E. P. Sturt Esq., J.P. This account was received by me two months ago but I returned
it with a request that his authority should accompany it and the certificate of Mr Sturt has been affixed. Dr
Wehl reported verbally to me that the Natives were in charge of the Police.
[Moorhouse]
[256]
427
7th Feb 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to yours of yesterday, stating that the Lieutenant Governor had heard that Natives had been
employed by some settlers under a promise of remuneration which promises had not been fulfilled and
requesting me to state whether the Natives had complained to me, I have the honor to report that I have
seen a notice in a local paper stating that the settlers had not fulfilled their engagements with the Natives but
I have received no complaints from the Natives themselves of having received such treatment, neither do I
think the treatment to be general with the settlers.
The newspaper paragraph alluded to the Mt Barker district and I have written to Sub-protector Mason
requesting him to visit the Mt Barker, Macclesfield and Strathalbyn neighbourhoods to enquire personally
from the natives if there be any foundation in the reports – if so he is to endeavour to see the just claims of
the Natives satisfied and report for the information of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor.
[Moorhouse]
428
15th Feb. 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
Yesterday I had occasion to see the Advocate General on the subject of preparing a warrant for the discharge
from Gaol of two Natives named Mangalta and Maingalta.
Mr Quick called upon me a little while ago to state that it will be necessary to have instructions from your
Office before the warrant can be prepared, I have therefore the honor to apply for the issue of the
instructions as it has been agreed that the natives are to be discharged from Custody.
[Moorhouse]
[257]
429
2nd March 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In addition to the report upon the Orphans, I have the honor to invite the attention of His Excellency the
Governor to the evidence of Mrs Murphy, Matron to the Native School and others (enclosure No. 29 page
18). I have had to contend with this secret harbouring of orphans since Mrs Murphy entered her situation 5
months ago and now that the investigation is closed and she knew that the Depot was closed to my great
surprise she took in a girl on Tuesday night named Nora McDonald and supplied her with food and a night’s
lodging.
On speaking to Mrs Murphy yesterday upon the impropriety of doing so, she replied that she could not have
it on her conscience of having refused any girl a night’s lodgings. I have lately discovered that the Irish girls
have been in the habit of helping themselves from the Natives’ Stores and although I have repeatedly
forbidden them visiting Mrs Murphy’s premises I find that Mrs Murphy persists in encouraging them and will
continue to do so, in defiance of all instructions.
All the Editorial remarks made by Mr Stephens about the Depot, I have good reasons for believing were given
to him by Mrs Murphy. On the 15th February the Board assembled to consider the question of closing the
Depot and to my surprise, Mr Jno Stephens entered the room in a few minutes after the Board had
assembled. Mrs Murphy had despatched a messenger to inform Mr Stephens that she expected the Board
was continuing the inquiry regarding the behaviour of the girls and I suppose recommended him to be
present. It was not for Mrs Murphy to determine when Mr Stephens should be present; had it been
necessary the Board would have sent for him but they did not, therefore I consider it great indiscretion for
her to have done so.
There have been so many difficulties in dealing with the Irish Orphans and that when once upon the premises
I have found it almost impossible [258] to get them away. I would therefore respectfully recommend that
a change be made in the Office of matron. At present this situation has allowed £20 per annum, a ration, two
rooms and fire wood. I would recommend that Mrs Ross be requested to undertake the matron’s duties and
have the £ 20 allowed; this would be a saving to the Goverment of a ration, as Mrs Ross has a ration already
for her duties as Schoolmistress; it would also save one room and wood for one fire. It would be a slight loss
to Mrs Ross, as she would be compelled to keep an efficient servant at £ 14 or 16 per annum and the balance
between the wages and government salary would be the amount she would have for the servant’s rations.
[Moorhouse]
430
14th March 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
[Mr Moore’s certificate enclosed]
I have the honor to report that I this morning attended an inquest held at the Gaol upon the body of
Yarngalta a Port Lincoln native who died yesterday. This Native had been confined since July last and enjoyed
good health up to the commencement of February, he then began to lose his appetite and on the 4 th
[February?] was put under the Colonial Surgeon’s care.
Yarngalta died of general debility, induced by confinement and as there are two others in Gaol suffering in a
similar manner, it appears to be my duty to bring them under the notice of His Excellency the Governor. The
first is Tilpardnambi a Murray Native sentenced 12 months ago, to 8 months’ imprisonment for an assault;
this man is upwards of 60 years of age and confinement to the end of the term would in Mr Moore’s
language accelerate his death. I may venture to use a more pointed expression, and state that in my opinion
this Native cannot live six months longer in Gaol.
The other case is that of Bakilti, from Port Lincoln, sentenced in September last to 2 years imprisonment.
This case is similar in its nature [259] to Yarngalta’s; he is under medical treatment and if an improvement
should not take place, I will address you, when advised to do so by the Colonial Surgeon. The man is young
and was healthy and strong when committed.
I am supported in my application for Tilpardmanbi’s pardon by the Sheriff, whose opinion agrees with mine,
namely that the man’s life will be jeopardised by being confined to the end of his sentence.
[Moorhouse]
431
16th March 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to yours No. 288/50, 11th February, requesting a future report (upon the subject of Natives being
insufficiently remunerated for assistance rendered to the settlers in agricultural and other operations) when
in my power to render one, I have the honor to state that Subprotector Mason has visited the districts and
the enclosed is his report.
[Moorhouse]
432
16th March 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to apply for permission to draw from the Colonial Storekeeper 400 blankets for supplying
the outstations for distribution to the Natives on Her Majesty’s Birth day. The following allowances are
recommended:
Adelaide district
50
Moorundee
50
Wellington
50
Guichen Bay
50
Port Lincoln
50
Encounter Bay
20
Mt Remarkable
20
Mt Gambier
20
School children for the Winter
90
[Moorhouse]
433
22nd March 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The enclosed letter from Mrs Murphy I have the honor to forward for the consideration if His Excellency the
Lieutenant Governor. Before Mrs Murphy sent the enclosed to me, she spoke to me upon the subject
privately and I declined giving any reply.
[Moorhouse]
[260]
434
22nd March 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to yours No. 457/50 of 7th March, authorising the dismissal of Mrs Murphy, Matron to the Native
School and the appointment of Mrs Ross in her place, and requesting to be informed of the date on which
the change would be carried into effect in order that the Auditor General and the Colonial Treasurer might be
apprized, I have the honor to report that the 31st of the current month I would recommend the change to be
made, until this date I have delayed replying to your letter in consequence of the illness of Mrs Murphy’s
child, which illness terminated fatally a few days ago.
[Moorhouse]
435
22nd March 1850
Subprotector Mason
Wellington
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your quarterly report dated 4th March and am desired by His
Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to thank you for it as being interesting and satisfactory.
I am desired also to state that you will have the goodness to reward such instances of good conduct, as that
reported to have occurred, at McGrath’s Flat where a European’s life was saved through the kindness and
attention of the Natives. You are to reward them with flour and blankets as you think proper.
[Moorhouse]
436
2nd April 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
My annual requisition included 1000 slate pencils, but in forwarding my account I was informed that no call
for such a supply had been made and my account could not be passed. It appears to have been an accidental
omission; I have therefore the honor to apply for permission to purchase by private contract 300 at 1/6 per
100.
The 90 lbs of Twine for Natives’ nets was not tendered for and I would apply for authority to purchase it by
private contract; it can be procured at 2/2 per lb.
[Moorhouse]
437
4th April 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
Mr Sub protector Mason reports that two tons of flour will be required for distribution on Her Majesty’s Birth
day and for supplying the sick and infirm during the winter, I have therefore the honor of applying for
permission to procure the above quantity and to forward [261] it to the Wellington Station.
I would recommend that Mr Donald Gollan supply this flour as he undertakes to deliver it at Wellington at
the Contract price in Town, namely £ 10 per ton – this effects a saving of several pounds for carriage.
[Moorhouse]
438
6th April 1850
Commissioner of Police
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of yesterday’s date, enclosing copies of
Correspondence regarding the organisation of the Native Police Corps for this Colony.
I have occasionally seen notices of the performances of the Native Police in the Port Philip district but they
have appeared to me to be engaged solely at the remotest stations for capturing their fellow natives.
This I am inclined to think is the chief amount of service rendered to that department by the Natives.
The report required from me about our South Australian Natives leads me to state what I think the Natives
are not able to undertake and what they are.
They are not able to undertake the capturing of any European prisoner - Nor of serving summonses which
might require the delivery and date to be proved upon Oath – nor of taking charge of prisoners when in
custody - nor of prosecuting any inquiry to detect crime.
They are extremely useful at the outstations in tracking and assisting in the recovery of lost sheep or cattle
and in detecting Native offenders and they might probably in some instances take the place of a European as
at Yorke’s Peninsula where there are three men, possibly two and a Native might be sufficient and at a
Station like Willunga where there is only one man, a Native would be serviceable in taking charge of the
property when the P.C. is out on duty – They might also be made to act as orderlies about town or stable
assistants but I was informed by Captain Berkeley when speaking to him on the subject that there is not such
a person as stable keeper, engaged at the Barracks.
If you think you could employ some at your outstations, I could supply 8 or 10 intelligent boys who have left
the school and are able to read and write. There will as you are aware be some difficulty in securing their
regular attendance but I would recommend them to be sworn in according to ordinances for 12 months and
punished for non-fulfilment of duty.
[262]
I should like to know how far the Natives of Port Philip have really been serviceable to the Police Force and
would recommend a report to be required from that Colony. I feel satisfied that our School boys could soon
be brought as forward as those in Port Philip because the latter have not been reared in School as no school
to my knowledge has been in operation to any extent there.
[Moorhouse]
439
13th May 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 9th Current, calling my attention to the five Native prisoners at present in gaol and
desiring me if consistent with safety to take charge of them, I have the honor to state that the Natives are all
convicted and not admissible to bail, but if they were I could not guarantee to keep them at the Location.
The Native Koonkoo from Yorke’s Peninsula could not be kept 10 days.
Here is on case which I would respectfully recommend for His pardon; it is a similar case to those pardoned
two months ago. The man’s name is Ngurkulta from Port Lincoln, sentenced in March 1849 to two years
imprisonment for an assault; it will be seen that he has suffered 14 months confinement since his sentence
and still has ten months to serve. He will not live 10 months longer in Gaol, he is suffering from scurvy; he
has been now six weeks under medical treatment with lime juice &c and is decidedly getting worse and under
these circumstances I feel it a duty to recommend Ngarkalta to the mercy of the Lieutenant Governor.
[Moorhouse]
440
13th May 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
At the time of the fire at the Native School, there were seven water carts employed which delivered
altogether thirty one loads of water at 1/- per load. I have had several applications from the ?? parties, Hart
and Jenkins, Thos Stephens, John Henderson and John Green but could give them no decisive answer; I have
therefore the honor to apply for permission to forward this account.
[Moorhouse]
[263]
441
14th May 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that Mr Schurmann of Port Lincoln informs me that he opened on the 1st Current
the School for the Aboriginal children – I sent down in April one ton of flour and a bag of sugar from the
contractors in Town, but there will be required a supply of fresh meat. Mr Schurmann has enquired the rate
per lb from the two parties, the only two who can supply meat, Mr McKechnie tenders at 2 ½ d and Mr
Bishop at 2 d; I would recommend the latter to be accepted.
[Moorhouse]
442
14th May 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The approach of Her Majesty’s Birth day leads me to apply for permission to order and distribute the usual
allowance of food to the Aborigines. The allowance in former years has been a 2 lb loaf and I lb of roast beef
to each native in town on that day and I would respectfully apply for authority to order 500 loaves and 500
lbs of roast beef for the occasion.
[Moorhouse]
443
14th May 1850
Subprotector Scott
Moorundee
Sir,
Your report for the quarter ended 28th of Feb was duly forwarded for the information of the Lieutenant
Governor and I am requested in reply to inform you that in the estimate for the current year only 50 blankets
were calculated for the Moorundee Station and consequently no more could be allowed.
Regarding your proposal of having the dogs destroyed, and offering to compensate the owners with flour, I
beg to inform you that the Lieutenant Governor sanctions 6 lbs of flour being given to the owner of every
female dog who consents to have the animal destroyed.
The native customs referred to in you report cannot be legally put down, but you are requested to sue your
influence by advice and persuasion to check them as much as possible. If there be an open and direct breach
of the peace, you can act as a Magistrate when desirable to do so.
I am desired further to enquire if you can organize a native police force on moderate pay of allowance similar
[264] to that in Sydney and Melbourne districts – you will as well as myself and Subprotector Mason have
been addressed expressly upon this subject by the Commissioner of Police; I have given my views upon the
matter and would give you an outline but am desirous of seeing your own opinion uninfluenced by any other.
[Moorhouse]
444
25th June 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
After our conversation yesterday regarding the temporary accommodation required for the Police Court I
have the honor to report that the Commissioner of Police and myself went over the building and agreed that
one large room at present used by the Natives as a Mess and sleeping room, should be given up and a small
room used also as a girls’ sleeping room, be converted into an office for the Commissioner.
In order to carry out this arrangement it will be necessary to provide another Mess and sleeping room for the
Native children. I would recommend that the present wood house have a brick floor put down and it would
answer the purpose of a temporary mess room – the bricks are already on the premises and a bricklayer for a
few days would complete the work. I would also recommend that the present wash house should be
converted into a girls’ bed room; the windows and doors would require re[airing which would not be very
costly.
The repairs and alterations, including the fittings for Police Court, would cost about £ 20.
[Moorhouse]
445
26th June 1850
Colonial Secretary ?
Report upon the Suggestion of Archdeacon Hale to establish a Training Institution for the Native Children (at
Port Lincoln) who have been some time in School.
After carefully reading these proposals for the Establishment of a Training Institution for the native Children, I
can recommend their adoption to the Lieutenant Governor. The design is to make this Training Institution a
receptacle for such children as have been educated in the Adelaide School.
The Adelaide School has been in operation [265] upwards of ten years and we have found that after a few
years spent in school the children invariably return to the bush – the girls at the age of from 12 to 14 and the
boys from 14 to 16. The girls are taken to live with their husbands and the boys to be initiated into the rites
of manhood, generally speaking they are taken by their parents or friends, against their inclination.
Apprenticing has been tried with 11 boys but failed, by friends enticing them away and it is my decided
opinion that any attempt will fail unless the Children are removed from the influence of parents and friends.
This Training Institution would accomplish a separation, would marry them at suitable ages – would induce
them to raise their food and would remove them from the influence of evil advisers. None would be taken
against their wishes but I am of opinion when the Institution is formed the difficulty of procuring Volunteers
will be overcome when they find that marriage will be allowed.
It is very disheartening and somewhat humiliating to see all our attempts at improving the Natives assume
the aspect of failure. All legitimate means have been used but this one of separation and it is very desirable
that it should be tried; the expense may appear great but it may be fairly expected that in a few years food
would be raised on the spot and the expenses lessened.
[Moorhouse]
446
18th July 1850
George Murray
Labourer
Watervale
Sir,
In reply to yours of 14th current applying on behalf of your wife for a Section of Land on the premises lately
occupied by the late Mr Fry, I beg to inform you that I have applied to the Commissioner of Crown Lands and
am informed by him that the locality you have selected is not surveyed and that it is held under an
occupation licence. In case therefore you should settle there it can only be on the
[266] following
conditions:
1st, That you cannot occupy more than 80 acres;
2nd, That no cattle can be fed on the run outside your section without permission from the party who holds
the occupation licence.
The Commissioner of Crown Lands informs me that Skylligolee Creek would be more suitable than
unsurveyed land, as rights of Commonage are allowed for the cattle of small farmers.
[Moorhouse]
447
31st July 1850
Mr T Grant
Clerk, Local Court
Kooringa
Sir,
I have this morning received through you an application from Thomas Wright to be allowed expenses in
nursing and interring a Native named Jacky Hoolan. I agree entirely with the sentiment expressed in your
letter that it is desirable to refund expenses incurred by settlers in the treatment of sick natives and shall
recommend the payment of Mr Wright’s account by the Government.
I meet with one difficulty in the account namely £ 4 for funeral expenses; would you have the kindness to
procure the particular items as the Audit Office would not pass the charge as it now stands; I may state that
the contract price for all government funerals is 30/- and I shall have difficulty in getting more allowed.
[Moorhouse]
448
21st August 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I beg to report that the belts for the boys, the contract for which was accepted in the annual tenders, are not
suited for their intended purpose, namely waist belts for the Native boys, they are simply narrow saddle
straps and are wanted at least twice the breadth. I have therefore the honor to apply for permission to
purchase them (3 doz.) by private contract.
[Moorhouse]
[267]
449
26th August 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
At the request of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor I have the honor to report upon the means of taking
a Census of the Aborigines simultaneously with that of the Colonists on the 1st of January 1851.
On referring to Schedule A. Schedule A affixed to Ordinance No. 8 – 1850 for ascertaining the number of
inhabitants &c, I may state that no person will be able to give correctly the names, relationship, or Age of the
Natives, therefore to return them in the same Schedules as the white population, would be causing so many
blanks and imperfections, that no collector would like to see in his returns.
I would respectfully recommend that separate Schedules should be kept and the collectors requested to give
the name by which the Natives are known to the Europeans, relationship as well as could be ascertained and
estimated age. I would suggest that collectors should be instructed simply to take an account of all natives
they meet with but not waste time in travelling into the bush after them. This will give a near approach to
accuracy. I have twice taken a Census of the Natives when visiting the Stations and shall be able to form
some idea of the correctness of those from the districts through which I have travelled.
I will with pleasure engage to return all those within five miles of Adelaide.
[Moorhouse]
450
Sept 10th 1850
Sent this day for the school children at Port Lincoln
One ton flour
18 second class books -
13 second spelling books
8 first class ditto
-
12 plates, 12 spoons
-
1 sheet large print lessons
[Moorhouse]
451
16th September 1850
Revd Mr Chatham
Kooringa
Dear Sir,
Your kind note reporting the suffering of a sick Native at Kooringa, and the steps you had taken to relieve that
suffering, reached me on Friday and in reply to your enquiry whether any provision can be made to meet
such cases by supplying medicines for their use, or the payment of some medical man for such medicines and
attendance, I beg to inform you that on the 31st of October 1849, I received a letter from the Colonial
Secretary [268] stating that the Lieutenant Governor had been pleased to accept the offer of Mr Henry
Chambers, Surgeon, of Kooringa, to attend the Aborigines in that locality gratuitously – As Mr Chambers has
promised, I think he will fulfil his promise, if cases requiring his assistance were reported to him.
[Moorhouse]
452
Memo. Upon taking a Census of the Native population, proposed by the Commissioner of Police.
The suggestion of the Commissioner of Police in the annexed memo has two prominent difficulties to
encounter, namely:
1st, Regarding expense, I would notice that there are 15 Police Stations and they would on an average require
one ton of flour each which would cost
£ 150 0
0
Freight and cartage of the same
60
0
0
There are 3730 Natives and to induced a native to walk 20 miles in January, I am sure it would require a
blanket for every 3 Natives, say 1500 Blankets @ 4/300
0
0
Total cost
£ 510 0
0
2nd, the above plan, in any opinion, would not bring us into contact with as many Natives as that proposed in
my letter. The following are my reasons:
Moorundee is the nearest Police Station to the Rufus, a distance of 150 miles, and no one who has observed
with care the habits of the Natives could say that the Rufus tribes would come that distance for flour and a
blanket. Wellington is 140 miles from Guichen Bay and the tribes of the Coorong will not visit either place.
Gawler Town and Clare Village are 50 miles apart and the Natives about the Kapunda mines would not leave
there for either station and in fact the Census would be very imperfect. I still adhere to my first proposal and
enclose a copy of the Schedule which I would recommend.
[Moorhouse]
453
Memo upon Mr Dwyer’s Complaint against the Police Commissioner.
I agree with all that Mr Fisher has stated respecting this case.
The insinuation contained in Mr Dwyer’s last paragraph is utterly without foundation. The prisoner was
charged with assaulting a police constable and while the constable was giving [269] his evidence Mr
Dwyer rose in the Court and tendered counter-evidence. He was told to sit down and he would be heard in
due time. I did not know that he would volunteer evidence and consequently could not and did not speak
what I knew about Mr Dwyer until the case was over – when the case was over, Inspector Stuart reported to
the Commissioner of Police that Mr Dwyer had threatened to charge P.C. Gors with neglect of duty for not
taking a man into charge whom he supposed to be drunk in his Auction Room and it was evident that Mr
Dwyer was actuated more by bad than good feelings in tendering his evidence – many other Europeans saw
the affray but none charged the P.C. with treating the prisoner unkindly.
[Moorhouse]
454
2nd October 1850
Edwd B. Gleeson Esq., J.P.
Clare Village
Sir,
In reply to your ?? of the 11th Ulto., reporting the murder of a Native named Budlaroo, alias Jenny, by another
named Kultroo alias Tom Ross, I have the honor to state that I have seen the Advocate General upon the
matter and it appears that I could be of no service at present were I to visit your district. It will be necessary
to capture the alleged murderer and go through the whole of the evidence in his hearing before he can be
committed. If you think I can be of service to you when Budlaroo [Kultroo?] is taken, I shall with pleasure
come up.
[Moorhouse]
455 [henceforth some re-written by Birch?]
October 24th 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I was informed by the Venerable Archdeacon Hale that he had received an undertaking from you to supply
the native children in the Training Institution at Port Lincoln with food & clothing & as I have no written
authority to supply the above I have the honor now to apply for authority in order that I may pass the
Account for the current month.
[Moorhouse]
456
November 7th 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose a certificate from the medical Officer of Port Lincoln regarding animal food
[kangaroo, etc?] being supplied to the School children under Mr Schurmann’s charge. I have pleasure in
supporting [270] the application as I know from experience that the children cannot be kept together for
any length of time without animal food. Mr Bishop of Port Lincoln will supply mutton at 2d per lb if His
Excellency be pleased to grant the application.
[Moorhouse]
457
Nov 16th 1850
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
About two years ago I reported that the Native Hospital (now used as an Orphan Depot) was sinking on two
sides and the walls giving way, so as to throw them two or three inches from the perpendicular. Since the
last rains I perceive that the walls have again moved, & it appears desirable to have them examined. I have
therefore the honor to apply for instructions to be given to the Clerk of Works to inspect the building.
[Moorhouse]
458
January 13th 1851
Mr George Solomon
Shepherd
Rapid Bay
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 1st Current, reporting your intention to marry one of the Aboriginal natives, &
requesting to be informed if you would be allowed to select the section of land, I beg to state that the
practice hitherto has been to allow the husband to select either surveyed or unsurveyed land & as a matter
of course you will have the same privilege.
[Moorhouse]
459
Jan 13th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the call for tenders for the supply of fresh meat to the Native school children
at Port Lincoln was not [271] answered by any parties on the day specified viz., 26th of December 1850.
On the 13th Inst, I received the inclosed from Jas McKechnie at 2 ½ d per lb & as it is the only one which has
been sent, I would respectfully recommend its acceptance.
[Moorhouse]
460
January 20th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose a requisition from Mr Schurmann for forms & tables for the School children under
his care. When in Port Lincoln in December I visited the school and noticed the want of this kind of furniture
– the children were in fact sitting upon the ground when in school – It would be the most economical plan to
have the furniture made upon the spot as the freight from Adelaide to Port Lincoln would be about half the
cost of the articles – Mr Schurmann has procure an estimate (enclosure No. 20) for a joiner in the
neighbourhood but it does not state the material intended to be used, whether deal gum &c which I think
should be fully specified – Enclosure No. 3 is forwarded as well as No. 4 for approval.
[Moorhouse]
461
Undated
Colonial Secretary ?
Natives
Sir,
I have the honor to forward my report upon the Aborigines Department for the quarter ended December
31st with a summary for the year.
2. The natives generally have been at peace with the Europeans, if the unfortunate case of the murder of Mr
Baird be excepted & but one death has been caused amongst them by the Europeans which occurred at the
recovery of upwards of seven hundred sheep stolen from the late Mr Baird - [272]
3. Yorke’s Peninsula – This district has been in a state of quietitude. The Natives have commenced visiting the
Stations in a more friendly manner and confidence appears to be taking the place of the former suspicion and
mistrust. In my last report I referred to a charge of felonious assault upon a girl of this district, made against
a shepherd who has since been captured. The case went before the Grand Jury at the last Sittings of the
Supreme Court & a true bill was found, but on the morning that the trial was to have taken place, the girl &
her father who was an important witness absconded & could not be found during the sittings of the Court.
They have returned to the Peninsula & the Police are in search of them & if not forwarded by the next vessel,
I purpose going over, so as to secure their attendance at the next sittings of the Court.
[Moorhouse]
462
Jan 30th 1851
Thos Adams , Skilligolee Creek
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 17th Current, requiring permission to let your section & select a spot on
unsurveyed ground upon which to settle with your wife, I have to state that your application has been laid
before His Excellency the Governor & His Excellency cannot grant your request.
[Moorhouse]
463
February 6th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that a European named Solomon was married this day by the Deputy Registrar, to
an Aboriginal Native girl from Rapid Bay, named Rathoola. Solomon has applied to me for permission to have
a section of land
[273] on the same conditions as Thos Adams, namely to have it put intrust for the
benefit of his wife & children. The Section applied for is No. 1512 near Rapid Bay & I respectfully recommend
that it may be marked off as an Aboriginal Reserve. It was put up to Auction on the 10th of October last,
therefore is liable to be taken if not at once marked off.
[Moorhouse]
464
March 3rd 1851
Mr George Murray, Laborer
Watervale
Sir,
Your letter of the 22nd ultimo was duly received & I saw the Deputy Surveyor General, upon the subject. I
also shewed him your letter to me dated June 4th, 1849 & he says that the section has been surveyed & is at
present open for selection. Would you inform me if it be surveyed & if it has been, I will have it at once
marked off for your wife. On the other hand, provided it is unsurveyed, be kind enough to inform me, when
it is being so, & I will look after it.
[Moorhouse]
465
March 12th 1851
Colonial Secretary
1.
Sir,
In reply to yours of yesterday’s date, I have the honor to forward detailed estimate of the cost of the Port
Lincoln school under Mr Schurmann’s care:The School was opened on the first of May [1850] and from that date up to the 31st Dec (8 months) the
following expenses were incurred:
£
s
d
Flour
20
0
0
Freight
4
4
9
Sugar
3
19
10 [274]
Cartage
15
0
Blankets
9
0
0
Rent
13
6
8
Salary for Schoolmaster
33
6
8
Total for 8 months
84
12
11
I estimate the current year’s expenses at:
£
s
Salary for master
50
0
Rent
20
0
Flour
40
0
Sugar
6
0
Meat
15
0
Freight
5
0
Blankets
10
0
Clothings
5
0
15
0
d
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
I applied for £ 166 but the amount was reduced after passing my office –
The sums applied for in 1852 in detail are as follows:
£
s
d
£
s
Salary to Master
50
0
Rent
20
0
Flour
34
0
0
Sugar
6
0
0
Meat
15
0
0
Freight
5
0
0
Blankets
10
0
0
Clothings
5
0
0
75
0
£
145
0
d
0
0
0
0
[Moorhouse]
466
March 17th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have to report that there are three natives from Yorke’s Peninsula, now in Gaol under remand, charged with
the murder of Naltalta, an adult on his road overland from Adelaide to Port Lincoln.
The evidence produced in Court threw considerable [275] doubt over the identity of the murdered man &
it appears necessary that I should visit the grave & examine the body as Naltalta was a Native whom I well
knew; I have therefore the honor to apply for instructions to go by the first opportunity & examine the body
referred to.
[Moorhouse]
467
April 5th 1851
Pastor Kavil
Langmeil
Angas Park
Sir,
Allow me to thank you for your kind note, reporting that three Native girls are in your neighbourhood who
have been taken clandestinely from our School. I am sorry to say that they were forced away by their parents
& if I were to bring them back in opposition to the wish of the parents, they would not remain more than a
couple of days – The adult natives have decided that no girls, for the future, shall be allowed to remain in
school, seven volunteered to go over to the Training Institution at Port Lincoln with young men of suitable
age for their husbands & many others would go if the Archdeacon Hale had funds for supporting them. The
adults are aware of this & are remarkably vigilant in keeping the girls out of our reach.
Moorhouse]
468
April 7th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that in the annual requisition for the Aborigines Department there are three pieces
of Blue Serge allowed for boys’ shirts to be purchased by private contract but I have only been able to meet
with one piece in the colony. There are however three dozen red shirts at Mr Delany’s of a good quality &
may be purchased at 66/- per doz.; these would suit our purpose & are reasonable in price. I beg therefore
to apply for permission to purchase the 3 dozen shirts in lieu of the serge.
[Moorhouse]
[276]
469
May 7th 1851
Dr Mayle
Tungkillo
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that Major Campbell has reported to me that a considerable mortality has of
late been going on amongst the Natives at Tungkillo from Lucs? Venerea. In the same letter Major Campbell
stares that the Australian Mining Company has a surgeon at the mine who will cheerfully undertake to assist
the natives by distributing the proper remedies if supplied by the Government.
On referring this application to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, I was requested to address you upon
the subject & inquire what medicines you would wish to have in order that I might forward them – Would
you favour me with a list at your earliest convenience.
[Moorhouse]
470
May 9th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have to report that the allowance for the Port Lincoln Native School as appearing on the Estimates for the
Current year, is altogether insufficient to meet the requirements of that Establishment. I applied for £ 166 to
be placed on the Estimates but it appears that by mistake only £ 25 were inserted. I have therefore the
honor to apply for the sum of £ 100 to be placed on the supplementary Estimates for the current year for the
above service.
[Moorhouse]
[277]
471
May 9th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In my annual requisition for 1851 there are 600 Blankets allowed for the Aborigines. I found that eighty more
will be required to supply all the outstations as well as the School in Adelaide. I have therefore the honor to
apply for permission to purchase 80 in addition to the 600 already allowed. The amounts on the estimates
are more than sufficient, to cover the expense.
[Moorhouse]
472
May 9th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to apply for permission to forward an account for travelling expenses for the Aborigines
Department. I visited Port Lincoln in December last with the Commissioner of Police & was 32 days absent
from Town. I have not been able to forward an account for expenses as there is no fixed allowance per diem
for this department; might I request you to furnish me with a fixed scale for my guidance in the above, as
well as any future cases that may occur.
During the Port Lincoln trip we had the misfortune to lose three horses – Two belonging to the Police
Department & one belonging to me – As the Police horses were Government property, the Government
suffered the loss, but my horse was private property engaged absolutely in Government service. I therefore
venture to hope that the Lieutenant Governor will not wish me to bear the loss. I gave £ 20 for the animal
when I left Town & agreed to let a party in Port Lincoln have it for £ 15 when I had performed the journey & it
is for the latter amount that I would respectfully apply to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor.
[Moorhouse]
[278]
473
June 6th 1851
Memorandum upon the letter of Commissioner of Crown Lands regarding Leases of Lands of the Crown.
The reservations in favour of the Aborigines as proposed by the Commissioner of Crown Lands appear to me
to embrace all that can be desired for the Natives. I have nothing on their part to add to that which has been
already recommended.
[Moorhouse]
474
Undated; June 1851
Second minute upon Mr Tapley’s application for the £ 25.
When Mr Tapley left my office, he was naturally anxious to have the £ 25 continued & I wrote my former
minute to give him all the aid I could. I could not recommend the Orphan Immigrants allowance to be given
him. I am not able to do without some assistance as I am sometimes out of Town for several weeks together,
& my office would be entirely closed in case I had no assistant.
[Moorhouse]
475
June 23rd 1851
Colonial Secretary ?
Sir,
I have to request that you will furnish me with three copies of the Electoral List for the District of Yatala for
use at the three polling places on the third of July next.
[Moorhouse, as Returning Officer for the District of Yatala]
476
June 25th 1851
Mr Edward Jennings
Kapunda
Sir,
Yours of the 23rd Current has just reached me& in reply beg to state that all the Aboriginal Reserves are under
the management of the Crown Lands Commissioner. If you wish to rent a section I would recommend an
application to be made to Mr Bonny which will receive due attention. The application had better be made
soon as they must be let by tender & an announcement made by the Government Gazette.
[Moorhouse]
[279]
477
June 27th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In this day’s Gazette, I observe that His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor has appointed Salisbury as a
polling place for the district of Yatala. I find it stated in the 24th Clause of the Ordinance that the Returning
Officer has to appoint his deputies at least 7 days before the day of election & as the election for Yatala is to
take place on the third of July, I cannot legally appoint a deputy to act for Salisbury. I feel it my duty
therefore respectfully to decline appointing a Deputy in order that His may take immediate steps to do so.
It was my intention to appoint Mr George Rolfe Commission Agent of North Adelaide & if His should have no
one immediately in view, Mr Rolfe would undertake the duties.
[Moorhouse]
478
July 2nd 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
As Mr Tapley’s duties ceased yesterday as Assistant Clerk in my office, I beg respectfully to apply for the
appointment of a successor from the 1st Current. The remuneration is £ 25 per annum but as I require a
person whose time must occasionally be entirely at my disposal, I intend adding £ 27 per annum from my
own pocket & claim one half of his time for my private use. Mr Tapley has had an assistant for the last two
months & he is somewhat acquainted with the duties & if His Excellency should not have any one whom he is
desirous of appointing, I should recommend Mr Francis Bickers for the appointment.
[Moorhouse]
479
June 27th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to yours No. 1328/51 of the 15th Current, regarding the distribution of food to the Natives &
requesting me to communicate with the Commissioner [280] of Police on the measures [ ] by him & which
have already received His approval – “Whilst flour is so scarce His Excellency considers that meat and rice
might with advantage be distributed for it, as rations for the Natives”.
I beg to state that I have had some communications with the Commissioner of Police & we fully agree with
the proposal of substituting rice for flour whenever it is practicable to do so. This can only be done in
partially settled localities, Port Lincoln & Robe Town. Rice requires boiling & in the interior of Port Lincoln no
utensils could be procured. Under these circumstances, the Commissioner of Police & myself agree that until
after next harvest it would be advisable to give 1 lb of meat per diem to each native & procure it from the
settlers on the spot. This would tend to allay the hostile feeling which the settlers possess.
[Moorhouse]
480
July 10th 1851
Mem upon the Governor’s minute in which His Excellency considers there is no necessity for continuing the
Assistant Clerk to the Orphan Department.
The Orphan Board has not met since the 25th of last October & they then considered their duties had been
terminated. They did not expect to be called together again unless orphan immigration should be resumed.
I see no objection to this appointment being done away with, as the Labor Office is now under the control of
the Colonial Government, & all parties who hitherto have applied at my office can be referred to the Labor
Office. My chief anxiety has hitherto been to have some one to carry on the duties during my absence from
Town & as these duties are to be transferred to the Labor Office, it will be taking away my responsibility & a
saving of considerable time & expense to me. I can attend to the rationing as before.
[Moorhouse]
[281
481
July 10th 1851
Mem upon G.M. Stephen’s application to be appointed Counsel for the Natives.
As Mr Stephen wishes His Excellency the Governor to ascertain whether or not his appointment as Counsel
for the Aborigines would be agreeable to me, I have the honor to state that I have no objection to Mr
Stephen’s appointment. Hitherto Messrs Fisher & Barclay have defended the Natives alternately & on
conversation upon the subject with Mr Fisher, he informed me that he had promised to attend for Mr Bartley
during his absence.
[Moorhouse]
482
July 12th 1851
His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor
Sir,
I forward according to promise the date namely 21st December 1844, on which Tenberry’s boy sailed for
England. Since I saw Your Excellency I have frequently thought upon your proposal to write for him to be
sent back. The boy was about ten years old when he left South Australia & will be 17 or nearly so. Now it
appears to be almost a pity to send him back at this age, as I am confident that if he were, he would return to
his native habits, & be tenfold more a black man than if he had not visited England at all –
As some considerable expense has been already incurred in his education one wold greatly regret to see it
turn out to be useless. To prevent this I would decidedly recommend that he should remain in England &
until he is 20 or 21 & if practicable, let him marry an English wife. On his return he might see his parents, be
immediately forwarded to Archdeacon’s care at the [Poonindie] Training Institution. He would there be
available as Schoolmaster & probably his wife as Matron.
I attach considerable importance to his marrying in England & an English woman. I have seen several young
men who have been taken from the colony for 5 or 6 years (1 had been 14 years) & in a few months after
returning have been invariably enticed into bush life, from being promised unlimited intercourse with the
young women – the inducement is too powerful for them & I have not yet seen one young man who could
resist it.
[Moorhouse]
[282]
483
[undated]
Report upon the Venerable Archdeacon Hale’s suggestions for treatment of the Aborigines in the Port Lincoln
District.
These suggestions are made by one who is evidently a well wisher to the Natives & although I may not agree
with all that is proposed, my differences arise more from a conviction of their impracticability, rather than
the principles contained. I proceed to notice them in the order given Paragraph I – page 2 – I agree full in this Principle & consider that the School formed at Port Lincoln under Mr
Schurmann’s charge, meets in a degree the requirements.
II – “Physical force” – It would require a vast amount to protect every separate station, indeed it would be
difficult to calculate the number of demands as the force required would depend on the amount of caution
exercised by each proprietor of a run. Common prudence would accomplish more than at first sight it would
appear to do, if it had been exercised at Port Lincoln.
It is more than probable the late distressing occurrences would not have taken place – Charles Crocker and
George Jenks who were murdered & Mr Light who was speared were all cripples & badly calculated to defend
any property – Crocker was an old man of about 60 years & required a bandage on the knees to enable him
to walk – Jenks was a young man but so afflicted with rheumatism that he could scarcely walk about the hut
– Light is 55 years old but has for several years been a cripple.
III – The principle I admit but the question arises, has not the force been sufficiently strong to accomplish
these purposes if common care had been exercised – No ordinary force could in fairness be expected to
prevent similar occurrences if decrepit and infirm hutkeepers be left in charge of provisions and huts.
IV – I have no observations to ?? upon this.
V – If murders are occurring in a community, it is our bounden duty to enquire into the causes & if the causes
be ascertained it is our further duty to remove them. It appears from the statements of the Natives given in
the Port Lincoln cases, that hunger prompted these atrocities, that the interior Natives had suffered greatly
from want, both [283] of food and water, that they were making their way to the mine, where abundance
of both were said to be had & when near their journey’s end were informed that the mine was abandoned &
all the supplies stopped – A remedy is suggested in the subsequent remarks.
VI – So far as the Europeans are concerned they understand perfectly that by law the Natives are British
subjects & have as much right to travel over the country as any Europeans – if they are trespassing or
occupying any portions which they might not, remedies are plain.
Observations.
I – The principle abstractly considered is good, but the real difficulty lies in the Government knowing when
they have afforded proper protection of life and property – Government policy is to adopt general measures
only & if they consent, to adopt special ones. – They would require to know what amount of exposure & risk
would be run by those who are liable to be attacked.
II – An impartial judge would I think agree with me in saying that in many instances there have been lives and
property “lightly exposed to great danger [“] – Huts containing provisions are known to have been left for
weeks unprotected by white men with a simple padlock upon the door& that they should be entered &
sometimes plundered by partially civilized Natives is not matter for much surprise –
I can suggest no more effectual restraints than those which the law imposes. I believe any modification of
the law to meet native cases only is strictly prohibited.
Measures aiming directly at the civilization of the Aborigines –
I agree fully with the Archdeacon’s remarks upon educating the children & as I shall have hereafter to
recommend food for distribution, it is worthy [of] the attention of the government, to provide if possible a
schoolmaster – I have found it impracticable to procure the children during the period of childhood – the
parents will not give them up.
[Moorhouse]
484
Report upon the Venerable Archdeacon’s Suggestions &c &c continued.
The expense of establishing schools in the interior would be very considerable but I would nevertheless
support the Archdeacon’s proposal of having two formed or an attempt might be made to induce the parents
[284]
to send their children to Mr Schurmann’s establishment near Port Lincoln. This I believe might be
done in a year or two – It is done by the Murray natives living 260 miles from Adelaide.
2 – Increase of the Police Force - This portion belongs to the Commissioner of Police rather than to me.
3 – Issue of provisions – In a former paragraph allusion is made to the issuing of food but no mention is made
of the scale, or the times or the localities for issue. Before these are definitely arranged, it must be settled
whether the clauses allowing the Aborigines “to follow their usual customs in searching for food” & “to dwell
upon lands held under lease” are or are not to be inserted in the leases granted to the settlers.
If the present plan for distributing flour monthly be only allowed, then I would respectfully say that it would
be injustice to omit the above clauses, but if the government would undertake to ration them & omit the
clauses, I consider that there would be no injustice to the natives.
Assuming that these clauses were omitted in the Port Lincoln district some approach to the following plan
would have to be adopted, viz.:
- issuing a daily ration of not less than ½ lb of flour & ½ lb of meat to every native, issue to take place once or
twice a week according to the weather, say in cold weather once and in hot weather twice a week.
- Depots would have to be established & fixed localities for distribution decided upon – The localities I
consider ought to be beyond the settlers huts, so as to attract the wild Natives who may be driven by want
from the interior - the depots should be in the charge of the Police, in fact Police Stations & a native boy
attached to the force who could act as Interpreter – should be sent out to inform them of the provision made
for their support & the strangers should be there supplied until the season of scarcity and want were over –
They should also be informed that they could not be allowed to visit the stations without endangering their
lives & should be kept from doing so – I would not recommend more than one native Constable at each
station.
Number of Depots – Three would be the extreme – one at Port Lincoln – one beyond the settlers on the N.W.
Coast and one [285] on the N.E. Coast.
Expenses. The Estimated number of Natives in that District is 600 & certainly not more than two thirds or
400 would ever be recipients at one time. The following would be about the expense of supplying 400
Natives with ½ lb of flour and ½ lb of meat per diem:
73,000 lb of Meat @ /3d
73,000 lb of flour @ /3d
£
912
912
£ 1825
s
10
10
0
d
0
0
0
This sum however might without great injustice to the Natives be reduced to about one half. I may observe
that about nine tenths of the murders committed by the Natives, have been committed in the Autumnal
season or say from the last days of January to that of June – it appears that want in the Port Lincoln territory
has been the cause of the recent outrages, that the late drought compelled the tribes to leave the interior for
the coast & it is probable that had provision depots been in operation the evils might have been avoided. – If
the expense of these depots as above given be considered too great, & more than His would be disposed to
sanction, I am of opinion that the evils would be remedied if the provisions were distributed only from
January to the end of June – from July to December native food is abundant & I would have the Interpreter to
inform them that during these months, they must depend upon themselves.
I am strengthened in the above view of the fact that Natives have an insuperable objection to reside
constantly in one spot; nothing will induce the adults to do so & I think if they were fed in the autumnal
season, they would not be anxious about more.
The Police might have tents as Depots so as to move them each season beyond the most distant settlers.
Burning the bush – No efforts on the part of the Europeans could entirely prevent this evil. About four fifths
of the Port Lincoln country is barren unprofitable scrub; the natives have always been reared in the habit of
burning the scrub for the purpose of killing game – most of the attempts at [286] stopping it would fail –
Efforts however might be made as suspending the rations for a week occasionally or what has proved
successful about Lake [Alexandrina] namely a liberal supply of tobacco and meat in case the Country escape
being burnt for a whole season.
Watering places – Wherever Depots are established there will be water, & if food be allowed, it would not be
advisable to reserve any watering places on leased runs.
[Moorhouse]
485
August 1st 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have just been informed by the Immigration Agent that the vessel “Marion” is on shore & that immigrants
are to be at once landed & placed in the new police barrack, & rationed by me.
– I am obliged to leave Town tomorrow for the North to carry out instructions received from Mr Mann,
relating to the Kapunda murder – I have two native witnesses to bring in & possibly they may be in the
neighbourhood of the Burra Mine & I shall not be in town until tomorrow week the 9th Current – I am sorry
therefore to state that I shall not be able to do anything for the Immigrants, the Clerk who formerly acted in
my absence is now removed neither wood nor rations could be issued from my office during my absence.
[Moorhouse]
486
11th August 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
As Returning Officer for the District of Yatala, I feel compelled to report the behaviour of one of the
candidates, Mr George Alexander Anstey, at the chief polling place, during the time I was making up the
returns. After I had compared the papers and books of the Dry Creek, Salisbury, Houghton & Adelaide Polling
Places, I had to wait nearly two hours for the return from Gummeracka.
Before I opened [287] the papers & book from the place, Mr Anstey entered my room and said, you are a
partial returning officer, you acted unfairly at the former Election, you allowed persons to vote twice & I can
prove it. – Referring to the Election of Saturday – he said “I have seen your unfairness you have acted
partially throughout this business I shall take the first opportunity of seeing the Governor and report your
unfitness for the office – I will do all I can to injure you in his estimation & I’ll take care if I get in to dock you
of your salary.”
On ascending the hustings to declare the elected candidate – Mr Anstey said you are a sneak you have acted
the sneak here for the last two days.
[Moorhouse]
487
August 12th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I reports yesterday the attacks Mr Anstey made upon me in the discharge of my public duty as Returning
Officer – The accusations & threats were made before I had completed the returns & really expose Mr Anstey
to the charge of interfering with justice – there were several persons present who heard Mr Anstey and
unless he makes an ample apology as publicly as he made the imputations, I have the honor to apply for
leave to file a criminal information against Mr Anstey [who received three votes in the election – Pike, p. 410].
[Moorhouse]
488
August 12th 1851
Minute upon the Advocate General requesting further inquiry to be made into the murder at Kapunda.
I saw Mr Mann upon the contents of this letter & agreed to visit the locality about ten days before the
Criminal sittings – I left Adelaide on the 3rd Current & reached Kapunda on the 4th. I failed in procuring any
additional evidence from the Europeans, but I secured two Native boys who are able to add to former
evidence & they are now in Town.
[Moorhouse]
489
August 30th 1851
His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor
I have the honor to forward in obedience to request
committal and sentence.
Name
Kumbilti
manslaughter
Ngawalta
Kawalta
Tierrwinze
Kambalta
Minora
Warrie
Kondure [Kondiuwe?]
Ngalta
Tuntultana
Watpa
Mantamornappa
Ngurkilli
Paisko
Manguttu
Date of Committal
[288]
a list of all natives now in Gaol, date of
Charge
6th May
Sentence
Murder & found for
with hard labour
6th May
Larceny
12th May
Spearing a
th
19 May
European
23rd May
Larceny
2 years imprisonment
11th June
Sheep Stealing
6 months hard labour
30th June
Larceny
30th June
ditto
6 months from time of
committal
12 months
7th July
Larceny
12 months hard labour
12 months ditto
12 months do
12 months do
12 months do
All those sentenced to 12 months imprisonment are from Port Lincoln & as some of them have killed
Europeans it would not be safe to exercise at present any clemency – The Europeans have appealed to the
law for protection & if the Natives were not to undergo their sentences, I fear the white people would be
exasperated & in future be disposed to administer their own law in self-defence. If the health of any should
suffer from confinement, I will not fail to represent it.
I am of opinion that it was not want solely which caused the Natives to transgress the law – It was clearly
proved not to be the case in the charge against [289] Kumbilti – He killed the European in a quarrel & the
evidence was so nearly balanced, that I thought it probable that the Jury would have returned it [as]
justifiable homicide.
Here is no doubt about the autumnal season having been one of considerable scarcity but I believe the
Natives suffered more from want of water than want of food – in obedience to the expressed wish of Your
Excellency, provision will be made for the next dry season against any further suffering.
[Moorhouse]
490
September 3rd 1851
His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor
I have the honor to report upon the preliminary investigation in the case of two Europeans, names Jacques &
Nicholls, charged with shooting the Native Wortpa Parti at North Kapunda in May last.
I attended as Coroner in this case & had a jury of 16 very respectable men – The inquiry was an exceedingly
difficult one & lasted two days – The Jury sat 16 hours on the first day & 13 hours on the second & there were
24 witnesses examined – The Native was shot about three o’clock in the morning & the difficulty lay in
producing evidence as to the individual who fired the shot.
It was all circumstantial. None of the Natives could say who was the European as they were all asleep in their
huts & it happened to be at a time when the Europeans also were almost all in bed – Several Europeans
heard the report of firearms in the night but they disagreed as to time & I believe two of them, namely
Whitford & his wife, wilfully and intentionally so – In fact none gave their evidence cheerfully.
II The Jury and myself were aware of the discrepancies & did all in their power to draw out the real facts –
We failed however & in consequence, I was requested by the Crown Solicitor to make a second visit – I did so
but found it impossible to elicit any fresh facts – I was in Court during the trial & even there no further
important evidence was brought out.
A native boy was produced as a witness but he injured the case very materially [290] - he denied his first
statements before the inquest jury & gave stronger evidence against Jacques – the result of this was that
none of his statements were regarded as evidence.
[Moorhouse]
491
October 2nd 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose a requisition for flour for the Aborigines at the outstations. I forwarded these
quantities by the first opportunity after I was informed that the stations were nearly out of supplies & I did so
on the authority of your instructions to the Commissioner of Police which were to the effect that half flour
and half meat should for the future be issued to the Natives.
[Severe drought 1850-1851, followed by a very wet winter in 1851]
As there is no difficulty in issuing meat altogether in lieu of flour until after next harvest, I have the honor to
apply for authority to purchase meat at all the outstations from this date –
Private contract is the only way in which it can be procured as tenders are never sent in proper form & time
from the distant settlements.
[Moorhouse]
492
October 3rd 1851
Geo. Alex. Anstey Esq.
T. Hanson Esq.
W. Giles Esq.
Sir,
I herewith forward an Account of the expenses incurred during the district of Yatala {??] They would have
been sent at an earlier period had it not been for the amount claimed for the accommodation at the
Freemason’s Tavern. I declined paying it until I had the precedent of others paying the same amount.
£
s
d
Mr Anstey’s share
17
3
3
Mr Hanson’s share
7
12
3
Mr Giles’ share
9
11
0
£
34
6
6
[Moorhouse]
[291]
493
October 4th 1851
R.T. Newland Esq.
Port Adelaide
Sir,
In reply to yours of yesterday reporting the committal of a Native to Gaol for several days for drunkeness, I
have the honor to state that I should feel obliged if you would issue a summons for Henry Williams to appear
before you on Wednesday next – on that day Moneela will be liberated and I will accompany him to the Port.
The tendency to drunkenness I am sorry to observe is considerably on the increase amongst the Aborigines
and I am anxious that no case should be passed over, if there be the least chance of a conviction.
[Moorhouse]
494
October 7th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have been informed by the Sheriff that an improved ration list for the prisoners in Gaol has just been
recommended to His Excellency the Governor – In this list the Sheriff states that tobacco is included, but I
understand the native prisoners are not to be recipients.
I do not see upon what principle the Natives are excluded, for I am satisfied that the arguments used for
issuing it to the Europeans might with equal force be applied to the Natives. I might say more for there is
nothing they like so much & nothing makes them so industrious & civil as the hope of procuring tobacco – I
have therefore to apply respectfully to His Excellency the Governor for those in gaol to be placed on the same
ration allowance as the European prisoners.
[Moorhouse]
495
October 9th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the Inspector of Police Mr Tolmer has applied to me for the partitions which
were put up in the Natives’ mess room, so as to divide the Commissioner’s and Clerk’s offices from the
general court – We find these partitions useful in dividing the girls’ sleeping apartments from the general
mess room & if they were taken away the room would suffer injury and be rendered very inconvenient – I
may [292] [say] that the boards forming the partition were partly belonging to the Native Department &
partly new & there were £ 20 allowed for the necessary alterations – On referring to your letter to me No.
1066/50 of the 27th June I find that the £ 20 were charged to the Item “Miscellaneous” so that the partition
cannot really be claimed by the Police Department. We find them extremely useful and if the Police require
partitions I would respectfully submit that they should be allowed new ones rather than remove those
already fixed and in use.
[Moorhouse]
496
October 10th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 7th Current, authorising me to purchase meat for issue to the Aborigines provided the
price paid does not exceed the price paid by the Military, I have the honor to report that the price paid is only
1½d per lb and the contract was taken when meat was much below its present value. There is no person to
be found who will supply meat under 2½d or 3d per lb, so I am unable to use the authority.
Under these circumstances I am under the necessity of renewing my application of the 2nd Current & in case
his Excellency the Governor should refuse, I would ask for permission to continue the issuing of flour as
before.
[Moorhouse]
497
October 15th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the station at Mount Remarkable is requiring another supply of flour (or meat
if sanctioned) for distribution to the Natives & there are drays in town which are to leave on Friday the 17th
Current – I would therefore apply for instructions, either to forward a ton of flour or authority to procure &
distribute meat – The meat if sanctioned would not be procured for less than 2 ½d or 3d per lb.
[Moorhouse]
[293]
498
October 16th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose a requisition for an extra supply of clothing for the Native School children – I am
compelled to make this application in consequence of having had to give an outfit to the children who have
been transferred to the Port Lincoln Training Institution & the attendance of girls in the Adelaide School not
having been sufficiently numerous to supply the deficiency.
I also take the liberty of enclosing a copy of a requisition which I forwarded with an explanation letter on the
2nd Current for the approval of His Excellency the Governor.
[Moorhouse]
499
October 22nd 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have this day forwarded my quarter’s report upon the Aborigines Department, but I was not able to furnish
any account of the Port Lincoln Training Institution under the Venerable the Archdeacon Hale – I am not
aware that the Archdeacon has had any instructions about furnishing quarterly reports, if he should not I
would respectfully suggest that he should be furnished with instructions to report quarterly to your office, on
the same dates as the various Residents at the outstations, namely 30th November, 28th Feb., 31st May and
31st August in each year in order that the reports may be transmitted to my office for insertion in my general
one.
[Moorhouse]
500
October 22nd 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the amount (£ 50) for transport allowed on the estimates is expended within
£ 12 10? And I have an Account for £ 16. 10. 0 for the last number of children taken down to Port Lincoln by
the Archdeacon –
My estimate was made before I was aware of the establishment of the Training Institution and as the
deficiency has been caused solely by the sum required for that undertaking I have respectfully to apply for an
additional sum of £ 10 for transport to be allowed to meet the above balance & any other small account that
may be contracted in November.
[Moorhouse]
501
October 29th 1851
Report upon the Governor’s Minute regarding the application of the £ 10 additional for transport.
The necessity of this expense is caused by the Training Institution being established across the water and the
children could not reach the place in any other manner. The charge is not thought unreasonable by the
settlers in Port Lincoln as they all pay it willingly for their servants who are sent from Adelaide.
I was not aware that the “Yatala” could be had for sending Native children alone. This instance is the only
one that has occurred of so large an amount & the probability is that another will not occur – I cannot always
calculate how many children will volunteer to go from the School to the Training Institution. Hitherto I never
have known an hour before the time of departure, how many would be sent.
[Moorhouse]
502
November 1st 1851
Memorandum upon Captain Brewer’s application for flour instead of meat –
As arrangements have been made to distribute meat instead of flour until after next harvest, it would be
desirable for Captain Brewer to endeavour to carry out these arrangements. There is a butcher at Robe
Town, & it appears quite practicable to assemble the Natives, take their number & have as much meat killed
as would supply all those in attendance – This would keep the Natives waiting an hour or so & this appears to
me the only inconvenience.
Captain Brewer is correct in his remarks that the issue of meat will effect no saving; I understand His
Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to suggest meat not so much for the purpose of saving the Government
expense as preventing the consumption of a scarce article in the community at large, namely flour.
[Moorhouse]
503
Nov 12th 1851
His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor
Memorandum of the Governor’s proposal to remit the term of imprisonment of those Natives committed for
subordinate offences [at] last sittings of the Supreme Court.
In reply to Your Excellency’s minute I beg to report [295] that Ngawalta and Mangulta, although convicted
of larceny, are as morally guilty as either Kumbilti or Tierrwinze. They were charged with the murder of
George Jenks but the legal evidence failed & they were convicted of Larceny as they had property upon their
persons which belonged to the deceased.
The boy Mantamarnappa was convicted of two thefts & his case really deserves punishment – He had been
living with Mr Coutts as I could testify by personal observation; he left his master and became the leader of
two gangs of pilferers who attacked his mater’s huts.
When the warrants of remission are made out I will present them to the Sheriff & start those from the
Peninsula and the Coorong at once for their respective countries & the only one, Kawalta, from Port Lincoln, I
will leave in Mr Ashton’s Custody until an opportunity by water presents itself.
[Moorhouse]
504
December 9th 1851
Jno Calder Esq
Sir,
In reply to your communication of the 27th Ult., regarding the passage money for Natives sent to Guichen Bay
per “Resource” in May last, I beg to inform you that I agreed with Mr Venn as to price & the vessel in which
the natives should go – I forwarded the Account to the Audit Office in Mr Venn’s name & certified it to be
correct as Captain Brewer’s report of June last, announced their safe arrival at Guichen Bay – I have applied
at the Treasury & find that Mr Venn has signed the receipt for the amount of £ 7-10-0 & if he were only agent
for the Vessel he ought in fairness to pay the amount over to the rightful owner.
I had no means of knowing that Mr Venn had sold the “Resource”, therefore could only certify the account in
his name – Hoping that you will be able soon to adjust this matter to your satisfaction.
[Moorhouse]
505
December 11th 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose for approval an account from Mr Hays of travelling expenses to Port Lincoln
during his visit there while erecting his patent retort for the production of charcoal & Tar – The travelling
expenses are allowed to Mr Hays in your letter to him of the 15th of Sept No. 998/51 but the amount per
diem is not specified.
The parties who have supplied the apparatus are anxious to receive this money; if therefore it could be
allowed I would at once forward the account to the Auditor general in order that the payments
[296]
might be made before the expiration of the year.
[Moorhouse]
506
December 22nd 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the new building at the Native School was handed over to the Native
Department on the 29th of November & the Schoolmaster, Native children & myself are now in occupation of
the same: - The old building has been occupied nearly six years and requires some repairs as the walls
whitewashing – doors & windows painting, & the locks renewing & permit me to request that the Colonial
Engineer may be instructed to effect that which he may think necessary. In my estimate for the Department
for 1852, I applied for £ 30 for repairs & I believe it has been approved by His Excellency the Governor.
[Moorhouse]
507
December 22nd 1851
Lieutenant Governor
Memo upon the Governor’s memo regarding report upon the released native prisoners.
In reply to Your Excellency’s memorandum, regarding the released Aboriginal natives, I beg to report that ten
had their sentences remitted & were liberated accordingly – The authority reached me on the 12th of
November – 8 were liberated on the first opportunity - & two from Port Lincoln had to wait 10 days for the
sailing of a vessel – As this has to appear in my Quarterly report it did occur to me to report specially on the
matter.
[Moorhouse]
508
December 23rd 1851
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In my estimate for the Fixed Establishment of the Orphan Immigrants Department I inserted in obedience to
the wish of the Ladies Committee, an item of £ 30 for a female superintendent of the Depot – The item I
believe has passed the Legislative council –
Grace Hill has been the acting Matron for the last three years but her salary £ 8 has been paid out of the
Aborigines Department; As she will [297] in future, be paid from the Charitable Allowance, I beg to apply
for instructions to return her on the pay list for Orphan Immigrants at £ 30 per annum.
[Moorhouse]
509
January 13th 1852
The Hon. Colonial secretary
Sir,
In reply to your circular of the 10th current, & received by me yesterday, I beg to state that the following is at
present the Establishment of the Native Department:
£
Protector of Aborigines with salary of
300
Sub Protector Moorundee
150
Sub Protector Wellington
150
Schoolmaster Adelaide
100
Interpreter Port Lincoln
50
Schoolmaster ditto
50
Interpreter Rivoli Bay
33 6 - 8
Matron Adelaide
20
£ 853 6 - 8
There is no clerk in the Department & if any reduction should take place it appears to me the most equitable
to reduce all in our respective proportions The School in Adelaide will be carried on at very little expense as the Archdeacon proposes to take down
nearly the whole of the children now in the Establishment & the only other item in which expenditure can be
checked is the distribution of flour at the various outstations – I could not recommend any reduction in this
item as I think the Government might effect no saving by it; two months hence, outrages would commence
& the cost of capturing, trying and punishing the offenders would be more than the price of the flour
– Eight months ago His Excellency sanctioned an extended scale of allowance to the two outstations at Port
Lincoln & I was preparing to commence the project on the 1st of March next, permission was given to issue a
daily ration of ½ lb of flour & ½ lb of meat to every native who applied & I should feel favoured by receiving
definite instructions upon the point, whether I should go on with the arrangement or abandon it altogether.
[Moorhouse]
[298]
510
January 23rd 1812
G.A.. Anstey Esq
Sir,
On the 3rd of October last I addressed the following letter to you & at Mr Geo. Hamilton’s suggestion left it
with him to forward to the Chairman of your Committee.
I herewith forward an Account of the expenses incurred during the Election – Mr Hamilton told me a few
days ago that you had not received the account so I beg now to forward it.
My former enclosed communication contained all the receipts from the various parties, but I possess
duplicates which you or any friend may see by calling at my office –
Geo. Alex. Anstey Esq
To M. Moorhouse
£
To attending as Returning Officer at
The Yatala Election in July
2
Polling Clerk
1
Deputy Returning Officer at Houghton
2
Polling Clerk
1
Deputy Returning Officer at Salisbury
2
Polling Clerk
1
Deputy R.O. at Adelaide
2
Polling Clerk
1
At the August Election:
Attending Nomination & Polling
Clerk at Polling
Deputies at Houghton, Gummeracka,
Salisbury and Adelaide
Clerks at above Places
Polling Booths at Adelaide
One half due to me from Mr Anstey
4
£
s
d
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
1
0
1
0
8
4
3
34
8
4
17
6
0
0
6
6
17
3
3
511
Jan 28th 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that in consequence of the Archdeacon’s taking down with him 19 native children
last week to the Training Institution, the school in Adelaide is left with [299] only 7 inmates & these are rough
and unbroken ones from Yorke’s Peninsula.
- There is no probability of having any additions until May next when the adults will come in from the Murray
for the distribution on Her Majesty’s Birth day – I would therefore respectfully suggest that the Schoolmaster
Mr Ross might have leave of absence without any pay for four months or six months from the 21st of
February & if then required he would resume his duties – Mrs Ross in the meantime would teach the few
who might enter the Establishment.
[Moorhouse]
512
Feb 4th 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
Your letter of yesterday requesting me to read an article in the S.A. Register of the 2nd current & report
thereon, has just reached me & in reply I have the honor to state that I have read the article & collected all
the information I received upon the subject.
1st, I am of opinion that it must have been carelessness on the part of Mr Cray’s shepherd to allow a flock of
sheep to get into the possession of the Natives – I am supported in this opinion by 3 important sheep farmers
in the North, namely Mr James Masters, Mr J.B. Hughes & Dr Brown – when the police journals reach town,
the real facts will be more in favour of the Natives than the newspaper paragraph –
2nd, As far as regards Mr Swan himself, the report gives a wrong impression – Mr J.B. Hughes has seen Mr
Swan since his rencontre with the Natives & he is very little injured – I have heard nothing from the Police,
but it appears there was considerable difficulty in capturing the offenders.
[Moorhouse]
513
Feb 5th 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
As His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor has decided upon distributing a daily ration to the Aborigines at
the two outstations at Port Lincoln may I request you to procure authority for [300] the following
arrangements:
Daily Ration
½ lb of flour to be given to each Native Above 12 years of age & one half the quantity to all under 12.
½ lb of beef or mutton, to all above 12 years old & half the quantity to all under 12.
Two Native interpreters to be allowed for each station with a daily ration for each of 1 lb of flour & I lb of
meat.
The meat to be procured from a neighbouring settler at the lowest possible price but not to exceed 2 d a lb.
Issue to commence on the 1st of March and cease on the 3rd of June.
[Moorhouse]
514
Feb 7th 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
As it is the wish of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to reduce Establishments as much as possible, I
have to report that Grace Hill Matron to Orphan Immigrants would be glad to have 6 months leave without
salary from this date –
As we have only 7 native children in the school, I would respectfully recommend the Orphan Immigrants to
be placed in the New part of the Native building & the Natives kept entirely in the old building & Mrs Ross
with the aid of a servant would perform Grace Hill’s duties. Mrs Ross only asks for Mrs Hill’s ration to be
allowed for her servant & the arrangement would be a saving of Grace Hill’s salary of £ 18 per annum to the
Government.
The present orphan depot would be better occupied than being empty, I would therefore beg to suggest that
Inspector Stewart or some respectable party might occupy it until such a period as the Native school shall be
again in full operation.
[Moorhouse]
[301]
515
Feb 10th 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose a copy of note received from Mr Geo. Alex. Anstey this day in reply to
applications made by me for discharge of expenses incurred by me as Returning Officer for Yatala.
On the 3rd of October I forwarded my account to the three candidate for Yatala & Mr Hanson & Mr Giles paid
them – I received no reply from either Mr Anstey or his Committee so on the 23 rd of January I forwarded a
second copy of accounts to Mr Anstey & the enclosed is his reply – The amount is £ 17 – 3 – 3 of which £ 16 –
5 – 3 was paid by me to Deputies, Clerks and for expenses.
Under these circumstances, I would respectfully apply for instructions how to proceed for its recovery [by] a
private suit might be to me expensive, & most probably would not be the correct way as I was a public
servant & acting under the direct appointment of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor.
[Moorhouse]
516
March 23rd 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report my return to Town on the evening of the 21st from visiting the Northern districts.
The object of my visit, mainly was to inquire into the reported murder of a Native by a European. I left
Adelaide on the 26th of February accompanied by Sergeant Rose and P.C. Smith & arrived at Mr Raglas’s
Station to the north-east of Mount Arden on the 9th of March. I met a group of Natives and they informed
me that the report was correct. They shewed me the widow & two children of the deceased & a relative took
me to the grave.
I had an opportunity of examining the body, examination however proved of little use as I could not ascertain
the cause of death. The maggots had consumed or mutilated the soft parts and left no traces of whatever of
the original wound – I could simply swear that he was a Native. The shepherd left the station on the day
after the affray, he was afraid to remain and we traced him down the country to Clare about 130 miles where
we lost all clue to his movements, [302] he applied to the doctor there, - said he had been beaten and
bruised by a Native & had killed him in self-defence. He told the same story at every station where he called.
He made no attempt whatever to conceal the fact. The P.C. at Clare has a description of his person & will
endeavour to find him.
I brought the widow to Town in case the Shepherd should be captured, but am of opinion that the case will
be dismissed before a magistrate even from the widow’s own statement – She says that her Husband and
two other Natives were taking away sheep & the shepherd was endeavouring to prevent them – the husband
and the shepherd came into collision & the shepherd cut her husband’s abdomen open with a knife. She will
not state how they came into collision, who was the first to commence blows because (it appears to me) it
might implicate her husband – On the 18th Sergeant Rose and P.C. Smith left me to return to the North &
inquire into the report of Mr Oakden’s party having fired upon some Natives – Mr Hulks met us on our road
to the North & reported to Sergeant Rose that the Natives were troublesome but he did not state that they
had fired upon them. I saw his report to Inspector Stewart but must say that I question its accuracy.
-I have not yet met with an authentic case of Natives having attacked drays in the night – They dare not
attack an European encampment in the night, they are too superstitious and timid - I am inclined to think it
was intentionally a false alarm on the part of Mr Oakden’s to frighten others of his party.
[Moorhouse]
517
Estimate of Aboriginal population for 1851
The Murray from Wellington to the Rufus taking 3 miles on each side
From Wellington to the Maria Creek on the South Coast
900
600
1500
[303]
From Maria Creek to Guichen Bay & Rivoli Bay including the Mount Gambier
District
Tatiara Country
Port Lincoln
Yorke’s Peninsula
Bungaree, Hutt & Hill Rivers
Mounts Remarkable, Brown & Arden, including the peninsular portion
Jutting into Lake Torrens
Adelaide
Encounter Bay, Yankalilla & Currency Creek
Sent March 30th 1852
518
April 5th 1852
Cost of provisions issued to Port Lincoln Natives in 1851.
Flour including cartage to Port Adelaide
£
Freight to Port Lincoln
Cartage from port Lincoln to Police station
£
77.
9.
7.
93.
0.
0.
10.
10.
450
200
460
150
70
400
220
330
3780
[Moorhouse]
0
0
0
6
Estimated cost for 1852 including the daily issue to all Natives of flour & meat from the 1st of March to the 3rd
of June:
From £ 300 to 400.
[Moorhouse]
519
April 30th 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report my arrival in town last evening from visiting the Port Lincoln district in obedience
to instructions from His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor.
The object of my visit was 1st, to ascertain from inquiry on the spot, the real state of feeling existing between
the white & black population & 2nd, to put in operation such measures as would prevent any repetition of
former outrages by the blacks upon the [304] whites at this season of the year.
Regarding the first object, I may observe that the feelings of alarm & apprehension expressed by the
Deputation of sheep farmers to His Excellency in February last have subsided; the measures sanctioned by
the Lieutenant Governor in supplying food to the Natives during the autumnal season have satisfied the
settlers & the feelings towards the Natives are better & more kindly than I ever known them to be in this
district. –
The second object was in a great measure accomplished by establishing the depots for distributing the food –
I saw the sheep owners on the Western Coast & it was agreed that the Depot should be formed near Venus
Harbour 145 miles from Port Lincoln, that two white & one black constables should be there & one white &
one black constable quartered at Mr Vauxhead’s station midway between Venus Harbour and Port Lincoln &
their duty to be simply to patrol amongst the stations & whenever they met with Natives, to persuade them
to go to the Depot for food instead of wandering about the sheep runs –
There was some difficulty about the Eastern Coast- The Government Resident, the Corporal of Police &
myself thought the Salt Creek police station the most fitted for a Depot, but Mr Tennant naturally enough
objected to this as it was in the midst of his runs & it would be encouraging the Natives to congregate in the
midst of his stations – We agreed to go beyond his stations provided he could point out to us a place supplied
with water and grass for the horses, we accompanied Mr Tennant 40 miles from Port Lincoln & as he was
unable to shew us a suitable place, he consented to try the Salt Creek for this season & if proved to be
dangerous or inconvenient a change made be made next season. Franklin Harbour was altogether too far
away, it is 100 miles beyond the sheep stations & the natives living upon the present runs would not go
through so difficult a country for two months provisions. [305]
The district is now so quiet that it was agreed to keep only 7 police men instead of 9 as allowed by His
Excellency the Lieutenant Governor. The sheep farmers expressed themselves perfectly satisfied with 7 &
the arrangements they said would give confidence to their servants.
In conclusion I may illustrate the change of feeling towards the Natives by stating that the two men named
Kambalta & Kawalta who were liberated from Gaol & reported to the Lt Governor as being dangerous
characters & who intreated for them to be sent back, are now quiet – Mr Tennant has Kawalta in his employ,
taking care of lambs & says “he is one of the best blacks in the county & he should be sorry to part with him”.
I am of opinion that there will be no more disturbances in this part unless fresh country be opened out and
settled.
[Moorhouse]
520
May 12th 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 3rd Current requesting me to inquire into a report contained in the South
Australian Register, stating that an attempt had been made by the Natives to ravish a European woman on
the Bremer, I have the honor to say that I have seen the woman & the following is her statement to me –
My name is Lakemann, my husband left me 4 months ago for the diggings. I was left in a hut alone & without
provisions or money – I do not know where the hut is, I think I could find it – I was6 hours walk from any
other house, I think Strathalbyn is the nearest place –
‘A month ago, a number of blacks came to the hut & said to me “white Lubra very good” & pointed to the
bed of the hut – there were about 20, all of them were men and quite naked – I said “me German and me
cannot understand black fellow – me got no flour for black fellow, go away” – one man touched me upon the
shoulder & I had a knife in my hand & said I would cut his hand off – I had also a pistol & fired it off over the
black fellow’s head & they still kept in the hut & one of them had some string [306] with which he
appeared to be preparing to tie my hands when at the moment a white man came up on horseback who had
lost his way. It was dark about eight o’clock in the evening – When the Natives heard the horse they all ran
away – the white man came into my hut & remained about two hours & then rode off.- I remained all night in
the hut. I do not know any of the blacks, I should not know them if I saw them again – I did not know the
white man – I did not inquire his name. I could not identify him if I saw him again.- If you or a policeman
were to go with me in search of the Natives I could not point out any who came to my hut. I should not like
any inquiry to be made into the affair as it might vex my husband.’
Mrs Lakemann is an educated person & if her statement is to be believed, the Natives certainly had sexual
purposes before them – there is something very peculiar in her statement – She can identify no one – neither
blacks nor white – The white man lost himself at 8 o’clock in the evening, remained some time at her hut &
then went away in the dark. This is very improbable - lost people reaching huts after dark generally remain
for the night. As there can be no identification in this case & as Mrs Lakemann reluctantly speaks about it, I
am not able to carry the inquiry further.
[oorhouse]
521
May 11th 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to invite His Excellency’s attention to the subject of travelling expenses of the Aborigines’
department. Hitherto there has been no fixed rate as in other Departments in the Public Service & as there is
much trouble and inconvenience in procuring the necessary vouchers for the Audit Office, I would
respectfully apply to have a fixed rate per diem allowed. I would venture to hope that His Excellency would
not consider the allowance of 5d per diem of [307]
the Inspector of Police too much for the Native
Department & it would about meet the extra expense I incur when travelling on duty.
[Moorhouse]
522
May 11th 1852
Edward B. Scott Esq
Sub-Protector, Moorundee
Sir,
A few days ago I had an opportunity of speaking to the Governor about the unfortunate reports which have
for some time been in circulation – I mean of course the report of your having the Native girls live with you. I
was surprised to hear His Excellency state that the report had reached him a day or two before & he
requested me to write at once to you & state plainly that one of two things must be done –
1st, either you demand an investigation be made into the charge by two or three impartial parties –
Or 2nd, that you quickly resign your appointment and retire from the Department.In case you demand an investigation, you will be kind enough to name the parties in order that the
Governor’s approval may be procured, or if you prefer resigning your appointment, you can forward your
resignation, but not abandon your post until a successor reach the station to take charge of the property.
[Moorhouse]
523
14th May 1852
Mr Coleman, Miller, Strathalbyn
Sir,
I received yours of the 12th Current reporting that you had wounded a native found in your mill at night &
have to state in reply that an inquiry will be made into the case forthwith – Sub Protector Mason had better
be present & I should feel obliged if you would forward the enclosed letter to him.
An order to Mr Mason to proceed to the spot was enclosed in this letter.
[Moorhouse]
[308]
524
J.W. McDonald Esq, Special Magistrate, Kooringa
Sir,
Yours of the 9th Current reached me this afternoon & I at once saw the Colonial Secretary upon its contents –
In case you as a Magistrate cannot longer detain the Native prisoners, they will of course be liberated & altho
it appears very desirable to have them returned to their own country under protection, yet as police
constables cannot be procured, I see no means of giving them that protection.- I shall be visiting the country
in June & if you could detain them until that time, I would call at Redruth and take them with me.
P.C. Hamilton reported that they are wanting blankets & I sent two this day by Mail for them.
[Moorhouse]
525
May 21st 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have this moment received yours of this date calling my attention to an account given in this day’s Register
& to a previous account in the same paper of an outrage committed at Strathalbyn.- By the first account it
appears that a native was unnecessarily wounded by a gunshot by a miller; by the second, that the wounded
Native was dealt with as a culprit – The charge being only suspicion of theft while no notice appears to have
been taken of the man who ought to be put on his trial for murder.
I heard of Sergeant rose’s return yesterday & at once called at the Police Barracks for sub-protector Mason’s
report but I did not meet with Rose - he came to me this morning & gave me an outline of his proceedings –
His report and the depositions now before the Advocate-General give much more information [309] than
the South Australian Register & I think that His Excellency will perceive that before the miller Mr Coleman
could be put upon his trial it wold be requisite for the Advocate General to state it as his opinion that the
charge of murder should be preferred against him.
The Native was arraigned because he was the aggressor & Mr Coleman’s statements being upon oath can be
used as the Law Advisers of the Crown think proper.
The last paragraph in your letter states that “if I do not prove myself in reality as an active agent in obtaining
impartial treatment for the Natives, the main object of my office is unattained.” In this I fully concur & for His
Excellency’s information I give the steps I took in the Strathalbyn case –
On Thursday evening last, I received a note from Mr Coleman the Miller, stating that he had wounded a
native with a pistol, whom he had found in his mill at night & I took the note over to the Police Barracks &
was informed that Corporal Brooks had gone to inquire into the case – On Friday morning I again went to the
Barracks & was informed that Brooks had been to Strathalbyn but could not find the wounded Native so I
brought the note to you – you made a minute upon it, to the effect that an Inspector of Police should go &
prosecute the inquiry, procure medical evidence & have the depositions of the wounded man taken. I said I
would write to Sub Protector Mason & did so at once, requesting him to proceed immediately to Strathalbyn
to investigate the case & report his proceedings – I forwarded the letter to Strathalbyn with a request that it
might be sent on to Mr Mason & expected him to be there on Saturday last. Sergeant Rose tells me that
none of the Natives would take it so it was forwarded by Post to Currency Creek on Wednesday last.
It may appear to be inactivity on my part for not going myself but my reasons for not doing so were the
following:
1st, This affray happened amongst the Natives who are better known to Sub Protector Mason than [310] to
myself –
2nd, He speaks their language and could enter much more minutely into the Native’s Statement, than I who
could only speak to them in English.
3rd, I was particularly engaged in Town at the time in preparing the blankets for the outstations – I was
marking three hundred – 75 of which had to be sent to Moorundee & if I had been away the whole of the
Murray natives would have been without for the winter – One dray and the only one for the winter left town
this week and took the blankets.
4th, In case of difficulties arising in the way of Sub Protector Mason, I could go after the Queen’s Birth day as
Mr Coleman is a respectable individual and not likely to abscond.
[Moorhouse]
526
May 22nd 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the amount of £ 400 payable to Archdeacon Hale on account of the Native
Training Institution at Port Lincoln, is now lying in the Colonial treasury.
The Archdeacon has hitherto empowered me to sign the accounts for him & in this instance did so, but the
authority not being sufficiently precise, took it back to Port Lincoln and did not bear in mind to apply for a
more correct one in its place – I have always drawn the amounts from the Treasury for the Archdeacon &
paid them into the Bank of Australasia on Account of the Native Training Institution at Port Lincoln. The
Archdeacon expects that I have done so with the £ 400 for he has sent orders to the amount of £ 300 since I
was at Port Lincoln. I do not like to see these orders refused payment, therefore would respectfully apply to
His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to instruct the Colonial treasurer to pay into the Bank of Australasia
the £ 400 on account of the Native [311] Training Institution at Port Lincoln & take Mr Tonkinson’s receipt
until the Archdeacon’s proper authority can be procured.
I make this application because a delay of two months might happen before a reply could be procured from
Port Lincoln & I feel desirous of at once meeting the drafts already made against the above sum.
[Moorhouse]
527
May 29th 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that I have this day seen P.C. Hamilton from Redruth who has two Native prisoners
from Mr Hayward’s Station in charge & he is of opinion with myself that the two prisoners might be liberated
& sent to their own country in safety – We propose sending two quiet Natives from the Burra to escort them
the first 30 miles – this would take the prisoners amongst some who would speak the same dialect & claim
relationship with them – They would then be perfectly safe. I will forward 4 blankets for the guides by P.C.
Hamilton who will undertake the matter & see them a few miles on their journey.
[Moorhouse]
528
May 29th 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 15th Current, instructing me to proceed at my
earliest convenience to Mr Hayward’s Station near Lake Torrens to take with me a couple of horses and a
detachment of Native Police &c for the purpose of establishing a feeding station for the Natives & in reply
have to state that since her Majesty’s birth day I have endeavoured to make arrangements for the journey
but have not succeeded. My only difficulty lies in not being able to procure a dray.
The distance to this station is 325 miles and no dray would like to undertake the journey with more than half
a ton weight at this season – It would take from 10 to 12 weeks to perform the [312] journey & the
expense would be about L 40 for dray hire alone, if a dray could be met with at all. As there would be a sub
Protector and two Native Constables it would be necessary to take flour for them. The settlers, I am
confident, could not spare any from their stocks most likely procured during the last Shearing season. The
supplies for the stations so far out are procured by drays when going for the wool & it would be the most
economical as well as the only practicable plan to postpone the Establishment of this feeding place until next
shearing in October, provided His Excellency see no objection to such a procedure.
[Moorhouse]
529
May 29th 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to forward the enclosed requisition just received by me from Port Lincoln & at the same
time to report that the amount (£ 75) allowed for 1852 is already expended within £ 1. 6. 4 – This Vote for
1852 has been so soon expended by parties unto whom amounts for 1851 were due not calling at the
Treasury for them until the commencement of 1852.
This has caused nearly £ 30 to be paid out of the current year’s allowance which should have been paid in
1851 & in consequence I am compelled to apply for an extra grant of £ 30 for the Port Lincoln School.
[Moorhouse]
530
June 3rd 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The enclosed letter from Sub Protector Mason is a reply to one I sent him on the 26th May requesting him to
distribute wheat instead of flour to the Natives as drays cannot be procured contract price for flour in town is
only £ 7. 5. 0 per Ton but I cannot meet with drays that would take any to Currency Creek to deliver flour at
his station. From this reply it appears that wheat would not satisfy the natives. I would therefore
recommend as no better plan suggested itself that Mr Mason be authorized to procure the 2 tons from Mr
Gollan at £ 17 per ton.
[Moorhouse]
[313]
531
June 23rd 1852
Sub Protector Mason
Sir,
Mr Johnstone of North Adelaide has reported to me that several Natives have engaged to serve as pulling
hands at the Encounter Bay Fishery this season & he believes would fill their engagements if it were not for
Europeans persuading them not to do so. Would you have the kindness to go to Encounter Bay at your
earliest convenience, enquire into the matter and if you consider the engagements fair & equitable inform
the Natives that they must positively fulfil their undertaking.
[Moorhouse]
532
June 23rd 1852
W. Crane Esq.
Secretary to Educational Board
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 17th Current, requesting to be informed if I know of any objection to the Board of
Education granting a Licence to teach to Mr James Sullivan of Bowden, I beg to state that I believe Mr Sullivan
to be guilty of making false returns under the late ordinance.
Mr Sullivan was some time in our Depot & I knew his two children, one three or four years old & the other
about 2. He came to declare his first school return before me & I observed the names of his two children on
the list – one as being 12 and the other eight years old – I mentioned the circumstance to him but he pleaded
necessity – I requested him to leave my presence & declined witnessing his declaration.
On receiving your letter, I applied at the Colonial Secretary’s office to see the return & I find it there declared
before Mr Gilbert & duly signed – It is the same return he produced before me. It might be well to inquire of
Mr Sullivan whose children the 2 Sullivans were, that he returned on his list.
[Moorhouse]
533
August 3rd 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have to report that in obedience to your instructions of the 5th July, I left Town for Port Wakefield to bring
down the Native Constable Jim Crow who had been reported to be lying there sick and [314] returned last
evening – When within four miles of Port Wakefield I was informed that he had left there& gone to the
Stations at Yorke’s Peninsula – I traced him down the Peninsula & found him about 16 miles from Sturt Bay.
On inquiring from Jim Crow I ascertained that he was thrown from a horse in March last, & his knee bruised?
He lay some weeks at Port Wakefield & as he recovered gradually wended his way to the Police station. I left
him there as he was quite recovered. He is now fit for duty & will enter upon it as soon as he is furnished
with a horse.
[Moorhouse]
534
August 20th 1852
Mr Geo Solomon, Rapid Bay
Sir,
I received your note requesting me to register your child – I cannot complete the registration until you come
to Town I forwarded your application to the Colonial Secretary about your wife [Lucy?] being placed under my
protection & have received a reply stating I may take charge of her on condition that you provide for her &
that she is no charge to the Government.
[Moorhouse]
535
August 23rd 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that the term of leave for Mr Ross, schoolmaster to the Natives & for Mrs Hill, who
was termed housemaid, has expired & as there are so few Native children about Town, I cannot at present
recommend His Excellency the Governor to re-open the School. I have therefore the honor to apply for Mr
Ross’s leave to be extended for three or six months longer, & for Mrs Hill’s services to be dispensed with
altogether.
[Moorhouse]
[315]
536
September 2nd 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I visited the three Natives yesterday who are under sentence to be executed on the 16 th Current – They are
exceedingly anxious to know His Excellency’s decision & whether they are to be executed or not. They
appear to have intense mental suffering – If I could relieve them I should be glad to do so. Might I therefore
apply for His Excellency’s decision in order that I might communicate it to them.
[Moorhouse]
537
September 8th 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
At the request of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor I have the honor to report upon the enclosed
communication.
The report of the Commissioner of Police refers exclusively to the Port Lincoln district & the disease to which
allusion is made is evidently the Venereal. I may state that I visited Port Lincoln in April last & the diseased
state of the Natives was a subject of conversation between me and the Government Resident; I was informed
that Dr Sampson prescribed for all who applied & would cure them if they would persevere in his treatment.
The average of Venereal cases was not greater there than in other parts of the colony, & the opinion that
there are not twenty male and female adults free from it is, I am inclined to think, a very erroneous one.
About 8 months ago the Itch was raging amongst the Natives of Port Lincoln & the whole of Mr Schurmann’s
school children were affected by it – I sent him medicine down & in six weeks he wrote saying “that it had
done good service for all were cured”. It was afflicting the adults & they were not cured when I was there
but all had been cured who had applied. In order to ascertain the present state of the Natives there I wold
respectfully suggest that the Police be requested to make a return of all the Venereal cases in their districts,
& I should then be able to forward additional supplies [316] of medicines proportionate to the demand.
In the other districts of the Colony cases of sickness amongst the Natives receive as much attention as
circumstances permit; they are never overlooked as the following quotations will prove. Sub Protector Scott
is supplied with medicine - & in his quarterly report for March 1851, he says “Sickness has been very
prevalent amongst the Aborigines of this portion of the province, & I regret to ay that a great number still
continue to suffer from a variety of diseases; 44 sick have received an extra distribution of flour.” In the
December quarter he says “I regret to say that the deaths exceed the births in this district & at present there
is much sickness amongst the Aborigines; I take every opportunity of relieving them with presents of flour”.
In the March quarter of 52 he says “236 natives have received flour at the general distributions & the wants
of the sick have also been attended to” & in the June quarter says “the wants of 41 sick people have been
alleviated by presents of flour during the last quarter”.
Sub Protector Mason reports under the following dates:
March 1851 – During the quarter I have distributed 956 lbs of flour to the sick & aged & those requiring it
have received supplies of medicine;
June 30th 1851 – 400 lbs of flour have been supplied to the sick & indigent.
Sept 30th – Many Natives have suffered from Rheumatic affections during the winter & some so severely as to
lose the use of their legs.”
I may add that the above cases of Rheumatism were attended by Mr Mason & all recovered the use of their
limbs. I have attended all those natives who will submit to medical treatment during the 13 years I have
been in contact with them. In Adelaide alone I have cured 2000 cases of itch & as I have a supply of
medicines allowed I attend to all cases.- When I am absent, the Colonial Surgeon always attends if required.
In my March report for 1851, I stated that “I visited Yorke’s Peninsula in March & found the representation of
the Natives’ women being in a fearful state of disease to be quite true. The disease has evidently been
communicated by the Europeans & has spread from one to another until three fourths of both males [317]
and females have become affected by it.
“On my return to Town I forwarded a supply of medicines to the Police Constable in charge with instructions
how to apply them. I also desired him to supply those with a daily allowance of flour, as were so much
afflicted as not to be able to leave their huts.”
In my last report for the June quarter, I mentioned that there has been considerable mortality amongst the
adults of this district, 13 men & 1 woman have died & chiefly of secondary symptoms of Venereal. To those
who would reside about the Police Station & who were most afflicted P.C. Morgan gave 2 lb of flour per day
& on the report reaching me, I forwarded 20 blankets & by the return Conveyance to be given to such as are
suffering. 154 lb of flour were given to the sick.
Regarding that part of His Excellency’s minute referring to suggestions for the prevention or amelioration of
this unfortunate state of things, I may be permitted to observe that there are only two districts really without
attention – Mt Gambier & Mt Arden. The former had a surgeon residing there, but I am informed he has
gone to the goldfields & Mt Arden is in prospect of being supplied shortly with a Sub Protector who will
distribute medicines.
It might also be of service to have a circular addressed to the residents at Port Lincoln & Guichen Bay
intimating that medicines would be supplied to them for the Native tribes which may be suffering from
disease contracted by intercourse with Europeans.
[Moorhouse]
538
Sept 15th 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
Having been informed that the Electoral Clerks have recently had their expenses paid by the Colonial
Treasurer, I have the honor to enclose for the approval of His Excellency my accounts as Returning Officer for
such items as are referred to in Clause ? 1 VI of ordinance No 1 – 1851.
The two first items are not strictly provided for in that clause nor in any other, but I have no source to which I
can apply except His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor for repayment of the amount I advanced on the
occasion. Mr Anstey took exception [318] to the whole of my Accounts so I issued a summons from the
Adelaide Local Court & he paid into Court the amount less the Returning Officer’s & Clerks’ fees for attending
at Salisbury. His plea was that it was not a legal polling place, therefore he was not liable. I was afraid of
incurring legal expenses so I did not try the question. I preferred the present course & if I was in error, being
subjected to the loss.
Copy of my Account:
Her Majesty’s Colonial Government
M. Moorhouse
Returning Officer for Yatala
1851
July 10th
Fees to deputy RO at Salisbury 3rd July
Fee to Clerk as above
Mr Dehane for polling books
F.W. Lamb for posting notices at various
polling places for both Elections
2
£ 5
£
s
d
2
1
10
2
1
0
0
0
2
15
6
6
[Moorhouse]
539
September 23rd 1852
Chas Driver Esq
Government Resident
Port Lincoln
Sir,
The last quarterly report of the Commissioner of Police contains this sentence:
“Disease of the worst description is making sad havoc amongst the tribes of the whole district (Port Lincoln)
& Corporal Geharty is of opinion that out of the whole Native population there are not 20 male and female
adults free from it.”
& as I am desirous of ascertaining the real state of the Natives, could you by any possibility procure me a
return of all venereal cases in your district. When you forward the return, I would suggest that a requisition
for medicines should accompany it, prepared by Mr Sampson, the Government surgeon. And [319] I will
endeavour to transmit the supply by return opportunity.
[Moorhouse]
540
Sept 23rd 1852
Chas P. Brewer Esq
Government Resident
Guichen Bay
Sir,
There appears to be an impression abroad that the Natives are suffering very much from diseases induced by
intercourse with the Europeans and as I am desirous of ascertaining the extent of this evil, I have the honor
to apply to you for information regarding your district. My wish is to counteract as much as possible the
spread of such diseases and you would oblige me by procuring a return of all the cases in your locality in
order that a supply of medicines may be forwarded for distribution.
A requisition for medicines prepared by yourself or the Surgeon of the district (if there be one) would be
approved by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor & transmitted by me to you in due course.
[Moorhouse]
541
Sept 27th 1852
John Scott Esq
Tatiarra
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 6th Current handed to me by Inspector Rose, regarding the Native boy Jimmy, who
came to Adelaide as a witness in the murder case at Mr McLeod’s Station, I beg to state that the boy had
never been seen or heard of since Mr McLeod left the Town. I have made inquiry and traced his movements
as far as Wellington but where he went after leaving Wellington I cannot learn – He might possibly be
sojourning for a while with his cousins at Mr Cooke’s Station & it might probably be advisable to let his father
go in search of him in that direction.
[Moorhouse]
[320]
542
November 1st 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to report that in obedience to instructions contained in your letter 2557/52 of Sept 30 th, I
proceeded to the station of Mr Brown near Mt Remarkable to inquire into the facts connected with the
murder of Mr James Brown by the Aborigines.
I left Adelaide on the 2nd Ulto., & arrived at Mr Brown’s Station on the 12th. On the 10th I met Police
Constable Phillips who gave me a general outline of the murder & about 300 sheep being stolen & the steps
taken to capture the murderers & recover the sheep. He informed me that he had been out accompanied by
25 Europeans & two Natives – had found the missing sheep in the possession of four Natives- that an attempt
to make prisoners of the Natives had been made – that they resisted – a rencontre had taken place & the
four were shot – I ascertained that the place where the contest happened was seventy miles away from Mr
Brown’s Station – that it was over a difficult country & no water to be procured. As all the Natives seen there
were shot, I saw no object to be gained by visiting the spot so I directed my enquiries to the settlers who had
been concerned in the affray.
There were 15 Europeans and one Native concerned. I took the depositions of 8 Europeans & one Native &
enclose them for His information. The deceased’s brother had left the district and is now at Willunga. His
evidence would not I think give any additional facts connected with the case.
As these depositions may be referred to the law officers of the Crown for their opinion whether the settlers
were justified or not in the steps they took, I may be allowed to remark that the murder of Mr James Brown
was a most cruel and brutal affair on the part of the Natives. He was an interesting youth of 17, his mother’s
favourite child; he had for three years wished to assist his two brothers at the sheep station but his mother
only consented to his going three months ago, as labor was reported to be scarce in the North [ 321] He
had no fear whatever of the natives, never armed himself with defensive weapons & on the 19 th of
September they took advantage of his defenceless condition & murdered him in a most barbarous manner.
His brother, in the absence of sufficient Police force, naturally summoned his neighbours to assist him in
capturing the murderers & recovering the stolen sheep. The neighbours, to their great inconvenience, leave
their shearing operations, accompany him, get upon the tracks of sheep in possession of the Natives, follow
them up for three days, find the sheep & a few hundred yards distant see four Natives running away from
them & in endeavouring to make prisoners of the murderers, are attacked, a collision ensues & the Natives
are slain.
I use the term murderers as there is no doubt in my mind about the guilt of the parties – I examined patiently
and very carefully the Native boy Mulaia alias Jacky, & he spoke confidently to the tracks being those of two
of the slain natives & I have no doubt in my own mind of the correctness of his statements.
In Mr Bery Ragless’ statement, is given the reasons of the settlers going out on this occasion. There was an
inadequate police force& I was left to give attention to this, in order to prevent future occurrences of the
above nature. Before I left Town I was informed that His Excellency had sanctioned the appointment of local
police constables & as it was very desirable to have some arrangements made for police protection before I
left the district, I made known the intentions of Government & procured the assent of two respectable
parties, namely of Messrs John & Sidney Yates of Mt Remarkable. I could not define their precise duties,
neither the outfit supplied by the Police department but if they had the above information, they would in all
probability act & in my opinion prove efficient. Their station is 8 miles from the present police station & this
would enable the Commissioner of Police to remove the present constable 80 miles further North.
This appears to be the time for establishing the feeding station for the north. The settlers are all short of
men to attend their flocks & the Natives are quite aware of the fact & are much disposed to take advantage
of it. The feeding station would be a means of keeping them quiet & would recommend the same scale of
allowance as adopted at Port Lincoln.
I have met with no person more fitted for the appointment of Sub Protector who will accept it [322] than
Mr Minchin of Port Lincoln & would respectfully recommend him. If it be too expensive at present to provide
him & the Police with a house, I would respectfully suggest tents until they could provide themselves with a
house.
[Moorhouse]
543
Nov 12th 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
Your instructions of the 2nd Current, No 2747/52 requesting me to visit Yorke’s Peninsula & inquire into an
affray which took place between Mr Coutts’ shepherds and some Natives who had taken a flock of sheep
belonging to Mr Coutts, duly reached me & on the 4th I embarked in the OG cutter & arrived on the Peninsula
on the evening of the 6th. On Monday the 8th, I took the depositions of all concerned in the affray & enclose
them for the information of His Excellency the Governor. They contain a complete statement of the matter
as far as the Europeans are concerned.
I endeavoured to ascertain form the natives living upon Mr Coutt’s run whether any had been mortally
wounded, but they did not know; they said, those who attacked the shepherd and took away the sheep were
strangers; they were Natives from the scrub and lived about Point Pearce, 70 miles to the North of Mr Coutts;
they could give me no idea where I could find them. It appeared to be a hopeless case so I returned to Town.
I would observe Mr Coutts’ evidence regarding P.C. Moran that I fear it is too correct a statement. When I
visited the Peninsula in July last the settlers complained of Moran’s inattention to police duty. I mentioned
the complaints to him adding that if the Natives became troublesome again to the settlers, he would in great
measure be to blame; he said that he would go more amongst them but I find that he did not fulfil his
promise.
[Moorhouse]
[322]
544
Nov 15th 1852
Captain Lipson
Harbour Master
Sir,
It is the intention of His Excellency the Governor to establish a feeding station for the Aborigines at Port
Augusta & I have been requested to prepare an estimate of the cost of conveying an Iron store with a six
months’ supply of provisions from Port Adelaide& a Sub Protector from Port Lincoln in the “Yatala” – Would
you favour me with the following information –
Cost of the “Yatala” per diem when in service
Probable number of days she would be engaged in shipping & unshipping the iron store and
15
tons of provisions & in making the passage to and from Port Augusta, with having to call in at Port Lincoln on
the outward passage.
In case she had to go round to Venus Bay & land 15 tons of provisions – 14 passengers &
one horse – how many additional days would be taken up.
I shall forward your reply with my estimate to the Colonial Secretary.
[Moorhouse]
545
December 6th 1852
Willm? Sabben? Esq
Town Clerk
[Corporation of Adelaide]
Sir,
Yours of the 29th Ultimo enclosing copy of a report from the Inspector of Nuisances dated Nov 18 th reached
me on the 2nd Current – I am aware of all the facts contained in that letter & feel anxious to see the evils
removed. Whenever I can assist the Corporation in removing them, I shall at all times most readily do so.
The first complaint of Natives locating in private property & lighting fires can only be remedied I conceive by
the owners of the property.
The second – drunkenness is becoming a sad evil. I have when in town done all in my power to stop it – I
have laid informations & so have the police & the Inspector of Nuisances, but the evil is not very much
checked.
The third source of complaint, locating on the Park Lands may be entirely checked as far as regards the
Corporation & if they insist upon it & give me preventory orders to see the natives removed I can persuade
them to locate in the Government Paddock.
[Moorhouse]
[324]
546
December 11th 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
At the request of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor I have the honor to forward an estimate of the
probable expenses of establishing & maintaining for 12 months feeding stations at Venus Bay & Port Augusta
for the Aborigines.
Venus Bay
Expenses of “Yatala” as per enclosed estimate from the
Harbor Master
10 Tons of flour at £ 14 – 10 – 0
1 Ton of Sugar
Meat, say
150 lb of Tobacco for 12 Native Police @ 4/2 Chests of Tea for ditto
Cooking utensils for 12 Native P.C. including knives, forks, plates
and pannicans
12 native P.C.s @ 1/- per diem each
Clothing and Blankets per head @ L 2 – 10 – 0
Outfit one cross-cut Saw, 1 hand saw, 2 felling axes, 2 Tomahawks,
16 Saw files, 6 gimblets, 50 lb of assorted nails
£
£
s
d
125
145
23
100
30
8
0
0
0
0
0
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
12
219
30
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
702
0
8
0
0
125
10
0
100
0
0
0
0
0
7
495
10
0
0
0
Port Augusta
-
Expenses of “Yatala”
Of removing Iron store & fixing at Port Augusta
10 Tons of flour @ £ 14 – 10 – 0
Meat, say
Outfit – 1 cross-cut saw, 1 hand saw, 2 felling axes,
2 Tomahawks, 1 doz saw files
117
145
£
0
I would recommend the scale of issue to be the same as adopted last summer, namely
-
-
-
Daily to each native above 12 years of age, ½ lb of flour & ½ lb of meat (beef or mutton)
To each native under 12 years of age, half the above quantities.
As the “Yatala” will call in at Port Lincoln, [325] I would respectfully suggest that 5 tons of flour be sent
down for the Eastern Coast feeding station. This quantity would be supplied at Contract price, namely £ 7 – 5
– 0 per ton. I enclose a requisition for the quantity.
No. 4; The station has already received the Lieutenant Governor’s sanction to be in operation from the 1st Feb
to the 30th June.
If His should approve these calculations, it will be necessary 1st to issue instructions to the Colonial Architect
to take immediate steps for the removal of the Iron store to the Port & engage the men to erect it to Port
Augusta.
2nd, To the Harbour Master to have the Yatala ready for the trip on the 1st of January (or perhaps the 2nd as
the 1st may be a holiday at the Port.)
-
-
3rd , To authorise me to purchase the 20 tons of flour at £ 14 – 10 – 0 per ton , price tendered enclosure No.
3, & meat for the three stations – Venus Bay – Eastern Coast of Port Lincoln & Port Augusta by private
contract, the price to be as low as possible & in no case to exceed 2d per lb.
4th , Also to purchase the cooking utensils for both stations –
5th, To appoint Mr Paul Minchin as Sub Protector for the Mount Arden district with such instructions as the
Lieutenant Governor may be pleased to issue.
An outline of instructions enclosed being similar to those given to Sub Protector Mason on his appointment.
[Moorhouse]
547
Dec 18th 1852
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have received yours of this date & in reply have the honor to inform you that I am not aware of anything to
prevent the Natives, police & myself being ready for embarkation in the “Yatala” on the 27th current, as
requested in yours of the 16th. I wrote at once to the contractor to request him to have the flour down at the
Port on or before the 27th & I think he will fulfil his engagement.
I will inform the Lord Bishop of Adelaide that all our arrangements are made for the 27 th [326] I would
respectfully suggest, that Mr Minchin be allowed a Tent to shelter himself & police while erecting their
dwellings.
In case of rain they could be able to protect their stores from the weather.
I did not mention Mr Minchin’s salary in my last but I understood [from?] His Excellency that it was to be like
the other Sub Protectors, £ 150 per annum. On what date does His Excellency expect his duties to commence
?
[Moorhouse]
548
Dec 20th 1852
Captain Lipson
Harbor Master
Sir,
I have received His Excellency’s instructions to proceed to Venus Bay, Port Lincoln & Port Augusta in the
“Yatala” & to be ready to embark on Monday next, the 27th Current.
There will be about 30 tons of flour & Sugar & probably 2 police horses as cargo as well as 12 native
Constables & 2 white men. Would you have the kindness to inform me if the vessel will be ready by the 27th.
[Moorhouse]
549
Dec 23rd 1852
Commissioner of Police
Sir,
I have received His Excellency’s instructions to embark in the “Yatala” on the 27th Current for Venus Bay, Port
Lincoln and Port Augusta – I am taking with me as the opportunity is so favourable a one a supply of
provisions for the Sub protector who will be stationed there & I would suggest the desirableness of the PCs
who will be with the Sub Protector, being advised to do the same.
I am instructed to leave 10 tons of flour for the Natives at Port Augusta & as Mr Minchin the Sub Protector is
the only party that will be landed from the “Yatala” – would it not be desirable to dispatch the police at once
so as to be in readiness to assist Mr Minchin & afford protection to the property. His Excellency allowed a
tent as a temporary shelter [327] & expects Mr Minchin and the Police to build themselves a permanent
residence, & when they are doing it to make it a substantial building capable of storing goods that may
occasionally be left there on account of neighbouring settlers.
It would be well for the Police to be there some days before the “Yatala” to examine the ground and procure
water if possible in the neighbourhood; they may easily do so as Mr Patterson’s Station is about eight miles
from Port Augusta & they could procure rations there whilst they were waiting for the “Yatala”.
[Moorhouse]
550
Dec 23rd 1852
The Harbor Master
Sir,
Yours of yesterday had the honor to receive & should have replied by return of Post, had its contents not
required a reference to the Commissioner of Police. Mr Tolmer says that he should like one horse to be
conveyed if not two, but two if you can possibly arrange to put them on board. Would you have the kindness
to inform me whether you can provide for one or two as our arrangements must be completed early on
Monday morning.
[Moorhouse]
551
Dec 24th 1852
Mr Henry P. Minchin
Port Lincoln
Sir,
In obedience to the request of the Hon the Colonial Secretary I have the honor to enclose instructions for
your information & guidance, as Sub Protector of Aborigines for the Mount Arden district.
1st , Your district shall embrace all of the settled country to the North of Mount Remarkable & you are
requested to become personally acquainted with the Natives inhabiting it, to visit them & to act a friendly
part toward them. To ascertain as nearly as possible their number & keep a Registry of the births & deaths, &
make yourself acquainted with their language.
2nd , You will have personally to inquire into all disputes ensuing between the natives & Europeans & report
specially upon all cases of importance coming under your notice & use every exertion to [328] promote &
maintain a good understanding between them & the settlers.
3rd , You are to report quarterly to this office (on the last days of Feb, May, August & November) upon the
Natives of your district, giving as much statistical information as you are able; including number of Natives
living with Europeans, services rendered to the settlers &c &c.
4th , Keep a detailed journal of all your proceedings.
[Moorhouse]
552
February 8th 1853
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In obedience to instructions contained in yours of the 16th of December last No. 3511/52, I have the honor to
report that I have visited Venus Bay, Port Lincoln & Port Augusta.
The “Yatala” was ordered to leave on the 27th of December but the Police did not procure their outfit until
the 29th & in the afternoon of that day, we weighed anchor, having on board 23 tons of flour for the Natives,
rations for 12 months for 12 Native PCs, 1 Native woman, 2 European constables, 2 horses, 2 tents, & a
general outfit of cooking utensils &c for the two outstations – Venus Bay and Port Augusta.
On the 1st of Jan we reached Port Lincoln, landed 5 tons of flour – 3 PCs & 2 horses – On the 3rd we left at
daybreak in the morning for Venus Bay, having on board Mr driver & Sergeant Geharty to assist in fixing upon
the spot for the feeding stations – We arrived on the 5th & determined upon the spot on the 6th after
examining the country & water in the neighbourhood – The station is 7 miles from the Bay – On the 7th we
landed the provisions and the Native Constables. The Natives were in good spirits & entered into their duties
cheerfully.
We remained in Venus Bay, wind-bound until the 12th, then weighed anchor & reached Port Lincoln on the
16th after a boisterous passage. After repairing injuries sustained by the schooner & whale boat, taking in
water, Mr Minchin & his horse, we set sail on the [329] morning of the 20th for Port Augusta & arrived
there on the 23rd.
In making for Port Augusta we got aground at Curlew Point & were detained about 2 hours. After getting
afloat we anchored for the night when only three miles from the Port – We anchored at Port Augusta at 11
o’clock on the 23rd & waited until evening expecting to see the two police constables who had been sent
overland to reconnoitre the locality & ascertain the nearest point at which water could be procured. As we
saw nothing of the Police Mr Minchin & myself started on the morning of the 24 th in search of Mr Patterson’s
Station & the Police.
We found water at 2 p.m., halted about ten minutes & then went on 8 miles further to Mr Patterson’s Station
at the foot of Mount Brown – We found the 2 PCs there, quietly seated in the hut & their horses feeding
outside – They saw the “Yatala” passing up the Gulf on the 22nd & on the 23rd rode a few miles to
communicate with us but when they left the station we happened to be 3 miles from Port Augusta & on
weighing anchor to complete the 3 miles, they abandoned their attempt & left us to search for water.
We learnt at Mr Patterson’s Station that there was no water within 15 miles of Port Augusta, that the
surrounding country for several miles is so swampy in the winter season that it cannot be approached with a
vehicle of any kind – I was advised to land the flour at Port Ferguson as water was known to be procurable 4
miles from the beach. Mr Minchin & myself returned to the vessel the same evening to stop the landing of
the cargo & it was agreed that Mr Germaine should go by land to examine Port Ferguson & report upon it; he
returned in three days and altho’ his opinion about Port Ferguson was unfavourable we were compelled to
go there to establish the station.
We found our difficulties to be quite as formidable as Mr Germaine represented – We were aground twice on
entering the harbor & once upon coming out & the landing place there is extremely inconvenient & at low
water quite impracticable –
We did not leave Port Augusta without trying for water – We dug wells but found salt water only. It was
arranged that in winter Mr Minchin should visit the spot with the Natives & try for water & at the same time
ascertain whether be a dray road or not.
There are many difficulties in the approach to Port Augusta & Port Ferguson which it would be well [330]
to make public – Mr Nation took notes of them and would be able to report upon them if requested to do so.
I am sorry to state that the negligence of the Police caused a delay of eight days; they were expressly sent
before the vessel to procure information, & report, but they failed in doing so.
Mr Schurmann and family came up to Adelaide with us. There was no opportunity by private vessel so I
ventured to state that I thought His Excellency would not object to his having a passage in the “Yatala”.
[Moorhouse]
553
Feb 11th 1853
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 21st of December last No. 2559/52, I have the honor to report that I left Mr Henry Paul
Minchin in charge as Sub Protector of the Aborigines for the Mr Arden district at Port Ferguson on the 1st
Current.
Will it be necessary to Gazette Mr Minchin’s appointment ?
[Moorhouse]
554
February 18th 1853
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In October last, Corporal Geharty reported that the Natives at Port Lincoln were without flour & as I was
starting to inquire into the murder of Mr Brown in the North, I ordered the flour from the contractor and sent
it by return of vessel. – The enclosed requisition I have the honor to forward for the flour then sent, for His
Excellency’s approval.
[Moorhouse]
555
Feb 18th 1853
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
During my recent visit to Port Lincoln, Mr Schurmann handed over his Native School children to Archdeacon
Hale – The enclosed list of articles were also transferred from Mr Schurmann’s to Mr Hale’s charge for which
authority is required. Requisition enclosed.
[Moorhouse]
[331]
556
Estimate of Aboriginal Population for 1852
The Murray River from Wellington to the Rufus
Taking thirty miles of country each side
900
From Wellington to the Maria Creek on the South Coast
600
Mt Gambier district
450
Tatiara Country
150
Port Lincoln
460
Yorke’s Peninsula
120
Bungaree, Hutt & Hill Rivers
70
Mounts Remarkable, Brown & Arden & the bend of
Country bordering on Lake Torrens
Adelaide
Encounter Bay, Yankalilla & Currency Creek
Total in occupied districts
400
220
300
3670
[Moorhouse]
557
March 3rd 1853
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have to report that the leave of absence given to Mr Ross, Schoolmaster to the Natives, has expired & as
there is no prospect of re-organising the school until the commencement of the winter season; I have the
honor to apply for Mr Ross’ leave to be prolonged until the 1st of June next.
[Moorhouse]
558
March 3rd 1853
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
During my visit to the Training Institution at Port Lincoln in January last, the Archdeacon wished me to
forward the account for balance due to him under his first engagement with the Colonial Government, &
ascertain the date upon which the Government would require him to refund the £200 sent to the Institution
on building account. [332]
The Archdeacon’s proposal was that £ 300 be paid annually in full of all expenses for a Schoolmaster, Matron
& Gardener & rationing the inmates; the proposal was made in June 1850 & he commenced operations on
the 1st of September following; He had due on the 31st of December a balance of £281. 17. 7 which on
reference to the Audit Office, will I think be found to be correct.
The Account stands as follows –
Drawn from the Colonial
st
Due to the Archdeacon from 1 September 1851
£
Treasury on current account
To 31st December 1852 at £ 300 per annum
700
1850 218 – 5 – 3
1851 199 – 17 – 2
418 – 2 – 5
Balance due:
281 - 17 - 7
£ 700
£ 700 – 0 – 0
I enclose therefore an Account for the balanced for His Excellency’s approval.
Regarding the second particular, namely the date upon which the £ 200 are to be refunded – The proposal to
refund is contained in the Archdeacon’s letter to you dated 21st of June 1850. I take that proposal to mean
that £ 200 is to be refunded in 18 months after the whole loan has been advanced, but the Audit Office may
take a different view & say it must be paid in 18 months after the 1 st Instalment was paid – The first
Instalment of £ 200 was paid Jan 26th 1852 & the second instalment of £ 400 on the 2nd of June & I wold
respectfully request your instructions in order to settle the matter.
[Moorhouse]
[333]
559
March 10th 1853
John Hance Esq
Curator of Intestate Estates
Sir,
In reply to yours of yesterday respecting the amount standing to my debit in the books of the late Chas
Fraser, I have to state that the following sums are now ready and have been for some months for payment at
the Colonial Treasury.
£
s
d
Passage for myself to and from Port Lincoln
5
0
0
? 3 natives to Port Lincoln
6
0
0
The Native who came up on the 15th of April was
on account of Archdeacon Hale & if you make
an account out in his name, I will pay it.
You will observe that the last item is £ 6 instead of £ 7 . 10 . 0 as in your account now rendered – I agreed
with Fraser myself for £ 2 a head & that was the sum allowed by Government.
[Moorhouse]
560
March 12th 1853 [copied as ‘1852’]
Mr J. Harris Baynon
Surgeon
Yorke’s Peninsula
Sir,
Your two letters, the first dated 7th Feb & the second the 4th of March on the subject of diseases incident to
the Aborigines, duly reached me. I have watched the disease termed venereal in the Natives for more than
ten years & have been compelled to conclude that it is essentially Lues Venerea but modified considerably by
transmission from one race to another – I have found that it is communicated by contact – that it is specific in
character that secondary symptoms invariably follow, when no treatment has been adopted & that the same
treatment is followed by the same results, as with the Europeans.
As I have not been fortunate enough to meet you on the Peninsula, I cannot speak of you from personal
knowledge to the [334] Governor but if you can forward a memorial from the settlers recommending you &
stating that they Have confidence in your ability &c I am satisfied it would weigh with the Governor if he
conclude to appoint a surgeon for that district. You have my best wishes in the matter.
[Moorhouse]
561
March 14th /53
Sergeant Geharty
Port Lincoln
Sergeant Geharty,
I have just received your communication of the 8th Current respecting meat being supplied to the Natives of
the Salt Creek station & the conveyance of flour to the same place.
Meat is to be supplied as usual. You can purchase from any settler you please but not to exceed 2d per lb. I
have not yet received Mr Tennant’s account for last year – Would you procure it & give a receipt for the
quantity.
You can adopt any plan you think best for conveying the flour from Port Lincoln & give a receipt for its
delivery when landed at the Police Station. Water carriage will do as well as land.
The three tons of flour sent down by Fraser in November have not been acknowledged – if you gave him a
receipt, he appears to have lost it – would you send me another in order [335] that Fraser’s accounts
against the Government may be all paid – his is the only one he has against the Native Department.
[Moorhouse]
562
24th March 1853
Sub Protector Minchin
Mt Brown
Sir,
Yours of the 23rd of Feb. reached me on the 3rd Current & I forwarded it to the Colonial Secretary for the
Lieutenant Governor’s perusal. It was returned this day and His Excellency instructs me to inform you that as
the Governor provided a commodious tent for the Mount Arden station no other expense in the shape of
rent will be incurred and that the police if active, should with Mr Minchin’s aid and that of the blacks
construct huts for themselves. I am further requested to observe that the tent supplied must be kept in good
order or returned to the Colonial storekeeper to be charged against the pay of those [whose] neglect or
ignorance leads to its injury.
I have reported the improper language of the police to the Acting Commissioner and was advised to
recommend you to lay your complaints before Mr Tolmer who will visit your Station on a tour of inspection in
ten days.
You will not fail I hope to give attention to the exploration of Port Augusta during the winter months & satisfy
your mind about its availability as a port.
[Moorhouse]
563
11th April 1853
Thomas Adams
Shepherd
Skylligolee Creek
Sir,
I received yours of the 30th of March informing me that you had notice from the Commissioner of Crown
Lands to leave the Native Reserve on which you are now living.
[336] I have seen Mr Bonny upon the subject and I have had my mind satisfied that you have no right there
without his permission. You can claim your own section and Mr Bonny cannot interfere, but I find he has the
power of removing you from Murray’s Section, and I would advise you to leave it quietly and without trouble.
[Moorhouse]
564
April 12th 1853
E.P. Nesbit Esq
Angaston
Sir,
Yours of the 23rd of March has been a few days unanswered as I had to go out of town – I proceed to answer
your questions in the order you put them – Leeches are not caught in any quantity in the Murray itself but in
the lagoons which communicate with the River – There are many modes of capturing them – sometimes the
Natives go into the water and stand until their legs are completely covered, they then come out and pick off
the leeches – In the Winter when too cold to enter the water, a smooth piece of board is placed
perpendicularly in the mud and the mud a little disturbed – the leeches will fix themselves on the board,
sometimes in very considerable numbers.- The Natives up the Murray would for a little flour put any person
in the way of getting them – They are caught most abundantly in the warm season from November ‘till April –
it is difficult to take them in cold weather tho’ it may be done – they are conveyed to town in casks partially
filled with water.
Their marketplace is uncertain – 2/- per dozen sometimes – I have known them 6/- = the average is about 2/-.
[Moorhouse]
[337]
565
April 12th 1853
J. Hame Esq
Official Assignee
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 24th March respecting Major Campbell’s share of dividend arising from a dissolution of
the Widows’ Fund Society, I have to inform you that I have in my possession at this time cheques for the
amount of £ 35. 14. 4 and I am instructed by the members of the society to hand them over to you on your
signing the deed of dissolution.
[Moorhouse]
566
April 14th 1853
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to apply for instructions regarding Sub Protector Minchin’s gratuity – I have not yet returned
him for his gratuity as the Auditor General has doubts about passing it. Mr Minchin’s Salary appears on the
Estimates and the Circular authorising the gratuities expressly states them to be in addition to the voted
Salaries.
[Moorhouse]
567
15th April 1853
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
At a meeting of the Destitute Board a few days ago, Mr Tapley the Secretary read a letter, informing him that
the poor would be removed from the Asylum to the Native school in about three months. This arrangement
will cause the removal of the Orphans from the present rooms to the former Orphan Depot and it will be
necessary to give Inspector Stuart notice to quit on or before the 1st of June. [338]
His Excellency’s permission to occupy the Depot was sent from your Office and it may be necessary for notice
to quit to be issued from the same source.
[Moorhouse]
568
30th April 1853
A Lindsay Esq
Hindmarsh Valley, Encounter Bay
Sir,
I have this moment received yours of the 20th current, reporting the murder of a half-caste child belonging to
a Native woman near Port Elliott, and in reply beg to state that if it were near Adelaide, the case would be
heated [treated?] as the murder of a European child and I see no reason why it should not be at Port Elliott.
The Coroner’s Act gives instructions about inquiries &c before an Inquest be held.
[Moorhouse]
569
30th April 1853
Mr John H. Earle
Avenue Ranges, Wellington
Sir,
Your communication of the 13th current reporting your attachment to the Native girl Mary and your wish to
marry her and especially so as she has two children by you, was given to me by the Surveyor General; and in
reply beg to state that I never interfere in such matters. If you have the affections of a native girl and it is her
wish to marry [339] you, I know of no just cause or impediment why you sold not take her to be your
lawful wife.
[Moorhouse]
570
16th May 1853
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge yours of the 9th Current 896/53 enclosing copy of an account from the
Commissioner of Police relating to the indiscriminate issue of flour to the aborigines & requesting me to have
the supply to the natives regulated by judicious rules.
The Commissioner states that “the present practice of issuing flour to all the blacks who present themselves,
is I submit erroneous – many I am informed who are well known to have been concerned in various robberies
but who for want of sufficient evidence have not been interfered with, receive the same allowance as the
well-conducted – In my opinion when such fellows are well known to the police or to the Sub Protector, the
issue of flour &c ought to be withheld and the suspected offender expelled in the presence of the assembled
tribe.”
I am somewhat surprised at the above statement as I have every reason to believe it to be contrary to fact.
Three weeks ago Sub Protector Minchin was in Town and in giving me an account of his proceedings said
“that he had not given to all Natives for there were several who were guilty of stealing sheep from Mr
Cudmore and he selected them out from the rest, did not give them any thing & sent them away” – I agreed
with Mr Minchin to some extent in what he had done but advised him not to carry the plan of expulsion too
far. If a native fall into bad repute with [340] the settlers and be looked upon by every body as a thief, he is
naturally driven away from every station and even every run & where is the poor fellow to go & how procure
a living ? He will naturally go to Mr Minchin and after undergoing rebuke must be fed for a while and kept
away from temptation –
I recommend Mr Minchin rather to stop the supplies of the whole tribe for a day or two occasionally when
thefts are committed than adopt the plan of expelling a few suspected delinquents who may come because
they are persecuted and driven from other localities.
One of Sub Protector Minchin’s first & prominent duties is to tame and civilize the most wayward and savage,
and if the plan suggested by Mr Tolmer of withholding supplies be acted upon too strictly, the feeding
station, I fear, would fail in accomplishing one of its main designs. [Moorhouse]
571
June 7th 1853
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose the Quarterly Report from Sub-Inspector Minchin for the Mount Arden district for
the information of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor.
I have read this report with much interest and think Mr Minchin will prove an efficient assistant in the Native
Department. I have seen many settlers from that part and they all speak in the same tone regarding the
[341] allowance to the Natives being too small, they have ½ lb of flour and ½ of meat and if one half the
quantity more, would keep the Natives about the feeding station it would be worth the trial and I would
respectfully support Mr Minchin’s application.
The other suggestion about the Pack horse might be accomplished at a little outlay; there is a mounted
Native P.C. at Mt Remarkable and he might easily be removed, he is not so much wanted there as at the
feeding station.
[Moorhouse]
572
20th June 1853
Sub-Protector Minchin
Mt Brown
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your quarterly report and your letter of the 20th May.
In reply to the former I have to state that the Lieutenant Governor has sanctioned the purchasing of a Pack
horse and you may at once procure one from some settler in the district – report to me the price and I will
get the account passed. The Report was incomplete as it did not contain your daily ration returns.
I have applied to the Commissioner of Police about no one being sent to supply Coward’s place and I am
informed that P.C. Phillips was ordered to go from Mr Remarkable to Mt Brown in May if he should not be
there now, report to me the fact.
[Moorhouse]
[342]
573
June 23rd 1853
R.T. Newland Esq
Stipendiary Magistrate
Port Adelaide
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours or 21st Current reporting a case of drunkenness of an
Aboriginal female named Maria and in reply beg to state that it was my intention to lay an information
against Mrs Brown this morning but I cannot conveniently leave the Orphan Depot as I have to meet some
members of the Ladies Committee.
I shall visit the Port tomorrow and if the business could be expedited by a Police Constable laying the
information this day I should be glad to have the case on tomorrow.
[Moorhouse]
574
27th June 1853
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor for the information of His Excellency Governor that a number of the Destitute Poor are now
occupying a portion of the Native Premises and after the females from the “Hercules” have arrived and been
hired the whole [343] of the Destitute will be transferred to the Native buildings.
That portion of the premises in which the unprotected females will be placed might be rendered much more
convenient and suitable if the two wooden buildings at present in the Emigration Square could be added. At
present those two buildings are of no use to the Govt. they are too far away to be available for the Poor and
are a burthen rather than otherwise as a person has to be placed there, merely to look after them.
As Emigration will be gradually increasing we shall find a difficulty in in providing room for all that may be
sent to our Depot with our present accommodation. Our chief difficulty lies in providing a mess room & for
the baggage – there is a tendency for the luggage to accumulate – many girls who hire in the country have no
means of taking their boxes during the winter and there is no plan open but to leave them in charge of the
Matron. The Wooden buildings to which I have alluded would supply the accommodation required. The
expence of removing would be trifling.
If .. the above a stone wall could be allowed it would add much to the completeness of the premises as well
as to the safe custody of the females when delivered into the charge of the Matron.
[Moorhouse]
575
16th Juy 1853
Sub Protector Minchin
Mt Brown
Sir,
Lance Corporal Walton’s Journal forwarded last week contains an account of a Native being flogged by you &
himself. The Journal was forwarded for the information of His Excellency the Governor who desires me to
procure a report from you upon the case and at the same time to admonish you that you have no power to
inflict punishment except by order of a Competent Court.
I wrote in reply to the Governor’s communication that you had acted without my knowledge or concurrence.
[Moorhouse]
[344]
576
July 25th 1853
Sub-Protector Minchin
Mt Brown
Sir,
I have to report for your information that your letter of the 27 th June has been forwarded to the Lieutenant
Governor and I am desired to state that the Police Station was vacated without authority and the “Police
Commissioner will remedy the inconvenience as soon as possible.”
If Mr Gillis hut keeper decline prosecuting I can see no reason why he should be compelled to do so. I would
recommend you if the guilty party visit your Station to charge him with the assault in the presence of all the
other Natives and threaten to withhold food altogether if such assault be repeated.
I am opinion also that you should feed and keep them some time at your station and endeavour to impress
with the fact that such practices are dangerous as the Europeans might shoot them in self-defence.
[Moorhouse]
577
29th July 1853
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to the enclosed minute from His Excellency the Governor I have the honor to state that I
endeavoured to persuade the Natives on the receipt of Mr Scott’s report to return to the Murray. They said
they had come to Adelaide for the Winter and would return to the Murray at the commencement of
Summer. In winter they cannot procure fish from the river and the natural productions are chiefly vegetable,
this makes them prefer Adelaide to their own district.
I am sorry that about 80 strangers have made their appearance this Winter, they come from Lake Victoria
and the Darling. Mr Scott has been twice in town since his report was written [345] and he could not
persuade them to leave and I am of opinion that nothing but Police force will make them change their
present locality.
[Moorhouse]
578
Orphan Depot
16th August 1853
The Immigration Agent
Sir,
I have thehonor to report that the buildings recently occupied as part of the Orphan depot are now in
possession of the Destitute Poor and the orphans sent back to the Depot they occupied a year and a half ago.
The accommodation in the present Depot is not sufficient for more than 25 adults and my object in now
addressing you is to acquaint you with the fact and make one or two suggestions for our mutual adoption
and guidance.
I would recommend the single females to be sent up in groups of from 20 to 25 and allow an interval of two
days between each group – this would afford time for each group to hire and go to situations.
It is essential that the beds & bedding (& when practicable the knives , forks & pannicans) to be sent up with
the young women & their boxes to arrive on the evening of the same day.
Great inconvenience has latterly been experienced by the delay of the boxes. I may instance one girl from
the last vessel that hired 4 miles out of town, she came into town three times and at last had to go to the
Port for her box. Others have gone from 50 to 70 miles into the country and had to go without their boxes as
they did not arrive from the Port in time.
I would recommend no girl be sent up unless her box can be sent the same day.
[Moorhouse]
[346]
579
20th Sept
Sub-Protector Minchin
Sir,
I have the honor to call your attention to a report received by me from Mr Jno Haines who has a cattle
station near Mt Remarkable, that the Natives are plundering his property from time to time. Mr Haines’
servant has seen you upon the subject but he thinks you do not give sufficient consideration to his
complaints.
It would be well for you to visit the station [and] ascertain if possible the depredations and report them to
the other Natives as likely to involve the other tribes in a quarrel with the whites if they do not cease their
stealing propensities.
[Moorhouse]
580
30th Sept 1853
John Haines Esq
Kapunda
Sir,
I am in receipt of yours of the 14th Current complaining of outrages committed at your station in the North by
the Natives.
I am afraid your Servant & Mr Minchin did not understand each other as I have never known the latter to be
backward in performing his duty. I have written to Mr Minchin by post calling his attention to the case and I
am confident that he will use every means in his power to prevent in future the Natives from injuring your
property. It is his duty to do so.
I am fully aware that the rations issued are not sufficient to support them, it was not intended that they
should but as the settlers generally are favourable to an increased scale, I hope to procure the Lieutenant
Governor’s sanction to an increase in 1854.
[Moorhouse]
581
12th October 1853
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to invite your attention to a subject which in conversation I brought under your notice some
weeks ago. I refer to the desirableness of appointing our late [347] Schoolmaster Mr Ross to the
Secretaryship of the Colonial Labor Office.
Mrs Ross is the acting Matron of the Orphan Immigrants and by appointing her husband Mr Ross to the Labor
Office they could be of service to each other – the following would be the advantage
1st , Matron is not able to take efficient charge of the Depot during the night. The young females are wont to
form intimacies with the Sailors during the voyage and when Sailors abscond they usually do so in the night
finding their way to the Depot; it requires more than female influence to drive them away.
2nd , It would be a great convenience to the public when Mr ross leaves the Depot in the morning, he will
[know] how many girls remained unhired & can inform parties without their having to come all the way
down to the Depot.
3rd , Mr Ross could take charge of a number at the Labor Office from day to day so long as any might remain
on hand.
4th , If he were appointed it would do away with providing clerical assistance in the office of the Children
Apprenticeship Board. The sum is to provide assistance in case I am called away from Town – Mr Ross would
be on the premises and of course be held responsible for rationing the young women during my absence.
The sum £ 75 on the estimates for 1854 might at once be struck off.
I may state that I have seen the Immigration Agent upon the subject and he has no objection to the change
whenever the present Labor Clerk can be removed to a situation equal to his present.
I have been seven years in contact with Mr Ross and may say that I consider him well adapted for the Labor
Office. He is civil, obliging and kind and I must add I have always found him conscientious in the discharge of
his duty.
[Moorhouse]
[348]
582
2nd Nov 1853
A.J. Murray Esq [new Government Resident]
Port Lincoln
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that 10 tons of flour are order to be put on board the “Bandicoot” to be
delivered at Venus Bay for the Native feeding station at ?Cherrerow. Would you have the kindness to make
the best arrangements you have at command for its safe custody on the beach and delivered at the feeding
station.
I have authority to pass accounts for meat at 2d per lb for both feeding stations in our district.
[Moorhouse]
583
2nd Nov 1853
Mr Henry Williams
Labourer
Port Lincoln
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 30th August last inquiring if a deed had been prepared for you for Section 204 in
consideration of having married an Aboriginal Native woman, I have the honor to state that the Section has
been reserved for your wife by direction of His Excellency the Governor and that you can occupy it whenever
you feel inclined to do so.
You will not receive a Land Grant but the Section is to be holden by the Protector of Aborigines in trust for
your wife & children. If you wish I will send you a copy of the Deed.
[Moorhouse]
584
23rd Nov 1853
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your letter No. 1282/53 of the 25th of June requesting me to attend a sale of the life boat lately
belonging to the “Jane Lovett” & limiting me to a low price of £ 12 as estimated by Mr Mason, I have the
honor to report that I attended the sale but did not purchase the boat as it was sold for
£21 – 10 – 0.
[Moorhouse]
[349]
585
24th Nov 1853
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In the reports of the Legislative Council I observe that Mr Fisher mentioned the thistles growing in the Police
Paddock. I did not think there could be many growing there as I have twice cut down this year by the Natives
once in September and once in October.
I went round the paddock this morning and find that the thistles now growing are surrounded by high weeds
and could not be seen at the time I had the Natives at work. They are two far advanced now to be destroyed
by the Natives as the prickles are strong and would enter their feet but if His Excellency would allow £ 1 for
cutting them down and burning them I would secure the work being done for that amount.
[Moorhouse]
586
2nd January 1854
A.J. Murray Esq
Resident
Port Lincoln
Sir,
I reply to yours of the 15th Dec reporting that the Port Lincoln & Salt Creek feeding stations are wanting flour,
I have the honor to state that it is usual for the Resident to forward a requisition for such supplies as may be
wanted from time to time. I have no means of knowing the amount required so if you would for the future
forward a requisition to the Colonial Secretary in the following form it will meet with attention.
‘Required Instructions to be Issued to the Protector of Aborigines to forward ….. tons of flour for the
Feeding Station at …… ‘
[350]
P.S. I did not send by the “Bandicoot” last week as she did not engage to call at Port Lincoln en route to
Flinders Island, the captain however will bring down next trip 6 tons of flour 1 Ton for Port Lincoln and 5 Tons
for the Salt Creek Station to be delivered at Tunby Bay with Mr Tennant’s Stores.
[Moorhouse]
587
2nd Jan 1854
Sub Protector Minchin
Sir,
I am in receipt of yours dated 8th Dec., reporting the beating of a Native by a Stockman in Mr Angas’ employ
also containing a request to be supplied with copies of such laws as respect the Natives especially.
You will of course have enquired into the case of a Native being beaten before this time and will embody the
result of your enquiry in your next quarterly report.
I forward you by this Post the two Acts which have reference especially to Aborigines – in every other respect
they are under the same law as Europeans.
[Moorhouse]
588
3rd Jan 1854
Mr H. Rowe
Navingul Creek
Wardy Yallock, Gelong
Sir,
In reply to your communication of the 28th November inquiring if Ann Finlayson has arrived in the Colony as
her parents are living in your service. I have to inform you that Ann Finlayson has arrived and is living with
Mr Fisher – spirit merchant – Beaumont near Adelaide.
[Moorhouse]
589
30th Jan 1854
Sub Prot Minchin
Sir,
Yours of the 2nd Current was duly received by me and forwarded to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor. I
am commanded in reply [351] to request that you will remove at once to Port Augusta where water is
procurable, His Excellency has been informed by Dr Browne, within a few feet of the surface.
In case you incur any reasonable and unavoidable expense in securing a permanent supply of water, His
Excellency will order it to be repaid to you.
[Moorhouse]
590
11th Feb 1854
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to yours No. 404/54 directing my attention to a letter and statement published in the ‘Register’ by
Mr John Hallett on the 8th Current, I have the honor to report that the statement is a correct one. I was
present when four girls refused £ 20 each and ordered three of them to be turned out – the fourth was young
and had friends 16 miles in the Country and it was considered better to write unto her friends to take her
away at once.
I did not hear the Surgeon Assistant make any remarks, he commenced the moment I left the room & the
Matron Mrs Ross says he was very rude to Mrs Hallett and Mrs Mitchell – When the ladies went away he
called at my office for a copy of the regulations which I gave him (copy enclosed) & I also made him clearly
understand that he had no authority on shore.
I can believe that the private reports that have reached your office respecting the female immigrants one
great evil and it is an evil which the colonists have to suffer is, the unfaithfulness of the girls towards those
who hire them. A Gentleman perhaps 20 miles from the Country calls at the Depot and hires a girl, he goes
home and on the following day sends a vehicle into town for the girl and her box and the probability is that
she is hired and off. These disappointments occur frequently and with our present arrangements they
cannot be remedied.
On removing to the present Depot I was very desirious of overcoming existing difficulties. I recommended
the appointment of Mr Ross to the Labor Office and he could then have taken charge of the unhired Girls in
the morning – see my letter of the 12th October – I would add now a suggestion to the above letter that a
supply of unhired girls should be taken every morning by the Clerk to the Labor Office and the hired ones be
sent back [352] to the Depot & not allowed to communicate with any parties except those who have hired
them.
The existing rules would be sufficient for the Depot with the addition of one contained in your letter, viz., No
visitors to be admitted except bona fide hirers of Labour.
We shall experience considerable difficulty in carrying out the new rule with our present appliances. There is
no fence surrounding the building and until one be made it is impossible to keep out intruders. On a Sunday
we have to apply for a Police Constable to keep order. Last Sunday there was a P.C. on duty.
When the wall is built I propose having two appartments, one for the hired and another for the unhired and
the two shall not be allowed to communicate with each other.
[Moorhouse]
591
15th Feb 1854
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
At present she has £ 20 with £ 10 Gratuity and two rations – her appointment to be from 1st Jan last.
I have the honor to report that Mrs Ross who holds the appointment of Matron to the Native School has
been doing the duties of Matron to the Female Immigrants for two years. In consideration of her additional
[duties] she had an additional ration allowed her.
As the Native School is not in operation, I would respectfully suggest that Mrs Ross be transferred to the
Orphan Immigrant department & have but one ration allowed and that be the same scale as the Orphans.
Mrs Ross’ Salary would then be £ 30 with £ 15 Gratuity.
[Moorhouse]
592
15th Feb 1854
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to invite His Excellency’s attention to the Scale of Ration No. 4 to the Orphan Immigrants. It
consists of:
16 ozs Bread 16 ozs Meat 16 ozs Potatoes - 4 ozs Sugar 2 ozs Rice
½ oz Tea. Soap and Salt as required.
[353]
We find that newly arrived Immigrants will not touch rice in any form & in the hot weather don’t care for
animal food – We find bread and tea to be most in favour. They are always at hand and take little trouble to
prepare them. The following scale would be much more suited for the Immigrants & more economical than
the old form, & I would recommend its adoption from 1st Jan last:
24 ozs Bread 8 ozs Meat
8 ozs Potatoes 4 ozs Sugar
- ½ oz Tea
Soap and Salt as required.
593
Estimate of the Aboriginal Population for 1853
The Murray River from Wellington to the Rufus
[pencilled in]
Taking 30 miles of Country on each side
800
From Wellington to the Maria Creek on the South East
560
Mt Gambier District
450
Tatiara Country
150
Port Lincoln
460
Yorke’s Peninsula
120
Bungaree, Hutt & Hill Rivers
60
Mount Remarkable, Brown & Arden and the bend
of Country bordering on Lake Torrens
600
Adelaide
150
Encounter Bay, Yankalilla & Currency Creek
300
Total in occupied districts
[written in ink]
840
600
450
150
460
120
70
450
150
300
3,590
594
9th March 1854
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your No. 594/54 refusing the gratuity to Mrs Ross as matron
to the Female Immigrants Department. I am led to reply from a conviction that Mrs Ross has had an
unintentional injustice done to her & I feel desirous of removing it.
I believe I am right in stating that all parties in the service of Government whose pay amounted to less than £
100 Ann. Had their pay increased 50 per cent their gratuity of [354] last year was allowed for the current
year as permanent salary. This plan was adopted in the case of the Nurses at the Hospital & Lunatic Asylum
and the Matron of the Destitute Poor.
I was not aware of the plan adopted namely of changing the gratuity into a permanent salary or I should have
applied to His on behalf of Mrs Ross but I would hope that even now my application was not too late.
The present Matron Mrs Ross is too upright and conscientious a person to lose – she has many opportunities
of making the situation a profitable one but I am glad to say she does not – Servants were very scarce in
November last & ladies when applying enclosed Mrs Ross 10/- sometimes and sometimes 20/- to select the
best for them – Mrs Ross used her best judgment in selecting for them but invariably returned the money.
The Situation would not be overpaid with £ 50 a year – a Hospital Nurse has £ 72 & I hope His will consider
the application and allow this sum from 2st January last.
[Moorhouse]
595
9th March 854
B.F. Lawrie Esq
Port Lincoln
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 4th current reporting that Maria, an Aboriginal
female, had attempted self-destruction. Maria was at the same time as the letter given into my charge& I
shall keep her for a few days to watch her movements.
She is a person of exciteable temperament, very passionate & self-willed and in a paroxysm, would not
hesitate to take poison. I do not know what cause of irritation she had, but am decidedly of opinion that if
the cause be not repeated, she will not repeat the attempt at suicide.
I shall not keep her more than a week and as her inclination at present is decidedly to return to Mr Nation I
think she may be left to take her own course.
[Moorhouse]
596
9th March 1854
Mr H. Lewis
Macclesfield
Sir,
I am in receipt of yours of the 6th Current, inquiring if Sec. 2839 & 2840 are Reserves & if so you are desirious
of becoming a lessee – Sec. 2939 is a Native Reserve but 2840 is not.
The Commissioner of Crown Lands is now the Charge [355] of all the Native Reserves. I have applied to him
& he informs me that in a few weeks tenders will be invited for 2839 in the ….. together & you will then learn
all particulars.
[Moorhouse]
597
[Henceforth no correspondence in relation to the Orphan Immigrants’ department to be transcribed]
20th March 1854
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to apply for instructions to be given to the Surveyor General to mark off the Section No 240
for [] Williams, wife of Henry Williams. The matter has been long in abeyance as Williams went to the
diggings & I was not certain that he would return. He has however returned & is living with his wife at the
present time – I enclose a form that was adopted in the case of Mary Adams.
[Moorhouse]
598
April 13th 1854
Colonial Secretary?
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose two communications from Sub-Protector Minchin –
No. 1 reporting that he has found fresh water at Saltyre Creek – which will be a distance I believe of 5 or 6
miles from Port Augusta. Mr Minchin intends however to sink again nearer the Port and report the result.
Enclosure No. 2 recommends the appointment of three Native Constables which recommendation I have the
pleasure of supporting.
[Moorhouse]
[356]
599
24th April 1854
Sub Protector Mason
Sir,
I am in receipt of yours of the 13th current reporting “that the Natives are gradually pining away from the
effects of Rheumatic pains” & wishing to have advice whether I think it can be cured in the Natives with their
exposed manner of living. & in reply have to state that I find it is difficult to persuade the natives to keep in
contact with any medical man, sufficient time to have any chronic disease removed but it is our duty to do all
that we can for them. You can administer to their comforts by supplying them each with a Blanket & write
for such medicines as you may require.
[Moorhouse]
600
27th April 1854
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to forward for His Excellency’s information three communications from Sub-Protector
Minchin of Port Augusta.
No. 1: reports that Mr Minchin has no hut in which to reside & asks either for a team of bullocks or a grant of
money to procure a house.
A team of bullocks I could not recommend unless the Government happened to have them in some
Department & they could be lent for a period – In asking for money it would have been desireable to state
the sum. I would respectfully suggest that £ 100 be allowed for the purpose & Mr Minchin make the best
agreement he can upon the spot for his house.
No. 2: recommends that six sq. miles be reserved around the fresh water well to prevent Sheep being placed
there in shearing times. The recommendation is a good one as far as regards sheep but it would not do to
prevent working bullocks being turned out in the neighbourhood when carting wood to the Port. If the
locality should be upon any licensed Run it might be desireable to give the lessee notice.
[Moorhouse]
601
6th May 1854
The Hon. the Surveyor General
Sir,
I have this moment received yours of yesterday referring to Port Augusta & in reply have to state that there
are no Sections that could be made available for a Survey Party – I have been trying since February last to
procure a conveyance for a winter’s supply of rations& blankets without success.
The “Bandicoot” will be at the Port in a few days from Port Lincoln & if you could supply a few tons of freight I
think she would be induced to go to Port Augusta but otherwise I do not see how you can procure rations for
your party. Sub Protector Minchin is supplied by Government with a horse [357] & cart and I will forward
instructions by Monday’s mail for him to lend them to the Survey Party to move articles of Camp Equipment
when required.
[Moorhouse]
602
6th May 1854
Sub-Protector Minchin
Sir,
I have received information that a Survey Party has been ordered up to Port Augusta with instructions to lay
out a township there & that it would facilitate the Public Service to have the occasional use of the
government horse & cart now in your charge to move articles of Camp Equipment – You are therefore
requested to let Mr Nott have the horse & cart for the above purpose when required.
[Moorhouse]
603
[undated]
Memo upon Mr Forster’s letter about employing the Natives at Port Augusta
The settlers in the neighbourhood of Port Augusta petitioned His Excellency the Governor at the
Commencement of the Summer season to give the Natives daily a full ration instead of ½ as ration at the
feeding station. The object was to keep the Natives upon one spot & prevent their wandering over the runs.
They wished the feeding to be so regulated as not to attract such Natives from the Service of the Settlers as
were disposed to make themselves useful.
Many Minutes passed between His Excellency, Mr Minchin & myself upon the petition & it was finally
determined to abandon the daily feeding altogether & adopt a system of rewards. Mr Minchin thought he
could do more good with rewards such as Blankets, Clothing & Tobacco &c than with daily food but he has
not been able to give the project a fair trial; The Blankets, Clothing &c are in store at the Native School.
There has been no vessel for Port Augusta since I had authority to purchase them. It would be only fair to
give the present scheme a trial & if it should not answer expectations, Mr Forster’s plan might be adopted.
[Moorhouse]
604
1st June 1854
Sub Protector Minchin
Sir,
I have this day put on board the “Bandicoot” for your feeding station –
1 Wooden House
10 bags Flour
Three large boxes
5 bags Rice
4 bags sugar
1 box Soap
[All marked with an upright arrow.]
The Wooden House will be delivered to you by Capt. Hay of the ”Bandicoot” with an invoice of the number of
prices &c and a key with necessary screws for putting the House together. The House may be erected at
once & I would advise you at leisure to put stone foundations.
[358]
I applied this morning for the pack saddle but Mr Arnold the Quarter Master said you must have
received it. The whole place was put in motion this morning about it but after all I was not put in possession.
Had you as you should have done procured the saddle upon your order to do so it would now have been sent
& I must as the business now stands leave you to adjust the point in dispute, whether or not it has been
delivered.
[Moorhouse]
605
1st June
A.J. Murray
Port Lincoln
Sir,
I have this day put on board the “Bandicoot” the following for the use of sick Natives, Port Lincoln:
2 Bags Sugar, ½ Chest Tea, 2 Bags Rice, 1 Box Soap – marked ‘Natives – Port Lincoln’.
You will have the kindness to give the Captain a receipt in order that I may pass his Account for freight.
[Moorhouse]
606
16th June 1854
Wm Coleman
Strathalbyn
Sir,
I am in receipt of yours of the 14th Current & I have to inform you that the flour for the Natives at Wellington
has been forwarded to Port Elliott & after arriving at the Goolwa will be taken across the lake in Mr Mason’s
boat.
[Moorhouse]
607
20th June 1854
The Police Constable in charge of
Yorke’s Pensinsula
Sir,
I have forwarded 50 Blankets per “Breeze” for the Aborigines of Yorke’s Peninsula – You will distribute them
to the sick & such other Natives as you may consider deserving for their good behaviour. I am sorry that no
opportunity has presented itself for sending flour down since I was informed that your station has none left
but if you could instruct any Master of a Craft to call upon me when he is bound for Sturt [Bay] I would
forward a ton of flour.
[Moorhouse]
608
23rd June 1854
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose two communications from Sub Protector Minchin of Port Augusta. [359]
No 1: refers chiefly to the Native Police under Mr Minchin’s charge – respecting them, I would respectfully
suggest
1st , that a book of instructions from the Commissioner be forwarded for Mr Minchin’s guidance;
2nd , That he be paid for rationing them at the same rate as Mr Scott is paid for those on the Murray, viz., 1/per diem –
3rd , that the Native police will be required to act in all cases in which Europeans would be required to act;
4th , I do not think the Natives would live in a hut with galvanised roof if it were to be built & I think Mr
Minchin would be better employed in preparing the troughs & fencing the Paddock in the mean time leave
the Natives to build their own hut; and
5th , It would be desirable to issue instructions to the Commissioner of Police for a supply of Clothing, arms &
horses to be forwarded for the three native constables.
No 2: Suggests that a paddock be fenced in by the natives & troughs cut for supplying water to the Cattle on
the road. This is desireable and to supply rations& tools to the Natives whilst doing these. I enclose a
requisition. The “Yatala” will sail in a few days & the opportunity is favourable for sending the supplies.
[Moorhouse]
609
17 July 1854
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose for the information of His Excellency the Governor, Sub-Protector Mason’s
Quarterly Report. The following remark occurs in the Report to which I would specially invite His Excellency’s
attention: “It is quite painful to visit their encampments & see them destitute of proper medical attendance.”
I have been in communication with Mr Mason during the Quarter upon this very subject & I gave it as my
opinion that if a medical attendant were appointed that he would not be able to persuade the Natives to take
much medicine but will not always keep at it until they are well, but if His Excellency should wish they could
have an attendant as there is one residing at Wellington and I would notice it in my Quarterly Report.
The enclosed note from Dr Glendening who attended the Natives affected with Measles supports my view of
my question but it would be the most merciful plan to have a
[360] to appoint a resident to act when
required to do so by Sub Protector Mason.
[Moorhouse]
610
15th August 1854
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The various items connected with Port Augusta which have recently been allowed by His Excellency the
Governor as the Wooden House, Bullocks, Dray &c., have caused the sum of £ 1000 placed on the estimates
for 1854 to be insufficient – These extra items for Port Augusta amount to about £ 300 & I have the honor
respectfully to apply for the sum of L 300 to be allowed as a supplementary amount for the current year.
[Moorhouse]
[361]
611
15 Aug 1854
Mr Wm Wilkins
Hog Bay
Kangaroo Island
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 14th March applying for a Section of Land at Hog Bay to be reserved for your
wife May Monarto, I have to inform you that your application has been laid before His Excellency the
Governor & that His Excellency allows the Section to be reserved for the benefit of your wife & children
provided it is not claimable by the South Australian Company under the exercise of a Land Order.
When the Surveyors have laid out the Land I should like you to call or send to me & report, so that I can put in
your claim.
[Moorhouse]
612
August 15th 1854
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose for the information of His Excellency the Governor a communication from SubProtector Minchin. It appears that no Native Police are proving useful – That part relating to the removal of
the Police from Mr Peterson’s has already met with attention. The Commissioner of Police has instructed the
two constables to remove to Port Augusta and take possession of the second house sent up by the “Yatala”
for Mr Minchin and by next post I will inform Mr Minchin that the second house must be given up to them.
[Moorhouse]
613
August 21st 1854
Sub-Protector Minchin
Sir,
I have to acknowledge yours reporting the capture of the Natives who stole the two bags of flour from your
tent & also the service rendered by your Native Police. You also represented the want of protection to
Government property at your station [362] & I have to state that the Police Commissioner has ordered
the two Police Constables now staying at Mr Peterson’s Station, to remove to your locality & take possession
of the Wooden House sent up in the “Yatala” – You will keep the one sent up in the “Bandicoot”. When the
Police are settled there it is probable that they will take charge of the Native Police.
[Moorhouse]
614
25th Aug
Sub-Protector Mason
Sir,
I have the honor to convey to you His Excellency the Governor’s authority to employ a Medical Attendant
upon such cases of sickness as you may consider would derive benefit from such attendance. You must
accompany the Account with the following Certificate:
‘That the Service was necessary, has been duly performed & that in your opinion the charges are fair and
reasonable.’
[Moorhouse]
615
5th Sept 1854
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to forward a communication from Sub-Protector Minchin of Port Augusta received this day
by me.
The first part refers to his travelling expenses for coming to Town. I requested Mr Minchin to come to Town
at his earliest convenience; he has two horses for maintaining the Native Constables and I found that no
Police constables could be spared to take the horses’ accoutrements and clothing to Port Augusta.
The second part is an application to be placed on an equal footing with Sub-Protectors Scott and Mason as
regards rank not salary as Mr Minchin’s responsibility is increased I would respectfully [363]
ask His
Excellency’s favourable consideration of the application.
[Moorhouse]
616
17 Oct 1854
Memorandum
I am not aware of any statement or declaration being made by the Archdeacon except the one alluded to by
Mr Hitchen – I may state however that the Archdeacon in January 1853 when visiting the Training Institution
gave to me on detail an account of the Sheep shewed me ?a/ct. sales of the Wood sent to England & of the
number killed for supplying the Establishment with fresh meat.
The Archdeacon purchased about 5000 sheep from Mr Spicer who was occupying the run at the time the
Natives were taken there – they were purchased with money supplied by the Archdeacon himself & in order
that his family might not bear the loss in case of his death by his money being invested in Mission property he
insured his life for the amount of the sum invested & pays the amount from the proceeds of the sheep, any
amount beyond this goes into the general funds of the Institution. He derives no personal benefit whatever
from any amounts realized after the insurance annuity is paid – About January 1853, a second purchase of
1600 Sheep was made making a total of 6,600 belonging to the Institution.
The Profits of the wool for 1852 amounted (I speak from memory) to about £ 500; the sheep were not
becoming more in number as it took all the increase to supply fresh meat to the inmates.
In addition to the sheep there are about [264] 200 head of Cattle & the Archdeacon holds them on the
same condition of profits going to the purposes of the Institution.
[Moorhouse]
617
24th October 1854
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have received a communication from Sub-Protector Mason of Wellington reporting that the hail storm
destroyed 47 Panes of Glass in the windows of the Government cottage and did some injury to the thatched
roof. Mr Mason says “as the Windows are diamond Panes secured in Lead none but a Glazier can repair
them as the leads have been destroyed with the Glass.”
[Moorhouse]
618
4th Nov
G.B. Scott
Sub-Protector of Police [? Sub-Inspector?]
Penola
Sir,
In answer to your communication respecting [365] Medicines & Medical Advice being supplied to the
Natives of Mosquito Plains I may state that a little delay has occurred as there are always difficulties
experienced in placing government supplies in charge of those not under Government control. The
appointment of a Stipendiary Magistrate will remove the difficulty and if you could ascertain what Medicines
will be required and at what rate the Medical resident would expect to be remunerated I shall have pleasure
in assisting all that I can and in supporting your application.
Should Medicines, say a 12 months supply, be granted how should I forward them – I suppose via Guichen
Bay ?
[Moorhouse]
619
10th Nov 1854
Colonial Secretary ?
Sir,
I have the honor to report that I possess authority to forward 16 Tons of Flour to Port Lincoln district for the
Natives namely 10 Tons to Venus Bay, 5 Tons to Tunby Bay (for the Salt Creek Station) & 1 Ton for the Natives
of Port Lincoln. I am informed by the Surveyor General that the “Yatala” will have to proceed to the head of
Spencer’s Gulf about the last week in the month to bring back the road party from Port Augusta & if so would
[366] it not be desirable to forward the above flour by the “Yatala” ?
The freight of the same quantity of Flour last year cost £ 82 – 10 – 0.
[Moorhouse]
620
15th Nov 1854
Colonial Secretary ?
Sir,
I have the honor to report that I yesterday visited the Native prisoners at the Stockade, Dry Creek. I found
two of them ill, namely Ballycrack suffering from Inflammation of the Chest & Tinkanor alias Charly, suffering
from General Debility. I can unhesitatingly state that these Natives will not recover from their present attack
if not liberated from custody.
Ballycrack has been in custody from the 4th July 1852, was convicted of murder (of a Native woman) on the
9th of August following – sentenced to be executed but the sentence commuted into Transportation for life.
Tinkanor alias Charly was convicted of murder (a native man) at the November sittings of 1853, and
sentenced to three years imprisonment. These two Natives had been a little indisposed for several weeks
before they were removed to the Stockade.
Under these circumstances I would venture to apply on their behalf to His Excellency the Governor for a full
pardon to be given to these poor sufferers.
I would at the same time respectfully [ask] for a pardon
[367]
poor associates Pot Pouch and
Crackingooner who were convicted at the same time & for the same offence. They have been in jail two
years and three months, they have been orderly and industrious during their incarceration and are deserving
of His Excellency’s clemency.
My experience proves that Natives will not bear more than two summers in jail, these are now suffering their
third, but if not liberated I very much question if they would live over this the third.
Hoping that his Excellency will view favourably this application.
[Moorhouse]
621
18th November 1854
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
Your letter to me 2922/54 of the 16th Current authorises me to send 16 Tons of Flour to Venus Bay & Port
Lincoln by the “Yatala” when she proceeds to Port Augusta. I enquired about the sailing of the “Yatala” this
morning and was informed by the Surveyor General that she is ordered to proceed to Troubridge Shoal first
with the Colonial Architect and that she cannot spare time for going to Venus Bay on her trip to Port Augusta.
Under these circumstances I would request permission to send the flour immediately on the return of the
“Yatala” from Port Augusta.
[Moorhouse]
[368]
622
1855
January 4th 1855
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to yours of yesterday No 3/66, drawing my attention to a paragraph in the ‘Times’ newspaper relative
to a Native Boy being roasted alive, I have the honor to state that before the report appeared in the
Newspaper, I had been in communication with Inspector Tolmer upon the subject and concluded it was a
false report.
On the receipt of your letter I felt it my duty to reinvestigate the matter and I have this day had it
contradicted [369] by the following settlers: Dr Brown, Mr Bowman & Mr Swinden and a Mr Keynes.
They all with myself think that the Natives south of the Burra would not commit such an outrage unless
under the influence of liquor.
[Moorhouse]
623
8th January 1855
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to forward the enclosed communication from Sub-Protector Minchin. I have seen Mr
Minchin since he wrote the letter & I am of opinion that if he were removed now to Port Augusta, his entire
occupation would be to cart water for the settlers. They would consider his establishment as a Government
one and not only expect but insist on him to keep a supply of water for all who have business there.
The only practicable way of carrying on for the present will be for to deepen the well and have the point
decided whether or not a spring is to be found there if a spring really exist it is the nearest place to the Port, 5
miles distant, it is the nearest place that Mr Minchin can settle at until some means are devised of conveying
water to the Port itself.
The well can be deepened by private subscription, it is already 42 feet deep and 20 ft more would probably
set the question at rest [370] about a spring.
[Moorhouse]
624
13th Jan 1855
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have received the enclosed from Port Lincoln and I would respectfully recommend that its instructions be
carried out. Mr Tennant is kind in conveying Native stores from Tunby Bay for the Natives, a distance of 20
miles and as he proposes to do so again & charge nothing for it I think it desireable that the Government
should accommodate him when the “Yatala” is going to the very spot.
[Moorhouse]
625
15th Feb 1855
The Government Resident [A.J. Murray]
Port Lincoln
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that I have sent per “Bandicoot” 16 ½ tons flour for the Natives of the Port
Lincoln district – One and a half tons to be left with you, 5 tons at the Salt Creek and 10 Tons at Venus Bay.
[Moorhouse]
626
15th Feb 1855
Mr H. Williams
Labourer
Port Lincoln
Sir,
I am in receipt of yours of the 30th Dec last respecting your proposal of taking a partner to assist you in
working the section in behalf of your wife and in reply have to state that the Government can recognise no
tenants but yourself and wife but if a person assist you in working the land there can be no objection
whatever in paying him in produce (for the time being as a partner) If you and your wife were to die the
Government could not regard him as a tenant under any agreement with you.
[Moorhouse]
[371]
627
Estimate of the Aboriginal Population for 1854
(in pencil)
The Murray River from Wellington to the Rufus,
Taking 30 miles of country on each side
From Wellington to the Maria Creek on the south-east coast
Mt Gambier District
Tatiara country
Port Lincoln
Yorke’s Peninsula
Bungaree, Hutt & Hill Rivers
Mts Remarkable, Brown & Arden as
Far as the River Frome
Adelaide
Encounter Bay, Yankalilla & Currency Creek
Total in Settled Districts
760
550
400
150
450
120
60
600
150
(300?)
(in ink)
800
550
400
150
450
120
70
450
160
300
3450
[Moorhouse]
628
2nd March 1855
Mr H.M. Norrell
Blacksmith
Skylligolee Creek
Auburn
Sir,
I am in receipt of yours of the 27th February for information about the Section which I hold in trust for the
late wife of Thos Adams. I have no power whatever to sell and cannot let it without special authority from
the Government. Mrs Adams has left two boys & the Government will probably arrange for the children to
have the Section. I am in communication with them upon the subject & if anything be arranged that would
open the section to competition I will inform you [372] by letter.
[Moorhouse]
629
2nd March 1855
Mr Thos Adams
Shepherd with Messrs H. & B. Hughes
Crystal Brook
Sir,
I am in receipt of yours of the 12th Feb reporting the death of your wife on the 11th and expressing your wish
to have the two boys educated at the Native School. I have to inform you that we have no school at present
for Native children in Adelaide but Archdeacon Hale of Port Lincoln would I am satisfied take charge of them,
if you would commit them to his care.
I can at present give you no reply about your section. I shall communicate with the Government & inform
you of their decision.
[Moorhouse]
630
20th April 1855
Wm Gray Esq
Noarlunga
Sir,
I am in receipt of yours of the 18th current reporting that the Natives are in the habit of procuring Brandy
from the Horse Shoe. The legal way of dealing with the question is to lay an information against the publican,
but from experience I find it useless to lay any information unless European evidence can be produced in
support. O you think I could procure such evidence, if so I will at once take steps to try the question. If I
cannot procure it I might write to the landlord & threaten him with proceedings and possibly this might have
some effect in checking the evil. Would you kindly advise me in the matter.
[Moorhouse]
[373]
631
April 24th 1855
Mr Jones [Superintendent: Railway]
Port Elliott
Sir,
I beg to inform you that you will receive 2 18-foot ash oars, 40 yards light duck for sails, 40 yards of small
rope, and two bales of Blankets from John Newman for the natives of Wellington and you would much oblige
me by forwarding the same by first opportunity to the Goolwa where Sub –Protector Mason will call for them
with his boat.
[Moorhouse]
632
April 25th 1855
C.P. Brewer
Government Resident
Guichen Bay
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that I yesterday forwarded 50 Blankets to Mr John Newman, Port Agent, with
instructions for him to forward the same to you per first opportunity for the Natives of your district – they
are marked ‘Natives – Guichen Bay’. I have also to state that those Blankets now sent are of a better quality
than those of last year’s - the Adelaide Market is now supplied with a cheaper and better article than it was
last year.
[Moorhouse]
[374]
633
April 25th 1855
A.J. Murray
Government Resident
Port Lincoln
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that I yesterday forwarded fifty Blankets for the Natives of Port Lincoln to Mr
John Newman, Port Agent, who will forward the same per “Bandicoot” to you – also that those now sent are
of a superior quality than the last – as the Adelaide market is now supplied with a cheaper and better article
than as was last year.
[Moorhouse]
634
May 26th 1855
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have received the enclosed from Captain Brewer, the Resident at Robe Town. It is more of a private than an
official letter, but as I have examined the Native Coquetta and find him severely wounded, his arm broken
which possibly may require to be amputated or if not the use of the elbow joint will be lost I thought it
desirable to forward the letter in order that an opinion from the Law Offices of the Crown might be procured.
[Moorhouse]
635
May 26th 1855
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
The enclosed communication from Thomas [375] Adams who some years ago married an Aboriginal Native
woman has been received by me. His wife Mary Adams died three months ago and the two children have
been placed under the care of the Venerable Archdeacon Hale. The Government placed a Section of Land in
trust (document enclosed) for Mrs Adams and it was understood that in case of her death, it should be given
to her children.
From the enclosed letter it will be seen that Adams has let the Section which he had no right to do and he
now wishes to be informed if he would be allowed to live upon it in case he should meet with a partner. I
cannot see that he has any claim whatever, upon the Section; his children are taken off his hands and
supported at the expense of Government and under the circumstances I should think that the rent of the
Section should be paid into the Treasury with the understanding that the Land should be given over to the
children when they arrive at full age.
[Moorhouse]
636
May 31st 1855
Capt Brewer [Robe Town]
Sir,
Yours reporting the circumstances under which the native Coquatta was wounded, was forwarded for the
opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown and the enclosed is the reply.
The Native had better complete his term of imprisonment, and I will forward him to you. The Advocate’s
views can then be carried out.
[Moorhouse]
[376]
637
June 9th 1855
Mr Thos Adams
Captn Hughes
Watervale
Sir,
In reply to your letter making further enquiries about the Section, I have to report that I forwarded your
statements to the Hon. Colonial Secretary and the enclosed is the reply.
[Moorhouse]
638
June 9th 1855
Wm Norrell & Son
Skillagilee Creek
Auburn
Gentlemen,
Yours of the 29th asking for information regarding Section 345 formerly in possession of Mary Adams, duly
reached me and I have this day received a final reply from the Government upon the Subject.
The Government will take charge of both the Section and children, they will let the Section by tender and due
notice will be given – When the children reach 21 years of age they will then have a licence to occupy it.
I may observe that if you wish to erect any buildings upon the property, you can tender as well as any other
party.
[Moorhouse]
639
June 9th 1855
Sub-Protector Minchin
Sir,
I enclose you a communication from [377] the Colonial Secretary regarding the missing Shepherd Robinson
and you are requested to carry out the suggestion therein contained.
[Moorhouse]
640
July 4th 1855
Mr David Stoddart
Strathalbyn
Sir,
I am in receipt of yours of the 22nd ultimo asking for blankets for distribution amongst the Aborigines of the
Angas and have in reply to state that the Government do not send blankets for distribution to private parties.
Mr Mason of Wellington has had a supply forwarded to him. And he would give to any of the Angas Tribe
who are really in want. Would you be kind enough to report such cases to him as you may consider
deserving of a blanket.
[Moorhouse]
641
October 19th 1855
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I was intending to return the enclosed letter to Port Lincoln with an Account for Mr Murray’s signature but as
he has declined signing it I can only refer it to you for decision. The work was certainly performed and the
Sick Natives attended to by Mr Lawson, the District Surgeon.
[Moorhouse]
[378]
642
Memorandum upon Captain Brewer’s letter complaining of my report.
My report containing the statement complained of by Captain Brewer was written and copied on the 21st of
August although not forwarded until the 15th of September. It was delayed in consequence of the non-arrival
of the reports of out-stations.
I may observe that the Government Residents have instructions to forward their reports to your office a
month before the termination of the regular quarter but Captain Brewer is not very punctual in forwarding
his, in fact his delay has almost in every instance been the cause of mine.
It appears that he forwarded his for the June quarter but it certainly did not reach me in time. On referring
to the minutes endorses, I perceive that the flour return was sent to the Auditor General (and a receipt
attached) and the report itself to the Advocate General. I do not consider it a Quarterly report as it makes no
reference to the Natives generally; it is in fact a special report upon a special case.
I had no intention whatever to express myself in such a manner as to convey the idea, that Residents have to
report directly to me or that they are subordinate to this Department. If I were to do so I am satisfied the
public would not believe me. When their [379] reports arrive, they are generally forwarded to me with
instructions to embody them in my general report.
In future I will with His Excellency’s sanction forward my Quarterly reports during the 14 days of their being
due and such as have not been received from the out stations must simply be noticed as not having arrived.
[Moorhouse]
643
November 15th 1855
The Crown Solicitor
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 12th inst requesting to be furnished with the names of the natives awaiting their trials
at the ensuing Criminal sessions, I have the honor to inform you that the names of the men charged with the
murder of Peter Brown are Parnkatta - Wenpat – Wakni Nuilya Muedni – Wellanna & Pinelluru.
Women – Yettna Milkurti – Illanna Kanidlanna – Kanillalyi (female) and those charged with the murder of
the Native woman at Penola are – Blueskin Billy alias Perrepurngarrimi & Mr Walker alias Warrinpurngarrim. Witness Puntillin and the name of the deceased female – Warrin-purngarrimin.
[Moorhouse]
[380]
644
December 7th 1855
Memo upon the Governor’s Minute for the Requisition of Flour to be sent to Venus Bay.
The Tons of Flour have been sent to Venus Bay three years in succession – it is used in rationing the Native
Constables stationed there and in feeding the Wild Natives from the Bush. It is a question whether the
Quantity should not be reduced; the original intention was to feed the wild tribes of Natives in that district
and by that means bring them into contact with the police – there has been a three years trial and the Wild
Natives must by this time have become quiet.
The plea cannot be raised that the game is driven away as but little of their Country is occupied by settlers.
Whatever quantity be allowed need not be sent for Two months – the last supply was not sent until the end
of February of this year. A vessel is allowed, the “Bandicoot”, will charge £ 40 or £ 50 for the trip. The
Account for Cartage mentioned in Mr Murray’s letter is for the quantity sent down in Feb last.
[Moorhouse]
645
December 19th 1855
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to forward the enclosed communication from Sub-Protector Minchin. I saw Mr Minchin on
the subject of this letter when he was in town in October [381] last – he considers that his present locality
is very unfitted for a Native Location, it is becoming a place of resort for all the Wool Teams and bullock
drivers on the road from the interior to Port Augusta.
European Police will soon have to be stationed there, and his duties being chiefly to keep the Natives quiet,
could be better performed if the Natives were kept as far apart as possible from the bullock drivers on the
road. As he proposes to remain [ ] his quarter without any expense to the Government, so far as the Natives
are concerned, I can state that the Charge will be to their advantage.
[Moorhouse]
646
December 31st 1855
SP Minchin
Mount Remarkable
Sir,
In reply to your application to remove from your present abode near Port Augusta (7 miles) and locate
somewhere in the Neighbourhood, I have the honor to report that His Excellency the Governor authorises
the removal to some other locality in the Neighbourhood.
[Moorhouse]
647
Estimate of Aboriginal Population for 1855
The Murray River from Wellington to the Rufus taking 30 miles of Country on each side
[382] From Wellington to Maria Creek on the South-East Coast
Mount Gambier District
Tatiara Country
Port Lincoln
Yorke’s Peninsula
Bungaree, Hutt & Hill rivers
Mts Remarkable, Brown & Arden as far as the River Frome
Adelaide
Encounter Bay, Yankalilla & Currency Creek
Total in Settled Districts
760
550
400
150
450
120
60
600
150
300
3540
[Moorhouse]
648
March 5th 1856
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
Your letter No. 197/56 of the 7th of February authorising me to call for tenders for flour limits me to draw
from the contractor for the Female Immigrants and Destitute Poor only – my intention was to have had the
Aborigines included. Might I therefore request permission to have the flour for the Aborigines supplied by
the same Contractor.
[Moorhouse]
649
March 5th 1856
Sub-Protector Mason
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose twenty pounds on account of salary for February. The amount drawn is only £
14. 12. 5 but as in all probability the Gratuity will be given next month the Surplus can be them arranged.
[Moorhouse]
[383]
650
March 27th 1856
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to your communication of the 25th Current I would wish simply to remark upon the proposed
withdrawal of the £ 1000 for the Port Lincoln Training Institution.
The Natives are allowed by an Act of Imperial parliament 10 per cent of the Crown moiety of the Land Fund,
but nothing like the amount has been expended.
I offer no objection to my office and the Two Sub-Protectors on the Murray being abolished but I could not
look favourably upon the withdrawal of aid from the training Institution. It is in my opinion the best and
most successful institution that has been undertaken in the Australian Colonies.
And I respectfully submit that the present Council have exceeded their powers in recommending the
withdrawal of moneys which are exclusively in the power of Her Majesty the Queen.
[Moorhouse]
651
April 2nd 1856
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
There are in the Destitute Asylum six natives from Port Lincoln whose term of imprisonment has expired – as
the usual course is to send them back to their district. I have the honor to apply for authority to forward hem
per first opportunity.
[Moorhouse]
[384]
652
April 7th 1856
Sub-Protector Mason
Wellington
Sir,
Enclosed you will receive £ 10 – 0 – 0 on account of salary.
[Moorhouse]
653
April 9th 1856
Captain French
Port Adelaide
Sir,
His Excellency the Governor in Chief being out of Town, I am not able to state whether there will be any flour
to be shipped to Venus Bay or not. I will give you an answer immediately His Excellency comes home.
[Moorhouse]
654
Memo upon the question of selling the Bullocks and dray at Port Augusta
I referred this question to Mr Minchin – I now enclose his rely. He has a pack horse allowed so that he could
procure his supplies in small quantities from Port Augusta – if the dray and Bullocks were sold.
When I was before the Select Committee on the estimates, there appeared to be a feeling amongst them that
Moorundee and Wellington should be broken up and a station formed about 400 miles North of Adelaide
near Lake Torrens and if this idea should be carried out these bullocks would be required.
[Moorhouse]
[385]
655
May 2nd 1856
Sub-Protector Mason
Wellington
Sir,
Enclosed you will receive £ 20 eight shillings and eight pence which according to my account will strike a
balance between us – the amount for April is the same £ 14.12.6.
[Moorhouse]
656
May 9th 1856
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to forward the enclosed communication from Mrs Euphemia Quire regarding a reserve of
Land for an Aboriginal Native named Henry Cotray. I saw the Native a few months ago and it was understood
that he should call my attention to the subject when the land was surveyed – it has been surveyed and in a
few weeks may be offered for sale.
This Native is a steady, intelligent young man and as he has shewn a degree of competence in agricultural
pursuits by fencing and cropping five acres, I feel justified in recommending to His Excellency that the Section
in which the five acres may be situated be reserved for the Aborigines.
I have written to Mr Quire to request that the number of the Section may be given, but in the mean time I
would respectfully suggest that the Two Sections adjoining 1810 and 1811 be not offered for public
competition.
[Moorhouse]
[386]
657
May 9th 1856
Mr Ephriam Quire
Wool Shed Flats
Strathalbyn Post Office
Sir,
I duly received your favour of the 12th of February and applied to the Land Office to ascertain if the Sections
adjoining yours Numbered 1810 & 1811 were soon to be offered for sale. I have applied to His Excellency the
Governor to reserve the Section upon which the Native boy Henry Cotray has had his five acre crop. Would
you inform me what the number of the Section is, and I will at once put in an application for it on behalf of
Henry Cotray.
[Moorhouse]
658
9th May 1856
A.J. Murray
Govt Resident
Port Lincoln
Sir,
Your requisition for instructions to be issued to the Protector of Aborigines to forward One Ton and a half of
flour and 50 Blankets for the Aborigines at Port Lincoln has been forwarded to me with the following minute
endorsed upon it by His Excellency the Governor in Chief.
“I propose that half this requisition be complied with and Mr Murray to be informed that unless he shew
some very convincing reasons for the necessity of a further supply no more will be supplied this Year.”
Signed R.G.M. [McDonnell], 7th May 1856.
I may state that the “Yatala” is expected to visit Port Lincoln in about a month and the flour for all the Port
Lincoln stations is to be sent down in her.
[Moorhouse]
[387] 659
May 12th 1856
Mr Love
Port Lincoln
Sir,
I am in receipt of yours of the 19th of April enquiring about the Account for Mutton supplied by Mr Tennant at
the Salt Creek Station. I have not been able to pass the Account, as it is not yet made clear why the amount
was not included in Corporal Geharty’s receipt for the Year – A final decision upon the point will probably be
made this month, if so I will inform you.
[Moorhouse]
660
May 15th 1856
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose a requisition for the supply of flour to the Aborigines in the Port Lincoln District
which His Excellency the Governor in Chief has verbally ordered to be sent down in the “Yatala”.
I leave the Quantity blank for the Venus Bay station as the amount appearing on the Estimates for this service
is only £ 500.
I may observe that ten Tons [388]
per year have been allowed during the last three years and His
Excellency might consider three or five tons sufficient for the Current Year.
Copy of Requisition:
Required permission to procure and forward to the Aborigines in the Port Lincoln District the following
amounts of flour:
Venus Bay
6 tons
Salt Creek
1 ton
Port Lincoln
8 bags
[Moorhouse]
661
May 30th 1856
E. Quire
Woolshed Flats, Bremer
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 24th instant I beg to enclose a copy of the Colonial Secretary’s letter 955/56 to
me on the subject.
When you can give any further information I would advise you to communicate with the Surveyor General as
I probably shall not continue much longer in office.
[Moorhouse]
662
June 3rd 1856
Sub-Protector Mason
Wellington
Sir,
Enclosed you will receive £ 14.12.6 the amount of your Salary for the month of May.
[Moorhouse]
[389]
663
June 6th 1856
Geo. Mason Esq
Sub-Protector
Wellington
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 31st of May inquiring first to whom you are to forward your Quarterly Report,
secondly through whom you should apply for the usual winter supplies.
I beg to state that as my successor has not yet been appointed you had better address simply ‘the Protector
of Aborigines’.
As regards your Salary I will make such arrangements before I leave the office as will secure its regular
remittance.
Dr Britton’s accounts for Medical Attendance have been received but no steps have as yet been taken by the
Government for their payment. Should His decide upon allowing them, I will communicate with you.
[Moorhouse]
664
June 18th 1856
Sub-Protector Mason
Wellington
Sir,
Enclosed you will receive Eighteen Pounds fifteen shillings the Amount of the 25 per cent Gratuity on your
Salary – from January 1st to May 31st.
[Moorhouse]
665
June 19th 1856
Mr E Quire
River Bremer
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 13th inst., stating that the two sections reserved [390] by His Excellency for
the Native Cotray would be little or no use for cultivation. I beg to observe that your letter of application was
placed in the Surveyor General’s hands and the Land I believe marked off according to your description.
As regards any further improvements which Cotray might be desirous of making, I cannot advise but I should
think he would not do wrong.
Any future communication that might be necessary upon this subject, I think you should address to the
Surveyor General as all the documents have been referred to his office.
Should the Surveyors be in the neighbourhood it would be well for you to point out the exact spot on which
Cotray has made the improvements.
[Moorhouse]
[391]
666
Sub Estimate Aborigines Department
Estimate of the Sums Required to defray the Salaries, Allowances, and Contingent expenditure of the Abovenamed Department, for the Year 1857.
Heads of Service
& Items
Sums voted
in 1856
Provision Proposed
for 1857
Increase in
1857 over 1856
Decrease in 1857
Contrasted with
1856
Salaries Fixed
One Sub-Protector
2nd Class House and
5 months at £150
£ 62.10.0
One ditto &c
150.0.0
150.0.0
One ditto North of
Mt Remarkable,
House &c
150.0.0
150.0.0
Interpreter,
Guichen Bay
50.0.0
50.0.0
Increase under
Clerks’ Salary Act
40.0.0
£ 412.10.0
390.0.0
Natives
Defending Prisoners and Expenses of
Witnesses, Provisions, Blankets, Implements,
And Sundries
£ 100.0.0
100.0.0
And medical Attendance
At Out Stations
£ 500.0.0
500.0.0
In aid of Port Lincoln
Training Institution £ 1000.0.0
1000.0.0
2062.10.0
1990.0.0
£62.10.0
10.0.0
10.0.0
62.10.0
10.0.0
Total Aborigines
£
62.10.0
10.0.0
52.10.0
I put this sum on for 1857 as I find it on the printed Estimates for 1856.
[Moorhouse]
[392]
667
June 30th 1856
Sub-Protector Minchin
Mount Remarkable
Sir,
I am in receipt of yours of the 21st Current requesting that 150 Blankets may be sent to you for the Natives. I
have to state that the Blankets were delivered at Port Augusta on the 18th, three days before your letter was
written.
I will forward you a supply of medicines if you will state what you require. You say common medicines. I
suppose by this you mean aperient pills – Epsom salts - &c.
[Moorhouse]
668
July 2nd 1856
Geo Mason
Sub-Protector Wellington
Sir,
Enclosed you will receive eighteen pounds ten shillings on account of salary for the month of June. This will
overpay you 2/6 which can be arranged next time. I will send stamps for the odd Silver in future if
convenient to you.
[Moorhouse]
669
July 4th 1856
E.B. Scott
Moorundee
Sir,
I have the honor to forward for your information Copy of Colonial Secretary’s letter F. 777/56 June 26/56,
officially announcing the abolition of your office as Sub-Protector of Aborigines.
[Moorhouse]
[393]
670
July 5th 1856
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 16th of May 1856 No. 755/56 requesting me to ascertain the number of the Section on
which the Native Henry Cotray has made improvements I have the honor to state that the Native was with
me yesterday at the Land Office and he wishes me to apply for 3405, 3406 and 3407 South of Chancey’s Line
and east of the Bremer. The two first contain the Land he has improved and the third is one that would be
very desirable for pasturage. The boy is certainly one of the best specimens of his race and deserves
encouragement.
[Moorhouse]
671
July 5th 1856
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose an application No. 1 from Sub-Protector Mason of Wellington for flour and
Blankets.
On enquiry I found that under present arrangements, flour could be delivered at Wellington for about £ 20
per ton, so I wrote to inform Mr Coleman of the fact and wished him to state whether he would deliver it for
£ 20. And Enclosure No. 2 reports that he will.
I have the honor therefore to apply for permission to forward 1 Ton of Flour & 50 Blankets for the Natives of
the Wellington District.
[Moorhouse]
[294]
672
July 10th 1856
Geo Mason
Sub-Protector Wellington
Sir,
I have the honor to forward per Rail to the Port to be dispatched by the Murray River Navigation Company’s
first Steamer 50 Blankets for the Natives in your District.
I have also written to Mr Coleman of Strathalbyn instructing him to deliver one Ton of Flour at your Station.
[Moorhouse]
673
July 7th 1856
Messrs Elder & Co
Gentlemen,
In reply to yours of yesterday, I may state that at present I have no authority to pass any account in favour of
Mr Hammon, but in all probability shall receive it during this month – if so it will be duly forwarded and
intimation given to you.
[Moorhouse]
674
July 21st 1856
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
As the Venerable Archdeacon Hale has left the Training Institution at Port Lincoln, I have no authority to
forward an account for the duties performed at that Establishment – no payment has been made since the
first of June, I have the honor to apply for instructions in this matter, in whose name the Account is to be
made, and if I am [395] to return the date from the 1st of June without ascertaining the precise date when
the Archdeacon left.
[Moorhouse]
675
August 5th 1856
Geo Mason
Sub-Protector
Wellington
Sir,
Enclosed you will receive Eighteen pounds fifteen shillings which with 2/6 over-paid last month now
deducted makes up the Amount of your salary for July.
[Moorhouse]
676
18th August 1856
Sub-Protector Minchin
Mount Remarkable
Sir,
I am in receipt of yours of the 28th of July, but your last paragraph embarrasses the whole affair: You believe you can procure meat for 2d per lb. As you are living in the district it will be necessary to
ascertain beyond belief what meat can be procured for, else I might get authority for 3d, and your being
compelled to give 4d would cause a correspondence of six months duration.
[Moorhouse]
[396]
677
Septr 2 1856
Sub-Protector Mason
Wellington
Sir,
Enclosed you will receive £ 18.20.0 on a/c of Salary for August – this will over-pay you 2/6 which I will deduct
from next month’s pay.
[Moorhouse]
678
Sept 25 1856
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I find that the sum (£ 500) placed on the Estimates for the Aborigines is already expended, and it will require
a Supplementary vote of £ 300 to defray the current liabilities of this year.
I hold accounts to the amount of £ 200 sanctioned by His Excellency the Governor in Chief but cannot
forward them until authorized by a supplementary grant.
[Moorhouse]
679
Sept 24 1856
Colonial Secretary
Sir,
I have the honor to support the application of the Comptroller of Convicts and the Medical Officer for the
liberation [ ] named Warreboninan. I saw the native at the Stockade a fortnight ago and can state that unless
liberated [397] before the expiration of October he will be past hope of recovery. His fellow prisoner died
about a fortnight ago at the Stockade and that death has had a very depressing influence upon his system.
[Moorhouse]
680
Octr 2 1856
Sub-Protector Mason
Sir,
I beg to enclose eighteen pounds five shillings which with 2/6 due to me last month (now deducted) arranges
your salary for September.
[Moorhouse]
681
Oct 17 1856
T. Britton Esq
Wellington
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose fourteen pounds ten shillings, and 4/- worth of stamps the amount of your
account for medical attendance on natives from August 24 1855 to Feb 21st 1856.
[Moorhouse]
[398]
682
Nov 4 1856
Sub-Protector Mason
Wellington
Sir,
I beg to enclose Eighteen pounds five shillings on a/c of your Salary for October which will leave a balance in
your favour of 2/6 and which I will arrange next month by enclosing a half sovereign.
[Moorhouse]
683
Decr 20 1856
Hon. C. Bonney Esq
Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
Sir,
In May last His Excellency the Governor in Chief approved a requisition for 6 ½ tons of Flour for the
Aborigines at Venus Bay. It was expected at that time that the Schooner “Yatala” would be despatched to
that Port to convey His Excellency to the Training institution before the departure of the Venerable
Archdeacon Hale and I received instructions to forward the Flour by her; she however did not proceed there,
and the Flour in the mean time could not be sent as no vessel has visited the station.
As the Native Police have since that time been removed I would most respectfully beg to recommend that
two tons only be now sent and that the remainder be forwarded [399] to Sub-Protector Minchin, 2 tons
for the use of his Station at Port Augusta and the remaining 2 ½ tons to be forwarded to the contemplated
new establishment at Mount Searle.
I may state that a vessel for Wool will be despatched in all [ ] January to Venus Bay and the two tons could be
forwarded by her.
[Moorhouse]
Note: There was an error in this letter, only six tons were approved, two of which were sent to each station.
[initialled] TMB
684
January 6 1857
Sub-Protector Mason
Sir,
I beg to enclose the amount of your salary for December 56 and as the business of your Department will
henceforth be conducted in Mr Bonney’s Office, I think you had better make arrangements with Mr Fletcher
to receive and remit your salary in future.
I include in the amount enclosed eight shillings which I owe to Dr Britton on a/c of monies received for him
from the Treasury and which you will much oblige by handing over to him.
[Moorhouse]
Your a/c for repairs of Government Boat has been passed for payment.
TMB
Index of Names, Places, Subjects, etc.
Names of Aboriginal people in bold.
Place names in Italics. For maps, see: http://mapcarta.com/
http://www.wilmapaustralia.com.au/sa/satowns/
http://www.geodata.us/australia_names_maps/aumaps.
For historical information, try Wikipedia OR
http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/ OR
http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/manning/ OR
http://ncb.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/documents/PASTORAL%20PIONEERS%20OF%20SOUTH%20AUSTRA
LIA%20VOL.1.pdf
Aboriginal culture, languages 5, 67, 127, 206, 235, 342, 360, 445, 482.
Aboriginal Location, Adelaide 52-53, 77, 106, 144, 247, 279, 337, 355, 585.
: Adelaide School
20, 89, 100, 115, 124, 126, 142, 158, 169, 174, 177, 180, 181, 182,
202, 203, 207, 214-215, 225, 243, 244, 245.
: Combined School (1845), Native School Establishment 202, 205, 207, 209, 211, 212, 223,
230, 231, 234, 236, 237, 239, 244, 246, 249, 250, 262-263, 266-267, 272, 273, 274, 275, 286, 287, 318, 356,
360, 366, 372, 384, 396. 404, 432, 436, 445, 467, 471, 500-501, 506, 511, 535, 557.
: Books
163, 288, 315.
: Clothing
115, 126, 136, 149, 159, 166, 223, 226, 231, 237, 262-263, 272, 286,
318, 330-332, 336, 349, 448, 468, 498.
: fire, Dec. 1849 419-421, 440.
: Hospital
372.
: Sickness, death 187, 270, 282, 283.
: Matron
120, 214-215, 231, 240, 246, 401.
: Placing older children in situations 251, 275, 276, 277, 292, 344, 345, 354, 411,
424, 445.
: Pocket money 236, 238, 305.
: Repairs, maintenance, extensions
174, 214, 217, 220, 231, 243, 244, 309, 337,
347, 421, 444, 457, 495.
: Salaries
509.
: Use of buildings by Irish Orphans & Destitute Poor 574, 578.
: Well
227, 243.
Aboriginal Reserves
80, 84, 183, 280, 291, 350, 353, 393, 400, 473, 476, 596. See also: Land
Issues.
Aborigines, Adelaide area 42, 45-46, 73, 86, 94, 100, 103, 115, 289, 299, 325, 545, 573.
Aborigines Department, finances, requisitions, returns 77, 78, 241, 349, 369, 388, 409, 412, 461,
478, 499, 500, 521, 666.
Adams, Mary (Kudnorto) 340, 350, 358, 597, 628-629, 635, 638.
Adams, Thos, Penwortham 307, 340, 350, 358, 387, 413, 462, 563, 597, 628-629, 635, 637-638.
Adams Children
629, 635, 638.
Adelaide Market
632-633.
Advocate General
(Quick) 284, (Hanson) 317, (Quick) 428, 488, 525.
“Albatross”
278.
Allston, George, Onkaparinga 354.
Angas’ Station
587.
Angas River
5, 640.
Anstey, George A.
486-487, 492, 510, 515, 538.
Anstey’s Station, Yorke Peninsula 334.
Auditor General , Audit Office 216, 329, 447, 504.
Australian Mining Company, Tungkillo 469.
Bagot, C.H.
91, 95.
Baird, Mr, murder of 461.
Baker, Hon. John
183.
Bakilti, Port Lincoln
430.
Ballycrack
620.
“Bandicoot”
582, 586, 601, 604-605, 613, 625, 633, 644.
Barber, P.C.
172.
Barossa Valley
29.
Bartley, Wm, lawyer
306, 310, 316-317, 481.
Battles
13-17, 94, 102.
Beevor, T. Esq.
2, 391, 396, 406, 408.
Berkeley, Captain, Inspector of Police 394, 438.
Bevan, Mr
353.
Bickers, George
478.
Biddles, spearing of
112, 195.
Bishop (Anglican) of Adelaide, A.A. Short 384, 547.
Bishop, Mr., butcher, Pt Lincoln 441.
Blueskin Billy, Perrepurngarrimi, Penola 643.
Bluff, William
233.
Board of Education
532.
Bonney Wells
63.
Bonney, Chas., Commissioner of Crown Lands
419, 476, 683, 684.
Bowman, Mr
622.
Boy, Mount Barker tribe 12.
“Breeze”
607.
Bremer River
520.
Brewer, Captain Chas. 504, 540, 634, 642.
British Government
119, 650.
Britton, Dr., Wellington 663, 681.
Brooks, P.C.
285, 293, 525.
Broughton River
95.
Brown, Dr, Station
162, 172, 296, 589.
Brown, James, Guichen Bay
373.
Brown, James, Mt Remarkable 542, 554.
Brown, Mrs., publican, Port Adelaide 573.
Brown, Peter
643.
Brown, Thos.
345.
Bryant, L. & Co, millers 308.
Buccomolo, mid-North 104.
Budlaroo, Jenny, Clare 454.
Bull, Dr., Kooringa
365.
Bungaree, Hawker’s Station
36, 62, 90, 110, 127, 162.
Burgon, Corporal (Burgoyne?) 373.
Burra Burra
259, 269, 328, 360.
: mine
485.
Butler, Captain, Chairman of the Board of Audit 140, 319, 373, 412, 502.
Campbell, Major, Tungkillo
469.
Campbell’s Station, Reedy Creek 162.
Carter, shepherd
162.
Carter, Robert
197.
Cattle, sheep stealing 91, 110, 123, 129, 162, 171, 221, 335, 512.
Census of Aborigines
449, 452, 517, 556, 593, 627, 647. See Appendix 1 below.
Chambers, Henry, M.D., Kooringa 451.
Charley, Rivoli Bay
221, 228.
Charly
7, 178.
Chief ProtectorPort Philip 384.
Christian, Mr Gottlieb, Kangaroo Island 398, 405.
Chrystal Brook (Stream) 36, 121, 298.
Church of England services, Walkerville school
154.
Clare
516.
Clay, Mr, Port Lincoln 195.
Clerk of Works – see Colonial Engineer.
Coleman, Mr, Miller, Strathalbyn 523, 606, 671-672.
Collison, M.
204.
Colonial Architect
546.
Colonial Chaplain (Farrell) 239, 257.
Colonial Engineer, overseer of works, Clerk of Works, Workshops etc. 174, 179, 209, 222, 225,
227, 239, 242, 243, 244, 255, 258, 267, 277, 309, 355, 356, 506.
Colonial Labour Office 581, 590.
Colonial Secretary
204, 303, 385-386.
Colonial Store Keeper (Thomas Gilbert) 211, 212, 245, 255, 308, 332, 432.
Colonial Surgeon
364.
Colonial Treasurer
538.
Commissariat Clerk, Beddome 368.
Commissioner of Crown Lands 392, 419, 473, 476, 596.
Commissioner of Police 184, 247, 296, 408, 419, 444, 491, 542, 576, 608.
Committee of Ladies for Instructing Native Children 115, 136, 159, 166, 246.
Comptroller of Convicts 679.
Cook, Mr Peter, Adelaide markets 117.
Cooke & Wark, Murray River 381.
Cooney, shepherd
17.
Coorong
7, 339, 408, 422, 452.
Coquetta, Robe Town 634, 636.
Coroner
(J.W. Nicholls) 184, (Moore) 430.
Cotray, Henry, Strathalbyn 656-657, (661), 665, 670.
Court cases, issues
1, 10, 21, 64, 67, 70, 76, 79, 81, 82, 85, 87, 91, 104, 107, 108, 120, 123, 126,
129, 130, 152, 161, 162, 264, 265, 298, 306, 310, 316-317, 324, 333, 342,
343, 369, 374, 375, 391, 406, 444, 453, 481, 573, 630.
Coutts, Mr
335, 503, 543.
Coward’s Station
572.
Crackingooner
620.
Crow, Jim, Port Wakefield 533.
Crown Solicitor
636, 643.
Cudmore, Mr
570.
Curlew Point
Currency Creek
552.
265.
Darling River people
577.
Davenport, G.H.
5, 293.
Dead Man Flat
14.
Delany, Haberdasher 468.
Deputy Registrar
257, 307.
“Derwent”
336.
Destitute Poor, Asylum 574, 651.
Donelly
285, 293.
Dogs, depredations of, etc.
28, 34, 176, 443.
Dougall, Dr., Lake Alexandrina 364.
Dounavan, Johanna
419.
Driver, Charles - see Government Resident, Port Lincoln.
Duff, Captain
91.
Dwyer, Mr., Auctioner 453.
Earle, John, Wellington 569.
Eastern, Mrs
391, 408.
Employment issues
427, 431, 531, 603.
Encounter Bay
4, 5, 6, 7, 88-89, 99, 105, 111, 155-157, 260-261, 265, 268, 386.
: Fishery
531.
: School
4, 6, 7, 88-89, 111, 128, 181, 224, 260-261.
: ‘tribe’
94, 96, 102, 256, 382.
Everard, Dr., South Road 256.
Eyre, E.J., Moorundee 18, 44, 95, 96, 100, 104, 201, 235?.
Fastings, murder of, 1843 195.
Featherstone, shepherd 17.
Fergusson, Mr
289.
Financial matters, requisitions, salaries, allocation to LMS, etc. 83, 92, 93, 106, 119, 120, 125, 130,
131, 133, 144, 145, 150, 157, 158, 167, 209, 210, 216, 232, 238, 254, 277, 286, 300, 302, 305, 330-331, 343,
363, 373, 377, 403, 425, 426, 440, 447, 470, 472, 498, 506, 529, 559, 561, 600, 605, 650, 659, 666, 673, 674,
678.
Finlayson, Ann
588.
Finniss River
265.
Firearms, Aboriginal use of 63.
Fisher, Mr. (later Sir James Hurtle) 85, 161, 306, 310, 316-317, 425, 481, 585, 588.
Franklin Harbour
519.
Flannigan
319.
Flaxman, Ch., Esq.
32, 56.
Flethcer, Mr
684.
Flett & Linklater
262.
Flinders Island, Van Diemen’s Land
233.
Fraser, Chas.
559, 561.
French, Captain
653.
Frome, Captain
205, 207, 209, 222, 225.
Gaol
290, 348, 428, 439, 466, 489, 493, 494, 507, (Redruth) 524, 527, 620, 679.
Geharty, Corpl, Pt Lincoln 406, 554, 561, 659.
Gelong, Victoria
588.
Germaine, Mr
552.
Gilbert River
95, 269.
Giles, W., S.A. Co.
381, 492, 512.
Gillis’ station, hut-keeper, assault on 576.
Glenelg River
319.
Glendening, Dr. , Wellington
609.
Gollan, Donald, transport contractor, Wellington 339, 382, 402, 437.
Goolwa
7, 631, 672.
Gordon, Sub-Inspector 13-17, 162, 172.
Gors, P.C.
453.
Gouger, Robt Esq.
34.
“Government Gazette” 35, 57, 76, 79, 97, 147, 361, 476, 477.
Government Printing Office
424.
Governor
(Grey) 11, 12, (Gawler) 19, (Grey) 234, 235, 236, 239, 248, 297, 348. (LtGov. Robe) 340, (McDonnell) 653, 658.
“Governor Gawler”
195.
Gray, William Henry
630.
Guichen Bay
319, 343, 504, 618.
: Native School proposal 373.
Haines, Jno, Mt Remarkable 579-580.
Hale, Archdeacon Matthew
445, 455, 482, 483-484, 499, 500, 526, 555, 558, 616, 629, 635, 674,
683. See also: Poonindie.
Hallett, Mr, Station, Mount Bryan 162, 171-172.
Hamilton, P.C.
527-528.
Hammon, Mr.
673.
Hamp, shepherd, Pt Lincoln 391.
Hanson, T.
492.
Harriot, Mr, Bremer River 110.
Harris, Mr
95.
Hawker, Mr
14, 62, 90, 110, 203.
Hawson, Captain, Port Lincoln 195.
Hay, Captain, “Bandicoot” 604, 605.
Hays, Mr
505.
Haywood, Hayward, Mr , Lake Torrens 381, 527, 528.
Helmore, Mr.
224, 261, 321.
Henderson
5.
“Hercules”
574.
Hewitt, T.C., Willunga 114, 184.
Higgins, Messrs, Port Lincoln 195.
Hill River
18, 26, 31.
Hill, Mrs Grace
508, 514, 535.
Hill, John
419.
Hitchen, Mr, Port Lincoln 616.
Holdfast Bay
94, 96.
Hoolan, Jacky, Kooringa 447.
Horne, Mr, Pt Lincoln 391.
Horrocks
2, 162.
Horse Shoe Inn, Noarlunga
630.
Horticultural Exhibition 182.
Howard, Mr
97.
Hughes, J.B. (Mount Bryan), Bundaleer 109, 162, 328, 333, 512.
Hughes, Captain, The Hummocks 219.
Hulks, Mr
516.
Hutt River
18, 62, 90, 110, 127.
Illanna Kanidlanna
643.
Indigenous science, magic 206, 360.
Inman, Mr
17.
Inspector of Nuisances, Adelaide 545.
Interpreting
57, 67, 79, 87, 107, 108, 221, 294, 319, 324, 342, 375, 379, 406, 410.
Jackson, J. Alex Esq
25.
Jacky, SE
319.
Jacob, Messrs.
90.
Jacques
490.
Jaffrey & McBean’s Station, Finniss River
“Jane Lovett”
584.
Jenks, George, murder of 503.
Jennings, Mr Edward, Kapunda 476.
Jimmy, Yuki Warritya 91.
Jimmy, Tatiara
541.
Jones & Handcock
271, 313-314.
110.
Kamballa, Kambalta 374, 489, 519.
Kadno Kaira
354.
Kangaroo Island
398, 405.
: proposed School 55.
Kangaroo Jack, Mount Bryan
162.
Kanillalyi
643.
Kapunda
452, 485, 488.
Kawalta, Pt Lincoln
489, 503, 519.
Keckwick, Mr
246, 253.
Keech, P.C., Kangaroo Island
398.
Kenny, Corporal
298.
Keynes, Mr
622.
King John, Merainmalla, Lake Alexandrina 91, 199.
King William, Langko Melantya, Mount Remarkable
294.
Klose, Mr/Mrs
126, 159, 164, 177, 180, 182, 195, 280.
Kondure, Kondiuwe, Lake Alexandrina 489.
Kook, Mr
143, 415.
Kooly Wurta Kaure, Yorke’s Peninsula 335.
Koonkoo, Yorke’s Peninsula 439.
Kooringa, Burra
364.
Kolo, Pt Lincoln
391.
Kuati Mukarta
129.
Kudmo Murro
292.
Kudnorto, Crystal Brook 307. See Mary Adams.
Kultroo, Tom Ross, Clare 454.
Kumbilti
489, 503.
Kungalta, Pt Lincoln
406.
Labor Office
480.
Lade? Lake?, Mr
91.
“Lady McNaughton”
323.
Laing
306, 310.
Lake Albert
5, 65, 185, 366.
Lake Alexandrina
5, 63, 185, 194, 199, 265, 339, 366, 484.
Lake Bonney
16, 271.
Lake Victoria
577.
Lakemann, Mrs., Bremer 520.
Land Fund
337, 650.
Land issues
3, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 18, 23, 26-27, 29, 31-32, 33, 36, 39, 41, 43, 54, 56, 59, 80,
105, 111, 113, 147, 151, 153, 183, 291, 340, 350, 353, 381, 389, 392-393,
397, 398, 400, 415, 446, 458, 462, 463, 473, 563, 583, 596, 597, 600, 601,
611, 626, 628, 635, 637-638, 650, 656-657, 661, 665, 670.
: Government Auctioner 41.
Langhorne’s Creek
265.
Langhorne’s Crossing, Ferry, upper Murray 14.
Langko Melantya, King William, Mt Remarkable 294.
Langmead, Mr
153, 291, 400.
“Lapwing”
334.
Lawson, Dr., Port Lincoln 641.
Lawson, Mr, Nairne
110.
Leeches -gathering for sale
564.
Legislative Council
585, 650.
Lewis, H., Macclesfield
596.
Lipson, Captain, Harbormaster 344, 399, 544.
Litchfield, Mr, Inspector of Metropolitan Police 246.
Little Para
32, 74.
Long, Revd Mr
186.
Lutheran Missionary Society, Dresden (‘German Lutheran Mission’)
67, 78, 92, 119, 125, 131,
164, 254.
Macclesfield
427.
Maingatta, Pt Lincoln 391, 406, 428.
Mangalta, Pt Lincoln 391, 406, 428, 503.
Manara, Adelaide?
344.
Manguttu, Pt Lincoln 489.
Mann, Mr Charles
1, 85, 130, 161, 485, 488.
Mantamornappa, Pt Lincoln 489, 503.
Mantyuelde, Mantzuelde 265.
Maria, Port Adelaide 573.
Maria, Port Lincoln
595.
“Maria”
7.
“Marion”
485.
Martin, Mr.
210.
Mason, George, Corporal, Wellington 312, 339, 341, 366 (Sub-Protector) 377, 382, 385, 414, 427,
431, 437, 523, 584, 606, 609, 615, 617, 631, 640, 649, 652, 655, 662, 663,
664, 668, 671, 672, 675, 677, 680, 682.
McBeath, Mr
353.
McCullock, P.C.
50, 219, 357. Sergeant-Major 394.
McDonald
184.
McDonald, Nora
429.
McDougall, Dr., Murray 327.
McGrath’s Flat, Coorong Aborigines 435.
McKechnie, butcher, Pt Lincoln 441.
McLaren, J., Land Office 80.
McLean
84.
McLeod’s
63, 541.
Medicines, medical attendance 99, 114, 116, 155-156, 173, 190, 217, 259, 269, 323, 327, 360, 364,
365, 370, 426, 447, 451, 469, 533, 537, 539-540, 560, 599, 609, 614, 618,
634, 641, 663, 667, 679, 681.
Meyer, Revd.
4, 7, 72, 83, 88-89, 105, 111, 120, 128, 155-156, 164, 192, 224, 256, 260,
261, 268, 343.
Miaru, mid-North
95.
Millar, Mr.
14-17.
Miller, John
328.
Minchin, Paul
542, 546-553, 566, 570, 571, 572, 580, 598, 600, 603-605, 608, 612-613,
615, 623, 645, 654, 667, 676, 683.
Minora, Lake Alexandrina 489.
Missionaries, duties, salaries, rent, etc. 8, 19, 25, 92, 111, 125, 131, 164, 180, 254, 280. See also:
Klose, Meyer, Schurmann, Teichelmann.
Monarto, May, KI
611.
Moneela
493.
Moorundee
196, 206, 299, 654.
Moran, P.C.
543.
Morphett, J.
5, 18, 31, 59, 132, 137, 168, 197.
Mortlock, Pt Lincoln
391.
Mosquito Plains (Padthaway) 618.
Moullia, Port Lincoln 91.
Mount Arden, N of Quorn 301, 537, 546, 562.
Mount Barker
110, 230, 427.
Mount Brown, between Wilmington & Quorn
572.
Mount Bryan
90, 109, 171-172.
Mount Gambier
398, 537.
Mount Locke
296.
Mount Remarkable
289, 298, 301, 571, 572.
Mounted Police
382, 571.
Mr Walker, Warrin-purngarrim, Penola 643.
Mulya, Port Lincoln
195.
Munta Werta Point
335.
Murpa, Port Lincoln
195.
Murphy, Mrs.
421, 429, 433-434.
Murray, A.J., Government Resident, Port Lincoln 641, 658.
Murray, George, Watervale 387, 446, 464.
Murray plains
62.
Murray River, lands
5, 381, 408.
Murray River Navigation Company 672.
Murray ‘tribe’
94, 96, 100, 102, 235, 256, 324, 360, 366-367, 382, 408, 577.
Naittye
177.
Nathan, Mr, Haberdasher 318.
Nation, Mr Wm, Moorundee 194, 271, (Port Lincoln?) 595.
Native Location, Torrens See Aboriginal Location, Adelaide.
Native Police Corps, proposed
438, 443.
Newman, John, Port Agent 631-633.
Ngalta, Pt Lincoln
391, 489.
Ngaltya, execution of, Pt Lincoln
112, 195.
Ngangkiparinga River 3. See Onkaparinga River.
Ngarbi, Port Lincoln
112.
Ngarrindjeri
: country
5.
: language
5, 89.
: Milmenroora 5, 7, 123.
Ngawalta, Pt Lincoln 489, 503.
Ngurkilli, Pt Lincoln
489.
Ngurkulta, Pt Lincoln 439.
Nicholls
490.
Nintalta, Pt Lincoln
391, 396, 406, 466.
Nott, Mr, Survey Party 602.
Nuttia, Port Lincoln
91.
Oakden, Mr
350, 516.
O’Halloran, Major
117, 249.
Oliver, Mr, K.I.
398-399.
Onkaparinga River
353.
Orphan Immigrants, Irish
369, 419, 421, 429, 474, 480, 508, 514, 567, 581, 590, 591, 592. See also Mr
Tapley.
Osswald, Frederick, publican 370.
Outrages, killings, etc. 2, 7, 34, 36, 62, 85, 90, 91, 95, 104, 109, 112, 123, 407, 587.
: Bungaree area 36, 90, 95, 104.
: Clare
454.
: Guichen Bay 373.
: Kapunda
452, 485, 488, 490.
: Lake Hawdon 319.
: McGrath’s Flat 63.
: Mount Arden 516.
: Mount Bryan 109, 162, 171.
: Mount Remarkable 289, 296-297, 542, 554.
: Port Elliott
568.
: Port Lincoln area 112, 377, 380, 390, 483.
: Rivoli Bay
284-285, 293, 342.
: rumours, reports of outrages 50-51, 63, 110, 579-580, 622.
: Strathalbyn 523, 525.
: Tatiara
541.
: Thebarton
117.
: The Hummocks 219.
: Upper Murray 11, 13-17.
: Willunga area 184.
: Yorke’s Peninsula 543.
Overseer of Works – see Colonial Engineer.
Oyster Bay
379.
Pabst, Dr., Upper Murray 370.
Paddy, Gawler: to England 9, ? 482.
Paisko, Pt Lincoln
489.
Paitya
177.
Pare Kudnutya, Mount Bryan 171-172.
Park Lands, Adelaide 247, 281.
Parnkatta
643.
Patterson’s Station, Mt Brown
549, 552.
Paul, Pall, Poole, Mr, Reed Beds 50.
Peacock, Mr, Walkerville 169, 277.
Perrepurngarrimi, Blueskin Billy, Penola 643.
Peter (Ngarrindjeri)
5.
Peter, Messrs, Murray plains 62.
Peterson’s Station, Mt Arden
612, 613.
“Petrel”
403.
Phillips, P.C., Mt Remarkable 572.
Phillipson, Mr.
16-17.
Pilgulta, Port Lincoln 278.
Pilla Worta, 50 m. N of Pt Lincoln 195.
Pinelluru
643.
Plumstead, Mr, Singing teacher 404.
Police
73, 94, 96, 100, 102, 172, 408, 452, 472, 495, 521.
: Aboriginal constables 58, 66, 110, 172, 533, 546, 571, 598, 608, 612, 615, 644. See also: Native
Police Corps.
Poole, Mr
5, 65, 68, 75.
Poonindie Training Institution 445, 455, 467, 482, 483-484, 499, 500-501, 511, 526, 555, 558, 616,
629, 635, 650, 674, 683.
Population, Aboriginal – see Census of Aborigines.
Port Adelaide
544.
Port Augusta
544, 546-552, 589, 600, 602, 603, 619, 623, 645.
Port Elliott Railway
631.
Port Ferguson (Germein?) 552.
Port Lincoln
8, 19, 25, 30, 58, 66-67, 70, 81, 85, 87, 107, 111, 112, 113, 195, 210, 248,
278, 374, 377, 388, 390, 391, 403, 407, 408, 411, 472, 483-484, 519, 529,
537, 651, 659.
: Government Resident 58, 66, 195, 233, 297, 359, 377, 378, 380, 412, 539.
: proposed School 167, 195, 218, 410, 423; [opened] 441, 450, 456, 459, 460, 465, 470,
484, 498; (closed) 555.
: Training Institution – see Poonindie.
Porter, Mr
225.
The “Pound”, Blanchetown 14.
Price, Henry, J.P.
162.
Protector : duties, powers, salaries, etc. 37, 38, 47, 69, 121, 170, 472, 547, 642, 650, 663.
: journeys out of Town:
: Encounter Bay, Lakes, Coorong 4, 5, 7, 63, 65, 265.
: Upper Murray, Rufus 11-16, 22.
: Waterloo Plains 24.
: Bungaree & North 36, 62, 90, 93, 109.
: Mount Barker
75.
: Willunga
116.
: Mount Bryan 162, 171-172.
: Port Lincoln & North 195, 379, 391, 410, 411, 519, 552-553, 555, 558.
: The Hummocks 219.
: Rivoli Bay
284-285, 295, 342,
: Mt Remarkable
296-297, 542.
: Guichen Bay
319, 342, 373.
: Yorke Peninsula
334-335, 533, 543.
: Wellington 366.
: Kangaroo Island 398-399.
: Kapunda 488, 490.
: Mt Arden, Lake Torrens 516, 528, 552.
: Port Wakefield 533.
: Venus Bay 552-553.
: Port Augusta 552-553.
Pulluringer, Pt Lincoln 391, 396.
Punishments
81, 112, 123, 126, 129, 195, 199, 294, 295, 348, 352, 407, 408, 507, 536,
575, 587, 620.
Puntillin, Penola
643.
Putarpinye, Pt Lincoln 391.
Pybus, Mr.
217.
Quarter Master (Arnold) 604.
Quick, Mrs
249.
Quire, Mrs Euphemia 655.
Quire, Mr Ephraim, Woolshed Flats, Strathalbyn
656, 661, 665.
Raglass, Mr, Mt Remarkable 542.
Ral Ral
408.
Rapid Bay
463.
Rapid River
14-17.
Rathoola, Rapid Bay
463.
Rations: general, tenders &c
52, 60, 65, 97, 103, 128, 138, 167, 200, 223, 226, 237, 359, 363, 395,
448, 479, 491, 496, 576, 580, 586, 603, 648.
: blankets
12, 60, 93, 97, 101, 114, 120, 133, 140, 142, 144, 175, 185, 196, 201, 203,
210, 217, 252, 286, 302, 373, 376, 422, 432, 443, 452, 471, 599, 607, 631,
632, 633, 640, 658, 667, 671, 672.
: boat
584, 684.
: Clothing, shirts, dresses etc. 373, 448, 498.
: cost of transport 83, 342, 357, 382, 402, 437, 619, 644, 671.
: flour
12, 35, 83, 93, 98, 127, 142, 144, 155-156, 157, 160, 185, 203, 252, 289, 302,
308, 319, 320, 321, 326, 338, 339, 341, 342, 346, 351, 357, 378, 382, 383,
402, 409, 416-417, 437, 441, 479, 491, 496, 497, 502, 530, 546, 554, 570,
571, 582, 586, 601, 604, 606, 619, 625, 632, 635, 644, 648, 653, 658, 660,
671, 683.
: meat
118, 144, 185, 322, 346, 357, 382, 441, 479, 491, 496, 497, 502, 571, 659,
676.
: netting twine 422, 436.
: rice
479, 604.
: scale of issues 66, 68, 75, 138, 363, 513, 546, 570, 603.
: soap
241, 250, 604.
: sugar
441, 604.
: sulphur
160, 173.
: tobacco
494.
Ration stations: Adelaide (1837) 40, 120, 297, 480.
: general, all ‘feeding stations’ 133, 185, 252, 271, 297, 359, 363, 376.
: Bungaree (1843)
93, 120, 185, 203, 253, 304.
: Encounter Bay (1840?) 71, 72, 83, 120, 185, 321, 342, 382.
: Guichen Bay (1847) 308, 342, 502, 632, 642.
: Lake Bonney (1847) 304.
: Moorunde (1842?)
44, 60, 101, 120, 185, 196, 201, 252, 304, 314, 322, 338, 383, 402,
443, 654, 669.
: Mount Arden (1853) 546, 562, 571.
: Mount Gambier (1847) 342, 357.
: Mount Remarkable (1847) 304, 351, 416-417, 497, 676.
: Mount Searle (1856) 683.
: Port Augusta (1853)
544, 546, 600, 603, 604, 610, 645-646, 667, 683.
: Port Lincoln (1841?) 12, 98, 120, 185, 378, 441, 479, 513, 518, 554, 586, 605, 619, 625,
633, 658, 660.
: Queen’s Birthday distributions 12, 48, 52, 93, 103, 144, 185, 194, 210, 252, 302, 346,
347, 376, 382, 432, 442.
: Rivoli Bay (1848?)
300, 357.
: Salt Creek (‘Tunby’ Bay) 586, 619, 624, 625, 659, 660.
: Venus Bay (1853)
582, 619, 625, 635, 644, 653, 660, 683.
: Wellington (est. before 1848) 312, 320, 326, 341, 342, 402, 437, 530, 599, 606, 609, 614,
631, 645, 671, 672, 684.
: Yorke’s Peninsula
607.
Reed Beds
50-51.
Reedy Creek
162.
Registry of tribes, proposed
289, 297.
“Resource”
504.
Richards, Mark
36.
Rivoli Bay
284-285, 293, 301, 357, 398.
Roach, Mr
24.
Roberts, Mr, District A 353.
Robins, P.C.
110.
Robinson, Mr
13, 14, 17.
Robinson, shepherd
639.
Rose, Sergeant
516.
Ross, Mr & Mrs
253, 424, 429, 434, 511, 514, 535, 557, 581, 591, 594.
Rowe, Corporal
296.
Rufus River
14-17, 201, 206, 313, 452, 577.
Russell, Thomas & Mrs 214-215, 240, 242, 246, 249, 292, 401.
Ryan, shepherd
17.
Salisbury, Yatala Electorate, 1851 477.
Salt Creek, Coorong
339.
Salt Creek, ‘Tunby’ Bay 561.
Saltyre Creek, Port Augusta, water at 598.
Sampson, Government Surgeon 539.
“Samuel Boddington”
369.
Sanders & Miller
60.
Schurmann, Revd., Deputy Protector of Aborigines, Port Lincoln
8, 11, 25, 57, 67, 76, 78, 79, 87,
92, 97, 107, 108, 111, 112, 113, 143, 164, 167, 195, 218, 248, 375, 391, 406,
423, 441, 456, 465.
Scott, E.B., Sub-Protector, Moorundee 366-367, 370, 377, 383, 414, 522, 577, 608, 615, 669.
Sharples’ Run, Sturt Bay , Yorke Peninsula 335.
Shaw, Mr, Sub-Inspector of Police 14-17, 63.
Sheriff, Adelaide Gaol, Dry Creek 298, 430, 494, (Ashton) 503.
Skillygolee Creek, Clare 18, 23, 26-27, 31, 340, 350, 446, 638. See also Land Issues.
Smith, Mr, Walkerville School
141, 150, 179, 182, 187, 191, 193, 194, 200, 208, 209, 246, 249,
343.
Smith, Mrs
246, 249, 253.
Smith, Duncan Stewart 342, 373.
Smith, P.C.
516.
Solomon, George, Rapid Bay
458, 463, 534.
South Australian Company 611.
South Australian Missionary Society
128.
Stephens, G.M., lawyer
481.
Stephens, Jno
429.
Stepney, Edward
368, 371.
Stewart (Stuart?), Inspector 516.
Strangways, Giles, Encounter Bay 156-157.
Strathalbyn
427.
Struve, F.A., Myponga
418.
Stuart, Inspector [John McDouall?]
453.
Stubbs, Mrs, murder of 108, 195.
Stuckey, Mr., baker
35, 38, 49, 103.
Sturt, Charles
206.
Sturt, E.P., J.P., Mount Gambier 426.
Sturt Bay, Yorke’s Peninsula
607.
Sullivan, James
532.
Surveyor General
601, 619, 665. See also Land Issues.
Swan, Mr
512.
Swan River Aboriginal people 257.
Swinden, Mr, N of Burra 622.
Symes, Mr, Port Lincoln 377.
Tainmunda
186.
Taly, Guichen Bay
290.
Tammy, Mt Bryan
328.
Tapley, R.E.
345, 474, 478, 480, 567.
Tatiara Country
408.
Teichelmann, Revd.
4,5, 8, 25, 42, 45-46, 52-53, 92, 121-122, 180.
Tenberry, Gawler (Paddy’s father) 482.
Tennant, Mr, Port Lincoln 519, 586, 624, 659.
Thomas, Mr
184.
Tidlaitpinna, Adelaide 115.
Tierrwinze, Pt Lincoln 489, 503.
Tilpardnambi, Murray 430.
Tinkanor, Charly
620.
Tolmer, Inspector of Mounted Police 110, 391, 419, 495, 562, 570.
Tommy, Kepuin
91.
Torrens River
33.
Town Surveyor
Truman, H.
Tunby Bay
Tungkillo
Tuntultana
302.
14.
624.
469.
489.
Underwood, C., “Governor Gawler”
79, 98, 221, 228.
Upper Murray River
14-17.
Use/abuse of Women 14-17, 22, 34, 90, 109, 162, 184, 230, 374, 418, 461, 482.
Van Diemen’s Land
345.
Vauxhead, Mr, Port Lincoln 519.
Venn, Mr.
503.
Venus Bay
519, 544, 546-552.
“Victoria”
228.
“Vulcan”
233.
Wahl, Dr, Mount Gambier 426.
Wailtze, Adelaide?
344.
Wakefield River
18, 26.
Wakni Nuilya Muedni 643.
Walker, Mr, Attorney 371.
Walkerville School
132, 134-135, 137, 139, 141, 142, 145, 146, 148-150, 154, 158, 159, 160,
163, 165, 168, 179, 181, 182, 187, 188-189, 191, 193, 196, 197, 198, 200,
205, 208, 216.
Walton, Lance-Corporal 575.
Wark, Dr., Encounter Bay 71, 99.
Warreboninan
679.
Warri, Lake Alexandrina 489.
Warrin-purngarrim, Mr Walker, Penola 643.
Warrin-purngarrimin, Penola
643.
Watpa
489.
Wekweki, Wellington 348, 352.
Wellanna
643.
Wellington
63, 85, 377, 381, 397, 541,617.
: Native School proposal 366-367.
Wenpat
643.
White, Mr, Mount Remarkable 253, 351.
Whitford
490.
Whitington, W.S.
39, 43, 54, 183, 353.
Widows’ Fund Society 565.
Wilkins, William, inn-keeper, Thebarton 117, (Kangaroo Island) 611.
Williams, Henry, Port Lincoln
493, 583, 597, 626.
Williams, Mr John, upper Murray 370.
Winnullu, Pt Lincoln
391, 396.
Wirao, Pt Lincoln
391.
Wirra
354.
Wirra Ngangki, murder of 117.
Witto, Yorke Peninsula 335.
Wombarno, River Murray? 230.
Women, Aboriginal:
: abuse of – see Use/Abuse of.
: marriage to Europeans and/or land issues 387, 458, 463, 464, 569, 583. See Adams,
Earle, Geo. Murray, Solomon, Struve, Wilkins, Williams.
Worta, Waterloo Plains 24.
Wortpa Parti, Kapunda 490.
Wright, Thomas, Kooringa 447.
Yabmanna, Pt Lincoln
Yalluma, Pt Lincoln
Yarngaltya, Pt Lincoln
“Yatala”
391.
391, 396.
391, 430.
378, 379, 388, 391, 398, 399, 405, 411, 501, 544, 546-550, 608, 612-613,
619, 624, 658, 660, 683.
Yatala Electoral District 475, 477, 486-487, 492, 510, 515, 538.
Yenaitya, Willunga
114, 116.
Yettna Milkurti
643.
Yorke Peninsula
334-335, 379, 408, 461, 466, 560.
Younghusband, Mr
354.
APPENDIX 1: Compilation of Censuses of the Aboriginal Population,
Letter No.:
The Murray from Wellington to
the Rufus taking 3 miles on each side
From Wellington to the Maria Creek
on the South Coast
From Maria Creek to Guichen Bay & Rivoli
Bay including the Mount Gambier District
Tatiara Country
Port Lincoln
Yorke’s Peninsula
Bungaree, Hutt & Hill Rivers
Mounts Remarkable, Brown & Arden, including
the peninsular portion jutting into Lake Torrens
Adelaide
Encounter Bay, Yankalilla & Currency Creek
517
556
593
627
647
1851
1852
1853
1854
1855
900
900
840
800
760
600
600
600
550
550
450
200
460
150
70
450
150
460
120
60
450
150
460
120
70
400
150
450
120
70
400
150
450
120
60
400
220
330
3780
400
220
300
3660
450
150
300
3590
450
160
300
3450
600
150
300
3540
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
PROTECTOR OF ABORIGINES
OUT LETTER-BOOK
Volume 2
July 18, 1863
to
March, 1866
Hint to Users: Start with the Index
Transcribed and Indexed by Joe Lane, May 2012.
Email: joelane94@hotmail.com
INDEX OF COMMUNICATIONS TO:
Angipena, Issues at
77.
Anthony, Thos.
362.
Armoury, Supt of
112, 149, 162, 173, 187, 198, 208, 242, 256, 271, 278, 283, 284, 285, 303,
307, 326, 329, 345, 354, 378, 394, 398, 410.
Baker, Hon. John MLC 374.
Beare, W.L.
167.
Bell, R.A.
99.
Blanchetown, Issues at 75, 219, 411.
Border Town, Issues at 17.
Bosworth, John
240, 275.
Bowman, Ed.
49, 356.
Buchanan, A.
28.
Buttfield, Mr J.P., Sub-Protector of Aborigines, Blinman: duties 413-416, 417.
Calman, M., Kingscote 83.
Clarke, B.
170, 181, 259.
Commissioner (Crown Lands and immigration) 34, 121, 224, 226, 227, 228, 253, 321, 367, 372, 380,
381, 386, 387, 409.
Crystal, Samuel
185
Dailey
120, 191, 200, 241.
Darling,
333, 339, 343, 351, 357, 370, 373, 376, 382, 289, 401, 418.
Davies, Chas.
350.
Draper
130, 161, 304.
Drew, S. & Co. (Kooringa?) 188.
Duffield & Co. (Gawler) 15, 43, 51, 63, 81, 84, 101, 111, 124, 146.
Egan, L.
110, 194, 255.
Elliott & Kekwick (Grenfell Street) 164, 174, 190, 192, 202, 250, 263, 268, 273, 279, 290, 293, 323.
Faulding
66, 94, 341, 353, 365.
Franklin Harbour, Issues at 217.
Frew, James
361.
Gall, John
320.
Gilbert, John (Lower Finniss)
2, 151, 157, 160, 218.
Graves, S.
1, 46, 50, 58, 62, 67, 80, 85, 93, 96, 108, 127, 147.
Hall, Dr.
30, 408.
Hammond, Rev., Poonindie 327.
Harrold Bros. (Hindley Street) 6, 132, 159, 178, 210.
Harvey, (Tumby Bay) 92.
Hasluck, F. (Hindley Street) 8, 18, 95.
Hector, Edward J.
270.
Hill, S. (Bundaleer)
277, 322, 340.
Jones, Thos.
54.
Justices of the Peace
235.
Landseer, A.H., Milang
59, 179, 230, 335, 369, 385.
Lashman, Mrs, Kangaroo Island 22.
Lawson, R., Padthaway, Mosquito Plains 29, 168.
Levi & Spriggs, Oulnina, Eastern Plains 31.
Linklater,
377, 383, 390, 401, 419.
Main & Geyer
171, 186, 201, 209, 220, 223, 388.
Mortlock, W.R.
90.
McCallum, Thos.
154.
McEntire
282, 342.
Messenger, Jas.
403.
Mildred, H., S.M.
363.
Morris, P.J.
213.
Mount Gambier, Medical offices at 155.
Newman & Son, Port Adelaide 12, 37, 48, 52, 64, 68, 82, 86, 89, 118, 119, 138, 166, 196, 211, 247,
252, 264, 269, 274, 286, 312, 338, 346, 355, 375, 379, 384, 391, 402, 404,
420.
O’Keefe
237.
Osman, George (Hog Bay, KI) 53.
Overland Corner, Issues at 76. 145, 221.
Pallhuber, Rev. J.E., Sevenhill 71.
Phillips, G. & Co.
175, 183, 204, 287, 288, 302.
Penola, Issues at
16.
Port Wakefield, Issues at 152.
Railway, Goods Dept. 102.
Requisition
372.
Rounsevell,
266.
Saltmarsh, H.
26, 148.
Shelley,
4, 42, 57, 60, 61, 65, 72.
Sleep, Sam
24.
Simpson, A.
135, 177, 199, 207, 281, 298, 325.
Smith, G.B.
78, 184.
Streaky Bay, Issues at 215.
Stuckey,
360, 403.
Sutherland, James
238.
Swan
363.
Taplin, George
56, 70, 103, 172, 231, 239, 257, 332, 293.
Tassie, A.D., Pt Augusta 348, 364, 392.
Titherington
289.
Venus Bay, Issues at
73.
Warren, Mr.
79, 234.
Watts, John
Webb,
Wellington, Issues at
Whittle, Uriah C?
Wight, W.A. & Co.
Wildman, E.T.
25, 33, 150, 276, 330, 336, 359, 368.
87, 195.
97, 153, 216.
69, 189.
165, 176, 193, 197, 204, 222, 251, 261, 267, 273, 280, 294, 311, 324, 334,
344, 352, 358, 371.
45, 74, 98.
Younghusband & Co.
366.
page 1
Aborigines Office
18 July 1863
Mr. T. Graves will please have packed and forwarded to Mr. Levi, King William Street, the following stores for
the Aborigines:
Sugar 250 lbs
Addressed to
Tea
½ Chest
Dr. Hall
Tobacco 15 lbs
Boolcoomata
(Aborigines Stores)
And
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
½ Chest
Messrs Levi & Spriggs
Tobacco 15 lbs
Oulnina?
(Aborigines Stores)
[signed] W. Walker
Protector of Aborigines
2-3
Aborigines Office, Adelaide
18 July 1863
Sir,
I beg to inform you that the undermentioned Stores for the Aborigines in your district, were shipped per
“Gem” to sail on the 25th ultimo.
Flour
½ ton
addressed Mr John Gilbert, Lower Finniss
Sugar
125 lbs
care of Mr T. Jones, Railway Manager, Goolwa
Tea
½ Chest
Blankets
20 (single)
And I herewith transmit to you letter of instruction regarding the issue of rations [3] and copies of “Returns
do” for six months.
Mr John Gilbert
Lower Finniss
I have the honour to be etc.
4-5
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 18 July 1863
To: Mr Shelley
Policeman’s Point, Coorong
Sir,
I beg to inform you that the undermentioned Stores for the Aborigines were shipped per “Gem” to sail on the
25th ultimo.
Flour
1 ton
Addressed to
Sugar
250 lbs
Mr. Shelley
Tea
½ Chest
Policeman’s Point
Blankets
25 (single)
Coorong
Tobacco
25 lbs
care of:
Quart Pots
24
Mr. A.H. Landseer
Pannicans
24
Milang
Netting Twine 100 lbs
Fish Hooks
100
5
And I transmit herewith, letter of instructions regarding the issue of rations and copies of ‘Returns’ for six
months.
I have the honour etc.
6-7
Aborigines Office
20 July 1863
Messrs Harrold Bros
Gentln.,
Have the goodness to Pack up and forward to Messrs. Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following lots of net
twine addressed as under, viz.:
100
100
100
50
100
100
100
100
50
50
100
lbs
lbs
lbs
lbs
lbs
lbs
lbs
lbs
lbs
lbs
lbs
Corporal of Police, Blanchetown, care of Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Corporal of Police, Overland Corner, care of Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Corporal of Police, Chowilla, care of Mr. T. Jones, Goolwa.
[7
Mr. T. Jones, Goolwa
Mr A. Tolmer, Crown Lands Ranger, Wellington, care of Mr. T. Jones, Goolwa
Mr. G. Taplin, Point McLeay, care of etc.
Corporal of Police, Kingston, Lacepede Bay
Mrs Warren, Robe Town
William Fowler Esq, S.M., Yorke’s Pensinsula
Mr. Harvey, Tumby Bay
G.B. Smith Esq, S.M., Mount Remarkable.
8-10
Aborigines Office
20 July 1863
Mr Hasluck
Hindley Street
Sir,
Please to pack up and forward to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following lots of Fish lines
addressed respectively as under, viz.:
12 – 2 lbs
24 – 2 ¼ lbs
12 – 3 ¾ lbs
2 – 4 lbs
12 + 6 + 6 + 1
20 – 2 ¼ lbs
24 – 3 ¾ lbs
6 – 4 lbs
14 + 24 + 12
[to corporals of police at Blanche Town, Chowilla, Overland Corner,
care of Mr T Jones, Railway Manager, Goolwa.]
[to Mr Jones, Goolwa]
[to Mr. George Taplin, Point McLeay, and to Mr A. Tolmer, Wellington]
[to Mr Warren, Robe Town, and to Mr Fowler, Esq., S.M., Yorke’s Peninsula,
And to Mr Harvey, Tumby Bay, and to Corporal of Police, Kingston, Lacepede
Bay]
To Mr Shelley, Policeman’s Point, Coorong, care of Mr A.H. Landseer,
Milang.
10
24 – 2 lbs
24 – 2 ¼ lbs
2 – 3 ¾ lbs
You will also please forward your accounts to the Office of the Commissioner of Crown Lands & I.
I am, Sir, etc
11 blank
12-14
Aborigines Office
20 July 1863
Messrs Newman & Son
Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I have to inform you that the following Stores for the Aborigines, under instructions from the Commissioner,
be sent to your care, and you will be so good as to have them forwarded to their respective destinations.
As per letter on pp. 8 – 10.
15
Aborigines Office
21st July 1863
Messrs W. Duffield & Co.
Gawler
Gentlemen,
Please deliver to bearer, on account of Government, the following lots of flour (2nd quality) addressed as
under, and send receipt for same to this office.
1
ton
Dr Hall
Boolcoomata
1
ton
Messrs Levi & Spriggs
Oulnina
I have etc.
16
Aborigines Office
22 July 1863
Corporal of Police
Penola
Sir,
I have the honour to inform you that the undermentioned Stores for the Aborigines in your district were
ordered on the 9th inst. For shipment from Port Adelaide by first opportunity; and I herewith forward to you
letter of instructions regarding their distribution, and forms of ‘Returns’ as for six months.
I have etc.
Flour 1 ton
Sugar 250 lbs
addressed to Corpl of Police
Tea
½ Chest
Penola
Blankets 25 (single)
Tobacco 15 lbs
Quart Pots 12
Pannicans 12
17
Aborigines Office
22 July
Corporal of Police
Border Town
Identical letter to the above.
18 – 20
Aborigines Office
24 July 1863
Mr Hasluck
Hindley Street
Sir,
Referring to yours of this date I have to request that you make up the various lots of fishing lines according to
the following list instead of that given in my letter of 20th inst., and that you will forward them as before
directed.
I have the honor to be etc.
List of fishing lines
12
2 lb
Addressed
24
2 ¼ lbs
Corpl of Police
12
2 ¾ lbs
Blanchetown
Care of Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
12
2 lbs
Corpl of Police
24
2 ¼ lbs
Chowilla
12
3 lbs
Care of etc.
2
4 lbs
To Corpl of Police, Overland Corner, as above.
To George Taplin, Point McLeay, as above.
12
2 lbs
To Mr T. Jones, Railway Manager, Goolwa
6
2 ¼ lbs
6
3 lbs
1
4 lbs
24
2 lbs
To Mr A. Tolmer, Crown Lands Ranger, Wellington
12
2 ¼ lbs
care of Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
12
4 ½ lbs
2
4 lbs
24
12
6
6
2 lbs
8 oz
12 oz
6 lbs (?)
Mrs Warren, Robe Town
12
12
12
5
9
2 lbs
8 oz
4 ½ lbs
12 oz
4 lbs
Mr Fowler Esq., S.M., Yorke’s Peninsula
12
4
12
2
2 lbs
8 oz
4 ½ lbs
6? Lbs
Mr Harvey, Tumby Bay
36
4
10
21
2 lbs
8 oz (20 %?)
8 oz (15 %?)
Mr Shelley, Policeman’s Point, Coorong
Care of Mr A.M. Landseer, Milang
Cancelled
22-23
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 25 July 1863
Mrs Lashman
Kangaroo Island
Madam,
A letter, dated 25 June, having been addressed to the Hon. Commissioner of Crown Lands by George Osman,
who states that he is in your service, calling attention to the necessitous condition of an Aboriginal Native
woman named Mary Manatoo, I am directed to write to you inquiring into the facts of the case.
[Reba Taylor, ‘Unearthed’: Up until 1863, Mary Manatoo had been living with William Wilkin on Kangaroo
Island]
The writer of the letter says that the Native woman has lived with him 27 years, that she is upwards of 70
years [23] of age and stone blind, and that he is now unable to support her without some assistance from
Government.
I have therefore to request that you will be good enough at your earliest convenience to furnish such
information as you may be able to afford for the guidance of the Commissioner.
I have the honor etc.
24
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 28 July 1863
Saml Sleep Esq.
Mount Eyre
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following Stores for the Aborigines in your district, addressed as
under, were shipped per “Lubra” on the 23rd inst., viz.:
Flour 1 ton
to Saml Sleep, Mount Eyre, care of A.D. Tassie, Port Augusta
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
½ Chest
Blankets 20 (single)
Quart Pots 12
Pannicans 12
I beg to forward herewith a copy of the letter of instructions to issues which contains the scale of rations
approved by the Commissioner; also some forms of “Returns” which I trust it may be convenient for you to
have regularly filled up.
I have the honor etc.
25
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 6 August 1863
Mr John Watts
Stockport
Sir,
I beg to inform you that six blankets have been forwarded per Railway to Freeling, bearing your address, and
request that you will be good enough to give them to the Aborigines in your neighbourhood.
I have the honor etc.
26
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 6 August 1863
Mr Henry Saltmarsh
Waterside (?)
Milang
As above, but ‘ten blankets’, forwarded to J. Hall, carrier.
27
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 11 Aug 1863
Messrs Newman & Son
Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I beg to inform you that a bale of blankets, addressed as under, will be sent to your care and you will be good
enough to forward it by the first opportunity, and report shipment to this office.
I have the honor etc.
Bale addressed:
Mr Lawson, Sheepfarmer, Mosquito Plains [Padthaway],
Care of: Messrs Ormerod & Co, Robe
28
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 12 August 1863
Alex. Buchanan Esq
Anlaby, Kapunda
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that under instructions from the Commissioner I have ordered six additional
blankets to be forwarded to you for the Aborigines at Anlaby.
I have the honor etc.
29
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 12 August 1863
G. Lawson Esq
Padthaway, Mosquito Plains
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that, by the first opportunity a bale containing 15 (fifteen) blankets, and
addressed to you, will be forwarded to Messrs Ormerod & Co, Robe, and to request that you will be good
enough to distribute them amongst the Natives in your neighbourhood.
I have the honor etc.
30
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 12 August 1863
Dr. Hall
Boolcoomata, Eastern Plains
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose for your information a copy of the letter of instructions which, by order of the
Commissioner, is forwarded to all issues of Government Stores to the Aborigines, also six copies of Monthly
returns which I trust it may be convenient for you to have regularly filled up and transmitted to this office.
I have the honor etc.
31-32
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 12 August 1863
Messrs Levi & Spriggs
Oulnina
Eastern Plains
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to inform you that the following Stores for the sick, infirm and destitute Natives in your
neighbourhood have been forwarded to you, viz.:
Flour 1 ton
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
½ Chest
Blankets 25 (single)
Tobacco 15 lbs
Quart Pots 12
Pannicans 12
You will be so good as to send notice of receipt to this office.
Herewith I send for your instruction a copy of the letter of instructions which, by order of the Commissioner,
is forwarded to all issuers of Government Stores to the Aborigines; also copies of “Monthly Reports ”forms
which I trust it may be convenient for you to have regularly filled up, and transmitted to this office.
I have the honor etc.
33
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 14 August 1863
Mr John Watts
Stockport
Sir,
Previous to the receipt of your letter if the 12th inst., I learned that the blankets I had ordered for the
Aborigines at Stockport, in consequence of some misunderstanding, had been forwarded as directed.
The mistake was of course corrected as soon as known and I trust the package has in this time arrived at its
destination.
Regretting that you have been put to so much trouble
I have the honor etc.
34-36
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 17 August 1863
The Hon. The Commissioner of Crown Lands
Sir,
I have the honor to return the enclosed papers relative to the Aborigines in the far North.
I must respectfully express my regret that neither the report of the alleged outrages by the Aborigines, nor
the instructions issued to the Police in connection therewith have been forwarded to me in a matter so
intimately affecting my Department.
[35] Although it would appear from a late article that full information has been given to the newspapers.
I am very desirous of learning what action it is proposed to take, as if the Natives are to be driven off the runs
of the settlers, I feel convinced that such a course would be provocative of further acts of aggression and
would lead to very disastrous results.
Though fully recognising the claims to protection which the settlers have, as is evidenced [36] by my report
of 12 December last, it will I trust be remembered that the Aborigines have their claims also, and I must
therefore again, as their legally appointed Protector, beg that I may be made acquainted with the action
which it is proposed to take.
I have the honor etc.
37 – 41
blank
42
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 28 August 1863
Mr Shelley
Policeman’s Point
Coorong
Sir,
I beg to inform you that I have received authority for the purchase of Mr Hack’s boat at the price mentioned
in your letter of the 28 ult. Viz., five pounds.
If not since disposed of you will be good enough to secure it at once for the benefit of the Coorong Natives
and forward the account for payment to this office.
I have the honor etc.
43
Aborigines Office
14 September 1863
Messrs W Duffield & Co.
Gawler
Gentlemen,
Please to forward by the earliest opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, ½ ton of flour (2 nd
quality), addressed [to] Corpl of Police, Port Wakefield.
I have the honor etc.
44
Cancelled
45
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 15 Sept 1863
E.T. Wildman Esq.
Secretary
Crown Lands Office
Dear Sir,
Will you be good enough to take the necessary steps, that instructions may be given to the Corpl of Police at
Port Wakefield, to receive the Stores about to be sent for the Aborigines, and addressed to his care, and to
forward the issue to the Bowman Station by the first opportunity.
The Stores consist of:
Flour ½ ton
Sugar 125 lbs
Tea
¼ Chest
Blankets 1 Bale (12 single)
I am etc.
46
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 16 Sept 1863
Mr Graves will please forward to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, (for the Aborigines):
Tea
¼ Chest
Sugar 125 lbs
Addressed, Ed. Bowman Esq., ?Winniockity via ?Whitwarta
Care of Corpl of Police, Port Wakefield
J. Walker
Protr of Aborigines
47
Memo
The Armory Superintendent will please have packed and forwarded to Messrs. Newman & Son, Port
Adelaide, twelve (12) single blankets addressed:
Ed Bowman Esq., ?Wirriockity? via ?Whitwarta?
Care of Corpl of Police, Port Wakefield
16 Sept 1863
48
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 16 Sept 1863
Messrs Newman & Son
Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to inform you that the following Stores for the Aborigines will be forwarded to your care,
and to request that you will have them forwarded by the first opportunity.
Sugar 125 lbs
Addressed to:
Tea
¼ Chest
Ed. Bowman Esq
Blankets 12, single
Wirriockity via Whitwarta?
Care of Corpl of Police, Port Wakefield
Also
Flour ½ ton, addressed to the Corpl of Police instead of as above. Have the goodness to correct the error
before shipment.
I am etc.
49
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 21 September 1863
Ed. Bowman Esq
Wirriockity?
Via Whitwarta?
?Port Wakefield
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following Stores for the Aborigines have been forwarded to your
address, care of the Corpl of Police, Port Wakefield, and to request that you will be so good as cause them to
be distributed to the sick, infirm etc. in your neighbourhood, according to their necessities.
Flour ½ ton shipped per “Sarah”
Sugar 125 lbs shipped per “Four Brothers”
Tea
½ Chest
Blankets (12 Single)
I beg to enclose for your information a copy of the letter of instructions to Issuers, also a few forms of
“Returns” which I trust it will be convenient to have regularly filled up and transmitted quarterly to the Hon.
The Commissioner of Crown Lands.
I have the honor etc.
50
Aborigines Office
[Memo]
Mr Graves will please pack up and forward to Messrs. Newman & Son, Port Adelaide,
Sugar 24 lbs
Tea
6 lbs
Addressed George Osman, Hog Bay, Kangaroo Island.
W. Walker
Protector of Aborigines
51
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 22nd September 1863
Messrs H. Duffield & Co
Gawler
1
Gentlemen,
Please to forward by an early opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide,
Bag of flour, 2nd quality, addressed George Osman, Hog Bay, Kangaroo Island.
I have the honor etc.
52
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 22nd September 1863
Messrs Newman & Son
Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
The following Stores will be sent to your care, and I beg that you will forward them by the earliest
opportunity.
Flour 1 Bag
addressed to George Osman
Sugar 24 lbs
Hog Bay, Kangaroo Island
Tea
6 lbs
I have the honor etc.
53
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 23rd September 1863
Mr George Osman
Hog Bay, Kangaroo Island
Sir,
The following Stores for the poor Native woman, May Manatoo, will be forwarded to your address by the
first opportunity; and I have to request that you will be good enough to issue them to her daily according to
the scale approved by the Commissioner, viz.:
Flour 1 Bag
Sugar 4 lbs
Tea
6 lbs
I have the honor etc.
54
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 23 September 1863
Mr T. Jones
Railway Manager
Goolwa
Sir,
I am directed to request you to purchase at Goolwa a supply of flour, 2nd quality, sufficient to enable you to
continue your issues to the sick, infirm and destitute Aborigines.
I have the honor etc.
55
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 12 October 1863
The Hon. the Commissioner of Crown Lands etc
Sir,
Observing that a Bill for regulating the Sale or other disposal of Lands in the country lately annexed to the
Province of South Australia, has been laid before the House of Assembly, I beg respectfully to enquire what
provision Her Majesty’s Government proposes to make for the future wants of the Aboriginal Natives who
are dispossessed of their country and may be deprived of the means of subsistence.
I have the honor etc.
56
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 15 October 1863
Mr George Taplin
Point McLeay
Milang
Sir,
With reference to the claims of certain Natives at Point McLeay against the Estate of H. Robinson, deceased, I
have the honor to inform you, that in the opinion of the Crown Solicitor it is impracticable to enforce said
claim by legal means.
By directive of the Hon. The Commissioner, I forward to you herewith five pounds (5 pounds) which sum he
has kindly provided for the relief of the ?Supplicants? and I beg that you will distribute the same amongst
them in proportion to the amount of their respective accounts and forward a receipt to this office.
I have the honor etc.
57
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 15 October 1863
Mr Shelley
Policeman’s Point
Coorong
Sir,
Have the goodness to sign and return the enclosed procuration in receipt of which the sum due for purchase
of boat for the Aborigines will be paid.
I have the honor etc.
58
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 21 October 1863
[Memo]
Mr Graves will be good enough to forward per Hall carrier, the following Stores for the Aborigines viz.:
Tea
½ Chest
Sugar 125 lbs
Addressed, Mr Shelley, Policeman’s Point, Coorong.
Care of Mr A.H. Landseer, Milang.
[signed]
59
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 22nd October 1863
Mr A. H. Landseer
Milang
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that you will receive per J. Hall, Carrier, ½ chest Tea and 250 lbs Sugar, for the
Aborigines Depot at Policeman’s Point, and which you will please to send up the Coorong by the first
opportunity.
You will also be so good as to purchase at Milang and forward to Mr Shelley with the above stores, ½ Ton of
flour, 2nd quality, and transmit your account for payment to this office.
I have etc.
60
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 22 October 1863
Mr. H. V. Shelley
Policeman’s Point
Coorong
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following Stores will be forwarded to your address care of Mr
Landseer, Milang, by the first opportunity – viz.:
Flour ½ Ton
Tea
½ Chest
Sugar 250 lbs
I have the honor etc.
61
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 23 October 1863
Mr Shelley
Policeman’s Point
Coorong
Sir,
I regret that the procuration sent by you is informal and cannot be received at the Audit Office.
I enclose another form and request your attention to the note which states that “the person who begins this
procuration must provide a witness ?to it?”.
I have etc.
62
Aborigines Office
30 October 1863
[Memo?]
Mr Evans will be good enough to forward by an early opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide,
the following Stores for the Aborigines addressed as under:
Tea
½ Chest
Sugar
250 lbs
[to] Mr George Taplin, Point McLeay,
Care of Mr. Thos Jones, Goolwa.
[signed]
63
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 30 October 1863
Messrs W. Duffield & Co.,
Gawler
Gentlemen,
Please to forward by an early opportunity, to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, 1 Ton of Flour (2 nd
quality), for the Aborigines, addressed Mr George Taplin, Point McLeay, care of Mr T. Jones, Goolwa.
I have etc.
64
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 30 October 1863
Messrs Newman & Son
Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to inform you that the following Stores addressed as under are directed to be sent to you,
and to request you will please forward them to their destination by the earliest opportunity.
Flour
1 Ton
[to] Mr George Taplin, Point McLeay
Tea
½ Chest
care of Mr Thos Jones, Goolwa.
Sugar
250 lbs
I am, Gentlemen, Your Obedient Servant, etc.
65
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 30 October 1863
Mr H. V. Shelley
Policeman’s Point
Coorong
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that your amount for the purchase of Mr Hack’s boat has been paid and I now
forward the amount enclosed viz. [5 pounds]
I am etc.
66
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 1 Nov 1863
Mr Faulding will be good enough to make up and forward by the earliest opportunity the following lots of
medicine for the Aborigines, addressed as under viz.:
Various [not legible]
Mr George Taplin, Point McLeay
Care of Mr A.H. Landseer
[?tartar tincture? Compl. Rhubarb pills, comp. Eu?? , castor oil, Castile soap]
Various [not legible]
Mr Thomas Jones, Railway Manager, Goolwa
[?senna, Epsom salts, antibilious pills, blue pills, rhubarb, calcium magnesium?, mustard, ground ginger.]
Please forward account to this office.
[signed]
67
Aborigines Office 20 Nov 1863
[memo]
Mr Graves will please forward to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, by first opportunity 250 lbs Sugar, for
the Aborigines, addressed Corpl of Police, Venus Bay.
[signed]
68
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 20 November 1863
Messrs Newman & Son
Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to inform you that I have directed a parcel of sugar (250 lbs) addressed to the Corpl of
Police, Venus Bay, to be forwarded to your care and request that you will be good enough to ship the same
by the earliest opportunity.
I am etc.
69
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 24 November 1863
Mr Uriah C. Whittle
Tam O’Shanter Belt
Nr Woodville
Sir,
I am directed to inform you that your account for cartage of Stores to Boolcoomata and Oulnina cannot be
passed for payment, a receipt for 1 ton Flour delivered at the former Station not having been forwarded with
the other vouchers.
You will be good enough to supply the omission at your earliest convenience.
I have etc.
70
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 27 November 1863
Mr George Taplin
Point McLeay
Milang
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following stores for the Aborigines at Point McLeay viz.,
Flour
1 Ton
Tea
½ Chest and
Sugar
250 lbs,
Were ordered on the 30th October, and instructions have been given to forward them via Goolwa by the
earliest opportunity.
I have the honor etc
71
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 5 December 1863
Rev. John E. Pallhuber
Sevenhill
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 21st ultimo, I have the honor to inform you that the law of the Colony does not
give to any man, whether black or white, the right to a section of land on his marriage with an Aboriginal
woman; but as it empowers the Governor with consent of his Executive Council to set apart portions of the
Crown Lands for the use and benefit of the Aborigines of the Country, I think your proper course is to present
a Memorial to His Excellency on behalf of the person to whom you refer.
I have the honor etc.
72
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 18 December 1863
Mr Shelley
Policeman’s Point
Coorong
Sir,
I received yours of the 8th inst informing me that you are about to leave the Coorong.
I regret this on account of the Natives in whose welfare you have taken so kind an interest.
You will be good enough to dispose of any stores you may have on hand in the way proposed and I shall be
glad if you can get one of your neighbours to take the temporary charge of the boat etc.
I have the honor etc.
73
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 13 January 1864
Corpl of Police, Venus Bay
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the weight of the sugar ordered for your Depot in November last is 250
lbs.
I send herewith a supply of forms of “Reports etc” for six months.
I am etc.
74
Aborigines Office
20 January 1864
E. G. Wildman Esq.
Secretary C.L. & I.
Memo,
Observing that Mr Smith is forwarding to the Atty General the Evidence taken at the Inquest held as usual
and says “I shall have the honor of writing again fully by next” – I beg if any letter or report on this subject has
since been received, that you will be good enough to obtain it for my perusal.
[signed]
75
Aborigines Office
20 January 1864
Corpl of Police
Blanche Town
Sir,
I am directed by the Commissioner to call your attention to the 4th Clause of the letter of instructions to
Issuers of Stores at Aboriginal Depots which requires the ‘Returns of Receipts and Issues’, Births, Deaths &c
to be regularly kept and forwarded quarterly to the Comm. Lands’ Office.
You will therefore be good enough to send in your Return for the Quarters ending respectively on the 30
September and the 31 December last, without delay.
I have the honor etc.
76
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 20 January 1864
Corpl of Police
Overland Corner & Chowilla
Sir,
I am directed by the Commissioner to call your special attention to the 4th Clause of the letter of instructions
to Issuers of Stores at Aboriginal Depots, which requires the ‘Returns of Receipts and Issues’, ‘Births and
Deaths’, &c to be regularly kept and forwarded to the Crown Lands Office.
You will therefore be good enough to send in your Returns for the Quarter ending respectively on the 30th
September and the 31 December last without delay.
I am etc.
77-79
Same letter, on same date, sent to Corpl of Police, Angipena;
To G. B. Smith Esq., S.M., Mount Remarkable;
And to Mr Warren, Robe Town.
80
[memo]
Mr Graves will be good enough to forward to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, by the first opportunity:
Sugar
140 lbs
Tea
35 lbs
Tobacco
5 lbs
Addressed Mr M. Calnan, Kangaroo Island.
81
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 22 January 1864
Messrs W. Duffield & Co.
Gawler
Gentlemen,
Please to forward by first opportunity, to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, Six (6) bags of Flour (2 nd
quality), addressed to Mr M. Calman, Kangaroo Island.
I have the honor etc
Mr. M. Calman
82
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 22 January 1864
Messrs Newman & Son,
Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
The following Stores addressed Mr M. Calman, Kangaroo Island, will be forwarded to your care, viz:
Flour
6 Bags
Tea
35 lbs
Sugar
140 lbs
Tobacco
5 lbs
Mr Calnan, who is now in town, returns to the Island next week, and will take charge of the Stores.
I have the honor etc.
83
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 23 January 1864
Kensington
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the undermentioned Stores for the Aborigines referred to in your letter
of the 20th inst. Will be sent to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, for shipment by first opportunity.
List of Stores:
Flour
6 bags
addressed Mr. M. Calnan, Kangaroo Island
Tea
35 lbs
Sugar
140 lbs
Tobacco
5 lbs
84
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 9 March 1864
Messrs W. Duffield & Co.
Gawler
Gentlemen,
Please to forward by the earliest opportunity to Messrs. Newman & Son, Port Adelaide,
½ ton Flour (2nd quality)
addressed Mr A. Webb, Long Island, Murray River.
Care of Mr T. Jones, Goolwa.
I have the honor etc.
85
Memo to Mr Graves re the above.
Sugar
125 lbs
Tea
¼ Chest
86
Letter to Messrs Newman & Son re the above.
87-88
Letter to Mr. A. Webb re above.
89
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 10 March 1864
Messrs Newman & Son,
Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
The following Stores will be sent to your care and I have to request that you will forward them as addressed
by the earliest convenience, viz.:
Sugar
250 lbs
Mr Harvey, Tumby Bay, Port Lincoln
Tea
1/3 Chest
Rice
200 lbs
Medicine
1 Parcel
I have the honor etc
90
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 10th March 1864
H. L. Mortlock Esq.,
Port Lincoln
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 26th February I am directed by the Hon. the Commissioner of Crown Lands to
thank you for the offer therein Made to undertake the distribution of Stores to the Aborigines at Tumby Bay;
and to inform you that the Government do not intend to alter at present the existing arrangements.
I have the honor etc.
91
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 10 March 1864
Messrs Newman & Son
Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
The following stores will be sent to your care and I have to request that you will forward them as addressed
at the earliest opportunity.
Sugar
250 lbs
Mr Harvey, Tumby Bay, Port Lincoln
Tea
½ Chest
Rice
200 lbs
Medicine
1 Parcel
I have the honor etc.
92
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 10 March 1864
Mr Harvey
Tumby Bay
Port Lincoln
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following Stores for the Aborigines at Tumby Bay will be forwarded
by the first opportunity [as above]
I am directed by the Commissioner to inform you that it is contrary to law as well as to your instructions to
supply wine or other intoxicating drink to an Aboriginal Native without the order of a Medical Practitioner.
I have the honor etc.
93
Memo to Mr Graves to forward stores as above
94
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 10 March 1864
Mr Faulding will be good enough to forward by the first opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide,
the following Medicines carefully packed and addressed as under viz.:
6 doz?
Anti-bilious pills
Mr Harvey, Tumby Bay, Port Lincoln
½ lb
Blistering Ointment
One wine bottle Cough Mixture
7 lbs
Epsom Salts
½ lb
Senna
2 oz
Rhubarb Powder
[signed]
95
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 11 March 1864
Mr Hasluck will please forward to Hill, Carrier to Wellington
3 doz
Fish lines
200
Hooks
Addressed to Corpl of Police, Wellington.
[signed]
96
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 11 March 1864
Mr Graves will be good enough to forward per Hill, Carrier the following stores for the Aborigines, addressed
as under, viz.:
Tea
½ Chest
Corpl of Police, Wellington
Tobacco
10 lbs
[signed]
97
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 11 March 1864
Corpl of Police
Wellington
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following Stores, addressed as under, will be forwarded next week by
Hill, Carrier, viz.:
Tea
½ Chest
Tobacco
10 lbs
Fish Hooks
200
Fish Lines
3 doz
I have &c
98
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 24 March 1864
E.T. Wildman Esq.,
Secretary: Crown Lands &c
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 17th March, received on the 21st, I have the honor to inform you that I have
communicated with Mr Taplin respecting the vouchers shewing the proper disbursement of the sum referred
to and beg to enclose an explanatory letter received from him this morning.
I have &c
99
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 31 March 1864
R.N. Bell Esq., S.M.
North West Bend
River Murray
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that a letter signed ‘Lawson Brown’ has been forwarded to the Honble the
Commissioner of Crown Lands, in which application is made for a section of land to be granted to a man
named William Jones alias, “Lanky”, on the ground that he has married an Aboriginal Native; and in which
[100] your name is given as that of one well-acquainted with the applicant.
I am therefore instructed by the Commissioner to request that you will be good enough to furnish him with
such information as you may possess respecting Jones, especially as to his character for steadiness and
sobriety.
I have &c
101
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 8th April 1864
Messrs. W. Duffield & Co
Gawler
Gentlemen,
Lease forward per Railway to Adelaide Station, on or before Tuesday next, 1 Ton of flour (2nd quality)
addressed
Mr George Taplin, Point McLeay
Care of Mr Landseer, Milang.
I have &c
102
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 11 April 1864
Goods Department
Railway Station Adelaide
Please deliver to bearer? ( Fleming) 10 bags flour (D?) to Mr George Taplin, Milang.
[signed]
103
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 13 April 1864
Mr George Taplin
Care of Mr Pitt, Snr.
Payneham
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that 1 Ton of Flour, second quality, in bags marked D, for the Point McLeay
Depot, will be forwarded per Carrier this day to the care of Mr Landseer, Milang.
I have &c
104-5
blank
106-7
cancelled
108
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 21 April 1864
Mr Graves will please send by an early opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, 300 lbs Sugar
for the Aborigines, addressed Mr L. Egan, Crown Lands Ranger, Tarpeena nr McDonald Bay.
109
blank
110
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 21 April 1864
Mr L. Egan
Tarpeena
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following supplies for the Aborigines, addressed as under, viz.:
120
Blankets
Mr L. Egan, Tarpeena, via McDonald Bay
2
Tons Flour
300
lbs Sugar
will be forwarded by the first opportunity from Port Adelaide; and request that you will duly acknowledge
receipt thereof.
111
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 21 April 1864
Messrs W. Duffield & Co.
Gawler
Gentlemen,
Have the goodness to forward by an early opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following
lots of flour, 2nd quality, addressed as under, viz.:
2
Tons
Mr L. Egan, Crown Lands Ranger, Tarpeena, via McDonald Bay
1
Ton
Mr Harvey, Tumby Bay, Port Lincoln
I have the honor &C
112-115
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 20 April 1864
[Memo]
It is respectfully requested that the Sergt Armoury be instructed to have packed and forwarded to Messrs
Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following lots of blankets for the Aborigines, addressed as under, viz.:
40, single
Corpl of Police, Overland Corner, care of Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
40, single
Corpl of Police, Chowilla, care of Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
120, do
Mr T. Jones, Railway Spt, Goolwa
120, do
Mr George Taplin, Point McLeay, care of Mr. T. Jones, Goolwa
50, do
Corpl of Police, Kingston, Lacepede Bay
[113]
50, single
Mr Warren, Robe
120, do
Mr L. Egan, Crown Lands Ranger, Tarpeena
50, do
Mr Fowler Esq., S.M., Yorke’s Peninsula
25, do
Mr Harvey, Tumby Bay, Port Lincoln
25, do
?? Crown Lands Ranger, Wallaroo?
25, do
Corpl of Police, Port Lincoln
50, do
Corpl of Police, Venus Bay
25, do
Corpl of Police, Streaky Bay
40, do
Corpl of Police, Angipena, care of Mr Tassie, Port Augusta
50, do
G.B. Smith Esq., S.M., Mount Remarkable, care of Mr Tassie, Port Augusta
40?, do
Mr Gilbert, Lower Finniss, care of Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
[114]
20, single
Corpl of Police, Port Wakefield
25, do
S. Sleep, Esq., Mount Eyre, care of Mr Tassie, Port Augusta
25, do
Corpl of Police, Penola, care of Messrs Ormerod & Co., Robe
25, do
Corpl of Police, Bordertown, care of Messrs Ormerod & Co., Robe
15, do
G. Lawson, Esq., Mosquito Plains, care of Messrs Ormerod & Co., Robe
Also the following lots to be forwarded per railway, viz.:
18, do
A. Buchanan Esq., Anluby
6, do
Mr John Watt, Stockport
25, do
W. L. Beare, Esq., Bungaree
25, do
- Hill, Esq., Bundaleer
Also the following, viz.:
120, do
Corpl of Police, Wellington, via Hill, Carrier.
[115]
10, single
Mr Saltmarsh, Waterside, Milang, per Hall, Carrier
25, do
Messrs Levi & Spriggs, Oulnina, care of V. Levi Esq., King William Street.
25, do
Dr. Hall, Boolcoomatta, care of V. Levi Esq., King William Street.
[1234 in total]
[signed]
[note: 2 in store + 10 blankets taken from the Angipena lot for ?Clarendon]
116-118
Letter to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, regarding the above.
119
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 29 April 1864
Messrs Newman & Co,
Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to inform you that the following Stores for the Aborigines, and addressed as under, will be
sent to your care; and request that you will forward them by the first opportunity to their respective
destinations, viz.:
Flour
2 tons
Mr L. Egan, Crown lands Ranger, Tarpeena, via McDonnell Bay
Sugar
300 lbs
Flour
I have &c
1 Ton
Mr Harvey, Tumby Bay, Port Lincoln.
120
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 7 May 1864
Mr Daly [Dailey]
Schoolmaster
Clarendon
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that twelve blankets, for the Aborigines in your district, will be forwarded to
your address by an early opportunity, and I beg you will be good enough to acknowledge receipt thereof.
I have &c
121-122
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 10 May 1864
The Hon. the Commissioner of Crown Lands &c
Sir,
I have the honor to forward my annual Requisition for Aboriginal Stores, and trust it will meet with your
approval.
Some difficulty has been experienced in its preparation in consequence of the incompleteness of the Reports
of Receipts and issues from some depots, and their total absence from others, as is shewn by a list also
herewith forwarded.
I beg respectfully to suggest that the attention of all Issuers of Stores be particularly directed to clause 4 of
their Instructions date “Crown Lands and Immigration Office 18 July 1863” which [122] as follows:
“4.
The Returns of “Receipts and Issues” Births and Deaths is? to be regularly kept, according to forms
herewith transmitted, and forwarded, quarterly, to this office.”
I would also suggest that the Stores at Guichen Bay be transferred from Mr Warren for the Police Station? at
?Robe?
I have &C
123
List of Aboriginal Depots referred to in letter to the Hon. the Commissioner ?c/- the date
Depot
Blanche Town
Overland Corner
Chowilla
Point McLeay
Venus Bay
Streaky Bay
Tumby Bay
Lacepede Bay
Mount Serle
Boolcoomata
Mt Remarkable
Penola
Guichen Bay [Robe Town]
[signed] 11/5/64
124-126
Date of Last Report &c
30 September 1863
31 December “
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
30 September “
31 December “
31 March
“
None received
“
“
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 13 May 1864
Mr W. Duffield & Co
Gawler
Gentlemen,
Have the goodness to forward by an early opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following
lots of flour, 2nd quality, addressed as under, viz.:
2
tons Corpl of Police, Overland Corner, care of Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
2
tons Corpl of Police, Chowilla, same
3
tons Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
4
tons Mr George Taplin, same
3
tons Corpl of Police, Wellington, same
2
tons Corpl of Police, Kingston, Lacepede Bay
1¼
tons Mr Warren, Robe, Guichen Bay
2
tons Mr L. Egan, Tarpeena, via McDonnell Bay
1
ton
Corpl of Police, Port Lincoln
½
ton
Mr Harvey, Tumby Bay
2½
tons Corpl of Police, Venus Bay
1
ton
Corpl of Police, Streaky Bay
2
tons G.B. Smith Esq., S.M., Mr Remarkable, care of Mr Tassie, Port Augusta
1
ton
Mr Gilbert Senr, Lower Finniss, care of Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
1
ton
Corpl of Police, Penola, care of Messrs Steward & Co, Robe
1
ton
Corpl of Police, Bordertown, same
[126]
1
ton
S. Sleep Esq., Mount Eyre, care of Mr Tassie, Port Augusta
½
ton
Corpl of Police, Port Wakefield
[30 ¾ tons in total]
I have &c
127-129
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 13 May 1864
Mr Graves
Hindley Street
Sir,
Please forward by an early opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following goods,
addressed as under, viz.:
Sugar
500 lbs
Corpl of Police, Overland Corner
Tea
1 Chest
Rice
200 lbs
Tobacco
25 lbs
Same to Corpl of Police, Chowilla
Sugar
750 lbs
Mr T. Jones, Railway Supt., Goolwa
Tea
½ Chest
Rice
200 lbs
Tobacco
25 lbs
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
[128]
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
1000 lbs
2 Chests
200 lbs
25 lbs
750 lbs
½ Chest
200 lbs
25 lbs
Mr George Taplin, Point McLeay, care of Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
500 lbs
1 Chest
100 lbs
15 lbs
Corpl of Police, Kingston, Lacepede Bay
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
200 lbs
½ Chest
100 lbs
15 lbs
Mr Warren, Robe, Guichen Bay
Sugar
Rice
Tobacco
700 LBS
200 lbs
25 lbs
Mr L. Egan, Crown Lands Ranger, Tarpeena via McDonnell Bay
Tea
Tobacco
Tobacco
½ Chest
15 lbs
15 lbs
Corpl of Police, Port Lincoln
Corpl of Police, Wellington, via Mr Jones
Mr Harvey, Tumby Bay
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
550 lbs
1 ½ Chests
100 lbs
25 lbs
Corpl of Police, Venus Bay
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Tobacco
[129]
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
250 lbs
½ Chest
100 lbs
15 lbs
15 lbs
Corpl of Police, Streaky Bay
500 lbs
1 Chest
100 lbs
25 lbs
G.B. Smith Esq., S.M., Mt Remarkable, care of Mr Tassie, Pt Aug
Sugar
Tea
Tobacco
250 lbs
½ Chest
15 lbs
Mr Gilbert Snr, Lower Finniss, care of Mr T. Jones, Goolwa.
Sugar
Tea
250 lbs
½ Chest
Sugar
125 lbs
Tea
½ Chest
Rice
100 lbs
Tobacco
15 lbs
I have the honor &c
Wm Fowler Esq., S.M., Moorowie, Yorke’s Peninsula
Same to Corpl of Police, Penola
Same to Corpl of Police, Border Town
S. Sleep Esq, Mount Eyre, care of Mr Tassie, Port Augusta
Corpl of Police, Port Wakefield
130-131
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 17 May 1864
Mr Graves will be good enough to pick up and forward as soon as possible, to Messrs Newman & Son, Port
Adelaide, the following goods, addressed asunder, viz.:
24
Blue Serge Shirts
Mr T. Jones, Railway Supt, Goolwa
??
??
30
Blue Shirts, do., do.
Mr George Taplin, Point McLeay
50 ?
Serge? ??
24
Blue Shirts, do, do
Corpl of Police, Wellington
50 ? Serge, ? ?
18
Blue Shirts
Corpl of Police, Kingston
12
Blue Shirts &c &c
Mr Warren, Robe, Guichen Bay
[131]
24
Blue shirts
Mr L. Egan, Tarpeena, via McDonnell Bay
100
? Serge ? ?
[Note: Mr Graves will also be pleased to ?? the following packet and [illegible]
132
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 17 May 1864
Messrs Harrold & Co
Hindley Street
Gentlemen,
Have the goodness to forward as soon as possible to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following
goods, addressed as under,
10 Tomahawks
Corpl of Police
24 Spoons
Overland Corner
100 lbs Net Twine
Care of Mr. T. Jones
200 Fish hooks Nos. 4, 5 & 8?
Goolwa
50 Fish Lines 4, 6 & 8 oz
Same to
Corpl of Police, Chowilla
Same, except 50 lbs Net Twine to
Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Same, except 350 Fish Hooks to
[133]
Same to
12 Tomahawks
10? Spoons
100 lbs Net Twine
100 Fish Hooks No. 4, 5, 6
Mr G. Taplin, c/- Mt Jones, Goolwa
Same except 150 Fish Hooks
Mr Warren, Robe, Guichen Bay
Corpl of Police, Wellington, c/- Mr Jones, Goolwa
Corpl of Police, Kingston, Lacepede Bay
12 Tomahawks
10 Spoons
Mr L. Egan, Crown Lands Ranger, Tarpeena
12 Tomahawks
12 Spoons
50 lbs Net Twine
250 Fish Hooks No 3 & 4?
50 Fish Lines 6, 12 & 16 oz?
W. Fowler Esq., S.M.
Moorowie, Yorke’s Peninsula
12? Tomahawks
12 Spoons
Corpl of Police, Port Lincoln
Same to
[134]
12 Tomahawks
10? 18? Spoons
150 Fish Hooks No 4, 5 & 6
50 Fish Lines 4, 6 & 12 oz
Corpl of Police, Venus Bay
12 Tomahawks
18? Spoons
Corpl of Police, Streaky Bay
10 Tomahawks
24 Spoons
G. B. Smith Esq., S.M., Mount Remarkable
c/- Mr Tassie, Port Augusta
12 Tomahawks
10 Spoons
Mr Gilbert Senr, Lower Finniss,
c/-Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
18 Spoons
Same
Corpl of Police, Penola
Corpl of Police, Border Town
12 Spoons
S. Sleep, Esq.,, Mount Eyre
Same
Corpl of Police, Port Wakefield
I have the honor &c.
Mr Harvey, Tumby Bay, Port Lincoln
135 – 137
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 17 May 1864
Mr. A. Simpson
Gawler Plain?
Sir,
Please to forward by an early opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, addressed as under, viz.:
18 Quartpots
Corpl of Police, Overland Corner
24 Pannicans
care of Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Same
Corpl of Police, Chowilla
Same
Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Same
Mr G. Taplin, Point McLeay, c/- Mr T. Jones
Same
Corpl of Police, Wellington, c/- Mr T. Jones
12 Quartpots
18 Pannicans
[136]
12 Quartpots
12 Pannicans
Corpl of Police, Kingston, Lacepede Bay
Same
Mr L. Egan, Tarpeena, via McDonnell Bay
Same
W. Fowler, Esq., S.M., Mooroorie, Yorke’s Peninsula
Same
Corpl of Police, Port Lincoln
12 Quartpots
18 Pannicans
Mr Harvey, Tumby Bay
Same
Corpl of Police, Streaky Bay
18 Quartpots
24 Pannicans
G.B. Smith Esq., S.M. Mount Remarkable,
c/- Mr Tassie, Port Augusta
12 Quartpots
12 Pannicans
Mfr Gilbert Senr, Lower Finniss
c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Same
Corpl of Police, Penola, c/- Messrs Steward, Guichen Bay
Mr Warren, Robe, Guichen Bay
138
Same
Corpl of Police, Border Town, c/- Messrs Steward, Guichen
Bay
Same
S. Sleep Esq., Mount Eyre, c/- Mr Tassie, Port Augusta
Same
Corpl of Police, Port Wakefield
139 - 144
Aborigines Office
Adelaide 16? May 1864
Messrs Newman & Son
Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to inform you that the following goods, addressed as under, will be sent to your care, and by
that you will forward them to their respective destinations, and report shipment in each case at this office.
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quartpots
Pannicans
Spoons
Net Twine
Fish Hooks
Fish Lines
4000 lbs
500 lbs
1 Chest
200 [lbs]
25
18
18
24
24
100 lbs
200
50
Corpl of Police, Overland Corner; c/- Mr T. Jones
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quartpots
Pannicans
Spoons
Net Twine
Fish Hooks
Fish Lines
4000 lbs
500 lbs
1 Chest
200 [lbs]
25
18
18
24
24
100 lbs
200
50
Corpl of Police, Chowilla, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quartpots
Pannicans
Spoons
Net Twine
Fish Hooks
Fish Lines
Blue Shirts
Serge
4000 lbs
750 lbs
1 ½ Chests
200 [lbs]
25
18
18
24
24
50 lbs
200
50
24
50 yds
Mr T. Jones, Railway Station, Goolwa
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quartpots
Pannicans
Spoons
Net Twine
Fish Hooks
Fish Lines
Blue Shirts
Serge
8000 lbs
1000 lbs
2 Chests
200 [lbs]
25
18
18
24
24
100 lbs
350
50
30
50 yds
Mr G. Taplin, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quartpots
Pannicans
Spoons
Net Twine
Fish Hooks
Fish Lines
Blue Shirts
Serge
6000 lbs
750 lbs
1 ½ Chests
200 [lbs]
25
18
18
24
24
100 lbs
200
50
24
50
Corpl of Police, Wellington, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quartpots
Pannicans
Spoons
Net Twine
Fish Hooks
Fish Lines
Blue Shirts
4000 lbs
500 lbs
1 Chest
100 [lbs]
15
12
12
18
18
100 lbs
210
50
18
Corpl of Police, Kingston, Lacepede BaY
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Spoons
2500 lbs
200 lbs
½ Chest
100 [lbs]
15
18
Mr Warren, Robe, Guichen Bay
[140]
Net Twine
Fish Hooks
Fish Lines
Blue Shirts
100 lbs
150
50
12
Flour
Sugar
Rice
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quartpots
Pannicans
Spoons
Blue Shirts
Serge
4000 lbs
700 lbs
200 [lbs]
25
18
12
18
18
24
100 yds
Mr L. Egan, Crown Lands Ranger, Tarpeena, via McDonnell
Bay
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quartpots
Spoons
Pannicans
Net Twine
Fish Hooks
Fish Lines
15
12
12
12
12
50 lbs
250
50
W. Fowler Esq., S.M., Moorowie, Yorke’s Peninsula
Flour
Tea
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quartpots
Pannicans
Spoons
2000 lbs
½ Chest
15
12
12
12
12
Corpl of Police, Port Lincoln
Flour
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quartpots
Pannicans
Spoons
Fish Hooks
Fish Lines
1000 lbs
15
12
12
18
18
150
50
Mr Harvey, Tumby Bay, Port Lincoln
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quartpots
Pannicans
Spoons
5000 lbs
550 lbs
1 ½ Chests
100 lbs
25 lbs
12
12
18
18
Corpl of Police, Venus Bay
[142]
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quartpots
Pannicans
Spoons
[143?]
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quartpots
Pannicans
Spoons
Net Twine
2000 lbs
250 lbs
½ Chest
100
15 lbs
12
12
18
18
Corpl of Police, Streaky Bay
4000 lbs
500 lbs
1 Ch
100 lbs
25
18
18
24
24
100 lbs ?
G.B. Smith Esq., S.M., Mount Remarkable
c/- Mr Tassie, Port Augusta
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quartpots
Pannicans
Spoons
2000 lbs
250 lbs
½ Chest
15 lbs
12
12
12
18
Mr Gilbert Senr, Lower Finniss, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Tobacco
Quartpots
Pannicans
Spoons
2000 lbs
250 lbs
½ Chest
15 lbs
12
12
18
Corpl of Police, Penola, c/- Messrs Steward, Robe
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quartpots
Pannicans
Net Twine
Fish Hooks
Fish Lines
4000 lbs
500 lbs
1 Chest
200 [lbs]
25
18
18
24
100 lbs
200
50
Mt Remarkable
Same to
[144]
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Quartpots
Pannicans
Spoons
Corpl of Police, Border Town, c/- Messrs Steward
2000 lbs
250 lbs
½ Chest
12
12
12
S. Sleep Esq., Mount Eyre, via McDonnell Bay
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Quartpots
Pannicans
Spoons
1000 lbs
125 lbs
½ Chest
100 lbs
15 lbs
12
12
12
Corpl of Police, Port Wakefield
I have the honor &c.
145
18 May 1864
Graves,
The Corpl of Police, Overland Corner, is informed that the following stores for the Aborigines have this day
been ordered to be forwarded to him, by the first opportunity, for which his receipt is required.
Flour
4000 lbs
Sugar
500 lbs
Tea
1 Chest
Rice
200 lbs
Tobacco
25 lbs
Tomahawks
18
Quartpots
18
Pannicans
24
Spoons
24
Net Twine
100 lbs
Fish Hooks
200
Fish Lines
50
146
Messrs H. Duffield & Co, Gawler
Gentlemen,
Please to forward at an early opportunity to the Railway Station, Adelaide, half a ton of flour (2 nd quality)
addressed to Mr H. Saltmarsh, Waterside, Milang, per Carrier.
147
19 May 1864
Mr Graves? Is requested to forward next week per carrier to Milang 100 lbs Sugar & ½ Chest Tea for the
Aborigines, addressed to Mr Henry Saltmarsh, Waterside, Milang.
148
19 May 1864
Mr H. Saltmarsh, Waterside, Milang
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following stores for the sick and infirm Aborigines referred to in your
letter of the 4th? Inst, I have this day ordered to be forwarded per carrier, addressed as under:
Flour
½ ton
to Mr H. Saltmarsh, Waterside, Milang
Sugar
125 lbs
Tea
½ Chest
You will be good enough to acknowledge receipt thereof. ?? of the blankets (10) ?? sent to your address.
149
21 June 1864
Graves?
It is respectfully requested that instructions be given to the Armoury Superintendent to issue four blankets
for Aboriginal Natives sailing today per Lubra for Pt. Lincoln.
150
24 June 1864
Mr Watts, Stockport
Sir,
Enclosed I send you in postage stamps 2/11 the amount paid per Railway.
This would have been sooner attended to but for my absence from town when your letters were delivered at
this office.
151
24 June 1864
Mr Gilbert Senr, Lower Finniss, Milang
Sir,
You will greatly oblige me by sending to this office at your earliest convenience, a receipt for the stores which
were forwarded to you last month.
152
28 June 1864
Corpl of Police, Port Wakefield
Sir,
I have the honor, by direction of the Hon. the Commissioner of Crown Lands, to forward for your information
and guidance, the enclosed copy of a “letter of instructions to Issues of Stores at Aboriginal Depots”.
153
2 July 1864
??Harvey?
It is respectfully requested that the Corpl of Police at Wellington be informed that 50 (fifty) blankets have
been forwarded to McGrath Flat; and that he be instructed ? on his next visit to the Coorong to distribute
them among the Natives belonging to the district.
154
2 July 1864
Mr [D.] McCallum
McGrath Flat
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that a bale of blankets has been sent, via Milang, to your address, and request
that you will kindly take charge thereof, until the arrival of Corpl Rollison, so he is directed to distribute the
blankets to the Natives in your neighbourhood.
155
5 July 1864
[no addressee: the Hon. CCL?]
It is respectfully recommended, that the Medical Officer at Mount Gambier, be directed to comply with the
following instructions.
1. Dr. Clendining [struck out, replaced with “The Medical Officer”] will give ?? and Medicine, to all sick
Aboriginal Natives per? ?? application to him, at Mount Gambier.
2. He will attend at their Wurlies, or other dwelling place within twenty miles of the Mount, such of the Natives
as may at any time, require medical aid, and in ?? [156] to apply personally? At his business, and will give to
them whatever ?? assistance and ?? they may stand in need of.
3. Hew will keep a record of all cases of disease, accident as coming under his observation and treatment; and
forward to this office a return, quarterly, stating the name of the patient, studied?, age, disease or injury, and
result in each case, - also a Report of the general condition of the Natives within the district; with?
Suggestions as he may think fit to make for the ?preservation? of their health and ?? of their ??
157
Mr Gilbert Senr, Lower Finniss, Milang
Sir,
I have received yours of the 29th Ulto, returns &c of receipt of ?carter’s stores for the Aborigines.
You will further oblige by informing me if the blankets (40 in number) forwarded at same time came safe to
hand.
158
Cancelled
159
Almost illegible
11 July 1864
[Memo?]
?? will please forward to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide
50 lbs Net Twine
150 ? 4 & 8 Fish Hooks
Addressed Mr John Gilbert, Lower Finniss, c/- Mr T. Jones, Railway Station, Goolwa
160
11 July 1864
Mr John Gilbert, Lower Finniss, Milang
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following goods for the Aborigines in your neighbourhood will be
forwarded by the first opportunity, from Port Adelaide, viz.:
50 lbs
Net Twine
150?
Nos 4 & 8 Fish Hooks
1 doz
Blue Shirts
Have the goodness to acknowledge receipt.
I have the honor &c
161
11 July 1864
Mr ?Graves? Drapes? Will be good enough to deliver at the Colonial Store, North Terrace, (??) 1 doz. Blue
serge shirts, per ?sample, and forward his account to this office.
[Note at bottom: ?? will also deliver ?? ?? ?? the party of ?? to go? Up? The Coorong.
162
11 July 1864
???require? that the Superintendent of Armory be directed to ?receive into store from Mr Block, Draper,
eighty? Blue serge shirts, for the Aborigines; also, a package marked “Coorong” containing shirts for the
Natives in that district, and be afterwards be forwarded according to instructions.
163
12 July 1864
Requested that the Superintendent of Armory be instructed to pack and forward to Messrs Newman & Son,
Port Adelaide, 1 doz blue serge shirts, addressed, Mr John Gilbert, Lower Finniss, c/- Mr T. Jones, Railway
Supt, Goolwa.
164
12 July 1864
Messrs Elliott & Kekwick, Grenfell St
Gentlemen,
Have the goodness to forward by the earliest opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, 2000 lbs
Flour, second quality, addressed, Robert Lawson Esq., Padthaway, c/- Messrs Steward & Co., Robe.
Also, per railway, ?? ?? 2000 lbs, do do, addressed, W.L. Bearer, Bungaree, Clare.
165
12 July 1864
Messrs W. A. Wight & Co.,
Gentlemen,
Have the goodness to forward by the earliest opportunity, to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, per this
Department,
½ Chest Tea
250 lbs Sugar
Addressed, Robert Lawson Esq., Padthaway, c/- Messrs ?Omerod? & Co., Robe.
Also, like quantities of the same goods, per Railway, to Kapunda, and thence per Carrier, addressed, H.L.
Beare, Esq., Bungaree, Clare.
166
12 July 1864
Messrs Newman & Son,
Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to inform you that the following Stores for the Aborigines, addressed as under, will be sent
to your care, and request that you will have them forwarded, by the earliest opportunity, to their respective
destinations.
2000 lbs flour
Robert Lawson Esq, Padthaway, per Mr Omerod & Co, Robe.
250 lbs Sugar
½ Chest Tea
50 lbs Net Twine
200 Fish Hooks
1 doz Blue shirts
Mr John Gilbert, Lower Finniss, c/- Mr T. Jones, Railway Supt, Goolwa.
167
12? July 1864
Mr H.L. Beare, Bungaree, Clare
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following stores for the Aborigines in your district will be forwarded
to you by an early opportunity, viz.:
Flour 2000 lbs
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
40 lbs
I beg to enclose a circular letter of instructions to which your attention is respectfully requested, also some
forms of “Reports &c” which I ? it may be convenient for you to have filled up, and returned quarterly to this
office.
168
12? July 1864
Robert Lawson, Esq., Padthaway
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 20? Ulto., I have the honor to inform you that the following Stores for the
Aborigines, addressed as under, are now at the Port and will be shipped by the first opportunity.
Flour 2000 lbs
Robert Lawson Esq, Padthaway, c/- Messrs Ormerod & Co, Robe
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
40 lbs
I have also to intimate? that you are authorised to ? Dr Penny in urgent cases of illness, and any charge, to
[169] a moderate amount, for attendance and medicines, as per medical benefits supplied to the
Aborigines by his order, will, on receipt of the account, ?delivered by you, will be paid by the Government.
Herewith I forward a circular letter of instructions etc.
170
20 July 1864
Mr Clarke, Station Master, McGrath’s Flat
Sir,
Having been informed by Mr John Rankine that you some time ago expressed your willingness to ?? Stores to
the sick, infirm, and destitute Natives at McGrath’s Flat, I take the liberty of asking you to let me know if you
are ?? disposed to undertake the duties of this office.
?? ?? answer ??
171
28th July 1864
Messrs Main & Geyer will be good enough to forward by Post the following Medicines for the Aborigines
addressed as under, viz.:
1
doz
Blue Pills
1
doz
Compl. Rhubarb Pill (in ? ?packets?)
1
doz
?
??
Mr George Taplin, Point McLeay, Milang
172
22 July 1864
Mr Taplin will receive the following medicines for the Aborigines viz.:
??
173
1 August 1864
Requested that the Superintendent of Armory be instructed to pack and forward to the “Sturt” Stables? 100
lbs
Net Twine, also the package of shirts ? marked “Coorong” addressed to Mr Clarke, Station Manager,
McGrath’s Flat, c/- Mr A.H. Landseer, Milang.
174
2 August 1864
Messrs Elliott & Kekwick will be good enough to forward this week, per Burgess, Carrier,
2
tons of flour, 2nd quality, addressed as follows,
Mr Clarke, Station Master, McGrath’s Flat, c/- Mr A. H. Landseer, Milang.
175
2nd August 1864
Mostly illegible, but re tomahawks and spoons to Mr Clarke, McGrath’s Flat
176
2nd August 1864
Messrs H.S. Wight & Co will please forward this week per Burgess & Co. Carriers to? Milang, the following
goods, addressed as under viz.:
Sugar 500 lbs
Mr Clarke, Station Master, McGrath’s Flat, c/- Mr A.H. Landseer, Milang
Tea
80? Lbs
Rice
200 lbs
Tobacco 25 lbs
177
2nd August 1864
Mr A. Simpson will please forward this week per Burgess, Carrier to Milang, the following articles, addressed
as under, viz.:
Quart Pots
18
Mr Clarke, McGrath’s Flat, c/- Landseer, Molang
Pannicans
24
178
2nd August 1864
Messrs Harrold Brothers will be good enough to forward this week, for Burgess, Carrier to Milang, the
following articles, addressed as under, viz.:
100
Fish Lines 8 & 10 oz
Mr Clarke, McGrath’s Flat, per Landseer
200
Fish Hooks Nos 6 & 8
179
2nd August 1864
Mr A. H. Landseer, Milang
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following Stores, addressed as under, per L. Burgess, Carrier, to your
care, viz.:
Flour 2 tons
Mr Clarke, McGrath’s Flat, c/- Mr Landseer, Milang
Sugar 500 lbs
Tea
1 Chest
Rice
200 lbs
Tobacco 25 lbs
Tomahawks 12
Quart Pots 18
Pannicans 20
Spoons 20
Net Twine 100 lbs
Fish Hooks 200
Fish Lines 50
Blue Shirts 24
Serge 50 yds
And I beg that you will be good enough to [180] forward them to their destination by the first opportunity.
181 - 182
2 August 1864
Letter to Clarke re above, same details.
183
10 August 1864
Messrs Phillips & Co. will be good enough to pack securely, and forward to ?? this week, 1 set of scales &
weights (small size) addressed to G.B. Smith Esq., S.M., Melrose.
184
10 August 1864
G.B. Smith Esq., S.M.
Melrose
I have the honor to inform you that a set of scales and weights, for your use in Issues of Stores to the
Aborigines, will be forwarded this week, for Rounsevell’s Conveyances ? re the goods?
185
16 August 1864
Mr Samuel Crystal, Goolwa
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that on the 21st day of September next, I shall make application for permission
to bind by indenture, according to your device? Advice?, the half-cast child John Wilkin, and I have to be ??
that you will then send ?? attend for the purpose of ?succeeding such instructions?
186
17 August 1864
Messrs Main & Geyer will be good enough to pack and forward the following lots of medicines addressed as
under, viz.:
[Illegible]
[to] Mr Morris ?? Provis ?? Venus Bay
To be left at Police ?? at ?? Fowlers Bay?
[illegible]
Mr ? Hodges ?, Streaky Bay, c/- Mr Provis?, Venus Bay
Castor Oil 2 oz?
Mr G. Taplin, Point McLeay, c/- Landseer, Milang
187
17 August 1864
Requested that the Armoury Superintendent be instructed to issue two blankets for Aboriginal Natives, ?? ??
188
3? September 1864
Messrs. Drew & Co., Kooringa
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to purchase for H.M. Government, and ?? to Mr
Uriah Whittle (who will call for it in the ?space? of a few days), 1 Ton of flour, to do such thereof, as he may
be willing to ?, forwarding your account for payment to this office.
If procurable at Kooringa the second quality of flour will be preferred.
189
6 September 1864
Uriah Whittle, c/- Mr S. Drew & Co, Kooringa
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 3rd inst, I have to inform you that by this mail an order is forwarded to Mssrs. S.
Drew & Co to supply 1 Ton of flour, ? so much thereof as you may be able to ?? – and you will be good
enough to obtain from Mr Spriggs at Oulnina Station, and forward your account for the cartage, with the
receipt enclosed, to this office.
190
6 September 1864
Messrs Elliott & Kekwick, Grenfell Street.
Gentlemen,
I have to forward per carrier, half a ton (½ ton) of flour, 2nd quality, addressed to Mr Dailey, Schoolmaster,
Clarendon.
191
6 September 1864
Mr Dailey, Schoolmaster, Clarendon
Sir,
Referring to your letter of the 1st inst., I have the honor to inform you that half a ton of flour, for the Natives
in your district, will be forwarded to you by an early opportunity; and I am directed to request that in future
you will be good enough to send in a requisition to this office for such supplies as you may from time to time
require.
192
18? September 1864
Messrs Elliott & Kekwick, Grenfell Street
Gentlemen,
I have to forward by an early opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, half a ton (1/2 ton) of
flour, second quality, addressed to Mr Arthur Webb, Long Island, River Murray, c/- Mr T. Jones, Railway
Superintendent, Goolwa.
193
18 September 1864
Messrs H. A. Wight & Co., Hindley Street.
Gentlemen,
Have the goodness to forward by an early opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following
stores for the Aborigines, addressed as under, viz.:
Tea
?215 lbs
[to] Mr Egan, Crown Lands Ranger, Tarpeena, via McDonnell Bay
Tea
40 lbs
Mr Arthur Webb, Long Island, River Murray, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Sugar 250 lbs
194
18 September 1864
Mr Egan, Crown Lands Ranger, Tarpeena
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that by directive of the Hon. the Commissioner of Crown Lands, I have
?compared the “Returns” of Tea issued at Tarpeena from ?1st November 1863 to 31 August 1864 inclusive, ??
in your letter of ?1st inst., ?with the monthly Reports of Receipts and Issues and find the same amount.
By the first opportunity you will receive? 215 lbs Tea from ?? to take the quantity ??, due to your family.
195
16 September 1864
Mr A. Webb, Long Island, River Murray
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following stores for the Aborigines, will be forwarded to you, via
Goolwa, by the first opportunity, viz.:
Flour ½ Ton
Tea
43 lbs
Sugar 250 lbs
Please to acknowledge receipt thereof.
In forwarding your “Reports” it is unnecessary that they should be stamped or enclosed. The address may be
written on the back of the form.
196
18 September 1864
Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I have the honor &c
½ Chest Tea
Mr L. Egan, CLR, Tarpeena, via McDonnell Bay
½ ton flour
Mr Arthur Webb, Long Island, River Murray
? ½ Chest Tea
280? Lbs Sugar
197
31 October 1864
Messrs H.L. Wight & Co will be good enough to forward per carrier to Mr Dailey, Schoolmaster, Clarendon,
the following stores for the Aborigines, viz.:
40 lbs Tea
40 lbs Rice
5? Lbs Tobacco
100 lbs Sugar
198
31 October
Requested that the Superintendent of Armoury be instructed to forward eight (8) pounds Net Twine, per
carrier, to Mr Dailey, Schoolmaster, Clarendon.
199
31 October 1864
Mr A. Simpson will be good enough to forward per carrier, to Mr Dailey, Schoolmaster, Clarendon,
½ doz Quart Pots
½ doz Pannicans
200
31 October 1864
Mr Dailey, Schoolmaster, Clarendon
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following stores for the Aborigines will be forwarded to you by the
first opportunity, viz.:
Tea
43 lbs
Sugar 100 lbs
Rice
50 lbs
Tobacco 5 lbs
Net Twine ?8 lbs
Quart Pots
6
Pannicans
6
You will be good enough to acknowledge receipt thereof.
I have the honor to be, Sir, etc.
201
31 October 1864
Messrs Main & Geyer will be good enough to forward by first opportunity to Corpl Rollison, Wellington, the
following medicines for the Aborigines, viz.:
??Aut?? pills 12 doz
Rose?? Ointment 1 lb
202-203
7th November 1864
Messrs Elliott & Kekwick, Grenfell Street
Gentlemen,
Have the goodness to forward by the first opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following
lots of flour, 2nd quality, addressed as under, viz.:
2000 lbs
Corpl of Police, Franklin Harbour
2000 lbs
P. T. Morris, Police Station, Fowler’s Bay
2000 lbs
Corpl Rollison, Wellington, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
2000 lbs
Corpl of Police, Blanchetown, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
1000 lbs
Corpl of Police, Streaky Bay
[203]
1000 lbs
Mr John Gilbert, Lower Finniss, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
204
7 November 1864
Messrs W.H. Wight & Co., Hindley Street
Gentlemen,
Please to forward by the first opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following lots of
goods, addressed as under, viz.:
Sugar 400 lbs
Corpl of Police , Franklin Harbour
Tea
?66 lbs
Rice
200 lbs
Tobacco 15 lbs
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
43 lbs
Rice
100 lbs
Tobacco 15 lbs
P.T. Morris, Police Station, Fowler’s Bay
Tea
Corpl Rollison, Wellington, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
86 lbs
Sugar 100 lbs
[205]
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
40 lbs
Corpl of Police, Streaky Bay
Mr John Gilbert, Lower Finniss, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
206
7 November 1864
Messrs G. Phillips & Co. will please to forward by the first opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port
Adelaide, the following articles, addressed as under, viz.:
Tomahawks
12
Corpl of Police, Franklin Harbour
?Tin Spoons
18
?Tin Spoons
18
P.T. Morris, Police station, Fowlers Bay
207
7 November 1864
Mr A. Simpson will be good enough to forward by Newman, as under:
Quart Pots
12
Corpl of Police, Franklin Harbour
Pannicans
18
Quart Pots
Pannicans
12
18
208
7 November 1864
P.T. Morris, Fowlers Bay
Requested that the Superintendent of Armoury be instructed to pack and forward by first opportunity to
Newman &c, the following Aborigines’ Stores, addressed as under, viz.:
Blankets
25, Single
P.T. Morris, Police Station, Fowlers Bay
Net Twine
24 lbs
Corpl Rollison, Wellington, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
209
7 November 1864
Messrs Main & Geyer, Hindley Street
Gentlemen,
Please forward via Newman as under:
[illegible: medicines]
P.T. Morris, Police Station, Fowlers Bay
210
7 November 1864
Messrs Harrold Brothers will be good enough to forward by first opportunity via Newman
300 Fish Hooks, No. 4, addressed to Corpl Rollison, Wellington, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa.
211
7 November 1864
Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide
Gentlemen, I have the honor etc. … to
Flour 2000 lbs
Corpl of Police, Franklin Harbour
Sugar 400 lbs
Tea
86 lbs
Rice
200 lbs
Tobacco 15 lbs
Tomahawks 12
Spoons 18
Quart Pots 12
Pannicans 18
Flour 2000 lbs
Tea
86 lbs
Net Twine 24 lbs
Fish hooks 200
[212]
Flour 2000 lbs
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
43 lbs
Rice
100 lbs
Tobacco 15 lbs
Spoons 15?
Quart Pots 12
Pannicans 18
Blankets 25
Medicines 1 parcel
Corpl Rollison, Wellington, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Flour
Corpl of Police, Blanchetown, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
2000 lbs
P.T. Morris, Police Station, Fowlers Bay
Flour 1000 lbs
Sugar 100 lbs
Corpl of Police, Streaky Bay
Flour 1000 lbs
Sugar 200 lbs
Tea
40 lbs
Mr John Gilbert, Lower Finniss, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
213
8 November 1864
P.T. Morris, Fowlers Bay
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following Stores for the Aborigines in your district, addressed as
under, will be forwarded at the first opportunity, viz.:
Flour
2000 lbs
P.T. Morris, Police Station, Fowlers Bay
Sugar
250 lbs
Tea
43 lbs
Rice
100 lbs
Tobacco
15 lbs
Spoons (iron) 10
Quart Pots
12
Pannicans
18
Blankets (single) 25
Medicines
1 parcel
I enclose for your information and guidance [214] copy of “Instructions to Issues of Stores at Aboriginal
Depots”, and transmit herewith some blank forms of “Returns” which you are requested to fill up regularly,
and to forward quarterly, to this office.
You will be good enough to acknowledge receipt of the Stores &c.
215
8 November 1864
?Stearns? ?Stevens? ?Harvey? Graves?
The Corpl of Police, Streaky Bay, is informed that the following Stores for the Aborigines will be forwarded to
him by the first opportunity, for which his receipt will be required.
Flour ? 1000 lbs
Sugar ? 160 lbs
216
8 November 1864
Memo
Corpl Rollison is informed that the following Stores for the Aborigines, addressed as under, will be forwarded
to him by the first opportunity, for which his receipt is required:
Flour 2000 lbs
Corpl Rollison, Wellington, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Tea
86 lbs
Net Twine 24 lbs
Fish hooks 200
217
8 November 1864
Memo
The Corpl of Police, Franklin Harbour, is informed etc.
Flour 3000 lbs
Sugar 400 lbs
Tea
86 lbs
Rice
200 lbs
Tobacco 15 lbs
Tomahawks 12
Spoons (iron) 18
Quart Pots 12
Pannicans 18
218
8 November 1864
Mr John Gilbert, Lower Finniss, Milang
Sir,
I have the honor etc.
Flour 1000 lbs
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
43 lbs
You will be good enough to acknowledge receipt thereof.
219
8 November 1864
Memo
The Corpl of Police, Blanchetown, is informed that 1 Ton, 2000 lbs, of Flour for the Aborigines will be
forwarded to him by the first opportunity, for which his receipt is required.
220
12 November 1864
Messrs Main & Geyer will be good enough to put up and forward by the first opportunity the following
medicines addressed as under,
Antibilious Pills 4 doz
Mr Clarke, Station Master, McGrath’s Flat
?? pills
4 doz
Cough Pills
12 doz
?Copart? mixture 16 oz
Epsom Salts
14 lbs
Sulphur
4 lbs
Castor Oil
2 lbs
Also For the Protector:
Antibilious Pills 2 doz
Assmint? Pills 2 doz
Blue Pills
2 doz
Cough Pills
2 doz
[illegible]
[note in side margin: “Handed over to P.T. Poynter [Wellington?], for Aborigines Depot”.]
221
Crown Lands and Immig Office
Adelaide 2nd Dec 1864
Memo, under hand of ? Chas Draper, Gov? Secretary
The Corporal of Police at Overland Corner is informed that 50 lbs of Sago has been ordered to be forwarded
to him per mail, for the use of the sick Natives in his district.
Chas? M. Draper, Gov? Secretary.
[Note in side margin: Forwarded through the ?? Chief Secretary.]
222
Crown Lands & Immig Office
Adelaide, 2nd December 1864
Memo,
Messrs Wight & Co will please forward per mail to Overland Corner 50 lbs of Sago for the use of the
Aboriginal addressed “Corporal of Police, Overland Corner”.
Ch. Draper, Cashier, CL.& I.
223
29 December 1864
Adelaide (Dr Walker)
Messrs Main & Geyer are requested to forward per mail, the following lots of medicines, addressed as under,
viz.:
[nearly illegible] ½ oz Essence? ?Hemlock?
Mr G. Taplin, Point McLeay, Milang
1 oz
?Henbnd?
1 oz
Quinine?
1 oz
??
4 oz
??
6 doz
14 lbs
4 lbs
6 doz
1 doz
2 doz
Antibilious Pills
Epsom Salts
Sulphur?
Cough Pills (??)
?? Pills
??
Mr J. Gilbert, Lower Finniss, Milang
224-5
3 January 1865
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Memo to The Hon. the Commissioner of Crown Lands & Immig.
A Return for the year ending 31 December, 1864, containing the following particulars, is respectfully
requested, viz.:
The name of each Aboriginal Native charged with any offence during this period.
Nature of offence and when and where committed.
The magistrate before whom examined, and result of such examination.
If committed for trial, where and before whom the prisoner was tried, and
The result of the trial.
Also a Return for the same period, stating [225]
The name of each person charged with any violation of the Act [?26 27 Vict. No. 9, 133?] forbidding liquors
to be supplied to Aborigines.
The place where the alledged offence was committed.
The magistrate before whom the charge was heard, and
The result of the ?examination.
I would further beg that similar returns be in future furnished to the Office, Quarterly.
226
3 January 1865
Memo, to Comm. Crown Lands
Sir,
I have the honor to refer you to my letter of 10th May 1864, and to receive the application therein made,
“that the stores at Guichen Bay be transferred from Mr Warren to the Police stationed there.”
?? a visit to that depot by ?? and me ?? ?? begins to perform the duties required of him.
227
10 January 1865
The Hon. the Commissioner of Crown Lands & Imm.
Sir,
I have the honor to present the ?? letter ?? ?? and beg that it may be submitted for the opinion of the
Crown Solicitor ?? that Mr Taplin may be informed what ?? steps if any can be taken to put an end to a
Custom so very offensive and injurious.
228 - 229
22 ?January 1865
The Hon. the Commissioner of Crown Lands
Sir,
I have the honor to call your attention to the ?enclosed ?letter ?? ?? ?? from which it appears that ?Rosie,
wife of Mr McDonald [mostly illegible]
230
23 January 1865
A.H. Landseer Esq., Lacepede Bay?
Sir,
I am directed to return the inclosed, and request you to make out a separate account for “Storage and issuing
Rations” with dates shewing the period for which the charge is ?needed.
You will also be good enough to ask ?Dr Britton to send in an account to this office, giving the particulars of
his attendance on the Natives.
231
16? February 1865
Mr G. Taplin, Point McLeay, Milang
Sir,
Referring to your letter of the 7 January last, I have the honor of forwarding you a copy of the Crown
Solicitor’s opinion respecting certain funeral rites of the Aborigines at Point McLeay.
I have the etc.
232-233
[Copy]
Opinion of the Crown Solicitor regarding certain funeral rites of the Aborigines
“It appears to me that the Aboriginal Natives as subjects of the realm have no better right than the white
population to commit acts which are prejudicial to the public health?? The exposure of dead bodies in the
mode and in the places mentioned cannot but be regarded as a nuisance and therefore I think the Police
might justifiably ? if this practice is not discontinued. On this ground and on this alone I ?rest? the right of
interference.
?? ?? the suggestion of Mr Taplin that the Government [233] should interfere in this Issue ?? as the
Government is ? have interfered to put down the ?rites? of ?theism and Hindoo ?? ?? I offer no opinion. To
my knowledge there is no law to ? the Aboriginal ? in practising any ? which are not in ? and security to life
and property, as opposed? To public ??
Mr A. ?Deering, C.S. [Crown Solicitor]
234
20 February 1865
Mr Warren, Robe
Sir,
Having referred it to the Hon. The Commissioner of Crown Lands, your statement to me that you “had not
sufficient leisure ?? To attend to all the duties ?associated with the office of Issuer of Stores to the
Aborigines” I am directed to inform you that arrangements have now been made for the discharge of those
duties by the Police at Robe, and to thank you for your good services.
You will be good enough to hand over to the Police, all Stores, forms of Returns do, in your possession,
belonging to this Department.
I have the honor etc.
235-236
-
20 February 1865
To the Worshipful the Justice of the Peace acting in and for the Premier of South Australia
I, John Walker, of Adelaide, Protector of Aborigines, do hereby give notice that I shall, at the ? ? of Justices to
be holder in need for the district of Robe for the consideration of applications for the Certificates authorizing
the issuing of Publicans or Storekeepers’ licences, object to any application that may be thus made by or on
behalf of John McDonald, of the “Kangaroo” Inn, Reedy Creek, for such Certificate, on the following ground,
viz.:
That on the 30th December last at the Local Court Penola, Ann wife of the said John McDonald was convicted
of the offence [236] of retailing liquor to a Harry or Johnny, an Aboriginal Native of this Province, who
afterwards was found guilty of an abominable outrage on a married woman, to the commission of which
crime he was ?influenced? by the ? ? supplied to him by the said Ann McDonald.
237
20 February 1865
?Mr H. Keefe?
Clerk of Bench of Magistrate, Robe
Sir,
I have the honor to forward to you the enclosed Notice of ?my ? ? ? of John McDonald Innkeeper at Reedy
Creek.
238
20 February 1865
?Edward Sutherland Esq.,
Solicitor
Howard, Franklin
Sir, I have the honor to enclose a copy of a Notice of Objection to a renewal of the license of John McDonald,
Innkeeper at Reedy Creek, which has been forwarded to Mr. W. Keefe, Clerk to the Bench, Magistrates at
Robe; and I am advised to instruct you to appear as my counsel before the justice at the proper time and
place, in support of said objection.
239
27 February 1865
Mr G. Taplin, Point McLeay, Milang
Sir,
An application having been made to Government, by Pralpoonamie?, alias John Parker, a Milang Native, for
one of the sections of land reserved for the Aborigines, in order as he states that he may “settle down to the
cultivation of the soil, and promise an honest livelihood” for his family; I have the honor to request that you
will be good enough to furnish him with any information you may possess regarding him especially as to his
character for sobriety and industry.
240
18 March 1865
John Bosworth Esq, ?J.P.,
Eastern Plains
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that I have received your letter requesting a supply of blankets, Rations &c for
the Aborigines, and have submitted it to the Hon. Commissioner of Crown Lands for consideration.
You will oblige by letting me know the average number of Natives frequenting your Station in the Winter.
241
?4th March 1865
Mr H. Dailey
Schoolmaster, Clarendon
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that in in your Store account for July last an error ?occurred with regard to the
quantity of Sugar on hand.
I forward herewith ?for correction?, the Return for that Month, and also the ?? [illegible]
242-245
18 March 1865
Memo
It is ?urgently? requested that the Superintendent of Armoury be instructed to pack and forward to Mr
Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following lots of blankets for the Aborigines, addressed respectively as
under, viz.:
120 Single
Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
60
“
Corpl of Police, Overland Corner
50
“
Corpl of Police, Chowilla
120
“
Mr G. Taplin, Point McLeay
120
“
Corpl of Police, Wellington
[243] 50
50
120
50
25
25
30
50
40
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
[244] 40
P.T. Dodd, Kingston
Corpl of Police, Robe
Mr Egan, Crown Lands Ranger, Tarpeena
Wm Fowler, Esq., S.M., Yorke’s Peninsinsula
Mr Eyre, Crown Lands Ranger, Wallaroo
Corpl of Police, Port Lincoln
P.T. Provis, Venus Bay
P.T. Mudge, Streaky Bay
Corpl of Police, ?? via Mr Tassie, Pt Augusta
“
Mr Gilbert, Lower Finniss
25
“
S. Sleep Esq., Mt Eyre, via Mr Tassie, Pt Augusta
20
“
P.T. Oliver, Border Town
40
“
H.W. Lawson Esq., Padthaway
30
“
P.T. Evans, Franklin Harbour
Also the following lots to be forwarded per Railway, viz.:
18
“
A. Buchanan Esq., Aulaby, Kapunda
8
“
Mr John Watt, Stockport, Freeling
[245] 25
“
40
“
Also the following, viz.:
20?25? “
25
“
25
“
20
“
[total 1256]
W. L. Beare Esq., Bungaree
Hill Esq., Bundaleer
Mr H. Saltmarsh, Waterside, Milang
Messrs Levi & Spriggs, Oulnina
Dr Hall, Boolcoomatta
Mr Clarke, McGrath’s Flat, per Mr Landseer, Milang
246
21 March 1865
Memo
P.T. Mudge is informed that the following Stores for the Aborigines at Streaky Bay have been ordered to go
per first opportunity, viz.:
Flour (2nd quality)
2000 lbs
Sugar
200 lbs
Rice
200 lbs
The blankets and other articles required will be forwarded very soon.
247-249
28 March 1865
Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide
[Instructions as to 242-245]
[250]
31 March 1865
Messrs Elliot & Kekwick, Adelaide
Gentlemen,
Please forward to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, 2000 lbs of Flour, 2 nd quality, for Mr T. Jones,
Railway Supt, Goolwa.
[251]
Messrs Wight & Co., Adelaide
Gentlemen,
Please forward to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, 200 lbs Sugar & 43 lbs Tea for the Aborigines,
addressed to Mr T. Jones, Railway Supt, Goolwa.
[252]
21 March 1865
Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I beg to inform you that the following Stores, viz.
Flour 2000 lbs
Mr T. Jones, Railway Supt, Goolwa
Sugar 200 lbs
Tea
43 lbs
Will be sent to your care and you will be good enough to forward them to Goolwa by the first opportunity.
[253-254]
31 March 1865
The Hon. the Commissioner of Crown Lands & Immig.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that a Native man, named Ngoinwilto?, and confined in the ?? Gaol, Adelaide,
is in a very weak and dangerous state from disease of the lungs; and I respectfully beg that steps may be
taken to obtain his discharge, as longer confinement will doubtless [254} accelerate his death.
The prisoner was convicted at Mount Wedge on the 7th November last, of “stealing about forty pounds of
flour”, and sentenced to imprisonment for ?? months.
[255]
6 April 1865
Mr L. Egan, CLR, Tarpeena
Sir,
Several errors having been found in your “Store accounts” I herewith transmit the “Reports &c” from August
to February last, ? both inclusive, which you will be pleased to correct and return as soon as possible.
[256]
10? April 1865
Requested that the Superintendent of Armoury be instructed to issue a blanket to the Native ?Ngominto?, a
discharged Prisoner.
[257-258]
12 April 1865
Mr G. Taplin, Point McLeay
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the ?1st inst. And beg to inform you that with a view
of? ? the ? complained of I shall as you suggest, direct that in future, issues of blankets be if possible made on
the same day at all Stations around the Lake and on the Coorong.
That different times may be given for the arrival of the supplies for this reason at the several depots I have
appointed the first of May next, as the day on which the first issues in ?? [258] You will therefore be good
enough to make the usual distribution to the necessitous Natives at your Station on that date.
[259-260]
13 April 1865
Mr Clarke
Station Master
McGrath’s Flat
Sir,
There being good reason to believe that certain Natives by going from one Depot to another, and creating
false representations, last year succeeded in obtaining more than one blanket each; it is deemed expedient
in order to prevent such imposters that in future the annual distribution of blankets be made simultaneously
at the Stations on the Lake, at Goolwa, Wellington and the Coorong. [260]
I have now to inform you that Monday the 1st of May ?next, has been appointed for ?above proposal?, by
which time it is hoped your supply will have come to hand, and request that if possible your issues for the
necessitous Natives in your district be made on that day.
[261-262]
Messrs H. Wight & Co, Hindley Street.
Gentlemen,
Have the goodness to forward by an early opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following
goods for the Aborigines, addressed as per under, viz.:
Sugar
200 lbs
Corpl of Police, Chowilla
Tea
28? Lbs
Rice
200 lbs
Sugar
350 lbs
P.T. Provis, Venus Bay
Tea
28 lbs
Rice
100 lbs
Same to Corpl of Police, Port Lincoln
Sugar
500 lbs
Corpl of Police, Mount Remarkable
Tea
86? Lbs
Rice
100 lbs
[262] Sugar 250 lbs
P.T. Gadd, c/- Mr Landseer, Lacepede Bay
Tea
80 lbs
Sugar
500 lbs
Mr L. Egan, CLR, Tarpeena
Tea
?88 lbs
Rice
100 lbs
263
Memo [almost illegible]
Flour, 2nd quality, to be sent as follows:
2000 lbs
Corpl of Police, Chowilla
2000 lbs
P.T. Provis, Venus Bay
2000 lbs
Corpl of Police, Port Lincoln
2000 lbs
Corpl of Police, Mount Remarkable
2000 lbs
P.T. ?Budd, c/- Mr Landseer, Lacepede Bay
2000 lbs
Mr L. Egan, CLR, Tarpeena.
264-265
22 April 1865
Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
The following stores for the Aborigines, addressed as under, will be sent to your care and I beg you will be
good enough to forward them to their respective destinations at the earliest opportunity.
Flour
2000 lbs
Corpl of Police, Chowilla, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Sugar
200 lbs
Tea
18? Lbs
Rice
100 lbs
Same but 250 lbs sugar, to P.T. Provis, Venus Bay, and to Corpl of Police, Port Lincoln
[265] Flour
2000 lb s
Corpl of Police, Mount Remarkable, c/- Mr Tassie, Port Augusta
Sugar
500 lbs
Tea
18? 88? Lbs
Rice
100 lbs
Same to Mr Egan, Crown Lands Ranger, Tarpeena, via McDonnell Bay
Flour
2000 lbs
P.T. Budd/Gadd?, c/- Landseer, Lacepede Bay
Sugar
250 lbs
Tea
18? 88? Lbs
266
1st May 1865
Mr Rounsevell will please give a passage per Mail, from the Coorong to Adelaide, to Paddy Smith, a sick
Native, and forward the account for payment to this office.
267
2 May 1865
W.A. Wight & Co., Hindley Street
Gentlemen,
Please forward by the first opportunity, to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following goods for the
Aborigines, addressed as under, viz.:
Sugar
300 lbs
Mr Clarke, McGrath’s Flat, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Tea
40 lbs
Sugar
240? Lbs
Mr John Gilbert Snr, Lower Finniss, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Tea
40 lbs
Sugar
200 lbs
Mr T. Jones, Supt of Railway, Goolwa
268
3 May 1865
Messrs Elliott & Kekwick, Adelaide
Gentlemen,
Have the goodness to forward by first opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following
lots of flour, ?second quality, addressed as under, viz.:
2000 lbs
Mr Clarke, McGrath’s Flat
2000 lbs
Mr John Gilbert Snr, Lower Finniss
269
3 May 1865
Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
The following stores addressed as under, will be sent to your care and I beg you will forward them to Goolwa,
by the first opportunity.
Flour 2000 lbs
Mr Clarke, McGrath’s Flat
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
40 lbs
Same to
Mr John Gilbert Senr, Lower Finniss
Sugar 2000 lbs
to Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
270
4 May 1865
Edward I. Hector Esq., Monteith??
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the ?29th April?, I have pleasure in stating that steps are now being taken to provide
a sufficient number of suitable boats for the Natives on the Murray and the Lakes, and I therefore trust that
in future your ?? will be kept for this ??
I shall however give ??, as requested, of your intention to give? ? ? ? who may be detected? Booking? Your
?? for any purpose whatever.
271
6 May 1865
Memo,
It is respectfully requested that the Superintendent of Armoury be instructed to pack and forward to Messrs
Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, twenty five (25) blankets, addressed
John Bosworth Esq., ?Wintalatingana?, Western Plains
c/- Capt Hackett, Port Augusta
272
6 May 1865
Memo,
Messrs Elliott & Kekwick will please forward to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, 2000 lbs Flour, 2nd
quality, addressed John Bosworth Esq., S.M.?, Wintalatingana, Western Plains, care of Capt Hackett, Port
Augusta.
273
6 May 1865
Memo,
Messrs Wight & Co. will please forward to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following goods for the
Aborigines addressed as under, viz.:
Sugar ?150 lbs
John Bosworth Esq ?JP? Wintalatingana, Western Plains, c/Capt Hackett, Port Augusta
274
6 May 1865
Newman & Son, Port Adelaide
Stores to be sent to the above John Bosworth Esq.
275
6 May 1865
John Bosworth Esq., S.M.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following stores for the Aborigines in your neighbourhood addressed
as under, will be forwarded by the first opportunity, viz.:
Coloured blankets
25
J. Bosworth etc.
Flour
2000 lbs
Sugar
250 lbs
Tea
44 lbs
I beg to transmit herewith a copy of letter of instructions to ?? which contains the scale of rations approved
by the Honble the Commissioner, also some forms of Reports etc. which I trust may be convenient for you to
have quarterly filled up, and forwarded to this office.
276
8 May 1865
Mr John Watts, Stockport
Sir,
I have the honor to forward, enclosed, three shillings (3/-) in postage stamps, the amount of charges paid by
you for carriage of blankets per Rail and Dray. I have to acknowledge ???
277
18 May 1865
S. Hill Esq., Bundaleer
Sir,
Enclosed I forward to your 15/- in cash, the amount paid to the Railway Company for cartage of 1 Bale
Blankets; and a receipt which you will be good enough to sign and return.
278
19 May 1865
Memo,
It is respectfully requested that the Superintendent of Armoury be instructed to pack and forward by an early
opportunity twenty five (25) blankets addressed to the Corpl of Police, Blanchetown, per rail to ??
279
19 May 1865
Memo,
Messrs Elliott & Kekwick will be good enough to forward by the earliest opportunity 2000 lbs Flour (second
quality) addressed to W.L. Beare Esq., Bungaree, Clare – per rail to Kapunda.
280
19 May 1865
Memo,
Messrs Wight & Co will please forward by first opportunity the following goods addressed as under, viz.:
Sugar
200 lbs
W.L. Beare Esq., Bungaree, Clare, per Rail to Kapunda
Tea
44 lbs
281
19 May 1865
Memo,
Mr A. Simpson will please forward by first opportunity
12 Quart Pots
12 Pannicans
Addressed W. L. Beare, Esq., Bundaleer, Clare, per rail to Kapunda.
282
22 May 1865
Mr Edw. McIntyre
Crown Lands Ranger
Kadina
Sir,
I beg to enclose two shillings and sixpence (2/6) in postage stamps, the amount ?? for freight of blankets to
?Wodanna??
283
23 May 1865
Memo,
It is respectfully requested that the Superintendent of Armoury by instructed to issue the following stores for
the Aborigines, viz.:
1200 lbs Netting Twine, from Thos McDonald, ??
40 American claw hammers, and
14 dozen ?American tomahawks, from G. ?Willass? & Co, Hindley Street
200 Fishing Lines, assorted sizes, and
4000 Fish Hooks, from Scarfe & Feagan, 43 Hindley Street.
Also to have the Tomahawks and ?? blankets with the ?? on the ?blade?
284
25 May 1865
Memo,
It is requested that the Superintendent of Armoury be instructed to deliver at this office 1 dozen Blankets and
1 doz. Blue Shirts.
285
26 May 1865
Memo,
It is respectfully requested that the Superintendent of Armoury be instructed to pack and forward to Messrs
Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, 20 (twenty) blankets, addressed
Revd O. Hammond, Poonindie, Port Lincoln, per ’Lubra’
286
26 May 1865
Messrs Newman & Son, as above.
287
duplicated at
288
26 May 1865
Memo,
Messrs G. Phillips & Co will please deliver at the Colonial Store, North Terrace, 40 (forty) American ?
289
30 May 1865
Mr P.W. Titherington, ??
Sir,
Your letter of the 19 inst. addressed to P.R. Richardson Esq., relative to certain “Blacks of the Wakefield
tribe”, having been forwarded to me for report, by the Hon. the Commissioner of Crown Lands –
I have the honor to request before reporting therein, that you will be good enough to give me, at your
earliest convenience, the number of the natives referred to, and ?to inform me what obstacles (if any)
prevent them from obtaining blankets and other necessaries at Port Wakefield depot, where an abundant
supply is kept.
290-292
31 May 1865
Messrs Elliott & Kekwick, Hindley Street.
Gentlemen,
Have the goodness to forward by an early opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following
lots of flour (2nd quality) addressed respectively as under, viz.:
8000 lbs
Mr T. Jones, Railway Supt, Goolwa
8000 lbs
Mr George Taplin, Point McLeay, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
1000 lbs
Mr Arthur Webb, Long Island, River Murray, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
4000 lbs
Corpl Bentley, Overland Corner, c/- Mr T. Jones
2000 lbs
Corpl Bentley, Chowilla, c/- Mr T. Jones
[291]
2000
3000
2000
2000
2000
2000
3000
[292]
1000
4000
2000
4000
2000 lbs
lbs
lbs
lbs
lbs
lbs
lbs
lbs
2000 lbs
lbs
lbs
lbs
lbs
Mr Clarke, McGrath’s Flat, c/- Mr T. Jones
Mr Budd, P.T., c/- Mr Sanderson, Kingston, Lacepede Bay
Corpl of Police, Robe, Guichen Bay
Corpl of Police, McDonnell Bay
Mr L. Egan, Crown Lands Ranger, Tarpeena, via McDonnell Bay
Corpl Morton, Penola, c/- Messrs Ormerod & Co, Guichen Bay
Corpl of Police, Border Town, c/- Messrs Ormerod & Co, Guichen Bay
Mr E. ?Morgan? P.T., Streaky Bay
Mr H.T. Morris P.T., Fowlers Bay
Mr W. Woods P.T., Port Wakefield
Corpl ?Mallon ?Watson, Mount Remarkable, c/- Mr Tassie
Saml Sleep Esq., Mount Eyre, c/- Mr Tassie, Port Augusta
Sergt ?Wanhoss?, Angipena, c/- Mr Tassie, Port Augusta
293
30 May 1865
Messrs Elliott & Kekwick, Hindley Street
Gentlemen,
Please to forward by the first opportunity per carrier and Railway, the following lots of flour, 2 nd quality,
addressed as under, viz.:
1000 lbs
Mr. H. Saltmarsh, Waterside, Milang, per Burgess Carrier
4000 lbs
Corpl Rollison, Wellington, per Hill Carrier.
2000 lbs
Mr Dailey, Schoolmaster, Clarendon, per Carrier
1000 lbs
Corpl of Police, ?Blanchetown, per rail to ??
2000 lbs
S. Hill Esq., Bundaleer, per Rail to Kapunda.
294-297
31 May 1865
J. Wight & Co, Hindley Street
Gentlemen,
Please to forward by an early opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following lots of
goods, addressed respectively as under, viz.:
Sugar
100 lbs
to Mr Thos. Jones, Railway Supt, Goolwa
Tea
84 lbs
Rice
200 lbs
Tobacco
15 lbs
Sugar
1000 lbs
Mr G. Taplin, Point McLeay
Tea
80 lbs
Rice
200 lbs
Tobacco
25 lbs
Soap
100
Sugar
125 lbs
Mr Arthur Webb, Long Island, River Murray, c/- Mr T. Jones
Tea
42 lbs
Tobacco
15 lbs
Sugar
4000 lbs
Corpl Bentley, Overland Corner
Tea
84 lbs
Rice
100 lbs
Tobacco
25 lbs
Sugar
300 lbs
Corpl Bentley, Chowilla
Tobacco
25 lbs
295
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Sugar
Tobacco
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Sugar
Tea
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Soap
Sugar
Tea
200 lbs
42 lbs
100 lbs
25 lbs
250 lbs
25 lbs
275 lbs
84 lbs
100 lbs
15 lbs
250 lbs
42 lbs
250 lbs
84 lbs
100 lbs
25 lbs
100 lbs
125 lbs
42 lbs
Mr Clarke, McGrath’s Flat, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Mr Budd, P.T., c/- Mr Sanderson, Kingston, Lacepede Bay
Corpl of Police, Robe
Corpl of Police, McDonnell Bay
Mr L. Egan, CLR, Tarpeena
Corpl Morton, Penola
Tobacco
Sugar
Tea
Tobacco
[296]
15 lbs
250 lbs
84 lbs
15 lbs
Tobacco 25 lbs
Corpl of Police, Border Town
Mr Provis, P.T., Venus Bay
Sugar
375 lbs
Mr T. Mudge, P.T., Streaky Bay
Tea
84 lbs
Tobacco
25 lbs
Rice
100 lbs
Sugar
250 lbs
Mr R. J. Morris, P.T., Fowlers Bay
Tea
42 lbs
Rice
100 lbs
Tobacco
15 lbs
Sugar
250 lbs
S. Sleep, Esq., Mount Eyre
Tea
42 lbs
Sugar
250 lbs
Sergt Wauhof? Angipena
Tea
84 lbs
Rice
200 lbs
Tobacco
25 lbs
Also the following lots per Carriers:
Sugar
125 lbs
Mr. H. Saltmarsh, Waterside, Milang, per Burgess carrier
[297]
Sugar 200 lbs
Corpl Rollison, Wellington, per Hill, carrier
Tea
?44 lbs?
Rice
200 lbs
Tobacco
25 lbs
Soap
100 lbs
Sugar
250 lbs
Mr Dailey, Schoolmaster, Clarendon, per carrier
Also the following for Railway:
Tea
42 lbs
Corpl of Police, Blanchetown, per Rail to Freeling?
Rice
100 lbs
Tobacco
15 lbs
Sugar
250 lbs
S. Hill Esq., Bundaleer
[22 depots serviced]
298-301
20 May 1865
Mr A. Simpson, Hindley Street, Adelaide
Sir,
Please to forward, by an early opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following lots of
tinware, addressed respectively as under, viz.:
Quart Pots
18
Mr T. Jones, Railway Supt, Goolwa
Pannicans
24
Quart Pots
12
Mr John Gilbert Senr, Lower Finniss, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Pannicans
18
Quart Pots
18
Mr G. Taplin, Point McLeay, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Pannicans
24
Quart Pots
12
Mr Arthur Webb, Long Island, River Murray, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Pannicans
12
Quart pots
18
Corpl Bentley, Overland Corner, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Pannicans
24
299
Quart Pots 18
Pannicans
24
Quart Pots
24
Pannicans
24
Quart Pots
24
Pannicans
24
Quart Pots
18
Pannicans
24
Quart Pots
12
Pannicans
12
Quart Pots
12
Pannicans
18
Quart Pots
12
Pannicans
18
Corpl Bentley, ?Overland? Chowilla
Mr B. Clarke, McGrath’s Flat, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Mr Budd P.T., c/- Mr Sanderson, Kingston, Lacepede Bay
Corpl of Police, Robe, Guichen Bay
Corpl of Police, McDonnell Bay
Mr L. Egan, C.L. Ranger, Tarpeena
Corpl Morton, Penola, c/- Messrs Ormerod, Guichen Bay
300
Quart Pots 12
Corpl of Police, Border Town
Pannicans
18
Quart Pots
12
Wm Fowler Esq., S.M., Moorowie, Yorke’s Peninsula
Pannicans
24
Quart Pots
12
Corpl Sullivan, Port Lincoln
Pannicans
18
Quart Pots
12
Mr C. Provis, P.T., Venus Bay
Pannicans
18
Quart Pots
12
Mr Mudge, Streaky Bay
Pannicans
18
Quart Pots
9? 12?
Mr. W. Morris, P.T., Fowlers Bay
Pannicans
18
Quart Pots
Pannicans
Quart Pots
Pannicans
Quart Pots
18
24
12
24
12
Corpl Mallon, Mount Remarkable, c/- A.B. Tassie & Co, Pt Augusta
S. Sleep Esq., Mount Eyre, c/- A.B. Tassie & Co
Sergt. E. Wauhof, Angipena, c/- A.B. Tassie
301
Also the following lots per Carrier and Railway, viz.:
Quart Pots
18
Corpl Rollison, Wellington, Mr Hill, Carrier
Pannicans
24
Quart Pots
4
Mr Dailey, Schoolmaster, Clarendon, per Carrier
Pannicans
12
Quart Pots
12
Corpl of Police, Blanchetown, per Rail to Freeling
Pannicans
12
Quart Pots
12
s. Hill Esq., Bundaleer, per Rail to Kapunda
Pannicans
12
[25 depots serviced]
302
31 May 1865
Memo,
Messrs G. Phillips & Co will please deliver at the Government Store, North Terrace
51 (fifty-one) dozen Iron Spoons
303
31 May 1865
Memo,
It is respectfully requested that the Superintendent of Armoury be instructed to receive from Messrs G.
Phillips & Co, 51 (fifty-one) dozen Iron Spoons.
304-306
31 May 1865
Mr Draper, Grenfell Street
Sir,
Have the goodness to pack up and forward by an early opportunity, to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide,
the following lots of goods, addressed respectively as under, viz.:
Blue Shirts
24
Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Blue Serge
50 yds
Needles
500?
Thread
4 lbs
Blue Shirts
12
Mr John Gilbert, Lower Finniss
Blue Serge
25 yds
Needles
200
Thread
2 lbs
Blue Shirts
24
Mr George Taplin, Point McLeay
Blue Serge
100 yds
Needles
500
Thread
4 lbs
Blue Shirts
18
Corpl Bentley, Overland Corner
Blue Shirts
18
Corpl Bentley, Chowilla
[305]
Blue Shirts 24
Blue Serge
Needles
Thread
Blue Shirts
Blue Shirts
Blue Shirts
Blue Serge
Needles
Thread
Blue Shirts
Blue Serge
Needles
Thread
Mr M. Clarke, McGrath’s Flat
Blue Shirts
50 yds
200
2 lbs
18
Mr Budd, P.T., Kingston, L.B.
12
Corpl of Police, Robe
24
Mr L. Egan, CLR, Tarpeena
100 yds
500
4 lbs
24
Mr C. Provis, P.T., Venus Bay
50 yds
200
2 lbs
Same to Mr L. Mudge, P.T., Streaky Bay
24
Sergt Wauhof, Angipena
[306]
Also the following lots per Carrier and Rail:
Blue Shirts
Blue Serge
Needles
Thread
Blue Shirts
24
50 yds
500
4 lbs
12
Corpl Rollison, Wellington, per Hill, Carrier
Corpl of Police, Blanchetown, per Rail to Freeling
And deliver at the Government Stores, North Terrace,
Blue Shirts
Blue Serge
Needles
Thread
36
50 yds
200
2 lbs
307-310
2 June 1865
Memo,
It is respectfully requested that the Superintendent of Armoury be instructed to pack up and forward to
Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following lots of Stores for the Aborigines, addressed respectively
as under, viz.:
Tomahawks
12
Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
Axes
6
Spoons
24
Net Twine
30 lbs
Fish Lines
30
Fish Hooks
200
Tomahawks
6
Mr John Gilbert, Lower Finniss
Axes
2
Spoons
18
Net Twine
50 lbs
Fish Lines
25
Fish Hooks
200
Tomahawks
12
Mr G. Taplin, Point MacLeay
Axes
4
Spoons
24
Net Twine
100 lbs
Fish Lines
50
Fish Hooks
150?
Tomahawks
12
Corpl Bentley, Overland Corner
Spoons
24
Net Twine
100 lbs
Fish Lines
50
Fish Hooks
200
308
Same to Corpl Bentley, Chowilla
Same to Mr Clarke, McGrath’s Flat, except 300 Fish Hooks
Tomahawks
12
Mr Budd, P.T., Kingston
Axes
6
Spoons
24
Net Twine
100 lbs
Fish lines
50
Fish Hooks
Spoons
Net Twine
Fish Lines
Fish Hooks
Tomahawks
Spoons
300
12
50 lbs
25
200
?12
?18
Same to Corpl of Police, Robe, except 200 Fish Hooks
Corpl of Police, McDonnell Bay
Mr L. Egan, CLR, Tarpeena
309
Tomahawks
Spoons
Net Twine
Fish Lines
Fish Hooks
Tomahawks
Axes
Net Twine
Fish Line
Fish Hooks
Spoons
Net Twine
Fish Lines
Fish Hooks
12
24
50 lbs
50
300
6
2
50 lbs
50
300
24
20 lbs
20
200
Wm Fowler Esq., Moorowie, Yorke’s Peninsula
Corpl Sullivan, Port Lincoln
Mr C. Provis, P.T., Venus Bay
Same to Mr T. Mudge, P.T., Streaky Bay
Corpl Mallon, Mount Remarkable
Tomahawks
12
Axes
6
Net Twine?
100 lbs
Also the following lots per Carrier and Railway, viz.:
Tomahawks
12
Corpl Rollison, Wellington
Axes
6
Spoons
24
Net Twine
100 lbs
Fish Lines
?60
Fish Hooks
300
310
Tomahawks
Net Twine
Fish Lines
Fish Hooks
6
50 lbs
20
200
Corpl of Police, Blanchetown, per Rail to Freeling
311
5 June 1865
Messrs H. Wight & Co., Hindley Street
Gentlemen,
Please forward by first opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following parcels of goods,
addressed as under, viz.:
Tobacco
?15 lbs
Corpl Sullivan, Port Lincoln
Tobacco
15 lbs
Wm Fowler Esq., S.M., Yorke’s Peninsula
Tobacco
15 lbs
Mr John Gilbert, Lower Finniss
Also per Railway,
Sugar
25 lbs
Corpl of Police, Blanchetown, per Rail to Freeling
312-319
5 June 1865
Newman & Son, Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to inform you that the following goods, addressed as under, will be sent to your care; and
beg that you will forward them to their respective destinations and report shipment in each case to this
office.
Flour
2000 lbs
To Mr T. Jones, Railway Supt, Goolwa
Sugar
100 lbs
Tea
?24 lbs
Rice
200 lbs
Tobacco
15 lbs
Tomahawks
10
Axes
6
Spoons
24
Net Twine
50 lbs
Fish Lines
50
Fish Hooks
200
Quart Pots
12
Pannicans
24
Blue Shirts
24
Blue Serge
50 yds
Needles
500
Thread
4 lbs
Flour
8000 lbs
To Mr G. Taplin, Point McLeay
Sugar
1000 lbs
Tea
84 lbs
Rice
200 lbs
Tobacco
25 lbs
Soap?
100 lbs
313
Tomahawks
Axes
Quart Pots
Pannicans
Spoons
Blue Shirts
Blue Serge
Needles
Thread
Net Twine
Fish Lines
Fish Hooks
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Axes
Quart Pots
Pannicans
Spoons
Blue shirts
Blue Serge
Needles
Thread
Net Twine
Fish Lines
Fish Hooks
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Tobacco
Quart Pots
Pannicans
Spoons
18
6
18
24
24
24
100 yds
500
4 lbs
100 lbs
50
500
15 lbs
6
2
12
18
18
12
25 yds
200
2 lbs
50 lbs
25
200
1000 lbs
125 lbs
42 lbs
15 lbs
12
12
12
To Mr John Gilbert, Lower Finniss
To Mr Arthur Webb, Long Island, River Murray
314
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quart Pots
Pannicans
Spoons
Blue shirts
Net Twine
Fish Lines
4000 lbs
400 lbs
84 lbs
100 lbs
25 lbs
12
18
24
24
18
100 lbs
50
To Corpl Bentley, Overland Corner
Fish Hooks
Flour
Sugar
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quart Pots
Pannicans
Spoons
Blue shirts
Net Twine
Fish Lines
Fish Hooks
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quart Pots
Pannicans
200
2000 lbs
200 lbs
25 lbs
12
18
24
24
18
100 lbs
50
200
2000 lbs
200 lbs
42 lbs
100 lbs
25 lbs
12
24
24
To Corpl Bentley, Chowilla
To Mr B. Clarke, McGrath’s Flat
315
Spoons
Blue shirts
Blue Serge
Needles
Thread
Net Twine
Fish Lines
Fish Hooks
Flour
Sugar
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Axes
Quart Pots
Pannicans
Spoons
Blue Shirts
Net Twine
Fish Lines
Fish Hooks
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
24
24
50 yds
200
2 lbs
100 lbs
50
300
2000 lbs
250 lbs
25 lbs
12
6
24
24
24
18
100 lbs
50
300
3000 lbs
375 lbs
84 lbs
100 lbs
To Mr Budd, P.T., Kingston, Lacepede Bay
To Corpl of Police, Robe
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Axes
Quart Pots
Pannicans
Spoons
Blue shirts
Net Twine?
Fish Lines
Fish Hooks
15 lbs
18?
6
18
24
24
18
100 lbs?
50
200?
316
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Quart Pots
Pannicans
Spoons
Net Twine
Fish lines
Fish hooks
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Soap
Tomahawks
Quart Pots
Pannicans
Spoons
Blue Shirts
Blue Serge
Needles
Thread
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Tobacco
Quart Pots
Pannicans
2000 lbs
250 lbs
42 lbs
12
12
12
50 lbs
25
200
2000 lbs
200 lbs
84 lbs
100 lbs
25 lbs
100 lbs
12
12
18
18
24
100 yds
500
4 lbs
1000 lbs
125 lbs
42 lbs
15 lbs
12
18
To Corpl of Police, McDonnell Bay
2000 lbs
250 lbs
?84 lbs
To Corpl of Police, Border Town
To Mr L. Egan, CLR, Tarpeena
To Corpl Morton, Penola
317
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Tobacco
Pannicans
Quart Pots
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Quart Pots
Pannicans
Spoons
Net Twine
Fish Line
Fish Hooks
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Axes
Quart Pots
Pannicans
Spoons
Net Twine
Fish lines
Fish hooks
Tobacco
Quart Pots
Pannicans
Spoons
Net Twine
Fish lines
Fish hooks
Blue Shirts
Blue Serge
Needles
Thread
15 lbs
12
12
15 lbs
12
12
24
24
50 lbs
50
300
15 lbs
6
2
12
18
18
50 lbs
50
300
25 lbs
12
18
18
25 lbs
25
200
24
50 yds
200
2 lbs
To Wm Fowler, Esq., S.M., Moorowie, Yorke’s Peninsula
To Corpl Sullivan, Port Lincoln
To Mr C. Provis, P.T., Venus Bay
318
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Quart Pots
Pannicans
Spoons
Blue shirts
Blue Serge
Needles
Thread
Net Twine
2000 lbs
375 lbs
84 lbs
100 lbs
25 lbs
12
18
18
24
50 yds
200
2 lbs
25 lbs
To Mr T. Mudge, P.T., Streaky Bay
Fish lines
Fish hooks
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Quart Pots
Pannicans
Flour
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Tobacco
Tomahawks
Axes
25
200
2000 lbs
250 lbs
42 lbs
100 lbs
15 lbs
12
12
1000 lbs
4000 lbs
250 lbs
42 lbs
100 lbs
25 lbs
12
6
To Mr W. T. Morris, P.T., Fowlers Bay
To Mr W. Woods, P.T., Port Wakefield
Corpl Mallon, Mount Remarkable
319
Quart Pots 18
Pannicans
24
Spoons
24
Net Twine?
?100 lbs
Flour
2000 lbs
Sugar
250 lbs
Tea
42 lbs
Quart pots
12
Pannicans
24
Flour
4000 lbs
Sugar
250 lbs
Tea
84 lbs
Tobacco
25 lbs
Quart Pots
12
Pannicans
24
Rice
200 lbs
To Saml Sleep, Esq., Mount Eyre
To Sergt Wauhof, Angipena
320
6 June 1865
John Gall Esq., McGrath’s Flat, Coorong
Sir,
Will you be good enough to inform me as early as possible, if you can conveniently set apart for the use of
the destitute Natives at your Station, a bag of flour and a little bit of tea and sugar, charging the Government
with the full balance thereof; and if not, in what way a supply can be forwarded to you from Adelaide to
McGrath’s Flat.
321
6 June 1864
The Hon the Commissioner of Crown Lands
Sir,
I beg respectfully to request that the Corpl of Police at McDonnell Bay, be instructed to receive the Stores
and to issue them to the Aborigines of that place, according to the ?? and regulations.
322
7 June 1865
S. Hill Esq., Bundaleer
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following Stores for the Aborigines at your Station, addressed as
under, are ordered to be forwarded by an early opportunity, viz.:
Flour
2000 lbs
To S. Hill, Bundaleer, per Rail to Kapunda.
Sugar
250 lbs
Tea
43 lbs
Quart Pots
12
Pannicans
12
I beg to enclose a circular letter of instructions to which your attention is respectfully requested, and to
forward some forms of “Reports” which I trust I may be convenient for you to have filled up and returned
quarterly to this office.
323
7 June 1865
Messrs Elliott and Kekwick, ??
Gentlemen,
Please forward by an early opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide,
2000 lbs Flour, second quality, addressed to Revd O. Hammond, Poonindie, Port Lincoln.
324
7 June 1865
Messrs J. Wight & Co will be good enough to forward by an early opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port
Adelaide, the following Stores addressed as under, viz.:
Sugar
250 lbs
to Revd O. Hammond, Poonindie, Port Lincoln
Tea
42 lbs
Rice
100 lbs
Tobacco
15 lbs
325
7 June 1865
Mr A. Simpson will please forward by an early opportunity to Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following lot
of tinware addressed as under, viz.:
Quart Pots
12
Revd. O. Hammond, Poonindie, Port Lincoln
Pannicans
18
326
7 June 1865
Memo,
It is respectfully requested that the Superintendent of Armoury be instructed to forward by an early
opportunity, to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following Aborigines Stores, addressed as under,
viz.:
Tomahawks
12
Revd O. Hammond, Poonindie, Port Lincoln
Spoons
18
Blue Shirts
12
Fish Lines
50
Fish Hooks
200
327-328
8 June 1865
Revd. O. Hammond, Poonindie, Port Lincoln
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following Stores for the Aborigines in your district, not being inmates
of the Poonindie Institution, will be forwarded to you by the first opportunity, viz.:
Flour
2000 lbs
Sugar
250 lbs
Tea
42 lbs
Rice
100 lbs
Tobacco
15 lbs
?Tomahawks? 12
Quart Pots
12
Pannicans
18
Spoons
18
Blue Shirts
12
Fish lines
50
Fish hooks
200
[328]
I enclose for your information and guidance a copy of “Instructions to Issuers of Stores at Aboriginal
Depots”, and transmit herewith some forms of “Reports” which you are requested to fill up regularly and
return quarterly to this office.
329
9 June 1865
Memo,
It is respectfully requested that the Superintendent of Armoury be instructed to have eight (8) blankets
packed and sent to Mr I.W. Hull? ?? ?? stores to Aborigines at Cape ?Jervis?
330-331
30 June 1865
Mr Jno Watts
Stockport
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 20th inst., I beg to say that in your previous letter ?contained as ?? “Sad state of the
black people ?? “ and made no application in their behalf, I am at a loss to understand …. What possessed
you to charge the Government ?? [illegible] …. In mitigation of their suffering.
331 …. You will be good enough to forward, as soon as may be convenient, to this office, your account for
general expenses, which it is ?? [illegible]
[Walker]
332
7 July 1865
Mr Geo Taplin
Pt McLeay
Sir,
?Observing by your receipt, dated 3rd inst, for Aborigines’ Stores lately forwarded to Point McLeay, that there
is again a deficiency in the quantity of Sugar received, I beg that you will be good enough to give me the
weight of each of the … bags separately, also their marks and numbers if any, and inform me in what
condition they were when received and by whom delivered.
[Walker]
333
?11 July 1865
Mr Darling will please forward to Point McLeay 400 lbs Flour (second quality) for the Aborigines, addressed
…. Mr Landseer.
[Walker]
334
11 July 1865
Messrs Wight & Co will be good enough to forward? Per carrier ?80 lbs Sugar and 20lbs Tea for the
Aborigines, addressed ??? Lawson? ?? or Landseer? Milang?
[Walker]
335
13 July 1865
Mr Landseer
Milang
Sir,
Referring to letter, dated 29 June, addressed by yourself and others to the Hon CCL, I have the honor to
inform you that, for the temporary relief of the Natives therein represented to be in a starving condition, and
unable to walk to the depot at Lower Finniss, the undermentioned stores will be forwarded to you by the first
opportunity; and I trust that you will be good enough to provide for their distribution according to the rules
contained in the enclosed letter of “Instructions to Issuers.”
?? Flour 300? 800? Lbs
Sugar 80 lbs
Tea 20 lbs
[Walker]
336
18 July 1865 [barely legible]
Mr Jno watts
Stockport
Sir,
Have the goodness to send me a formal account against the Government for ?distribution referred to in your
letter of the ?4th inst. with the necessary vouchers attached.
[Walker]
337
[undated, unsigned]
The following Stores were ordered 18th July for Boolcoomata, viz.:
Flour
2000 lbs, from J. Darling
Sugar 150 lbs from W.A. Wight & Co
Tea 44 lbs
Tobacco 15 lbs
Quart Pots 12
Pannicans 24
from A. Simpson
[various medicines from F.K. Faulding & Co:
Th Camph. Comp 16 oz
Sp. Ectn Mt
8 oz
I alap
4 oz
Mag. Sulph
14 lbs
Calomal
2 oz
Aloes
8 oz
Emp. Lytta?
2 lbs
T ? O/in
8 oz
[Walker’s writing]
338
Messrs Newman & Son
Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I beg to inform you that 2000 lbs of Flour for the Aborigines, addressed to Mr S. Sleep, Mount Eyre c/- Mr
Tassie, will be sent to you and request that you will be good enough to forward by first opportunity to Port
Augusta.
[Walker]
339
27 July 1865
Mr Darling will be good enough to forward by the first opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide,
2000 lbs Flour (2nd quality), addressed s follows:
Saml Sleep Esq, Mount Eyre, c/- A.D. Tassie & Co, Port Augusta.
[Walker]
340
4th August 1865
?A. Hill Esq,
?Bundaleer?
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the flour for Bundaleer? which it appears was by mistake of the
Contractor ?improperly sent to Freeling, has now been forwarded to Kapunda.
[Walker]
341
5th August 1865
Memo to Faulding, to send [illegible] medicines to Corpl Bentley, Overland Corner; and to Corpl of Police,
Blanchetown.
[Walker]
342
20 October 1865
Mr Ed. McEntire
Crown Lands Ranger
Kadina
Sir,
I enclose 2/6 (two shillings and sixpence) in postage stamps, being the amount due to Kadina and Wallaroo
Railway Company for Wharfage as on 1 bale of Blankets ex “ ?? “
[Walker]
343
25 October 1865
Memo/Mr Darling will be good enough to forward by first opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the
following lots of flour (2nd quality) addressed respectively as under, viz.:
4000 lbs each to
James Frew, Mt Deception
Robt Stuckey Esq, Umberatana
Sergt Wauhof, Blinman
Charles Davies, Mattawarrangala
Saml Sleep Esq, Warrakimbo.
[Walker]
344
25 October 1865
As above, but to Messrs W.A. Wight & Co, to send to each of the above
Sugar 500 lbs
Tea
84 lbs
[Walker]
345
25 October 1865
As above, to Superintendent of Armoury, to send to each of the above (except Saml Sleep, Warrakimbo) 25
Blankets.
[Walker]
346-347
26 October 1865
Letter to Newman & Son, directing the despatch of the above.
[Walker]
348-349
Similar letter to A.D. Tassie & Co, Port Augusta.
[Walker]
350
27 October 1865
Charles Davies Esq,
Mattawarangala
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the undermentioned stores for the destitute Natives in your
neighbourhood will be sent per “Lubra” to Port Augusta, with instructions to Mr Tassie to forward as soon as
possible to your Station.
You will be good enough to acknowledge thereof.
Description of goods forwarded
Flour 4000 lbs
Sugar 500 lbs
Tea 84 lbs
Blankets 25
[Walker]
351
15 November 1865
Memo/Mr Darling will please forward by an early opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son ….. the following lots of
flour ….etc
2000 lbs
Mr John Gilbert Snr, Lower Finniss, c/- Mr T. Jones, Goolwa
2000 lbs
Mr C. Provis PT, Venus Bay.
1000 lbs
Mr Robt F. Morris PT, Fowlers Bay
2000 lbs
Messrs Bowman Bros, Chrystal Brook.
[Walker]
352
15 November 1865
Similar memo to A. Wight & Co, to forward to Newman & Son, etc.:
Sugar 125 lbs, Tea 42 lbs
Mr John Gilbert Snr, Lower Finniss
Sugar 250 lbs, Tea 84 lbs, Rice 100 lbs to
Mr C. Provis PT, Venus Bay
Tea 42 lbs
Mr Robt F. Morris PT, Fowlers Bay
Sugar 250 lbs, Tea 84 lbs
Messrs Bowman bros, Chrystal Brook.
[Walker]
353
15 November 1865
Memo to Faulding & Co, to send parcel of Medicines to Mr Robt F. Morris, Fowlers Bay.
[Walker]
354
15 November
Memo/It is respectfully requested that the Superintendent of Armoury be instructed to forward by an early
opportunity to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, 12 )twelve) Blankets, addressed to Messrs Bowman
Bros, Chrystal Brook.
[Walker]
355
16 November 1865
Messrs Newman & Son
Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to inform you that the following lots of goods, addressed respectively as under, will be sent
to your care, and request that you will have them forwarded as soon as possible:
Flour 2000 lbs
Sugar 25 lbs
Tea
42 lbs
Mr John Gilbert Senr, Lower Finniss, c/- Mr T Jones, Goolwa
Flour
Sugar
Tea
Rice
Mr C. Provis PT, Venus Bay
2000 lbs
250 lbs
84 lbs
100 lbs
Flour 2000 lbs
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
84 lbs
Blankets 12
Messrs Bowman Bros, Chrystal Brook
Flour 1000 lbs
Tea
42 lbs
Medicines 1 parcel
Mr Robt F. Morris PT, Fowlers Bay
You will be good enough to forward the stores for Chrystal Brook by Messrs Bowman’s vessel.
[Walker]
356
16 November 1865
Messrs Bowman Bros, Chrystal Brook
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to inform you that the undermentioned Stores for the Aborigines in your district, will be
forwarded to you by the first opportunity; and to request that you will direct them to be issued, when
necessary, to the sick, the old and infirm and the destitute or those who are unable to obtain work.
You will be good enough to acknowledge receipt thereof.
Description of goods forwarded:
Flour 2000 lbs
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
84 lbs
Blankets 12
[Walker]
357
18 November 1865
Memo/Mr Darling will be good enough to forward by an early opportunity the following lots of flour (seconds)
addressed respectively as under, viz.:
1000 lbs
Mr John Watts, Stockport, per Railway to Freeling.
2000 lbs
Corpl of Police, Blanchetown, per Railway to Freeling.
[Walker]
358
16 November 1865
Memo/Messrs Wight & Co will please forward by an early opportunity, the following lots of goods, addressed
respectively as under, viz.;
Sugar 125 lbs
Mr John Watts, Stockport, per Railway to Freeling
Tea
42 lbs
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
84 lbs
Rice
100 lbs
Corpl of Police, Blanchetown, per railway to Freeling
[Walker]
359
16 November 1865
Mr John Watts
Stockport
Sir,
I beg to inform you that the following Stores for the Aborigines in your District, will be forwarded by an early
opportunity, viz.:
Flour 1000 lbs
addressed to Mr John Watts, Stockport etc.
Sugar 125 lbs
Tea
42 lbs
And I herewith transmit for your information and guidance a letter of instructions to Issuers – also some
forms of “Returns” which you will be good enough to fill up ?? and forward quarterly to this office.
[Walker]
360
18 November 1865
Robert Stuckey Esq,
Umberatana
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the undermentioned Stores for the relief of the Sick, infirm and destitute
Natives in your neighbourhood, are now at Port Augusta and will shortly be forwarded by Messrs Tassie & Co
to your Station.
You will be good enough to acknowledge receipt thereof.
Flour 4000 lbs
Sugar 500 lbs
Tea
84 lbs
Blankets 25
[Walker]
361
18 November 1865
James Frew Esq
Mount Deception
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the undermentioned Stores for the sick, infirm and destitute Natives in
your neighbourhood ?? at Port Augusta and will be forwarded to Beltana as soon as possible by Messrs Tassie
& Co.
You will be good enough to acknowledge receipt thereof.
Flour 4000 lbs
Sugar 800 lbs
Tea
80 lbs
Blankets 25?
[Walker]
362
18 November 1865
Captain Thomas Anthony
Blinman
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to forward at your earliest convenience to this
office, an account of all Stores supplied by you to the destitute natives at Blinman; also if the flour purchased
is ?borrowed under the guarantee of Messrs ?? & Swan in their letter to you dated 28th October last.
A large supply of Stores has been forwarded to Sergt Wauhof, who will make the necessary issues to the sick
& infirm, and destitute Natives at Blinman.
[Walker]
363
16 November 1865
H. Mildred Esq, S.M.
& H.C. Swan Esq, S.M.
Gentlemen,
I have the honor by direction of the Hon CCL to inform you, that you are relieved of all liability on account of
the flour supplied to the destitute Natives at Blinman; and that Captn Anthony has been requested to
forward to this office, the amount of the quantity purchased or borrowed, under your guarantee, in order
that the value may be paid or an equal quantity returned.
[Walker]
364
?16 November 1865
Messrs C.F. ?Ewens? & Co
Port Augusta
Gentlemen,
As it is necessary that the Stores for the Aborigines in the far north should be forwarded without delay, I have
to request that you will be good enough to close with the offer for their cartage to Beltana and Umeratana on
the terms mentioned in your letter of the 2nd inst., viz., at £ 20 per ton to the former station and £ 35 to the
latter.
[Walker]
365
30 November 1865
Memo/Messrs Faulding will be good enough to forward by first opportunitiy the following Medicines, carefully
packed, addressed as under, viz.:
[not legible] various medicines
to:
PT Melville, Angipena
c/- Sergt Wauhof, Blinman
[Walker]
366
7 December 1865
Messrs W. Younghusband & Co
Gentlemen,
Please give a deck passage per “Lucy” to Streaky Bay, to each of the Natives “Coongarry” and “Toolpunya”
and forward account to this office.
[Walker]
367
18 December 1865
The Hon CCL
Sir,
I have the honor to recommend that the Aborigines’ boats, six (6) in number, remaining on hand at Milang,
be distributed as under, and that Mr Landseer be requested to have them forwarded as soon as possible to
their respective destinations:
Coorong Station
3
Mr B. Hack?? , Telegraph Office, McGrath’s Flat
Lower Finniss
2
Mr John Gilbert Snr, Lower Finniss
Waterside
1
Mr H. Saltmarsh, Waterside, Milang
[Walker]
368
18 December 1865
Mr John Watts
Stockport
Sir,
I am directed to return the enclosed account and to point out that you have omitted to attach the necessary
vouchers for payment to L.A. Railway.
I also enclose ?8d, in postage stamps, for unpaid from the Crown Lands Office.
[Walker]
369
109 December 1865
Mr A.H. Landseer
Milang
Sir,
I am directed to request that you will be good enough to forward per ?Linda? ?? three (3) canoes for the
Coorong Natives, addressed to Mr B. ? Clacker?? Telegraph Office, McGrath’s Flat, and deliver the remaining
one to Mr. H. Saltmarsh, Waterside, Milang.
[Walker]
370
19 December 1865
Memo/Mr Darling will be good enough to forward per Carrier, 2000 lbs flour (2nd quality), addressed Corpl of Police,
Wellington; also to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, 2000 lbs ditto ditto, addressed to Corpl of Police,
Kingston, Lacepede Bay.
[Walker]
371
19 December 1865
Memo/-
Messrs Wight & Co are requested to forward to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, 250 lbs Sugar and 44
lbs Tea, addressed Corpl of Police, Kingston, Lacepede Bay.
[Walker]
372
3rd January 1866
Requisition
An order is respectfully requested for a passage per “Lubra” to Port Augusta, for the Protector, on official
service, and transport of two horses and wagon; ?also for the purchase and cartage to Blinman? of as much
horse feed as may be found necessary (not exceeding 1 ½ tons) to accomplish the journey to and from Lake
Hope.
[Walker]
373a
4th January 1866
Memo/Mr Darling is requested to forward to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, in time for shipment per “Lubra”
on Monday next, six (6) bags of flour, first quality, addressed to Captain Anthony, Blinman, care of Messrs
Tassie & Co, Port Augusta.
[Walker]
373b
4th January 1866
Memo/Mr Linklater will be good enough to forward to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, in time for the
shipment per “Lubra”, 168 lbs best ration Sugar addressed to Capt. Anthony, Blinman, care of Messrs Tassie
& Co, Port Augusta.
[Walker]
374
4th January 1866
Hon. John Baker, M.L.C.
Hindley Street
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that under instructions from the Hon CCL, the undermentioned goods have
been ordered, to replace those taken from your stores at Blinman; and that they will be forwarded per
“Lubra” on Monday next to Port Augusta, and from there by the first opportunity.
[Walker]
375
4th January1866
Messrs Newman & Son
Port Adelaide
Sir,
You will receive 6 bags of flour and 1 bag Sugar, addressed to Capt Anthony, Blinman, care of Messrs Tassie &
Co, Port Augusta; and I have to request that you will be good enough to have these Stores shipped per
“Lubra” on Monday.
[Walker]
376
4th April 1866
Memo/Mr Darling will be good enough to forward TO Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, 6 (six) bags of flour,
seconds, addressed to Mr Calnan, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island.
[Walker]
377
4th April 1866
Memo/Mr Linklater will be good enough to forward to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following goods
addressed as under, viz.:
Sugar 100 lbs
Mr Calnan, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island
Tea
40 lbs
Tobacco 5 lbs
[Walker]
378
4th April 1866
Memo/The Superintendent of Armoury will please forward to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, 12 blankets,
addressed Mr Calnan, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island.
[Walker]
379
4th April 1866
To Newman & Son, re the above.
380
10th April 1866
J.T. Wildman Esq,
Sec” CCL
Memo/It is respectfully requested that the sample Aborigines’ Blanket or blankets, may be sent to the Government
Stores, North Terrace, with instructions to the Superintendent of Armory, to take delivery of such only as on
according to sample.
Two lots, differing considerably from each other in quality, have already been received.
[Walker]
381
10th April 1866
The Hon CCL
Sir,
It having been reported by Mr Buttfield, Sub-Protector of Aborigines, that a Native is detained a prisoner at
?Tiangarta Police Station on suspicion of having murdered the late Mr Edmonston, and as I have reason to
believe that the prisoner was, a considerable time ago taken, on this suspicion, before a Magistrate and
discharged; I have the honor to request, respectfully, that you will direct inquiry to be made into the case and
inform me on what grounds, and by whose authority, the said Native is still in custody.
[Walker]
382
10th April 1866
Memo/Mr Darling is requested to forward by first opportunity, the following lots of flour, second quality, to Messrs
Newman Son, Port Adelaide, addressed as under, viz.:
2
1
tons
ton
Sergt Wauhof, Blinman, c/- Messrs Tassie & Co, Port Augusta
The Officer in charge, Fowlers Bay “
And to Mr A.H. Landseer, Milang, per Carrier:
1
ton
Mr C.H. Johnston, Station Master, McGrath’s Flat
Also to Messrs Levi & Co, King William Street,
1
ton
Messrs Levi & Sprigg, Oulnina
[Walker]
383
10th April 1866
Memo/-
Mr Linklater is requested to forward by first opportunity the following lots of Stores for the Aborigines,
addressed as under, to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, viz.:
Sugar 250 lbs
Sergt Wauhof, Blinman, c/- Tassie
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
43 lbs
The Officer in charge, Fowlers Bay
Also, to Mr A.H. Landseer, Milang:
Sugar ?250 lbs
Tea
42 lbs
Mr C.H. Johnston, Station Master, McGrath’s Flat
And, to Messrs Levi & Co, King William Street,
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
42 lbs
Messrs Levi & Sprigg, Oulnina
[Walker]
384
10 April 1866
To Newman, re the above.
385
10th April 1866
Mr A.H. Landseer
Milang
Sir,
You will be good enough to receive and forward by the first opportunity to McGrath’s Flat, the following
goods addressed to Mr C.H. Johnston, Station Master, McGrath’s Flat, viz.:
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
42 lbs
[Walker]
386
11th April 1866
The Hon CCL
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that complaints have lately reached me from various quarters, regarding the
quality of the flour supplied for the Aborigines by Mr. Darling; and I enclose a sample of the last lot
forwarded to the Blinman depot, which the Issuer, Sergt Wauhof, (I think truly) describes as “very little better
than pollard.”
[Walker]
387
11 April 1866
The Hon CCL
Sir,
I have the honor to call your attention to the fact that the Reports of the Sub-Protector of Aborigines, Mr
Buttfield, instead of being sent through the Chief Protector, are forwarded direct to the Hon CCL; and I beg
respectfully to inquire whether this is done in compliance with instructions, or is to be attributed to his (Mr
Buttfield’s) ignorance of official routine.
[Walker]
388
12? April 1866
Memo/Mr Main will be good enough to forward to Messrs Newman & Son the following Medicines addressed as
under, viz.:
[not really legible]
The Officer in charge, Police Station, Fowlers Bay
[Walker]
389
13? April 1866
Memo/Mr Darling will be good enough to forward TO Messrs Newman & Son, by first opportunity, the following lots
of flour (second quality) addressed as under, viz.:
2
1
tons
ton
Mr Sleep, Mt Eyre, c/- Tassie
Mr Josiah Bowman, Arkaba, c/- Tassie
[Walker]
390
13 April 1866
Memo/-
Mr Linklater will please forward by first opportunity to Newman & Son, the following goods addressed as
under, viz.:
Sugar 500 lbs
Tea
?84 lbs
Mr Sleep, Mt Eyre, c/- Tassie
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
42 lbs
Mr Josiah Bowman, Arkaba, c/- Tassie
[Walker]
391
13 April 1866
Newman & Son – as above.
392
14 April 1866
Messrs Tassie & Co
Pot Augusta
Gentlemen,
The following goods, addressed as under, are ordered to be sent to your care, viz.:
Flour 2 tons
Sugar 250 lbs
Sergt Wauhof, Blinman
Flour 2 tons
Sugar 500 lbs
Tea
1 Chest
Mr Sleep, Mt Eyre
Flour 1 ton
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
½ Chest
Mr Josiah Bowman, Arkaba
Have the goodness to receive the ?Issues and forward as soon as possible, to their respective destinations.
[Walker]
393
14 April 1866
Mr Taplin, Point McLeay
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 11th inst, I have to inform you that the following is a list of the stores forwarded
to you in February last, viz.:
Flour 6000 lbs
Sugar 1000 lbs
Tea
1 ½ Chests
[Walker]
394-397
17 April 1866
The Hon CCL
Sir,
I have the honor to request that the Superintendent of Armory be instructed to forward as early as possible,
to Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, the following lots of blankets for the Aborigines,
Addressed as under, viz.:
120 (Single)
Mr Thos Jones, Railway Superintendent, Goolwa
30
“
Kingston
30
Robe
30
MacDonnell Bay
100
Tarpeena
30
Penola
395
25
15
25
50
40
20
40
50
396
Padthaway
Port Lincoln
Venus Bay
Streaky Bay
Smoky Bay
Fowlers Bay
Poonindie
20
Port Wakefield
Port Augusta
Gawler Ranges
Mount Eyre
(Bosworth) Wintalatingana
Arkaba
Mount Deception
25
Wilpena
? 40
30
50
30
25
30
397
Border Town
25
60
50
?40
Mattawarrangala
Blinman
Umberatana
Melrose [1030]
398-400
11 April 1866
Similar to above:
[Walker]
100 (single blankets) Point McLeay
40
Lower Finniss
40
Kingston
40
Blanchetown
399 50
Overland Corner
50
Chowilla
80
McGrath’s Flat
15?
Stockport
30?
Bungaree
?48? 18?
Bundaleer
20
Anlaby
12
Waterside, Milang
400
50
50
Boolcoomata
Auburn
595? = 1625 in total]
[Walker]
401a
20 April 1866
Memo/Mr Darling is requested to forward to Messrs Newman & Son, 1 ton flour, (2 nd quality), addressed to Mr R.F.
Morris PT, Kingston, Lacepede Bay.
[Walker]
401b
20 April 1866
Memo/Mr Linklater is requested to forward to Newman & Son, the following stores for the Aborigines, addressed as
under, viz.:
Sugar 250 lbs
Tea
43 bs
Mr R.F. Morris PT, Kingston, Lacepede Bay
[Walker]
402
20 April 1866
Letter to Newman & Son re above.
403
20 April 1866
?? Stuckey Esq,
Umberatana?
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to forward to me, per return mail, a small sample of
the flour, supplied by order of Government, for the Aborigines at your Station.
[Walker]
403 ½
20 April 1866
The Store Manager
Mount Deception
Sir,
I have to request that you will be good enough to send to this office, per return mail, a small sample of the
flour supplied by order of Government, for the Aborigines in your neighbourhood.
As requested, I forward some forms of reports which I trust it may be convenient to you to fill up and return
to the office quarterly.
[Walker]
404-407
2nd May 1866
Messrs Newman & Son
Instructions as to the above
408
3rd May 1866
(Dr.) J.P. Hall Esq, J.P.
Adelaide
Sir,
I received your letter of the 30th inst, informing me that, having disposed of Boolcoomata, you ????? stores
to the Blacks, but that Mr Beck (the purchaser) is very willing that his Manager should undertake the
responsibility.
In reply, I am advised to say that the offer of Mr Beck is gladly accepted, and to request that you will be good
enough to hand over to that gentleman any Aborigines’ stores now in your possession.
Thanking you for your ?? ?? ??
[Walker]
409
4th May 1866
Memo/I.T. Wildman Esq,
Sec.: CCL&Imm
Requested that tenders be called for, to supply the following articles for this department, viz.:
1200 lbs
Netting Twine
800
Fishing Lines
5000 Fishing Hooks
50
doz
Blue shirts
500
yds
Blue Serge
50
lbs
Linen thread
?1000 ?3000 Needles (sewing)
[Walker]
410
4th April [May?] 1866
Memo/It is respectfully requested that the Superintendent of Armory be instructed to forward 15 (fifteen) Blankets
addressed, Corpl of Police, Blanchetown, per rail to Freeling.
[Walker]
411-412
5th May 1866
Corpl of Police
Blanchetown
Sir,
Application having been made, in behalf of certain Natives living on the Murray near ?Shanty Creek, for a
supply of blankets, I beg to inform you that a parcel containing 15 (fifteen) will be forwarded to you, and
request that you will be good enough to have them issued as soon as may be ?arranged? to the persons ?? in
the ?? list.
“Issues of Aborigines applying for supplies through ?I.M. Hall?”
412
?? ?? ?? Policeman Jack
Orphan children
George
Disher
Richard
Emily (old widow)
Harry
Helen
The ?? children of Harry and Helen
?Jean Hickey
Lowie
??
?? ??
Davy
?Laura
Infant
??
Eliza?
413-416
18th? May 1866
J.P. Buttfield Esq, J.P.
Sub-Protector of Aborigines
Blinman
Sir,
I have the honor by direction of the Hon CCL to transmit for your guidance the following instructions relating
to your duties as Sub-Protector of Aborigines, for the Northern District.
1.
You will regard the whole of the ?? and country north of Mount remarkable as within the limits of the
districts under your especial charge, counting? The township of Blinman as your head-quarters.
2. ?? ?? you will proceed to make a tour of the district, visiting the depots, of which a list is annexed as 414
well as any other Stations where the Natives are residing, and will from time to time furnish a report of your
progress.
3. You will make yourself well acquainted with the condition of the various Aboriginal tribes, especially as
regards the mans of subsistence within their reach, and will report at once any want of the ?mandarins of
life, and make suggestions for the ?? ?? ?? ??
4. You will also make particular enquiry regarding the health of the Natives, and endeavour as far as is possible
to ?alleviate the ?sufferings you may observe. A supply of Medicines will be forwarded so as to enable you to
minister to the sick in such cases as you may consider yourself competent to manage.
5. You will investigate any 415 ?outrage? ?crimes? committed against them and ?? ?? prosecution of the
offenders; and you will impress on the mind of the Natives that, while they will be protected in the full
enjoyment of their rights and privileges as subjects of the Crown, they must themselves render obedience to
the law, and that you will not attempt to shield them from just punishment for any transgressions thereof.
6. It is most ?? that you should ?construct a personal knowledge of the Aborigines, of your district, and ?? ?? ??
7. You will visit the depots periodically inspecting? The quality and condition of the flour, and attending to this
?? ?? ??
8. You will provide a general report quarterly, ?? very? 416 ??similar Report for the quarter ending on the
30th June next.
9. All reports and other official communications must be forwarded ?? this office, addressed to the Protector of
Aborigines.
[Walker]
417
12th May 1866
J.P. Buttfield Esq, J.P.
Sub-Protector of Aborigines
Port Lincoln
Sir,
In reply to the application for ?? contained in your letter of the 2nd inst, I am directed to call attention to the
fact that you are already drawing forage allowance for two horses.
I have also to inform you, that a formal request for an ?? ?? allowance is necessary, in order that the matter
may be ?? to the Government for consideration.
[Walker]
418
18 May 1866
Memo/Mr Darling will be good enough to forward to Newman & Son, Port Adelaide, in time for shipment per
“Lubra” today, the following lots of flour (second quality) addressed as under, viz.:
2
Tons
Stuckey, Umberatana, c/- Tassie
1
ton
J.P. Angas Esq, Arrowie, c/- Tassie
600
lbs
The Resident Agent, Yudnamatana, c/- Tassie
[Walker]
419
14th May 1866
Memo/Mr Linklater will please forward to Newman in time for shipment per “Lubra” today, the following lots of
goods, addressed respectively as under, viz.:
Sugar 500 lbs
250 lbs
Tea
Messrs Elder & Stuckey, Umberatana, c/- Tassie
J.P.Angas Esq, Arrowie, c/- Tassie
?250 lbs
The Resident Agent, Yudnamatana, c/- Tassie
42 lbs
[Walker]
420
14th May 1866
Newman & Son, as above
INDEX TO VOLUME 2
Names of Aboriginal People in bold.
Place names in Italics.
For maps, see: http://mapcarta.com/
OR
http://www.wilmapaustralia.com.au/sa/satowns/
OR
http://www.geodata.us/australia_names_maps/aumaps.
For historical information, try Wikipedia OR
http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/
http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/manning/
OR
OR
http://ncb.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/documents/PASTORAL%20PIONEERS%20OF%20SOUTH%20AUSTRA
LIA%20VOL.1.pdf
Aboriginal Depots
: Lists of Depots
394-400 (40).
: Angipena
77, 113, 115, 292, 296, 300, 305, 319, 365.
(i.e. Stores sent to)
: Arkaba
389-392.
: Arrowie
418-420.
: Anlaby, Kapunda
28, 114, 244.
: Beltana
364.
: Blanchetown
6-7, 8-9, 18, 75, 202, 212, 219, 278, 293, 297, 301,
306, 310, 311, 357-358, 410-412.
: Blinman
362, 365, 386.
: Boolcoomatta [60 km NW of Olary] 1, 15, 30, 69, 115, 245, 337, 408.
: Border Town
17, 18, 114, 125, 129, 134, 138, 244, 291, 295, 300,
317.
: Bundaleer
114, 245, 277, 281, 293, 297, 301, 322, 340.
: Bungaree
114, 165, 167, 245, 279-280.
: Chowilla
6-7, 8-9, 18, 76, 112, 127, 132, 135, 139, 242, 261265, 290, 294, 299, 304, 308, 314.
: Chrystal Brook
352, 354-356.
: Clarendon
113, 120, 127, 190-191, 197-200, 293, 297, 301.
: Fowlers Bay
186?, 202, 204, 206-208, 209, 212, 213-214, 292,
296, 300, 318, 353, 388.
: Franklin Harbour
202, 204, 206-207, 211, 217, 244.
: Goolwa
6-7, 8-9, 18, 54, 68, 112, 127, 130, 132, 135, 139,
242, 251-253, 267-9, 290, 294, 298, 304, 307, 312.
: Kangaroo Island
80-83, 376-379.
: Kingston, Lacepede Bay 6-7, 8-9, 18, 112, 125, 128, 130, 133, 135, 140,
243, 261-265, 291, 295, 299, 305, 308, 315, 371,
401a-402.
: Long Island, R. Murray 84-88, 192-193, 195-196, 290, 294, 298, 313.
: Lower Finniss
2-3, 18, 113, 125, 129, 134, 137, 143, 151, 157, 159160, 163, 166, 203, 205, 212, 218, 223, 244, 267,
269, 298, 304, 307, 311, 313, 335.
: Mattawarangala
350.
Flat
: McDonnell Bay
291, 295, 299, 308, 316, 321.
153, 170, 173-182, 220, 245, 267, 268-9, 291, 295, 299, 305, 308, 314, 320, 385.
: Milang
335.
: Moorowie
see Yorke’s Peninsula.
: Mount Deception
361.
: Mount Eyre [30km W of Hawker]
24, 114, 126, 129, 134, 138, 144,
244, 292, 296, 300, 319, 338-339, 389-392.
: Mount Remarkable 6-7, 78, 113, 125, 129, 134, 137, 143, 183-184, 261265, 292, 300, 309, 318.
: Mount Serle [nr Nepabunna] 123.
: Oulnina [near Yunta] 1, 15, 31-2, 69, 115, 189, 245.
: Overland Corner
6-7, 8-9, 18, 76, 112, 127, 132, 135, 139, 145, 221222, 242, 290, 294, 298, 304, 307, 314.
: Padthaway (Mosquito Plains) 27, 114, 164-166, 168-169, 244.
: Penola
16, 18, 114, 125, 129, 134, 137, 143, 291, 295, 299,
316.
: Point McLeay
6-7, 8-9, 18, 62-64, 66, 68, 70, 98, 101-103, 112,
127, 130, 132, 135, 139, 171, 186, 223, 242, 290,
294, 304, 307, 312, 393.
: Policeman’s Point
4, 8-9, 18, 58-60.
: Poonindie (and district) 285-286, 323-328.
: Port Lincoln
113, 125, 128, 133, 136, 141, 243, 261-262, 300,
309, 311, 317.
: Port Wakefield
43-49, 114, 126, 129, 134, 138, 144, 152, 289, 292,
318.
: Robe Town
6-7, 8-9, 18, 79, 113, 125, 128, 130, 133, 136, 140,
226, 243, 291, 295, 299, 305, 308, 315.
: Stockport
25, 33, 114, 244, 276, 336, 357-359, 368.
: Streaky Bay
113, 125, 128, 134, 136, 142, 186, 202, 204, 215,
243, 246, 291, 296, 300, 305, 309, 318.
: Tarpeena
108, 110-111, 113, 119, 125, 128, 131, 133, 136,
140, 193-194, 196, 243, 261-265, 291, 295, 299,
305, 308, 316.
: Tumby Bay
6-7, 8-9, 18, 89-94, 113, 119, 125, 128, 134, 136,
141.
: Umberatana
360, 364, 403, 418-420.
: Venus Bay
67-8, 73, 113, 125, 128, 133, 142, 186, 243, 261265, 296, 300, 305, 309, 317.
: Wallaroo?
113, 243.
: Waterside, Milang
115, 146-148, 245, 293, 296.
: Wellington
6-7, 8-9, 18, 95-97, 114, 125, 127, 132, 135, 140,
201-202, 204, 208, 210, 212, 216, 242, 293, 297,
301, 306, 309.
: Wintalatingana
271-275.
: Yorke’s Peninsula
6-7, 8-9, 18, 113, 128, 133, 136, 141, 243, 300, 309,
311, 317.
Alcohol, problems
Annual Reports
: Yudnamatana
224-225, 235-236.
121-123, 224-225.
Blankets for individual Aboriginal people
Boats for Aborigines on River and Lakes
418-420.
149.
270.
Calman, M., K.I.
80-83.
Condition of Aboriginal people
330-331, 335.
Coongarry, Streaky Bay 366.
Crown Solicitor
231-233.
Edwardston, murder of 381.
“Gem”
2, 4.
Hack’s Boat, Coorong
42, 57, 61, 65.
Inquest
74.
Johnny
235-236.
Jones, William, alias ‘Lanky’ 99-100.
Kingston (S.E.), medical officer
Land Issues
“Lubra”
“Lucy”
230.
55, 71, 72, 99-100.
24, 149, 372-375.
366.
May Manatoo, Kangaroo Island 23, 53, (80-83).
McDonald, John and Anne, Kangaroo Inn, Reedy Creek
Mount Gambier, medical officer 155-156.
Mortlock., H.L., Pt Lincoln 90.
235-238.
Ngoilwilto, Mt Wedge? 257-258.
Osman, George, K.I.
Outrages
23, 50-53.
34-36.
Paddy Smith, Coorong 266.
Parker, John (Milang), Pralpoonamie 239.
Point McLeay, Aboriginal people at
56, 231-233.
Port Wakefield Tribe 289.
Protector of Aborigines, (and Sub-Protector), duties of, etc.
34-36, 55, 71, 74, 75-79, 92, 224-
225, 234-236, 387, 413-416, 417.
Rankine, John, Station owner, Coorong
Robinson, H., Estate
56.
170.
“Sarah”
49.
Stores, specific – problems with, amounts, costs, quality, tenders, etc.:
: Blankets
25, 26-29, 33, 47-49, 112-115, 118, 120, 240, 242-245, 257-260, 271, 285287, 289, 329, 345, 345, 380, 394-400, 410-412.
: Boats
42, 57, 61, 65, 270, 279, 367, 369.
: Fishing Lines 8-10, 18-20.
: Flour
15, 43, 54, 69, 81-82, 101-103, 111, 124-126, 164, 188-194, 202-203, 219,
272, 290-293, 323, 340, 343, 351, 357, 363, 370, 382, 386, 389, 401a-402,
403, 418.
: Medical supplies 66, 94, 171-172, 186, 201, 209, 220, 223, 388.
: Net twine
6-7.
: Shirts
130-131.
: Sugar
67-68, 73, 108, 110, 273, 344, 352, 358, 383, 390, 419.
: Tea
344, 352, 358, 383, 390, 419.
: Tenders
409.
Taplin, Rev. G.
99, 227.
“Three Brothers”
49.
Toolpunya, Streaky Bay 366.
Wilkins Family
185.
Protector of Aborigines
Out Letter-Book
Volume Three:
May 16, 1866 to Dec. 31, 1870.
Including List of Addressees,
And
Subject Index
Transcribed and indexed by Joe Lane, June-July 2012
www.firstsources.info
List of Addressees
Aborigines’ Friends’ Association (AFA)
507, 876, 789, 991.
Adams, T.
197, 512, 711, 719.
Adams, Janet 884.
Allen Jr., Rd.
887.
Allen, F.W.
623, 670, 780, 810, 819, 895, 942.
Allen, F.W.
623, 670, 780, 810, 819, 895, 942.
Anderson, J.M. 823.
Andrew, Jos. 160.
Angas, J.H.,
83, 91, 631, 727, 882.
Armory
10, 19, 23, 169, 216.
Aston, C.D.
396.
Attiwell, W.,
138, 237, 301, 349.
Auburn, Issues at 26.
Auditor-General 402, 764.
Baker, Henry, Angipena
521.
Baker, Hon. J. 792.
Barlas, J., M.D. 265, 284, 748, 758, 764, 765, 960, 972.
Bates, E.S.
863.
Bath, J.
430, 580, 779.
Beare, W.L.
219, 279, 310, 409, 763, 770, 802, 944.
Bentley,
119, 830, 917, 926.
Besley, B.C.
181, 305, 577.
Birks, Geo. N. 245, 271, 343, 392, 400, 455, 534, 546, 556, 560, 586, 649, 695, 702, 726, 795, 808,
870.
Birks, G.N. & W.H.
442.
Blakeley, J.
128.
Blucher, E.
768.
Blue, W.A.S.
969, 974, 977.
Bonnin , Josiah 950.
Boolcoomata (Depot) 87.
Border Town (Police) 492, 939.
Bors, J.K.
496, 564, 688, 693, 696, 753, 767.
Bosworth, C.R. 927.
Bosworth, J. Esq. 78, 255, 958.
Bottomley, I.F. 359, 391, 416.
Boucaut, H.
134, 139.
Bowels, G.
966.
Bowman Bros 456.
Bowman, W. & A. 465, 618.
Bristow
124.
Bristow, Janet 858.
Brown, D.
418.
Brown, Jno
674.
Brown, T.
110.
Bull, J.W.
70.
Buttfield, J.P. [vide Sub-Prot of A]
34, 79, 102, 103, 140, 141, 142, 145, 153, 172, 173.
Calnan, M.
638, 658.
Campbell, A. 159.
Campbell, W. 591, 888.
Campbell House, Manager of 425.
Catchlove, F.W. 309, 410.
Cattaro, W.H. 453.
Chalklen, G
791.
Challis, W.
934, 965, 983.
Charlton, Ph. 523.
Clode, T.
595, 639, 761, 777, 824, 831, 846, 861.
Cobb & Co.
886.
missioner of Crown Lands and Immigration 1, 29, 32, 37, 38, 41, 43, 74, 80, 94, 97, 99, 113, 137, 143, 148, 157, 178,
185, 187, 188, 203, 213, 214, 229, 235,253, 257, 259, 274, 276, 300, 340, 367, 372, 401, 404, 407, 408, 423,
443, 445, 466, 467, 499, 501, 502, 520, 550, 557, 597, 628, 641, 662, 663, 709, 710, 729, 710, 729, 730, 746,
773, 807, 820, 877, 880, 903, 976, 986, 996.
Cooke, Chns
322, 493, 516, 522, 524, 563, 619, 647.
Cox, F.W. [AFA] 156, 210, 330, 333, 356, 393, 413, 507, 590.
Crawford, H.A. 136.
Creagh, S.P.
357.
Crofton, J.E.D. 867.
Crossland, Henry 9.
Dailey, T.
335, 514.
Dale, H.D.
541, 645, 713, 815, 861.
Dale, R.
171, 750.
Dann, J.
167, 236, 241, 256, 292, 295, 302, 351, 366, 426, 427, 506, 520, 533, 537, 540, 568,
584, 629, 642, 684, 700, 704, 737, 784, 800, 866, 878, 898, 901, 933, 959.
Darling, J.
104, 273.
Davies, C.W. 215.
Dawson (The Hummocks) 118.
Debney, G.L. 946.
Doke, I.M.
216, 246, 459, 462, 486, 643.
Dowdney, Ro. 853.
Draper, Chas. 8, 163, 205, 433.
Drew & Co.
68.
Drew Bros.
723, 732.
Drew, J.
77.
Drought, Corpl. 191, 254.
Duff, J.
87.
Edwards, W.
Egan. L.
Elder, Hon. T.
Eldridge, Jno
Ellison, S.K.
Ewens, J.R.
Ewens, Miss
126.
180, 244, 249, 328, 494, 547, 617, 644, 799, 828, 900, 941.
71, 76.
594, 648, 659.
108, 782.
192, 399, 451.
444.
Ferguson, H., M.D.
785, 970, 978.
Ferry, I.M.
805, 826, 833, 838, 840, 864, 881, 889, 893.
Field, Jno
280, 452, 511, 669,239, 891.
Fiveash, R.A. 270.
Fowler, W.J.
189.
French, E.
823.
Gare, E.
859, 867.
Gason, S.
525, 760, 790, 856, 873, 874.
Gibson, T. McT. 311, 754.
Gilbert, J.
201, 277, 287, 319, 426.
Giles, Ad.
855.
Gladstone, G. 427.
Gleeson, E.B. 871.
Glenie, H.S.
360, 487, 778, 804, 821, 832, 834, 839, 847.
Goldsmith, F.E., Dr.
436, 440, 486.
Gooch, D.
573.
Gouge, H.D.
655, 664.
Gray, F.C.
756, 791.
Grist, R.
803, 851, 854, 918.
Grosse, J.
226, 458.
Gunning, A.T. 542, 963.
Hacket, Jane 238.
Hammond, Rev. O.
14, 209, 495.
Hanthe, T.S.L. 567.
Harris, G.B.
843, 909.
Harrison, Jno 316.
Harrold Bros 16, 20.
Harte, A. (Venus Bay) 131, 198, 766, 885, 892, 964, 975.
Hawdon, H.C. 596, 646, 902.
Hawkes, G.W. 293.
Hay, Alex
981.
Heath & Wooldridge 220.
Henderson, Jno 365, 421.
Henery, P.
741, 894.
Henry? N.C.
11.
Herbert, Dr.
374, 498.
Herriot, F.
301, 307.
Hill, W.
982.
Hinterocher, Rev. P.S. 112, 116, 352.
Hirst, Jno
558, 650.
Hodding, H.
686.
Hodgkiss, Jno 5.
Hogarth, Jno 928.
Holden, R.W. 757.
Hopgood, G.W. 915.
Hummocks, The118.
Ifould, W.
557, 722.
Jones, F.B. & Co.
982.
Jones, Henry (Binnum) 115, 554.
Jones, Joshua 195, 299, 321, 324, 345, 350, 386, 426, 645.
Jones, J.B.
323, 334, 548, 572.
Jones, Mr., Ediowie
771.
Jones, T.
84, 152, 168, 193, 228, 243, 252, 260, 267.
Koch, W.
Kruse, C.H.T.
Kuhn, W.J.
676, 708.
122, 165, 240, 383.
377, 566, 656, 668, 690, 728, 742, 798, 816, 837, 890, 962, 985, 987, 993.
Lacepede Bay (Native School) 107, 109.
Laelinyeri
179, 703, 772.
Lake Hope
75, 89.
Lambert, W.H. 260, 306, 429, 917.
Landseer, A.H., Esq., J.P. 2, 33, 96, 212, 363, 370, 371, 378, 394.
Lawrence, J? 815.
Lawson, (Dr) 135.
Lessee of Strathalbyn Tramway 968.
Lutheran Mission Society 500, 676, 708.
Levi, Philip
24, 72.
Lloyd, A.F.
552, 665.
Lloyd, Jno
464.
Loutit, R.F.
955.
Lyall, J., Rev. 149, 344.
Lyon, W.
317, 339.
McAdam, Mrs. 361.
MacAllan
129.
McArthur Kingston
162, 208, 266.
McCullum & McTaggart 666.
McDonald, Malcolm
117.
McDonald, T. 7, 21, 458.
McGeorge, Jas 968.
McKechnie, M.D., J.P. 447.
McLachlan, D.A. 857, 875, 897, 923, 925, 929, 932, 947.
McLaren, A.
360.
McLean, D.
362, 390.
McTaggart, J. 701.
Mallon, Corpl 88, 202, 232, 256, 346.
Marshall, R.
73.
Measday
123.
Medical
1, 25.
Meredith, Messrs
42, 653, 660.
Messenger, J. 98, 106, 120.
Mintaro Station-Master
957.
Minutes on Letter (1226/66)
39.
Mitchelmore, J. 127.
Moriarty, T.
227, 332, 348, 376, 379, 385, 420, 426, 438, 559, 582, 704, 717, 724, 852, 878, 881,
988.
Moorhouse, M., Dr.
242.
Morris, R.F.
536, 579, 621, 634, 775, 955.
Moulden, Jno 904, 966.
Mt Deception 98, 106, 120.
Mt Remarkable 88.
Murray D. & A. Hay
981.
Murray, D. & W.
4, 13, 164, 204, 218, 233, 234, 431, 504, 716, 718, 747, 919, 981.
Murray, Geo 457, 633.
Murray, Jno
949.
National Bank of Australasia 93, 158.
Newman & Son 111, 248, 314, 538, 630, 687, 699, 734, 787, 817, 934, 954.
Newspaper: ‘Register’, Proprietors of 980.
Nield, U.H.
682.
Nuriootpa D.C. Clerk 872.
Oasker, J.C.
697.
O’Keefe, J.
170.
O’Connor
283, 297, 302, 354, 269.
O’Reilly, P.
576, 939.
Ormerod & Co, Robe 100, 281.
O’Shanahan, Serg. W., 752.
O’Shanahan, P.T. 992, 993.
Oster, Ph. X.
239, 296, 355.
Overland Corner
119.
Pascoe, Rt, PC 657, 725, 831, 886.
Paterson, A.J. 288, 289.
Patterson, B. 587, 624, 680.
Pavy, H.
364, 368, 438, 441, 541.
Peach, PT
939.
Peacock, Caleb 282.
Pearce, G.
585.
Pearce, W.
581.
Peel, Dr.
233.
Penny, R.B.
199, 300, 224, 294, 461, 489, 490, 515, 940.
Perry, T.
448, 450.
Phelan, Rd
428.
Phillips, G. & Co.
6, 12, 15, 22, 458.
Pollitt, W.,
939, 961.
Port Wakefield, Issues at 9, 150.
Poynter, W., Corpl.
704, 822, 838, 878, 899, 914.
Price, H.S.
531.
Pritchard, Dl 592.
Provis, 244, 312, 578.
Pt Pierce Mission Station
981.
Railway Goods Dept, Manager of
528, 780
Rayner, G.
909.
Reports from Protector of Aborigines 43.
Richards, T.P. 387, 569, 733, 868.
Richner, G.I.
500, 788, 835, 848, 860.
Rodney, H.
705.
Roe, I.H.
953.
Rollison, Corpl 92.
Sabine, C.,
286, 304, 380.
Saltmarsh, H. 146, 161.
Sanderson, W.D. 316, 317, 713, 857.
Sawers, A.D. 794.
Scott, E.B.
155.
Scott, Henry
263, 622.
Shair, Corpl
353, 506, 526.
Short, H.A.
326, 417, 446, 551.
Simpson, Corpl 403, 414, 419, 435, 437, 491, 526, 755, 776, 786, 837, 829,836, 865, 984.
Sims, R.W.
194.
Skelton, Carter & Co. 206.
Smith, Mrs. F.C.? 105, 133, 166, 295, 307, 395, 432, 505, 571, 589, 637, 744, 924.
Smith, J.
420, 498.
Smith, R.B.
121, 532, 907, 910.
Station-Master, Mintaro
957.
Stevens & Leach
125.
Stokes, J.M.
841.
Stores, Aborigines
4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Sub-Protector of Aborigines
34, 79, 102, 103, 140, 141, 142, 145, 155,v172, 173, 174, 175, 221,
222, 223, 231, 251, 261, 268, 298, 315, 320, 338, 358, 388, 389, 397, 298, 411, 412, 415, 422, 449, 510, 513,
519, 535, 549, 574, 640, 672, 685, 707, 712, 731, 781, 801,v813, 814,v844, 883, 911, 913, 916, 951, 952,967.
Sullivan, Corpl 196, 258, 869.
Sullivan, R.F. 313, 485.
Sumner, Jno 544, 635, 677.
Superintendent of Convicts 694, 896, 992, 995.
Sutherland, J.D. 17.
Swan, H.C.
291.
Tallis, Geo., J.P. 25.
Taplin, Geo.
177, 182, 230, 247, 250, 262, 325, 327, 341, 347, 348, 373, 426, 527, 530, 543, 583,
626, 651, 673, 678, 681, 682, 683, 689, 704, 706, 734, 783, 796, 806, 811, 878, 906, 922, 930, 935, 936, 971,
979, 986, 989, 994.
Tassie & Co.
90, 272, 575, 632, 671, 714, 720, 740, 762, 812, 849, 862.
Taylor, J.
132.
Tenders
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22.
Tramway, lessee of, Strathalbyn 968.
Treuer, A. von 910.
Umpherston, J., Esq., J.P. 331.
Walder, H.
75, 89, 336, 704, 751, 759, 769.
Walker, W.H. 130.
Wallaroo, Issues at
82.
Wallaroo Railway Co., Manager 691, 738.
Warren, Hy
503.
Watts, J.
18, 36, 779, 818, 898, 908, 912.
Wauhop
290, 346.
Webb, Arthur 85, 147, 382, 439, 509, 553, 937.
Wellington (Depot)
92, 151.
Wells, Percy
948.
Whithead
285, 303, 342.
Wight & Co.
217.
Williams, Rd
698, 943, 957, 973, 990.
Wills & Co.
207, 266, 434, 745, 879, 920.
Wilson, Rev. W. 3, 81.
Wollaston, G.G. 454.
Wood, I.S.
381, 384, 424, 426, 518, 539, 561, 588, 654, 704, 736, 743, 800, 825, 850, 878.
Wood, Rd
842, 905, 921.
Wortham, A.R. 497, 545, 555, 562, 570, 593, 636.
Young, C.B.
£
107, 109, 211, 225, 264, 721, 789, 876.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
PROTECTOR OF ABORIGINES
OUT LETTER-BOOK
Volume 2
July 18, 1863
to
March, 1866
Hint to Users: Start with the Index
Transcribed and Indexed by Joe Lane, May 2012.
Email: joelane94@hotmail.com
INDEX OF COMMUNICATIONS TO:
Angipena, Issues at
77.
Anthony, Thos.
362.
Armoury, Supt of
112, 149, 162, 173, 187, 198, 208, 242, 256, 271, 278, 283, 284, 285, 303,
307, 326, 329, 345, 354, 378, 394, 398, 410.
Baker, Hon. John MLC 374.
Beare, W.L.
167.
Bell, R.A.
99.
Blanchetown, Issues at 75, 219, 411.
Border Town, Issues at 17.
Bosworth, John
240, 275.
Bowman, Ed.
49, 356.
Buchanan, A.
28.
Buttfield, Mr J.P., Sub-Protector of Aborigines, Blinman: duties 413-416, 417.
Calman, M., Kingscote 83.
Clarke, B.
170, 181, 259.
Commissioner (Crown Lands and immigration) 34, 121, 224, 226, 227, 228, 253, 321, 367, 372, 380,
381, 386, 387, 409.
Crystal, Samuel
185
Dailey
120, 191, 200, 241.
Darling,
333, 339, 343, 351, 357, 370, 373, 376, 382, 289, 401, 418.
Davies, Chas.
350.
Draper
130, 161, 304.
Drew, S. & Co. (Kooringa?) 188.
Duffield & Co. (Gawler) 15, 43, 51, 63, 81, 84, 101, 111, 124, 146.
Egan, L.
110, 194, 255.
Elliott & Kekwick (Grenfell Street) 164, 174, 190, 192, 202, 250, 263, 268, 273, 279, 290, 293, 323.
Faulding
66, 94, 341, 353, 365.
Franklin Harbour, Issues at 217.
Frew, James
361.
Gall, John
320.
Gilbert, John (Lower Finniss)
2, 151, 157, 160, 218.
Graves, S.
1, 46, 50, 58, 62, 67, 80, 85, 93, 96, 108, 127, 147.
Hall, Dr.
30, 408.
Hammond, Rev., Poonindie 327.
Harrold Bros. (Hindley Street) 6, 132, 159, 178, 210.
Harvey, (Tumby Bay) 92.
Hasluck, F. (Hindley Street) 8, 18, 95.
Hector, Edward J.
270.
Hill, S. (Bundaleer)
277, 322, 340.
Jones, Thos.
54.
Justices of the Peace
235.
Landseer, A.H., Milang
59, 179, 230, 335, 369, 385.
Lashman, Mrs, Kangaroo Island 22.
Lawson, R., Padthaway, Mosquito Plains 29, 168.
Levi & Spriggs, Oulnina, Eastern Plains 31.
Linklater,
377, 383, 390, 401, 419.
Main & Geyer
171, 186, 201, 209, 220, 223, 388.
Mortlock, W.R.
90.
McCallum, Thos.
154.
McEntire
282, 342.
Messenger, Jas.
403.
Mildred, H., S.M.
363.
Morris, P.J.
213.
Mount Gambier, Medical offices at 155.
Newman & Son, Port Adelaide 12, 37, 48, 52, 64, 68, 82, 86, 89, 118, 119, 138, 166, 196, 211, 247,
252, 264, 269, 274, 286, 312, 338, 346, 355, 375, 379, 384, 391, 402, 404,
420.
O’Keefe
237.
Osman, George (Hog Bay, KI) 53.
Overland Corner, Issues at 76. 145, 221.
Pallhuber, Rev. J.E., Sevenhill 71.
Phillips, G. & Co.
175, 183, 204, 287, 288, 302.
Penola, Issues at
16.
Port Wakefield, Issues at 152.
Railway, Goods Dept. 102.
Requisition
372.
Rounsevell,
266.
Saltmarsh, H.
26, 148.
Shelley,
4, 42, 57, 60, 61, 65, 72.
Sleep, Sam
24.
Simpson, A.
135, 177, 199, 207, 281, 298, 325.
Smith, G.B.
78, 184.
Streaky Bay, Issues at 215.
Stuckey,
360, 403.
Sutherland, James
238.
Swan
363.
Taplin, George
56, 70, 103, 172, 231, 239, 257, 332, 293.
Tassie, A.D., Pt Augusta 348, 364, 392.
Titherington
289.
Venus Bay, Issues at
73.
Warren, Mr.
79, 234.
Watts, John
Webb,
Wellington, Issues at
Whittle, Uriah C?
Wight, W.A. & Co.
Wildman, E.T.
25, 33, 150, 276, 330, 336, 359, 368.
87, 195.
97, 153, 216.
69, 189.
165, 176, 193, 197, 204, 222, 251, 261, 267, 273, 280, 294, 311, 324, 334,
344, 352, 358, 371.
45, 74, 98.
Younghusband & Co.
366.
Page 1
[almost illegible; undated?]
To: Hon. Commr of Cr Lands& Immig.
Sir,
Having learned that a … … officer has been … for Mount Gambier I have the honor to request that a copy of
his instructions may be forwarded to me in order that I may ascertain what ?provision if any has been made
for ?medical? attendance to the Natives of that district.
2
[almost illegible]
A.H. Landseer Esq., J.P.
Milang
Stores to be taken up the Coorong ?
3
17th May 1866
Rev. W. Wilson, The Manse, Kadina.
Sir,
In answer to your letter to the Honble the Commissioner of Crown Lands (700/66) of the 8 th March last
relative to the issue of Aborigines’ stores in Moonta District, I beg to inform you that on consultation with the
sub-protector I consider it expedient that Stores should only be issued at one of the three townships, the
previous arrangements giving encouragement to natives to remain in the neighbourhood of the mines where
they are exposed to many ills. It would also facilitate imposition since the ?whole may be visited in one day
by the same party. A depot at Wallaroo would be sufficient for the district … stores remaining under the
care of the police and being issued only to such as are really in need.
4
17th May 1866
Messrs D & W. Murray, Adelaide
Sir,
In answer to your tender for certain Aborigines’ Stores called for 4th inst, I beg to inform you by direction of
the Protector that the following tenders are accepted.
50 dozen blue serge shirts at (£ 3) three pounds a dozen,
800 yards of blue serge at 1/8 per Yard.
5000 needles at 6/6 a thousand.
The above … safely delivered at the Armory on or before the 25th inst.
[signed by Jos C. O’Halloran, for Protector]
5
17th May 1866
Mr Jno Hodgkiss, Adelaide
Sir,
In reply to your tender for certain Aborigines Stores called for on the 4th inst, I beg to inform you that … not
been accepted. The sample? can be had on application at this office. [O’Halloran]
6
17 May 1866
G. Phillips & Co.
Adelaide
Sir,
I beg to inform you that your Tender for the following articles for the use of the Aborigines has been
accepted.
500 No. 4
Fish Hooks
at 2/9 per ?100?
1000 No. 6
“
at 1/6 per
“
1000 No. 8
“
at 9d per
“
1500 No. 10
“
at 6d per
“
500 No. 12
“
at 4d per
“
[O’Halloran]
7
17 May 1866
Mr T. MacDonald, Adelaide
Sir,
I beg to inform you that the following Tender for Aborigines’ Stores as made by you has been accepted.
1200 lbs Net Twine No. 2 at 2/4 per lb
50 Fishing Lines No. 2 at 5d each
400 Fishing Lines No. 3 at 7d each
100
“
“ No. 4 at 9d each
200
“
“ No. 6 at 1/1 each
50
“
“ No. 7 at 1/3 each
[Jos. C. O’Halloran]
8
17 May 1866
Mr Charles? Draper & Sons, Adelaide
Sir,
I have the honor by direction of the Protector to inform you that your Tender for 50 lbs of linen thread at 3/2
per lb has been accepted and you will be good enough to forward it on or before 25th Inst to the Armory.
[O’Halloran]
9
18th May 1866
Mr Henry Crossland, Police Trooper,
Port Wakefield
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 7th Inst (9/66) I beg to inform you that you must use your discretion in the
distribution of the Blue Shirts forwarded to you – giving them to those you think are really in need.
[Walker]
10
18th May 1866
The Hon. The Commissioner of C.L. & Immig.
Sir,
I have the honor to request that the ??following ………. Be sent to the Armory on or before the 25th Inst.
From Messrs D & W Murray:
45 doz Blue Serge Shirts viz Sample 3
5 doz “
“
“
“ 4
800 yards of Blue Serge same as sample
1000 Needles same as sample.
From Messrs G. Phillips & Co.
500 No 4 Fish hooks as samples
1000 No 6
“
“
1500 “ 8
“
“
1000 “ 10
“
“
500 “ 12
“
“
From T. MacDonald
12 lbs of Net Twine No. 2 as
sample
50 Fishing Lines No. 2
“
400 “ “
“ 3
“
100 “ “
“ 4
“
200 “ “
“ 6
“
50 “ “
“ 7
“
From C. Draper
50 lbs of Linen Thread as sample
……. ? Needles ? ………
[Walker]
11
?? ……..
? ……..
[Illegible, but over-written reference to #8/66]
[Walker]
12
23 May 1866
G. Phillips & Co, Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I beg to inform you that a portion of the Fish Hooks forwarded by you to the Armory, not corresponding to
the sample supplied this Office, cannot be accepted. You will therefore be good enough to send to the
Armory for them, and supply as per contract by the 25th Inst.
[O’Halloran]
13
23rd May 1866
Messrs D. & W. Murray, Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I beg to inform you that portion of the Serge, forwarded by you to the Armory, not being the same as sample
supplied this Office, cannot be accepted. You will therefore be good enough to send to the Armory for them,
and supply as per contract by 25th Inst.
[O’Halloran]
14
28th May 1866
Revd Octavius Hammond,
Poonindie,
Port Lincoln
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th Inst., requesting a fresh supply of Stores. I now beg
to inform you that they will be sent by the Lubra on the net trip.
[Walker]
15
28th May 1866
Messrs G. Phillips & Co, Adelaide
Sir,
With reference to your Tender for the supply of 45 doz American Tomahawks and 4 doz American Axes. I beg
to inform you that if you will forward to this Office samples of the above, your Tender will be considered. If
you do ?not ? it cannot be entertained.
[Walker]
16
28th May 1866
Messrs Harrold Brothers
Sir,
With reference to your Tender for the supply of 25 doz American Tomahawks and 4 doz American Axes. I beg
to inform you that if you will forward to this Office samples of the above, your Tender will be considered. If
you do ?not ? it cannot be entertained.
[Walker]
17
30th MaY 1866
J.D. Sutherland Esq.
?? Gardens?
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 14th Ulto. Concerning the case of Munoo?, convicted of assault against J. Daws I
beg to inform you that I Have referred the matter to the Hon. The Commissioner of Crown Lands, who
declined to accede to your request.
[Walker]
18
30 May 1866
Mr John Watts, Stockport
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 8th? Last (25/66) I beg to inform you that your ?statement? has been forwarded
to the Audit Office and will be payable on or after the 4th June on the ?? To enable the Protector I draw the
money …… you will sign the enclosed procuration order & get your signature indorsed. If you will then
forward it to this Office the amount will be sent in postage stamps you wish.
[O’Halloran]
19
1 June 1866
The Hon. The Commr of Crown Lands, Adelaide
Memo/-
It is respectfully requested that the Superintendent of the Armory be instructed to issue a blanket to James
Jackson, a discharged prisoner.
[Walker]
20
1 June 1866
Memo/Messrs Harrold Brothers are informed their Tender for the supply of 25 doz American Tomahawks and 4 doz
American Axes, has been accepted. The Goods to be delivered to the Armory on or before the 5th Inst.
[Joseph C. O’Halloran]
21
1 June 1866
Mr Thomas MacDonald, ?Freeman Street, Adelaide
Sir,
In reply to your Tender for the supply of American Tomahawks and Axes, I am directed by the Protector to
inform you that it has not been accepted. The samples can be had on application to this Office.
[O’Halloran]
22
1 June 1866
Messrs G. Phillips & Co., Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to inform you that your Tender for the supply of Tomahawks and Axes has not been
accepted. The Samples can be had on application to this Office.
[O’Halloran]
23
1 June 1866
The Commr of Crown Lands
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will instruct the Superintendent of the Armory to receive from Harrold
Brothers ?& stamp? 25 doz American Tomahawks and 4 doz Axes. The whole to be delivered on or before
the 5th inst. Samples have been forwarded to the Armory.
[Walker]
24
4th June 1866
Messrs P. Levi & Co., Adelaide
Sir,
Referring to your letter of the 20th April last (3/66), I beg to inform you that the following is a list of the
Stores, as shown by our ?books? that have been forwarded to you for transmission to Boolcoomata and
Oulnina:
18 July 1863
250 lbs Sugar
Addressed to Messrs Levi & Spriggs, Oulnina
44 lbs of Tea
15 lbs of Tobacco
1 Bale of Blankets (25, Single)
18 July 1863
do.
do.
do.
For Dr. Hall, Boolcoomata
20 April 1864 1 Bale of Blankets (25) To Oulnina
“
“
“
To Boolcoomata
16 March 1865 1 Bale of Blankets (25) Oulnina
“
“
“
Boolcoomata
16 July 1865
1 Ton of Flour
Boolcoomata
250 lbs Sugar
44 lbs Tea
1 doz Quart Pots
2 doz Pannicans
[Walker]
25
4th June 1866
George Tallis Esq., J.P., ?MD? , Mount Gambier
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that Ranger Egan, the Issuer of Stores at Tarpeena, has been instructed to
apply to you for “Medical Advice and Medicine” for the Aborigines in the South Eastern District. I ?? have
the honor to request, that you will inform me for what Annual Sum you will be willing to undertake the
Medical charge of the Natives within a radius of say 20 miles of Mount Gambier.
[Walker]
26
5th June 1866
Mr John Field, Police trooper, Auburn
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 19th Ult., (26/66), acknowledging the receipt of fifty Blankets and requesting
information
as to the distribution of them, I beg to inform you that you ?must use your discretion in
giving them to those you think are in need of them.
[Walker]
27-28 Pages removed
29-31
J. T. Wildman, Esq.,
Sec: Crown Lands
Sir,
Referring to your letter of 19th April, inclosing an Extract from the letter from Sir Redmond Barry, President of
the late Colonial Exhibition, to the Hon. The Chief Secretary, inviting attention to a proposal to collect
evidence with respect “to the history, language, customs etc. of the Aboriginal Natives”, and requesting to be
informed how far I could assist in the proposal:
I have to state for the information of the Honble the Commissioner that my reply thereto was necessarily
deferred until after the matter had been submitted to the 30 Miscellaneous? Sub-Committee of the Paris
Exhibition.
At a meeting of Committee, held on the 5th Inst., an opportunity was afforded of ? signing? The project under
their notice, when, after due consideration it was resolved that, as the collection of such evidence did not
properly come within the province of the Committee, and could not be completed within the specified
period, they were unwilling to undertake it; but would endeavour to obtain a good collection of weapons and
implements, and some photographs of individuals, for the Paris Exhibition.
I trust ….. that means will be found of accomplishing ere long, a work of so interesting 31 and important
a character; and ….. individually, to render much assistance. I should be happy to co-operate with others
and should, with permission?, … … obtain the assistance of … gentlemen who are able and willing to
engage in it.
[Walker]
32
9 June 1866
The Hon. The Commissioner of Crown Lands
Sir,
I have the honor to request that the enclosed extract from an article published in the “Register” newspaper
of the 30th Ulto., may be forwarded to the officer in charge at Penola for Report, as to the accusation made
against him in the words which I have underlined.
[Walker]
33
9th June 1866
A.H. Landseer Esq., J.P.
Milang
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 30th Ulto., I beg to inform you that the statement made in my letter of the 7th
Ulto., was quite correct. The money £ 5/10/8 [five pounds ten shillings and eight pence] was paid to Mr.
Walters (of the Bank of ….. ) by yourself. I therefore beg to refer you to Mr. Walters, who will doubtless be
able to give you some further explanation.
[Walker]
34-35
11 June 1866
J.P. Buttfield Esq.
Sub-Protector of Aborigines
Port Lincoln
Sir,
The transfer of work from the Crown Lands Department to the Aborigines Dept necessitates a fresh
procuration order from you, addressed to the Protector of Aborigines, to enable your friend in Adelaide to
draw your Salary, as it will for the future be payable at this Office. I therefore enclose a form of procuration
for your signature. Your Salary for May will be paid as usual.
You will be good enough to forward to this Office formal a/cs. With sub-vouchers attached for all moneys
paid by you for sea passages on duty.
You will also be good enough to 35 send in with your Quarterly Reports a list of the persons to whom you
have sent letters together with the no. of stamps used. The number appended will then be returned to you
from this Office. Letters addressed to the Head of this Department need not be stamped.
[Walker]
36
12th June 1866
Mr John Watts, Stockport
Sir,
I beg herewith to forward you the sum of four shillings (4/-) in postage stamps being ?amount paid by you for
carriage per rail & charge of a parcel of blankets for the Aborigines Depot, Stockport.
[Walker]
37
13 June 1866
G.T. Wildman Esq., Secretary, Crown LNDS ETC
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 12th instant, intimating to me the desire of the Honble the Commissioner that I
should visit the South East without delay, I have the honor to state for his information that it is my intention
to proceed to that district tomorrow for the purpose of carrying out his instructions.
[Walker]
38
14th June 1866
E.T. Wildman Esq,
Secy Crown Lands
Sir,
In compliance with the directions contained in your Circular Letter of the ? Inst., I beg to forward the
enclosed Statement of the Roles of Personal …. …… allowances …. By myself and officers of my Department
when travelling on duty. With regard to their sufficiency I have the honor to refer you to my letter on the
subject, of the 13th July last & to request that it may be formally reconsidered.
[Walker]
39-40
14 June? 1866
? Commissioner of Crown Lands ?
The Sites? Shown in the accompanying drawings appear to be most judiciously chosen, all of them …. The
chief ?requirements for a Mission Station [on Yorke’s Peninsula] , being sufficiently remote from towns, and
other places where the white people are numerous, or to which they often resort.
The Surveyor-General has given good reasons for his preference of the block ?AA? on ?... No 3, and I have no
doubt that if selected by Government it will be found in his eminent degree? Suitable for the purpose.
I may … … without urging a different choice, that I know Point Pearce to be a favourite resort of the Natives,
and from its …. Position, and such information as I have been able to obtain without a personal visit to the
Point, ?but I feel disposed to recommend the … … … …
40 I would respectfully suggest that the ?required management of the Institution be entrusted to the
Aborigines’ Friends’ Association, ?and ….. being in my opinion most undesirable.
Whatever arrangement is made with regard to the tenure of the land I trust that care will be taken to render
its possession secure, so long as it is devoted to the benevolent purposes for which it is reserved.
[Walker]
41
?18th June 1866
E.T. Wildman Esq.,
Secy Crown Lands
Sir,
I am directed by the Protector of Aborigines to forward for the information of the Hon. The Commissioner of
Crown Lands the enclosed Return, from which he will see, that the Monthly Reports from the Issuer of Stores
is often greatly in arrears, while many fail to furnish one. Thus stores are often entirely consumed before the
Protector is aware of the fact.
[O’Halloran, Clerk]
42
22nd June 1866
Mrs Meredith, Moonta Mines
Madam,
In reply to your letter of the 18th June (59/66) requesting to know the division of government with regard to
the proposed Native Mission on Yorke’s Peninsula, I have the honor to inform you that the matter is still
under the consideration of the Government.
[O’Halloran]
43-69 [much of this is illegible]
?13th June 1866?
The Hon. Commissioner of Crown Lands
Sir,
I have the honor to forward for the information of His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief my report for the six
months ended 31st March.
The following is extracted from Mr Taplin’s Report of the 2nd January.
You will perceive that the number of Aborigines who have received relief is large, but this is explained by the
fact that during the past 10 months the old people of the Lake tribes have been of increased disposition to ….
This Station and make it their settled home. To many of them this is ?caused by the …. Of age and infirmity
and I am sure that the Government and people of South Australia 44 will be …. That these ….. [illegible,
just the odd word … ] I always encourage and assist them in ? employment and we have now made
arrangements at this Station which will ? an abundant supply of work for all who may need it.
We have reaped our harvest and it is a better crop than we had last year. The Blacks have by themselves ? ?
45 … Many of the Natives have been employed at reaping for the Settlers on the other side of the Lake
during the ?past ?quarter.
While I do not deny that there are ? of the Natives who continue obstinately bad, yet I am sure there is much
moral improvement and ? of our work here. ? ? there is a marked difference from old times. We have not
had any fighting for 18 months. Formerly fights were of monthly occurrence. Gambling ?? has been very
much decreased.
I am pleased to report to you that “Nipper” continues to improve in his conduct. He is now really a ?? 46
good workman. …… Writing again in April, Mr Taplin says
“The average number of Natives present on the Station during the past quarter has been quite 140. The
disposition on the part of the 47 Lake tribes to make this place their home continues to increase, and more
Natives continually are ? here than ?? a few years ago.
The Goolwa and Wellington Natives are always represented on this place, by some of their numbers. The
chief of the Wellington Blacks has taken up his ?? I suppose the constant attention their wants receive at
this Station is the cause of this state of things. Certainly it is to be wished that the Natives should be led to
?reside at a place so far from Public Houses as this is.
The School has been rather ?? as regards numbers during the last three months, as it always is in this quarter
of the year. I have had 22 pupils of all ages.
We are busily engaged in preparing ground for cultivation. The Natives have during the last six months
cleared for the plough 90 acres of good land. We hope to have 200 acres substantially fenced, 70b acres if
wheat? And ? 14 acres of hay by the end of ?? 48 [illegible] …. Lower Finniss ….. 49 …… 50
[illegible]
…… 52 Tarpeena …. 53
Northern Districts
Lake Hope [Gawler Ranges?]
Information having reached the Government that a serious Affray had taken place at Mr Elder’s Station near
Lake Hope, between his men and the Natives in the Neighbourhood, …. 4th January last, I was desired by the
Hon. the Commissioner to visit that locality without delay ”that by my presence I might prevent any 54
unnecessary measures of …. Towards the blacks which in their …. State of feelings might otherwise occur.”
These instructions were fully carried out …… I had the honor to submit the following report:
“In compliance with your instructions, I left town on the 7th January, and proceeded with Mr ?Swan
Stipendiary Magistrate, to Lake Hope where we arrived on the 30th of the same month.
“A party of Mounted Police, under Inspector ?Roe, was at the Station, but all the Natives, except a few
belonging to it and not implicated in the crimes lately committed, had disappeared from the neighbourhood.
“On the 31st an inquest was held before Mr Swan, Coroner, on the body of Carl Neumann, who died from the
effects of wounds received in the affray at ?Perigundi?, and a verdict returned of “wilful murder against
“Frenchman”, “Peter”, “Moonabuckanina Frank”, “Old Man ?Sacking”, “Freddy” and others and 55 …… of
Lake Hope and surrounding districts.”
From the evidence it appeared that for some time previously the Blacks had been “?killing the cattle in all
directions” and had ……. Who looked after them; and that …… [illegible, apart from odd words] …… 58
……. Having heard a report that a collision had taken place between some of the settlers accompanied by
Police Troopers Poynter and Gason, and the Lake Hope Blacks, in which one of the latter was shot, I
endeavoured on my arrival there, to obtain a knowledge of the facts sufficient to enable me to institute a
legal inquiry into the matter, but without success. …. Inspector Roe, to whom I repeatedly applied …… 59-60
[barely legible]
61
Blinman.
About fifty men gathered ?? ?? ?? when visited in February. …..
Port Augusta
“The average number of Natives at this Station since the middle of November according to the report of P.T.
Crofton, is about 90. Parties of them occasionally go out wallaby hunting, but they are chiefly dependent on
the Government Stores for necessary food.”
……
62
……
Yorke’s Peninsula.
The following extract is from the report of Mr Buttfield, Sub-Protector who visited the District in January.
“The results of my enquiries will I think be gratifying to the Government. I am satisfied the Blacks are treated
with kindness and generosity by the Settlers generally. Their health is on the whole good. I met with a few
who are suffering from catarrhal afflictions, and there are many aged and infirm men and women at ?several
sheep-stations, and in the townships.
The country abounds with game and fish, yet the Blacks are rapidly …..
63 …. [illegible] …..
Western Districts
During my …. In the North Mr Buttfield visited the …. Division also and reported as follows:
“I have the honor to forward 64 for the information of the Hon. The Commissioner of Crown Lands the
following ….. … ………… …………
“I have visited the following places viz., Coffin ‘s Bay, Lake Wangarie, ??, Mount Drummond, LAKE Hamilton,
Tungelta, Bramfield, Talia, ?? ?? ?? ?? ….. Streaky Bay, Kinkulta, Barabba, Karla, ?Calaultabie, and other
places??
65 – 67 [illegible]
68
…. I have already had the honor of expressing my opinion on the subject of Police protection for this district,
and of recommending the formation of a Station on the outskirts of the settled country in the Gawler Ranges.
69 ……
It is necessary also to state that suitable Medicines have again and again been sent to the depots referred to,
the supply having ……..
[Walker]
1
70
28th June 1866
Mr J.W. Bull, Glen Osmond
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 26th April to the Honble Commr of Crown Lands relative to the supply of some
blankets to the blacks at Reedy Creek. I have the honor to inform you that the Honble the Commr has
approve of the Protector of Aborigines’ suggestion, that they should obtain their blankets etc. from
Blanchetown, whither a supply for that purpose has been sent.
The Protector of Aborigines thinks blankets ought not to be distributed in Town or its immediate
neighbourhood, & that a boat is not needful when bark canoes, which answer their purpose, can be easily
obtained.
[O’Halloran]
71
8th June 1866
The Honble T. Elder, Adelaide
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will be good enough at your earliest convenience to state the cost per
ton for conveying Aborigines’ Stores to Lake Hope according to your present rate.
[O’Halloran]
72
28th June 1866
Phillip Levi Esquire, Adelaide
Sir,
In answer to your letter of 11th Inst. (63/66) I have the honor to inform you that your request has been
?complied with:
Ton of Flour, - 250 lbs of Sugar - ½ Chest of Tea – 30 Blankets
Will be ordered as soon as you state the address to which they are to be sent. The above stores are only to
be distributed to the sick and infirm Natives in the neighbourhood.
[O’Halloran]
73
28th June 1866
Mr R. Marshall, Baker, Narracoorte
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 20th Inst respecting an a/c for supplying bread to the Aborigines at
Narracoorte. I beg to inform you that it will be payable in the Treasury on the 4th next. It was sent too late
for May’s Schedule.
[O’Halloran]
74
2nd July 1866 [incorrectly written 1867]
The Honble the Commr of Crown Lands
Adelaide
Sir,
I have the honor by direction of the Protector of Aborigines to forward the endorsed Sub-?Internal? for the
Year 1867. The Protector of Aborigines prior to his leaving Town, intended to consult Mr Wildman about my
Salary, as his Clerk, & to act agreeably to his suggestions, but his hasty departure from Town prevented his
doing so. I have therefore left the columns blank and would respectfully request that you could fill in what
you consider proper. I would also respectfully inquire whether the fact of my being unavoidably off the fixed
Establishment from June until December 1866 will interfere with any chance of promotion I might have or
detract from my length of service.
[O’Halloran]
75
9th July 1866
Mr H. Walder, Bavarian Missionary
Care of the Hon. T. Elder, M.L.C., Adelaide
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following stores have been ordered & will be forwarded to Messrs
Tassie & Co, Port Augusta, to await first opportunity by Mr. Elder’s Camels, for conveyance on to Lake Hope.
1 Ton Flour (Seconds)
500 lbs Rice
400 lbs Sugar
50 lbs Tea
2 doz Pannicans
50 Blankets
5 doz Blue Shirts
1 doz Tomahawks
80 yards of Blue Serge
200 Needles
2 lbs Thread
100 Fishing Lines
500 Fishing Hooks
[O’Halloran]
76
9th July 1866
The Hon. T. Elder, M.L.C., Adelaide
Sir,
In reference to your letter of the 29th Ult. (?68/66) I beg to inform you that your offer to convey Stores from
Port Augusta to Lake Hope, at Fifty Pounds a Ton, has been accepted & that they have been forwarded to
Messrs Tassie & Co, Port Augusta, where they will await the first opportunity by your Camels.
[O’Halloran]
77
9th July 1866
Messrs J. Drew & Co., Kooringa
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to request that you could inform me at what rate you would carry Stores from Kooringa to
Boolcoomatta, for the use of the Aborigines. Such Stores being ordered from yourselves & Mr. Birks would
probably make up the cart-load by sending some stores of his own.
[O’Halloran]
78
12TH July 1866
John Bosworth Esq., J.P.
Wintalatingana
Sir,
Referring to your letter of the 27th Ulto. (78/66) I beg to inform you that, a fresh supply of Flour was
forwarded to you on the 18th June last, and also that you are empowered to engage a team for the
conveyance of them to your Station.
[O’Halloran]
79
16th July 1866
J.P. Buttfield Esq., J.P.
Sub-Protector of Aborigines
?? Blinman
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to sign the enclosed Promotion Order, & return it
to this Office before the close of the current month, to enable me to ?secure your salary and pay it to your
Agent in Adelaide. The Promotion Order given by you to the Secretary of Crown Lands is of no use now.
[O’Halloran]
80
17th July 1866
E.T. Wildman Esq., Secy Crown Lands
Memo/It is respectfully requested that the words “Aborigines Office” be printed on the wall at the top of the Stairs
leading to this Office and also on the doors.
[O’Halloran]
81
17th July 1866
Rev. W. Wilson,
The Manse, Kadina
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 9th Ulto. (53/66) I have the honor to inform you that your request, a supply of
rations to issue to the Children attending your School, has been complied with:
½ Ton Flour, 105 lbs Sugar, & ½ Chest of Tea, have this day been ordered and will be addressed to your care
at Kadina.
I have request that you will be good enough to confine the Issues entirely to the Children attending your
School & the ?? under your immediate care.
[O’Halloran]
82
17th July 1866
Corporal of Police, Wallaroo
Sir,
Reports having lately reached this office that the Natives have been suffering from want of food, I have to
request that you will be good enough for the future to send in requisitions for fresh supplies, before what
you have in hand is exhausted. You will also be good enough to keep the usual monthly Reports and forward
them to this Office. Six blank Report Forms were forwarded to you on the 13th Inst.
[O’Halloran]
83
18th July 1866
J. A. Angus Esq., Collingrove
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that Ten (10) bags of Flour and Two (2) bags of Sugar, for the Aborigines, at
Arrowie, are now at Messrs Tassie & Co.’s, Port Augusta, awaiting cartage to your Station. But as the lowest
Messrs Tassie & Co can get them taken up for, is Forty Five Pounds per Ton, you will oblige me by stating if
any arrangements can be made for sending them with your own Stores, the Govt paying their proportion of
the Expense.
[O’Halloran]
84
18 July 1866
Mr T. Jones,
Superintendent of Tramways, Goolwa
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 12th Inst (90/66) respecting an a/c due to Messrs Clark & Dodson, I have to
request that you will be good enough to forward an a/c stating items &c as the original does not appear to
have been received at the Crown Lands Office. If received before the 25th Inst, the amount will be paid early
next month at the Treasury.
[O’Halloran]
85
Mr Arthur Bell?
Long Island
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 19th Inst., (90/66) requesting permission to call in Dr. Masters to attend the
sick Natives at Long Island, I beg to inform you that you may do so, with you hearing further? From this Office
on the subject.
[O’Halloran]
86 torn out
87
25th July 1866
J. Duff Esq., ?Boolcoomata?
Sir,
I have to inform you that the following Stores have been ordered from ?? Kooringa, & will be forwarded to
you by dray sent up by Mr Birks, viz.,
1 ½ Tons flour, 200 lbs Sugar, ½ Chest Tea, 10 lbs Tobacco,
And I have to request that you will be kind enough to acknowledge the receipt thereof.
[O’Halloran]
88
26th July 1866
Corporal Mallon
Police Station, Mt Remarkable
Sir,
With reference to your letter of the 15th Inst, to the Chief Inspector of Police. I beg to inform you that a letter
was sent through the Commissioner of Police on the 8th Ulto. Apprising you that certain stores have been
forwarded to you for the use of the Aborigines. The weight of the Sugar is 500 lbs and Tea 82 lbs.
[O’Halloran]
89
27th July 1866
Revd. H. Walder, Bavarian Missionary [Kopperamanna?]
Care of the Hon. T.Elder, M.L.C., Adelaide
Sir,
I have the honor to forward you herewith a copy of “McKinlay’s Explorations” and Parliamentary Paper No.
12 of 12862. A copy of ?Sant’s? Explorations is not obtainable, it being out of print in England.
[O’Halloran]
90
2nd August 1866
Messrs Tassie & Co., Port Augusta
Gentlemen,
In answer to your letter of the 3rd Ulto., (81/66), respecting the cartage of stores to Arrowie, I beg to inform
you that arrangements have been made with Mr. J.H. Angas for conveying them with his own. The delay
caused by communicating with that gentleman, has I regret, prevented my answering your letter before.
[O’Halloran]
91
2nd August 1866
J.H.Angas Esq., Angaston?
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd Ulto., (100/66) respecting the cartage
of Stores to Arrowie, & beg to inform you that your offer to convey them there for Thirty Five Pounds per Ton
has been accepted, and that the Stores together with two dozen blankets, as requested in your letter, are
now awaiting removal from Messrs Tassie & Co, Port Augusta.
[O’Halloran}
92
3rd August 1866
Corporal Rollison, Wellington
Sir,
In your “Aborigines Return” for April, you state that you lent 40 lbs flour for the use of the blacks, and in the
one for May 200 lbs more appear to have been supplied by you, making altogether 340 lbs. In your “Return”
for June you acknowledge the receipt of 2000 lbs, but do not repay yourself the 340 lbs you lent. I have
therefore to request that you will inform me what you have done in the matter.
[O’Halloran]
93
8th August 1866
The Manager,
National Bank of A’asia, Adelaide
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will honor all cheques on a/c of this Dept. signed by myself, until further
notice.
[O’Halloran]
94
8th August 1866
J.W. Blackmore?
Asst. Sec: Crown Lands
Sir,
In compliance with the direction contained in your Circular Letter of the 28th Ulto., I have the honor to furnish
you with the enclosed list of officers in this Dept who are willing to enrol in the proposed “Civil Service” Rifle
Corps.
[O’Halloran]
95
List of Officers in the Aborigines Dept willing to enrol in the proposed “Civil Service” Rifle Corps.
[O’Halloran]
96
8th August 1866
A.H. Landseer J.P.
Milang
Sir,
In answer to your letter of 17th Inst., respecting the transfer of Aborigines’ Stores to Mr. Dann, Police
Trooper, I have to inform you that a printed copy of the Instructions has been forwarded to him, & to request
you will hand over to him the blank Monthly Reports forms that were forwarded to you in June last.
[Walker]
97
9th August 1866
The Hon. The Commr. Of Crown Lands
Sir
I have the honor to request that you will be pleased to approve of the enclosed “Advance Warrant” for the
sum of 25 pounds, to enable me to meet various petty Expenses.
[Walker]
98
10th August 1866
Mr Jas Messenger,
Mt. Deception
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 17th Ult., (119/66), I beg to inform you that the Stores you ask for have been
ordered and an invoice of them forwarded to you.
The enclosed a/c will be paid (by a Post Office Order) on you receipting it and returning it again to this Office.
You will oblige by forwarding a Report of the Stores already issued by you, and also by keeping up the
Monthly Returns as per form already supplied you.
[Walker]
99
4th Sept 1866
Hon. Commr of Crown Lands
Sir,
Being unable to discharge the duties of my office and acting on advice of my Medical Attendant, whose
certificate I enclose, I have the honor to request leave of absence for 18 months to enable me to take a
voyage to Europe for the restoration of my health.
I also beg that time may be given me ?provide a fit & proper substitute.
[Walker]
100
4th Sept 1866
Messrs Ormerod & Co., Robe
Gentlemen,
In answer to your letter of the 17th Ult., (143/66), I beg to enclose you a cheque, drawn by the Protector of
Aborigines on the National Bank, Adelaide, for the sum of (£ 5.5.1) five pounds five shillings and one penny,
and to request that you will obtain from the carter a receipt & forward it to this office as early as possible.
[O’Halloran]
101 Cancelled
102
4th? September 1866
J.P. Buttfield Esq., J.P.
Sub-Protector of Aborigines, Blinman
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 30 June last (77/66), requesting an increase of salary, I beg to inform you that
it has been laid before the Hon. Commr. Of Crown Lands, who has been pleased to place you on the
Estimates for ?three hundred pounds per Annum, with forage allowance for two horses.
[Walker]
103
6th Sept 1866
J.P. Buttfield Esq., J.P.
Sub-protector of Aborigines
Blinman
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 15th June (52/66), requesting permission to make ?Nunabena your head
quarters, I have the honor to inform you that the Hon. The Commr. Considers it desirable that the head
quarters of the Sub-Protector should be at Blinman.
[Walker]
104
6th September 1866
Mr. J. Darling, Parkside?
Sir,
Referring to a conversation we had somewhere about the end of May or beginning of June last relative to
some inferior flour supplied by you to the Depot at Lower Finniss, during which you admitted a claim for
twenty pounds as compensation, I have now the honor to inform you, that 12 Tons, in parcels of one and two
tons, were supplied on the same date and as samples have been ?? from the Depots of 2?4? Tons
corresponding in quality and all of it inferior, it is fair to infer that the whole lot was bad; & I am therefore of
opinion that the sum of sixty pounds should be refunded, which sum should be subtracted from your next
account.
[O’Halloran]
105
6th September 1866
Mrs. Smith, Matron, ‘Home’,
Mount Gambier
Madam,
In answer to your letter of 4th July last (130/66) respecting the accommodation required for the sick blacks at
Mount Gambier, I have the honor to inform you that in my Report of my visit to the South East, I have
recommended that the proposed building should be ?directed? ?created?
[Walker]
106
6th September 1866
Mr James Messenger, Mt. Deception
Sir,
With reference to your letter of the 20th Ult. (150/66), suggesting that a larger supply of Sugar should be
issued daily to the blacks, ?? I cannot comply with your suggestions.
The sample of bad flour has been received, but it is now too late to do anything in the matter. You would
much oblige by always reporting the state of the Stores when you acknowledge their receipt.
[O’Halloran]
107
C.B. Young Esq.,
Adelaide
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 17th Ult., (138/66), respecting the supply of certain articles for the Aborigines
School at Lacepede Bay, I have the honor to inform you that your request has been complied with & that
arrangements will be made immediately for supplying the required articles.
[O’Halloran]
108
12th Sept 1866
S.K. Ellison Esq., M.D.
Port Augusta
Sir,
In answer to your letter of 6th Ult., (135/66), I have to request that you will forward to this Office, accounts
(duly certified by the Issuer of Stores) for any Medical Attendance or Medical Comforts you may deem it
necessary for the Aborigines to have, the payment of which will thus be considered.
[O’Halloran}
109
12 Sept 1866
C.B. Young Esq., Adelaide
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the following articles, as per list enclosed in your letter of the 17 th Ult.,
(130/66), will be ordered from the Govt Contractor & forwarded to your care for the school at Lacepede Bay.
2 Iron Pots
1 cast iron fountain
2 doz ½ pint Pannicans
2 doz deep tin plates
2 doz Spoons
6 Butcher knives
3 ?cheap? Kerosene Lamps
1 pair of ? , weights & scales
1 large gallon tea pot
4 deep tin milk ??
2 galvanized iron wash tubs
3 galvanized iron buckets
1 Iron ?
18 Blankets & 18 Rugs
And 2 one-gallon Billy Cans.
The 12 ?Sutchers?, 2 tables and 4 forms had better be made at Lacepede Bay and the account rendered to
this Office.
[O’Halloran]
110
12th Sept 1866
Mr. Thos. Brown,
?Ryclands?
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 30th Ult., (154/66), respecting a supply of Rations for the Natives at Mt. Victor, I
have the honor to inform you that your request has been complied with & that 2 Ton flour, 500 lbs Sugar &
82 lbs Tea will be ordered from the Contractor, as soon as inform me how you wish them addressed. Could
not arrangements be made for the drays to meet the Stores at Kapunda, whither they would be sent by rail.
[O’Halloran]
111
12 Sept 1866
Messrs J. Newman & Son,
Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Memorandum of the 7th Inst., and in reply have to request
that you will be good enough to have all flour, forwarded to you for the Aborigines, ?? sampled? Prior to its
being shipped.
[Walker]
112
13 Sept 1866
The Revd. P.S. Hinterocher,
Seven Hill College
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to make your application in writing, so that the
matter may be referred to the Hon. The Commr. Of Crown Lands for his approval.
[O’Halloran]
113
5th October 1866
I.N. Blackmore
Secy Crown Lands & Immig.
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose [for] you herewith a Statement shewing the repayment of the “Aborigines”
Advance in compliance with Circular Letter of the 10th Ult.
[O’Halloran]
[Appended]
Aborigines Advance
Amount of advance held by the Protector of Aborigines to meet expenses incurred during the Lake Hope
Expedition
£100 – 0 - 0
Amount of advance held by the Protector of Aborigines for Petty Cash Expenses
£20 – 0 – 0
[114]
Advance paid to Treasury as follows
1. Amount paid out of advance as per Schedule rendered for Audit and not yet repaid
£20 -14 – 9
2. Amount of Lake Hope Schedule, lying in office, not yet rendered for Audit
£80 -15 – 9
3. Amount of expenditure out of Petty Cash, since last Schedule was rendered for Audit
£1 - 1 – 0
4.
Amount of advance to Police Trooper Gason (to enable him to take back to Lake Hope 2 Native prisoners,
just discharged from Gaol) as per receipt attached
£7 - 0 – 0
5. Balance paid into Treasury as per Treasurer’s receipt attached
£10 - 8 - 6
Vide Article 46 – General Instructions
(Signed 3/10/66 Jos. C. O’Halloran
For Protector of Aborigines]
N.B. A copy of this Statement (together with the receipts belonging to heads 4 and 5) has been forwarded
to the Audit Office.
[J. C. O’H, per P.A.]
115
31st Oct 1866
H. Jones Esq., Binnum Binnum
Sir,
I have the honor to forward you herewith a copy of Instructions regarding the issue of Aboriginal Stores &
also by the same mail some blank forms, referred to in Clauses Nos. 2 and 4 of the above Instructions. If you
can make it convenient to comply with the latter Clause you would greatly oblige.
I have to inform you that Messrs Ormerod & Co. have been instructed to give a passage to Adelaide to the
sick Native woman from Binnum & that she will be received into the Hospital on arrival.
[O’Halloran]
116
31st Oct 1866
Revd. ?J.W. Hinterocher S.J.
Seven Hill College
Sir,
?In answer to your letter of the 19th Ult., (174/66?) requesting assistance for the Aboriginals and their
families residing near Seven Hill College, I have the honor to inform your request cannot be complied with, as
Government assistance is only given to Natives who are unable to provide for themselves.
[O’Halloran]
117
31st Oct 1866
Mr Malcolm McDonald, Kingston
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 15th Inst (194/66?), respecting the payment for cartage of some Stores from
Robe to Border Town, I have to request that you will be good enough to forward the a/c to this Office,
together with cart notes & receipts, before the 23rd next. It will then be payable in the Treasury on or after
the 4th of the following month.
[O’Halloran]
118
1 November 1866
Mr Dawson, The Hummocks, Port Wakefield
Sir,
I beg to inform you that at the request of Mr. R.B. Smith some stores for the Aborigines in the neighbourhood
of the Hummocks have been forwarded to you for distribution.
I enclose you herewith a copy of the Instructions regarding the issue of Govt. Rations & also by the same Mail
some blank forms referred to in Clauses 2 and 4 of the above Instructions, the latter of which you will oblige
the Protector of Aborigines by attending to as far as you are able.
[O’Halloran]
119
5th Nov 1866
Corporal Bentley, Police Station, Overland Corner
Sir,
I beg herewith to forward you the sum of one pound (£ 1, No. 28203, National Bank), being payment to Harry
and Jimmy ?Tiah (two Aboriginals) for freight, on two bales of blankets from Blanchetown to Overland
Corner. Please be good enough to acknowledge the receipt of this.
[O’Halloran]
120
5th Nov 1866
Mr James Messenger,
Beltana, Mt Deception
Sir,
I beg herewith to forward you the sum of One Pound (£ 1, No. 100975 National Bank) being payment for
ointments and eye lotions etc. supplied to the Aborigines in your Neighbourhood.
I regret there should have been any delay in the payments of this a/c but the Aborigines Advance had been
repaid to the Treasury and a fresh one not granted before. Please acknowledge the receipt.
[O’Halloran]
121
1st? Nov 1866
R.B. Smith Esq., Adelaide
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that ½ Ton Flour 125 lbs Sugar & 40 lbs Tea have been forwarded to Port
Wakefield, addressed to Mr Dawson, The Hummocks, for distribution to the Aboriginals in the
neighbourhood. They will remain at Port Wakefield until called for by you, according to promise.
[O’Halloran]
122
5th Nov 1866
Mr. C.K.T. Kruse, Milang
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that your Tender for the supply of Eighteen Boats for the use of the
Aborigines, at Six pounds five shillings and six pence (£ 6. 5. 6) per boat has been ?? according to terms
expressed therein – but I beg most ?distinctly to inform that the Boats must correspond in every respect to
the description forwarded to you from this Office, of which I enclose you another copy below.
Copy of Description of Boats required
16 feet long
4 feet wide
1 ½ feet ??
To be made of Joined ?Battens and fastened with copper nails - ?? bottom without keel? ?? ?? with timbers
[knees?] (1 ½ inches wide by ?same in thickness) 15 inches apart and a half timber ?Between. Gunwale
knees and a small ring at each ?? ?? requires boats to be tarred and delivered at Milang. Tender to state
when they will be delivered.
[Walker]
123
5th Nov 1866
Mr George Measday, Port Adelaide
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that your Tender for the supply of Eighteen Boats for the use of the
Aborigines has not been accepted.
[Walker]
124
5th Nov 1866
Mr John Bristow, Port Adelaide
Sir,
I hve the honor to inform you that your Tender for the supply of Eighteen Boats for the use of the Aborigines
has not been accepted.
[Walker]
125
5th Nov 1866
[illegible, but perhaps on the same subject as the two letters above]
126
5th Nov 1866
Mr W. Edwards, Glenelg
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that your tender for the supply of Eighteen Boats for the use of the Aborigines
has not been accepted.
[Walker]
127
5th Nov 1866
Mr J. Mitchelmore, Lefevre Peninsula
Same as above.
128
Same letter to Mr J. Blakeley, Port Adelaide
129
Same letter to Mr James MacAllan, Port Adelaide
130
Same letter to Mr W.H. Walker, North Adelaide
[Walker]
131
Mr Andrew Harte P.T.
Police Station, Venus Bay
Sir,
In your “Report” of the Aborigines for July last, you have suggested that a Boat be supplied to your depot for
their use, & I have now to request that you will be good enough to furnish me with a description of a suitable
one for fishing purposes.
[O’Halloran]
132
6th Nov 1866
Thomas J. Taylor Esq.,
Winnatara, via Kooringa
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 11th Sept last (170/66) requesting that some ration be supplied for the use of the
Natives at Winnatara, I have the honor to inform you that your application cannot be complied with, owing
to the proximity of Winnatara Station to Mr Remarkable where there is a Depot. (By direction)
[O’Halloran]
133
6th Nov 1866
Mrs Smith, Aborigines Home, Mount Gambier
Madam,
Referring to your Letter of the 31st July last (120/66) requesting increased accommodation for the Aborigines
at Mt Gambier, I have the honor to inform you that the Government regret that they must decline to make
the outlay asked for. (By direction)
[O’Halloran]
134
7th November 1866
H. Boucaut Esq, ?Kitchowla? via Kooringa
Sir,
In reply to your Letter of the 10th September last (70/66) requesting a supply of rations for the Natives at
Kitchowla, I have the honor to inform you that the Hon. The Commissioner of Crown Lands has been pleased
to accede to your request, and that 1 Ton Flour, 250 lbs Sugar, & half a Chest of Tea will be forwarded to you
as soon as you advise me of the best means of sending. (By direction)
[O’Halloran]
135
8th Nov. 1866
Dr. Lawson
Port Lincoln
Sir,
A letter has just been sent from Mr. H.A. Crawford of Streaky Bay, calling attention to some disorder, that has
broken out among the Natives, resembling Small Pox.
I have to request that you will be good enough to visit those sick, and report as soon as possible. Please do
whatever you consider necessary & forward you’re a/c to this Office. (By direction)
[O’Halloran]
136
10th Nov. 1866
H.A. Crawford Esq., J.P.
Streaky Bay
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 27th Ult., (206/66) stating that some
disorder, resembling Small Pox, had broken out among the Natives at Streaky Bay, and to inform you that Dr.
Lawson of Port Lincoln has been requested to visit them and do whatever he thinks necessary. (By direction)
[O’Halloran]
137
14th Nov. 1866
J.W. Blackmore Esq.,
Secy Crown Lands
Sir,
In reply to your Letter of the 23rd Ult., (175/66), requesting to be informed of the steps that have been taken
for the examination of Stores delivered by the Contractors for the use of the Aborigines, I have the honor to
report as follows:
The whole of the articles supplied to the Aborigines (with the exception of Flour, ?? and Tinware) are
delivered at the Armory and there examined by the Supt. and myself. The greater part of the flour passing
through Messrs Newman & Son’s hands, I have instructed them to examine it previous to shipment, taking
care that each parcel sent is according to contract, that is to say, seconds flour of the best quality. With
respect to groceries and supplies not included in the above arrangement I have directed my Clerk to examine
and compare with samples any parcel before leaving the premises of the Contractor.
[Walker]
138
15th Nov. 1866
Mr W. Attiwill, McGrath’s Flat
Sir,
In reply to your Letter of the 3rd Inst. (209/66), I beg to inform you that Stores have been ordered this day for
the Aborigines at McGrath’s Flat. I enclose you herewith a copy of the Letter of Instructions regarding the
issue of rations, also, by the same mail some forms (referred to in Clauses 2 and 4) of which I will send a fresh
supply shortly.
[O’Halloran]
139
15th Nov. 1866
H. Boucaut Esq.,
Kitchowla via Kooringa
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 12th Inst., requesting that the Stores for the Aborigines
at your Station might be forwarded to Messrs S. Dun & Co., Kooringa, & inform you that they have this day
been ordered.
I enclose you herewith a copy of the Instructions regarding issues, also by the same mail some forms,
(referred to in Clauses 2 & 4) of which I will send a fresh supply shortly. (by direction)
[O’Halloran]
140
15th Nov. 1866
J.P. Buttfield Esq., J.P.
Sub-Protector of Aborigines, Blinman
Sir,
In reference to your Letter of the 29th Sept Ult., (152/66) enclosing one from Mr. R.J. Lawrence to yourself, in
which he again urges his claim to be reimbursed for rations he supplied to the Aborigines at ?Undanamatana
Mine, I have the honor to inform you that the Hon. The Commr. Of Crown Lands has no further reply to give
than that contained in his Letter to Mr. Lawrence of the 4th September last.
[O’Halloran]
141
15th Nov. 1866
J.P. Buttfield, Esq., J.P.
Sub-Protector of Aborigines, Blinman
Sir,
In reply to your Letter of the 20th Ult. (199/66) suggesting that a Clause be incorporated with the Bill for the
establishment of Reformatories for destitute vagrant children, so as to include the? Half-caste children, I have
the honor to inform you that your suggestions were laid before the Chief Secretary who does not think the
Clause necessary.
[O’Halloran]
142
J.P. Buttfield Esq., J.P.
Sub-Protector of Aborigines, Blinman
Sir,
In answer to your Letter of the 13th Ult. (191/66) I have the honor to inform you that the Hon. The Commr. of
Crown Lands has granted your application for leave to visit your family about Christmas time, but he thinks it
undesirable that the Western District should be so soon visited again, and inexpedient that you should be so
long absent from your own District, as such a tour would render necessary.
With regard to your periodical visit to the Northern Depots, I beg to inform you that under ordinary
circumstances I think half-yearly visits are sufficient; but a good deal must necessarily be left to your own
discretion. (By direction)
[O’Halloran]
143-144
19th Nov. 1866
The Hon. The Commr. of Crown Lands
Sir,
Referring to your Letter of the 6th September last, in reply to my application for leave of absence on the
ground of serious illness, I have the honor to state that the period of six months granted by the Government
is as short as to preclude a trial of the only remedial likely to be beneficial to my health, viz., a long sea
voyage and an entire change of climate for a season.
I have therefore respectfully to request that six months additional (being one year from this date) may be
granted for the purpose of enabling me to make a voyage to Europe.
In the event of this application being granted, I beg to propose as my substitute Mr. E.B. Scott, 144
formerly Sub-Protector at Mooroonde who is now in Town and willing to commence at once the discharge of
the duties of my office.
[Walker]
145
20th Nov. 1866
J.P. Buttfield, Esq., J.P.
Sub-Protector of Aborigines, Blinman
Sir,
In reply to your Letter of the 13th Ult. (190/66) [barely legible] ?? the receipt of Medicines and requesting a
supply of small ?? & medical comforts …… ……. …… forwarded to you on the 6 Feb? …. ?? has been
forwarded to the Issuer.
I have to request that you will state what “Medical Comforts” you require, and also that you will send to this
office a formal requisition for the quantity with kind of Stationery required by you and also for a map of the
Northern districts. (By direction)
[O’Halloran]
146
20th Nov. 1866
Mr W. Saltmarsh,
Waterside, Milang
Sir,
In reference to your “Report” for the month of September last, in which you state that the Natives have no
ground on which they can rest themselves except the Roads where the settlers will not allow them to remain,
I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to inform me if the Natives could not be persuaded
to go to Milang, where there is ground for them to erect their dwellings upon, and where a Depot has
recently been established. (By direction)
[O’Halloran]
147
20th Nov. 1866
Mr Arthur Webb,
Swan Port,
Long Island, River Murray
Sir,
In reply to your Letter of the 28th August last (?157/66) respecting the purchase of an acre of land by the river
side, for the purpose of building an Aboriginal Store Room, I beg to inform, that I found on enquiry at the
Survey Office, that all the Sections in the neighbourhood of Long Island (with the exception of Sectns 73 & 68
and they are not to be sold just yet) are taken up.
[O’Halloran]
148
20th Nov 1866
James B. Blackmore Esq.,
Sec: Commr of Crown Lands
Sir,
In reply to your Letter of the 15th Inst (219/66) requesting a Report as to the desirability of all Monthly
Returns &c &c from the Northern Aboriginal Depots being forwarded to this Office through Sub-Protector
Buttfield, I have the honor to state for the information of the Hon. The Commissioner of Crown Lands, that I
think the result to be derived from such a course would be most beneficial; but I am of opinion that all
applications for fresh supplies should come direct, so as to avoid the delay which would often arise from the
absence of the Sub-Protector from his head quarters.
[Walker]
149
22 Nov. 1866
Revd. J. Lyall
Secy, Aborigines’ Friends’ Association
Flinders Street, Adelaide
Sir,
The Hon. The Commr. of Crown Lands, requiring the following information with respect to the Wilkins family
{cf. ‘Unearthed’}, maintained by the Govt at Point McLeay, I am desired by the Protector of Aborigines to
inquire if you will be kind enough to inform him of what you know regarding the matter.
1st.
Who decided on placing the family at Point McLeay ?
nd
2 .
What rate of payment was guaranteed, by whom, to whom and when.
rd
3 .
How long is the payment to continue ?
th
4 .
What are the ages of Henry and Eliza Wilkins ? at what are they employed ? and what is the
?prospect of them in maintaining themselves ? (By direction)
[O’Halloran]
150
23rd Nov. 1866
Mr J. Jones P.T.
Police Station, Port Wakefield
Sir,
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 13th Inst., stating that you had received Five bags of
Flour for the Aborigines & in reply I beg to inform you that the flour was addressed to Mr. Dawson, The
Hummocks & was not intended for the Pt Wakefield Depot.
If you have not yet used any of the flour, please do not do so, but let it remain until sent for by Mr. R.B.
Smith. If you will reply by return of post, I will immediately make arrangements for sending up some more,
either for Mr Dawson or yourself.
I am at a loss to understand how the mistake could have occurred, since the flour was addressed to Mr.
Dawson, The Hummocks, to be left at Pt. Wakefield until sent for by Mr. R.B. Smith.
[O’Halloran]
151
28th Nov. 1866
Mr. T. Drought, P.T., Wellington
Sir,
In reply to your Letter of the 10th Inst (215/66) enclosing a Tender for making dresses for the Aboriginal
women at Wellington, for the sum of three shillings & Six pence per dress, I beg to inform you that you are
hereby authorized to accept the Tender.
I enclose you herewith the sum of two shillings (2/-) in postage stamps, being payment for the clay pipes
purchased by you for the Natives.
[O’Halloran]
152
27th Nov. 1866
Mr T. Jones,
Supt. Goolwa Tramway
Sir,
In reply to your Letter of the 16th Inst. (222/66) enclosing accounts for freight and repairs to the Aborigines’
Boat at Goolwa, I beg to inform you that they have been forwarded to the Audit Office, and will be payable at
the Treasury early next month.
With reference to the a/c for repairs to the Goolwa Boat, I have to remind you that authority should be
obtained from the Protector of Aborigines for any expenditure that may be necessary. (By direction)
[O’Halloran]
153
5th December 1866
J.P. Buttfield Esq., J.P.
Sub-Protector of Aborigines, Blinman
Sir,
I have the honor to forward you herewith a copy of a Circular Letter forwarded to all the Depots in the Far
North from which the Issuers furnish Monthly Reports. The Hon. The Commr. of Crown Lands desires that
you will pay particular attention to the issues shewn in the Returns so that you may be able to report on the
correctness and judiciousness of their distribution. I have also to request that you will forward the Returns
to this Office, as soon as you have made a ?clear examination thereof, with any remarks you may see fit to
make.
[Walker]
154
5th December 1866
Circular
For Issuers at Arrowie, Pt Augusta, Lake Hope, Mt. Deception, Mt. Remarkable, Blinman;
the Depots in the Far North do not furnish Reports ……
Sir,
the remainder of
I have to request, by desire of the Hon. The Commr of Crown Lands, that you will forward your Monthly
Reports through the Sub-Protector of Aborigines, whose head quarters are at the Blinman.
But all applications for fresh Stores, and also receipts for the same, should be forwarded direct to this Office,
to avoid any delay that might arise from the absence of the Sub-Protector from his head quarters.
Returns to be forwarded to the Blinman not later than the seventh of each month & to be addressed as
follows viz., The Sub-Protector of Aborigines, Blinman.
[‘John Walker’]
155
6th December 1866
E.B. Scott Esq., J.P.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the formal approval of the Government for my taking twelve months’
leave of absence from the 1st Inst inclusive, has by desire of the Hon. The Commr been this morning conveyed
to me, with an intimation that the Govt agree to accept you as my substitute.
May I beg your attendance here tomorrow at 10 am, in order that you may be initiated in the duties of the
office.
[Walker]
156
6th December 1866
Rev. F.W. Cox [AFA]
Surrey Lodge, Norwood
Sir,
In reply to your Letter of the 20th Ult. (227/66), respecting the Mission Station at Point Pierce, Yorke’s
Peninsula, I have the honor to request that you would furnish a plan of what would be required, shewing the
boundaries with reference to the Three Wells at Point Pierce, or at the Landing Place near there; otherwise it
may be found that the land resumed does not include that required, as at least two miles near the wells is
swampy.
[Walker]
157
6th December 1866
The Hon. The Commr of Crown Lands
Sir,
Referring to your Minute of the 20? 25/1/66 on the monthly “Return” for September from Lacepede Bay,
respecting the sickness prevailing amongst the Natives in that place & requesting a Special Report thereon, I
have the honor to state
1st.
That a cold and humid atmosphere, & sudden changes of temperature (which in their action upon
the system, are favoured by the habits, occupations & dwellings &c of the Natives, are the chief cause of the
diseases then and there, prevalent.
2nd.
That the country at Lacepede Bay is low and swampy and to a great extent covered with water during
the winter months.
3rd.
That the weather during the past season has been unusually cold and ?miserable.
For the above reasons it is not surprising tht “Some colds and Rheumatism” should have been more
prevalent lately at Kingston than in more favorable localities or even at that Station in more favorable
seasons.
[Walker]
158
?6th December 1866
The Manager, National Bank, Adelaide
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that E.B. Scott Esq. has been appointed by the Hon the Commr of Crown
Lands as my ?? during my absence in England, & I have therefore to request that you will honor ?all cheques
?upon the Aborigines [Office] & ?? signed by that gentleman.
[Walker]
159
7th December 1866
Mr Alexander Campbell, Penola
Sir,
I beg to forward you herewith a Cheque for Five pounds five shillings (£ 5. 5. 0) drawn by the Protector of
Aborigines on the National Bank of Australasia, being payment for cartage of Stores from Robe to Penola, and
to request that you will acknowledge receipt thereof.
I have also to request that you will receipt the enclosed account and get your signature witnessed,
forwarding it back to this office, as soon as possible. 9By direction)
[O’Halloran]
160
21st December 1866
Mr Josiah Andrews, care of Mr. E. Kenny,
Hindmarsh Valley
Ir,
I have the honor by direction of the Hon the Commr of Crown Lands to acquaint you, that your application for
a Section of land made on behalf of an Aboriginal Native, known as Billy, cannot be complied with.
[E.B. Scott]
161
26th December 1866
Mr W. Saltmarsh, Waterside, Milang
Sir,
In reply to your Letter of the 1st Inst. (260/66) I have the honor to inform you that I approve of your
suggestion to leave the Stores, that were last forwarded to you, in charge of the Police Trooper at Milang,
taking care to obtain a receipt from him. The Natives belonging to Waterside can obtain rations at the
Milang Depot when required and in the usual manner.
[Scott]
162
3rd January 1867
McArthur Kingborough & Co.
Sir,
In reply to your Tender for blankets of 14th Ult., I beg to inform you that (250) Two hundred and fifty pairs as
per sample No. 3 @ (15/3) fifteen shillings and threepence per pair, have been accepted. Sample No. 3 will
be retained in this Office, and the remaining ones can be had by you on application. Delivery to be made at
the Govt Store on Tuesday the 8th Inst.
[Scott]
163
3rd January 1867
Mr Charles Draper
Sir,
In reply to your Tender for Blankets of the 14th Ult., I have the honor to inform you that it has not been
accepted. The samples forwarded by you to this Office can be had on application.
[Scott]
164
3rd January 1867
Messrs D. & W. Murray
Sir,
In reply to your tender for Blankets of the 14th Ult., I beg to inform you that (300) Three hundred pairs as per
sample No. 3 @ (15/6) Fifteen shillings and sixpence per pair, have been accepted. Sample No. 3 will be
retained in this Office, & No. 4 can be obtained by you on application. Delivery to be made at the Govt. Store
on Tuesday the 8th Inst.
[Scott]
165
3rd January 1867
Mr. C. H. T. Kruse, Milang
Sir,
In reply to your Letter of the 26th Nov. last (242/66), respecting the Boats you are building for the Natives, I
beg to inform you that the Hon the Commr of Crown Lands has been pleased to approve of your building
them of New Zealand pine instead of Baltic ?Deal as originally agreed upon. I regret that an answer to your
letter should have been delayed so long, but the matter had to be referred to the Govt. boat builder.
[Scott]
166
3rd January 1867
Mrs Smith, Matron
Aborigines Home, Mount Gambier
Madam,
I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to make out your accounts for the maintenance of
the half-casts & Native Children under your charge per calendar month, dating from the 1 st to the last day.
Thus your next one ought to be to the 31st December, not from 1st to 31st January, and so forth. By this
means, a great deal of trouble and confusion will be avoided & I beg you will strictly comply with this request.
[Scott]
167
3rd January 1867
Mr J. Dann, P.T., Milang
Sir,
I beg to inform you that the Aborigines Depot at Waterside near Milang having been done away with, the
Stores now in your possession addressed to ‘Mr W. Saltmarsh’ will be retained by you and to request that
you will forward a receipt to this Office.
The Natives from Waterside will probably only call once a week for rations, when you will please be good
enough to issue them a week’s supply, entering them in the daily column of your Returns & always excepting
able-bodied people.
[Scott]
168
4th January 1867
Mr T. Jones, Supt, Railway, Goolwa
Sir,
In returning you the enclosed account for a reply to my minute therein of the 3 rd Inst., I must beg to refer you
to my Letter of the 27th November last & have to request that for the future you will comply with the request
therein contained, that no expenditure or ?? by the Aborigines should be incurred without authority from
this Office. I must also refer you to Clause 7 of Letter of Instructions.
[Scott]
169
4th January 1867
Memo/The Supt of the Armory is requested to receive on Tuesday the 8th Inst. The following quantity of blankets
from the under-mentioned persons & to have them branded with the broad arrow:
Messrs D. & W. Murray
300 pairs of white blankets as per Sample No. 3 herewith.
McArthur & Kingborough & Co. 250 pairs of blue blankets as per Sample No. 3 herewith.
The Blankets to correspond in every respect with the samples forwarded.
[Scott]
170
4th January 1867
Mr J. O’Keefe, ?Title? Registrar’s Office, Robe
Sir,
The Hon the Commr of Crown Lands will cause permission to be granted to Mr & Mrs Charlton for the use of
a Section of land; but the land in question will not be alienated from the Crown and the supervision of its
management will be subject to the Acting Protector.
It will be necessary should this privilege be accepted by Mr & Mrs Charlton to forward to this Office, a tracing
of the land required and a description of its whereabouts for the information of the Hon the Commr of Crown
Lands before permission can be given.
[Scott]
171
4 Jany 1867
Mr Richard Dale, Redruth
Sir,
Your Letter of the 27th Feby 1866 on the subject of Daniel and Mrs Pritchard came under my notice a few
days since. I can only regret that so little notice should have been taken of it for so long a period.
The Hon the Commr of Crown Lands has been recently pleased to offer a Native the use of a Section of Land,
under certain conditions and if the Pritchards are still worthy people, I dare say the same privilege would be
granted to them. May I ask you to be good enough to reply to this Letter at your earliest convenience.
[Scott]
172
11 January 1867
The Sub-Protector of Aborigines,
Blinman, Far North
Sir,
By direction of the Hon the Commr of Crown Lands, I have to request that you will be good enough to
explain, at your earliest convenience, your views on the subject of a Tribunal being erected? For the summary
punishment of Natives who may break the law.
[Scott]
173
11th January 1867
The Sub-Protector of Aborigines
Blinman, Far North
Sir,
I am directed by the Hon the Commr of Crown Lands to request that you will furnish a Report as early as
possible upon the desirability or otherwise of continuing the issue of Stores at all places where the Issuers are
not in the Govt Service. This of course only refers to Depots under your charge.
[Scott]
174
The Sub-Protector of Aborigines
Blinman, Far North
Sir,
In reply to your suggestions that payments should be made in Cash for Stores issued by Messrs. Sims &
Swann, I have to inform you that the Hon the Commr of Crown Lands has been pleased to approve of it. You
must however be advised of all issues made at Stations in your District, but as a system, I would for the future
discourage it.
[Scott]
175
14th January 1867
The Sub-Protector of Aborigines
Blinman, Far North
Sir,
Referring to a Letter from Mr. Davis (Ab. 180/66) of ?Mattawarrangala, refusing to furnish Returns of rations
issued at his Station unless some person on his place be paid for so doing, I have to inform you that the Hon
the Commr of Crown Lands thinks it undesirable that rations should be issued at any Depot without proper
Returns being rendered, as he has a great reluctance in commencing a system of payments to Issuers, being
Lessees of the Crown Lands. I have therefore to request that you will either report on the desirability of
doing away with the Depot altogether, or else so arrange matters that some neighbour of Mr Davis’ might
undertake (gratuitously) the duties of Issuer. Early attention to this matter will oblige.
[Scott]
176
21st Jan 1867
Mr Taplin
Point McLeay
I am requested by the Hon the Commr of Crown Lands to ask you to explain the emergency that caused you
to issue extra stores to the Natives in December last.
[Scott]
178
22nd January 1867
Secy? Crown Lands &c?
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st Inst and I have to acquaint you for the
information of the Hon the Commr of Crown Lands that it is my ?intention to visit Point McLeay, Milang,
Wellington, Long Island and Clarendon during the early part of the ensuing month, and if not otherwise
detained by duty in Adelaide I will loose no time in visiting all the other Stations under my immediate
supervision, as soon as I possibly can.
I have read the leading Article in the “Register” of the 21st inst on the subject of the Natives at Point McLeay,
and I would respectfully observe that I see nothing in it worthy of the attention of the Government because
Mr Taplin is in a position as a Superintendent of a Missionary Station to proceed against any of Her Majesty’s
subjects who break the Law, but at the same time I am prepared at any moment to proceed to Point McLeay,
if my services would be considered of any avail.
[Scott]
179
28th Jan 1867
John Laelinyeri
Point McLeay
Sir,
Your letter of the 21st inst reached me a few days since and I am indeed ?sorry you ?? have had occasion to
?? on so very unpleasant a subject.
You claim ?? and?protest? in an ?? over which I have no control; otherwise it would be granted without ??
hesitation. I have no ?? to punish Fisherman Jack, for ?enticing your wife away from ?? Charlotte ? go with
him ?if she liked, and of course the law would protect her if Fisherman Jack used violence. I trust that Mr
Taplin’s moral influence will be sufficient to settle your domestic affairs. I hope to be in the neighbourhood
of Point McLeay before many days elapse and if I can be of any service to you in settling your differences with
Fisherman Jack it will give me great pleasure.
[Scott]
180
28 January 1867
Mr. L. Egan,
Crown Lands Ranger, Tarpeena
Sir,
I have to request that you will for the future, be good enough not to depart from the regulations as laid down
for the guidance of Issuers of Aboriginal Stores. It would be very objectionable to establish a system by which
able-bodied Natives could receive rations at their pleasure, and it is not either advisable or desirable that
rations should be provided by drays to meet the convenience of people who are no doubt well able to make
personal application for relief when required. Trusting that you will adhere most strictly to the printed
Instructions on this subject.
[Scott]
181
25 January 1867
?? P. Charley?
Corporal of Police, Wallaroo
Sir,
In your last Report you state that Europeans are in the habit of going at night to the Native Camps for the
purpose of booging them. This is a matter entirely with the Police, over which I have no control, but as you
are the Issuer of Aboriginal Stores I have the responsibility of ?? You will be good enough to use your
influence, ?? the Natives will remove themselves to some other part of the Peninsula ? far off? The stopping
of rations for a time, would have the desired effect.
[Scott]
182-184
28th January 1867
Mr Geo Taplin, Point McLeay
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th Inst and regret very much to hear that
there are a few Natives in your neighbourhood who refuse to work; but as this is a common occurrence in all
parts of this, and the other Colonies, especially when they can obtain food at the hands of the Government
without giving an equivalent in labor I am not at all surprised. Of course you are aware that there is no law
to make the Aborigines work against their will – therefore I have no further observation to make on this
subject; but to discourage idleness I would as an Issuer guard against giving rations to the able-bodied, and
then no 183 cause of complaint could arise, if these people obtained a livelihood by their own industry -.
I think it would be harsh if not cruel , if I were to deprive the poor Natives of the usual number of blankets
and blue shirts, which they have been in the habit of receiving during the winter months.
I shall deem it my duty to instruct the Issuers of Stores at Goolwa and Wellington to adhere most strictly to
the printed Instructions , having reference to rations.
The active measures that have been taken by the Government for the purpose of bringing people to justice,
for giving intoxicating drink to the Aborigines, are I think the cause of the Blacks disliking work, at this
particular period, and we cannot be surprised at it, considering that the system of paying these people in
grog, at harvest time, has prevailed for fourteen or fifteen years: - so sudden a departure from a general
rule, would I think cause even Europeans to swerve from their common course. When the Natives ascertain
184 that they cannot obtain Spirituous liquors for their labors, rely upon it [that] they will be as ready to
work for something else. I hope to be at Point McLeay some day during the first week in February next.
[Scott]
185-186
28 Jan 1867
The Hon the Commr of Crown Lands
Sir,
The accompanying letter was handed to me by Mr Lyall in an unofficial manner and with the request that it
should be returned.
If Mr Taplin’s moral influence over the Natives be not sufficient to settle the domestic differences that may
arise amongst those people who are under his charge, there is no help for it. It would be unwise to interfere
with the mystic rights [rites?] of the Aborigines, and I must say that Mr Taplin (if he is the person who
married Charlotte to Laelinyeri) acted in a very injudicious manner, for not having in the first instance
obtained the consent of the relatives to the alliance. In accord with the usage and customs of the Natives, I
dare say that Fisherman Jack’s claim to Charlotte is a just one 186 I cannot recommend that any action be
taken in this matter beyond my visit to Point McLeay.
I beg to forward a copy of my letter to Laelinyeri for the information of the Hon the Commr.
[Scott]
187
31 January 1867
The Secy, Crown Lands &c
Sir,
I have the honor to ask the permission of the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands to purchase by
tender Two hundred and fifty (250) pairs of blankets as I find that the ?numbers bought will not be sufficient
to supply the Natives at the various Depots notwithstanding the reduction in the number for distribution that
I intend to make.
Dr Walker should have caused Tenders to be called for eleven hundred pairs instead of five hundred and fifty.
[Scott]
188
12 Feby 1867
The Hon the Commr of Crown Lands &c
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will be pleased to approve of the enclosed ‘Advance Warrant’ for the
sum of £ 25, to enable me to meet various Petty Expenses.
[Scott]
189-191
15 Feby 1867
W.J. Fowler Esq., J.P.
Moorowie
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 8th January 1867, I have the honor to state for your information that it is
undesirable, and not in accordance with the regulations of the Government Service, that supplies of food for
the Aborigines should be issued without Monthly Returns being furnished in the regular manner, so that I am
not in a position to grant your request to issue rations without returns.
I observe by the tenor of your communication that the Natives of Yorke’s Peninsula are generally scattered
and that they principally assemble at or near your Station for the observance of some ceremony – it
therefore occurs to me that a Depot at Moorowie is no longer required. Perhaps you will be kind enough to
distribute the balance
190
of Stores you have on hand, and when expended the Depot will be
discontinued. I will at the first convenient opportunity forward a small number of blankets and may I hope
that you will be so kind as to distribute them among the most deserving Natives who may visit your Station.
[Wm Birch, pro Acting P of A]
191
15 Feby 1867
Corporal Drought [PT], Wellington
Sir,
I am directed by the Hon the Commr of Crown Lands to ask you to explain on what grounds, so large a
number of rations were issued during the month of December last.
Were the forty three men and forty three women, and the twenty five women with children so helpless that
it was necessary to grant Govt supplies to keep them from starvation ?
Able-bodied Natives are not to receive rations from the Aboriginal Depots unless under extraordinary
circumstances.
In conclusion I have to request that if a large number of Natives should assemble again at Wellington that you
will be good enough to acquaint one of the fact.
[Birch]
192
15th Feby 1867
Mr J.N. Ewens P.T., Blanchetown
Sir,
Stores have been forwarded to the Aboriginal Depot under your charge.
You mention that many Natives are expected to visit Blanchetown. I have therefore to call your attention to
the printed instruction having reference to the issue of Rations and its ?? that you will not give ?food to ablebodied people unless under extraordinary circumstances.
[Birch]
193
15 Feby 1867
T. Jones Esq., Supt of Tramway, Goolwa
Sir,
I am directed by the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands to ask you explain your reasons for issuing
to the large number of Blacks at Goolwa, when their labor was so greatly wanted in the neighboring districts.
[Birch]
194
15th Feby 1867
Mr R.W. Sims PT, Border Town
Sir,
I have to request that you will be good enough to explain, for the future, your reasons for issuing rations to
able-bodied Natives, for it is not the intention of the Govt to grant relief to people of this class, unless under
extraordinary circumstances.
[Birch]
195
15 Feby 1867
Mr Joshua Jones P.T.,
Pt Wakefield
Sir,
I am desired by the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands to request that you will discontinue for the
future to make unnecessary remarks in the Aboriginal Monthly Returns ,
Vide - “I have no power to Issue Deaths “
[Birch]
196
19 Feby 1867
Corporal Sullivan, Port Lincoln
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th Inst., and I have to inform you that Rations are only
to be issued to able bodied Natives, when you are able to certify amongst remarks that the recipient has
been unable to obtain employment and in your opinion required to be supplied with rations.
[Scott]
197
20 Feby 1867
Mr T Adams, Fountain Station,
Green Patch, Port Lincoln
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th Inst., and have the honor to inform you that Section
346 Skillogolee Creek is leased to Mr. W.G. Long, with rent paid up to the 31st December 1867, consequently I
cannot entertain your application, but at the same time that will not prevent your Son from making a fresh
application for any unselected Section.
[Scott]
198
20 Feby 1867
Mr A Harte P.Y.,
Venus Bay
Sir,
I am desired by the Hon. The Comr of Crown Lands to remind you that rations are only to be issued to able
bodied Natives when you are able to certify amongst remarks that the recipient has been unable to obtain
employment and in your opinion required to be supplied with rations.
[Birch]
199
20th Feby 1867
R.B. Penny Esq.,
?Challa, Tatiara
Sir,
In answer to your communication of the 13th Inst., I have the honor to acquaint you, that the attention of the
Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands is now engaged on the subject of Medical attendance to the
Aborigines in the South Eastern District and until the Honorable the Commissioner decides on adopting some
plan for the alleviation of sick Natives in your district, I shall be unable to answer the questions contained in
your letter.
[Birch]
200
25th Feby 1867
R.B. Penny Esq.,
? challa, Tatiara
Sir,
I regret that I have to return the account that you have furnished for Medical attendance on the Natives of
the South Eastern District.
In the first place it will be necessary for you to get some Magistrate to certify that you were actually
employed in the duties mentioned, or if that be not possible, you could make a declaration before a bench of
magistrates, that you did perform and furnished the Medicines as stated in your bill.
I have also to ask if McLeod’s Joey and Binnies Black Bob were injured while in the service of their apparent
respective employers, if so it would be unreasonable to ask the Government to pay their Doctors’ bill.
[Birch]
201
28 Feby 1867
Mr John Gilbert,
Lower Finniss
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th Inst., enclosing an a/c for 11/- and I have to inform
you that the previous a/c mentioned in your letter has not come to hand, as I have examined the books as far
back as May last.
I am also desired to mention that as there are only 18 canoes to distribute among the Natives at nine stations
the Acting Protector is not in a position to grant your request.
[Birch]
202
4th March 1867
Mr T. Mallon P.T.,
Mt Remarkable
Sir,
The directions forwarded to you as to the way the ointment should be used, are all that is required for the
cure of itch, mange or any other disease of a cutaneous description. It would be impossible to explain to you,
how to cure an anticipated malady; but if a Native or Natives should be taken desperately ill, and if the
services of a Medical man could be obtained, on reasonable terms to give advice, and relieve the sick person
or persons, I believe the Hon the Commr of Crown Lands would sanction the payment of such a bill –
provided it bore on the face of it the certificate of a Magistrate, that the Medical attendance was necessary
and faithfully performed.
[Birch]
203
7 March 1867
The Honble the Commr of Crown Lands &c
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands that on
the 7th Ultimo, I forwarded the following written order for groceries to Messrs Wight & Co with a memo
underneath requesting them to furnish the articles at the lowest contract price.
Mr Wight brought back the order to this office declining to supply the articles unless I struck out the
Memorandum underneath.
The groceries were required for the Mission Station at Kadina, they having run completely out of Tea and
Sugar, therefore to delay sending the stores might put the station to some inconvenience. I drew my pen
through the Memo/- and acquainted the Acting Protector immediately on his return to Town.
[Birch]
204
14 March 1867
Messrs D. & W. Murray, Adelaide
Gentlemen,
In reply to your tender for Blankets on the 26th Ulto., I beg to inform you that your tender of Grey Blankets at
(13/-) Thirteen shillings (according to sample) has been accepted, and request that the delivery be made at
the Government Stores, North Terrace, on Saturday next.
Sample Blanket will be retained in this office, other samples can be obtained on application.
[Birch]
205
15th March 1867
Mr C. Draper, Adelaide
Sir,
In reply to your Tender for blankets of the 26th Ult., I have the honor to inform you that your tender has not
been accepted. The Samples forwarded by you to this office can be had on application.
[Birch]
206
15th March 1867
Messrs Skelton Carter & Co., Adelaide
Gentlemen,
In reply to your Tender for Blankets of the 26th Ult., I have the honor to inform you that your tender has not
been accepted. The Samples forwarded by you to this office can be had on application.
[Birch]
207
15th March 1867
Similar letter to Messrs Wills & Co, Adelaide.
208
15th March 1867
Similar letter to McArthur Kingsborough & Co, Adelaide.
209a
18th March 1867
Mr. Octavius Hammond, Poonindie
Sir,
In your last monthly return the Sugar received 225 lbs should be 250 lbs and the half-chest of Tea should
be 41 lbs according to the Invoice. Should the error lay with you, I should be obliged by your correcting it in
your next monthly return.
Should your return be correct I shall be glad to be informed accordingly.
[Birch]
209b
16? 18th March 1867
Memo/The Superintendent of Armory will please receive from Messrs D. & W. Murray 249 pairs of Grey Blankets
and have them branded with the broad arrow. The Blankets to be delivered equal to sample.
[Birch]
210
19th March 1867
Rev. F.W.Cox, Norwood
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands &c has approved of a
few acres of land near the Wells at Point Pierce, being granted for the erection of Buildings &c for a Mission
Station – also of the selection of a block of land containing not more than 9640)ix hundred and forty acres,
suitable for agriculture at some place near where farming or grazing operations might be carried on.
I am also desired to request that you will cause a tracing to be supplied shewing the two spots selected, and
that respective areas, prior to the Commissioner giving a formal right of recuperation.
[Scott]
211
20th March 1867
C.B. Young Esq., Adelaide
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th Inst., requesting reply to previous
letter. I beg to inform you, that the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands desires to see the Monthly
return of Stores Issued at the School, Lacepede Bay, before deciding on your former application.
[Scott]
212
21 March 1867
A.H. Landseer Esq., Milang
Sir,
I beg to ask, if the Stores forwarded from Adelaide on the 11th inst for McGrath’s Flat have been forwarded
on from Milang, as I am informed the Coorong is not navigable; perhaps you might be able to forward them
by way of Meningie; an early answer would oblige.
[Birch]
213
21st March 1867
E.N.? Blackmore Esq.,
Secy Crown Lands &c
Sir,
The authority of the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands is respectfully requested for the purchase
of a private contract of the following articles, viz.:
240 Assorted Fishing Lines
500 Assorted Fishing Hooks
[Scott]
214
21st March 1867
E.N. Blackmore Esq.,
Secy Crown Lands &c
Sir,
I do myself the honor to apply to the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands for permission to remove
the Aboriginal Stores at Goolwa from Mr Jones’ charge to that of Police Constable Moriarty.
[Scott]
215
25th March 1867
C.W. Davies Esq.,
Mathawarangata
Sir,
I do myself the honor to state for your information, that I will forward Stores to your address for the
Aborigines, if you will be good enough to promise that Monthly Returns of the distribution of rations shall be
regularly forwarded to this Office, for the perusal of the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands. In the
event of your complying with my small request, I will send Medicines when the other stores are despatched.
[Birch]
216a
26th March 1867
Memo/Mr Downie will please receive from Messrs D. & W. Murray 249 pairs of blue Blankets according to Sample @
15/3? The previous acceptance of Grey Blankets being cancelled.
[Birch]
216b
26 March 1867
Mr Doke, Goolwa
Sir,
I am desired by the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands to forward you the inclosed accounts, and
will request of you to certify if the a/cs are correct and if the articles enumerated therein have been duly
received.
[Birch]
217
26th March 1867
Messrs W.C. Wight & Co., Adelaide
Gentlemen,
Referring to your contract for the supply of groceries, I am directed by the Honorable the Commissioner of
Crown Lands to inform you that from, and after the first of February last, the goods supplied by you on behalf
of this Department, are to be charged at the lowest contract price, and are to be in accordance with samples
forwarded by you when tendering.
[Birch]
218
26th March 1867
Messrs D. & W. Murray,
King William Street
Gentlemen,
In reply to your late tender for Blue Blankets, - I have the honor to inform you that the Honorable the
Commissioner of Crown Lands has been pleased to accept your tender at 15/3 (fifteen shillings and three
pence) as per sample tendered, and to request that you will deliver them to the Govt Storekeeper, with as
little delay as possible.
[Birch]
219
28 March 1867
W.L. Beare Esq.,
Bungaree
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th Inst., asking for Stores for the
Aborigines and I am directed to inform you that your request will be complied with, on condition that you
promise to furnish to this Office regular Monthly Returns of Stores Issued, and act according to printed
Instructions, copy herewith. I have the honor to forward also Circular for your information.
[Birch]
220
28th March 1867
Messrs Heath & Wooldridge
Willianippie – Smoky Bay
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th Inst., and I beg to inform you that the
Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands objects to forward Stores where the Issuers do not furnish
Monthly Returns – enclosed are blank forms of Returns, Instructions and Circulars (2) for your information.
Should you agree to furnish Monthly Returns according to Instructions, Stores will be forwarded to you.
[Birch]
221
29 March 1867
J. P. Buttfield Esq.,
Sub-Protector of Aborigines
Sir,
I have the honor by direction of the Acting Protector to request that you will in future, when sending Monthly
Returns by post, be good enough to mark on the outside (returns only) on book packet.
I am also instructed to inform you that the Honorable the Commissioner has been pleased to approve of a
Depot being established at Mt Freeling. Stores have been ordered this day. In the course of a few days I shall
forward for your information a list of all Stores that have been sent from the beginning of the year to Depots
in your District.
[Birch]
222
3 April 1867
J.P. Buttfield Esq., S.P.A., Blinman
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will report ?to the Hon. The Commr? of the desirability? Or otherwise of
continuing the Depot at ?? Sullivan’s, Lake ?? ?? in the Gawler Ranges.
[Scott]
223
3rd April 1867
J.P. Buttfield Esq.,
Sub-Protector of Aborigines, Blinman
Sir,
Referring to your letter dated the 20th October 1866, relative to the transfer of the Depot from Blinman to
Angorichina- I have the honor to inform you that the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands has
approved of the transfer being made, and you are empowered hereby to take the necessary action without
any further delay.
[Scott]
224
3 April 1867
Dr. A. Penny Esq.,
Carla? Bank, Tatiara
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27 Ultimo, returning a/cs and have the honor to inform
you that the Honorable the Commissioner approves of your attending upon the Natives for the present and
only in cases absolutely requiring medical aid. The a/cs to be certified by a Magistrate in the usual manner.
[Scott]
225
4 April 1867
C.B. Young Esq., Adelaide
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the articles for Miss ?? at Lacepede Bay have been purchased and will be
forwarded immediately.
[Birch]
226
4 April 1867
Mr James Grosse,
Port Adelaide
Sir,
You will oblige by forwarding to the Government Storekeeper the following Fishing Lines and Hooks as
selected by the Acting Protector, Mr E.B. Scott, and will forward the a/c to this office.
20 doz Fishing Lines
500 doz “ Hooks
[Birch]
227
5 April 1867
Mr Moriarty P.T., Goolwa
Sir,
You will please obtain the Stores and all papers relating to this Department from Mr Jones and issue to the
Natives according to printed Instructions. Copy herewith. Any expense that may be incurred in the removal
of the Stores &c you will please forward the a/cs to this office.
[Scott]
228
5 April 1867
T. Jones Esq., Goolwa
Sir,
You will oblige by delivering over to Police Constable Moriarty all Stores and papers in your possession
belonging to this Department.
[Scott]
229
5 April 1867
The Hon. The Commr of Crown Lands &c
Sir,
Authority is respectfully requested for the purchase by private contract of Bailliere’s Gazetteer.
[Scott]
230
5 April 1867
Mr George Taplin,
Point McLeay
Sir,
I do myself the honor to acquaint you that the undermentioned Depots have been supplied with 285 Blankets
via Milang, Wellington, Goolwa and McGrath’s Flat and in consideration of these places being in your
immediate neighbourhood, I cannot comply with your request for more Blankets, without doing an injustice
to the Aborigines of other portions of the Colony, as the number of Blankets I have for distribution is small.
[Scott]
230
5th April 1867
J.P. Buttfield Esq., Sub-Protector of Aborigines, Blinman
Sir,
In answer to your communication of the 25th March, I have the honor to inform you that whatever expense
you are put to, paying for postage on official documents, the Government will reimburse you. At the same
time it would be well to advise the Issuers of Stores to forward their Returns as book parcels instead of as
letters.
[Scott]
1
231
5th April 1867
Mr T. Mallon [P.T.]
Mr Remarkable
Sir,
In reply to your letter dated 1st April (142/67) I beg to inform you that letters of service were forwarded at
the time the Stores were ordered – one for the provisions & ointments and another for the Blankets (50).
The following are the quantities of the goods ordered –
Ton Flour
200 lbs Sugar
41 lbs Tea
20 lbs Ointment and
15 lbs Tobacco.
There must be some mistake about the soap as there was none ordered.
[Birch]
233a
6 April 867
? Pool? (A.C.S.), Mt Gambier
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you by desire of the Acting Protector that the Honorable the Commissioner of
Crown Lands has decided not to establish a Depot at Mt Burr for the present.
[Birch]
233b
6 April 1867
Messrs D. & W. Murray, Adelaide
Gentlemen,
You will oblige by delivering the remainder of the Blankets as soon as possible.
[Birch]
234
8 April 1867
Messrs D. & W. Murray, Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to remind you by the desire of the acting Protector of Aborigines of your promise to supply
the Blankets within one week from the time you received the order on the 26th Ulto.
The Blankets are being required immediately for distribution. I trust there will be no further delay.
[Birch]
235
12th April q867
The Secy, Crown Lands &C.
Sir,
I have the honor to request that search be made for missing correspondence (from the years 1839 to 1855)
belonging to this Office; in all probability it will be either at the Government Store or with Mr Holthouse.
[Scott]
236
18 April 1867
Mr Dann P.T., Milang
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th Inst., requesting a supply of firewood for the
Aborigines and in reply, I have the honor to inform you that the Acting Protector consents to your procuring
(on behalf of the Aborigines) firewood to the extent of five loads.
[Birch]
237
18 April 1867
Mr W. Attiwill, McGrath’s Flat
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th inst., concerning the Aborigines Stores landed at
Meningie, and in reply I have the honor to inform you that the Acting Protector approves of Mr Herriot’s
offer of carting the Stores to McGrath’s Flat.
[Birch]
238
18th April 1867
Mrs Jane Hacket, Meningie
Madam,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th inst., and in reply, I beg to inform you
that Mr Herriot will cart the Stores to McGrath’s Flat, but on no account are the Stores to be opened or
distributed at Meningie.
[Birch]
239
24 April 1867
Mr Ph. X. Oster, P.O., Rosenthal
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th inst., relative to the Mission station at
Killalpaninna and in reply, I am desired by the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands to request that
you will mark on the enclosed plan the locality desired to have placed at the disposal of the Missionaries, you
will also name the extent of country required.
In the event of the Government granting a supply of rations for the sick and infirm Natives, I am requested to
ask if you are prepared to defray the costs of carriage and Freight &c.
[Birch]
240
1st May 1867
Mr C.K.F. Kruse, Milang
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th Ulto., tendering to repair Canoes at (22/6) one
pound two shillings and six pence, each. I herewith accept of your offer - the canoes to be inspected and
the account certified by the officer in charge of the Station where the canoe s are repaired – previous to
transmitting them to this Office.
[Scott]
241
1st May 1867
Mr Dann P.T., Milang
Sir,
Understanding that Mr Taplin has issued Blankets to the Natives of the Lower Finniss, whereas it was
expected they would come to you for them, I beg to inform you that after supplying the immediate wants of
the Natives at Milang, you will forward any surplus Blankets for Mr Taplin at Point McLeay.
[Scott]
242
1 May 1867
M. Moorhouse Esq., Mt Remarkable
Sir,
I have the honor of addressing you on the subject of the correspondence of this office, during your term of
office, from 1839 to 1856, the letters cannot be found; a search has been made in the different offices but
without avail; Should it be in your power to give any information on the Subject, I shall deem it a great
favour; and if within your recollection, you can state the terms upon which Native women marrying
Europeans had land granted to them.
[Scott]
243
1st May 1867
T. Jones Esq., Supt of Tramway, Goolwa
Sir,
I have the honor by desire of the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands to remind you that there is a
deficiency of 940 lbs of Flour & 36 lbs of Sugar in the Stores handed over to Constable Moriarty, and to
request of you an explanation as to the cause thereof.
[Scott]
244a
2nd May 1867
Mr L. Egan, Tarpeena
Sir,
I am desired by the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands to ask why the issues of Rice were not
shewn in the Return in detail, if the quantity forwarded is expended, also why the amount of Rice should
appear in each Return since Nov if not on hand.
[Birch]
244b
2 May 1867
Mr O. Provis P.T., Streaky Bay
Sir,
I am desired by the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands to ask whether in your opinion the
Medicines forwarded to you in December last have been of any service in curing the skin disease so prevalent
in the Western District; an immediate reply is required.
[Birch]
245
6th May 1867
Geo Birks Esq., Kadina
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th Ult. (172/67) and am desired by the
Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands to inform you that it is not the intention of the government to
grant exclusive right to the Well to the Mission station. I may state for your information and guidance in
selecting the land that it is proposed to leave the well in possession of the Lessee, but to arrange that the
Mission shall be entitled to have free access to it for the requirement of the location.
The plans sent in must not therefore include the Well in the block required by the Mission.
[Scott]
246
8th May 1867
Mr J.M. Doke, Goolwa
Sir,
I do myself the honor to acquaint you, in reply to your communication of the 18th Ulto., that I have not
received any instructions from the Government to take action on the matter – the establishment of a school
(Native) at Goolwa.
[Scott]
247
8 May 1867
Mr Geo Taplin, Point McLeay
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 1st last including list of Natives who have received Blankets,
and in reply I have the honor to inform you that Mr Dann at Milang has been instructed to forward to you any
available blankets he may have to spare.
[Scott]
248
8 May 1867
Messrs Newman & Son, Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I am desired by the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands to request of you to carefully examine and
compare with contract sample (small parcel herewith) all Flour coming to the Port for shipment on account of
the Aborigines. A book of printed receipt forms will be forwarded to you in the course of a few days, also a
larger quantity of sample Flour. All Flour not equal to sample to be returned at the expense of the
Contractor.
[Scott]
249
9th May 1867
Mr. L. Egan, CLR, Tarpeena
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will at your earliest convenience forward to this office a general Report
of the state of the Natives in your District for the information of His Excellency the Governor.
[Scott]
250
9 May 1867
Mr George Taplin, Point McLeay
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will, at your earliest convenience, forward to this office a general report
on the State of the Natives in your District for the information of His Excellency the Governor.
[Scott]
251
9th May 1867
J.P. Buttfield Esq., S.P.A, Blinman
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will furnish me with a general report of the Stare of the Natives in your
District during the last six months.
[Scott]
252
9th May 1867
T. Jones Esq., Goolwa
Sir,
I am desired by the Honorable Commissioner of Crown Lands to request of you to furnish any further
information regarding your return of Stores for the month of March. (for it is still incomprehensible.) If as
you state the ration to be five times the amount ?2 lb, it will be equivalent to issuing 45 lbs to each for the
month [i.e. 9lbs usually issued p.c. per month], and how you can arrive at the quantity (39 ½ lbs) as issued for
Sugar I cannot conceive.
[Scott]
253
9 May 1867
I.N. Blackmore Esq.,
Secy Crown Lands &c
Sir,
I have the honor respectfully to request the authority of the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands be
obtained for the purchase by private contract of two thousand Fish Hooks, assorted sizes.
[Scott]
254
10 May 1867
Corpl Drought P.T.
Port Wakefield
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th Inst., and in reply I beg to inform you that you are
empowered in the circular mentioned in your letter to relieve the wants of Able bodied Natives, by issuing
rations, when you can certify in the column of remarks, that the recipients where unable to obtain
employment or procure their natural food.
[Birch]
255
10 May 1867
J. Bosworth Esq.,
Wintalatingana
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd Ulto., and in reply I have the honor to inform you
that the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands objects to sending Government Stores to any station
unless they are accounted for in regular Monthly Returns; by complying with the above conditions, stores
will be forwarded as usual.
[Birch]
256a
13 May 1867
Mr T. Mallon
Mt Remarkable
Sir,
I am desired by the Acting Protector to inform you that should the empty Flour sacks be of any use to the
Natives, you are at liberty to distribute them.
I beg to forward the enclosed P.O. order drawn in your name for £ 6. 3. 9. The two accounts are D. George
£ 3.11. 9 and your own £ 2. 5. 0. An acknowledgement would oblige.
[Birch]
256b
13 May 1867
Mr. Jno Dann, Milang
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose herewith a list of the Natives who have received blankets from Mr Taplin, for
your information and guidance.
You will please state as early as possible if you have any Blankets available for Mr Taplin, as he states that he
has distributed blankets to the Finniss tribe, who were supposed to come to you, since the Station at the
Finniss has been disposed of.
[Birch]
257
10May? 1867
I.N. Blackmore Esq.,
Sec: CL
Sir,
I have the honor, respectfully, to request the authority of the Hon the CCL be obtained for the purchase of a
carpet for this office.
In the absence of Fires and the walls not being thoroughly dry, I am afraid the office will be very cold and
damp in the wet weather.
[Scott]
258
14 May 1867
Mr R.W. Sullivan
Port Lincoln
Sir,
I am desired to inform you (in answer to your letter of the 10th inst. respecting the cost of erection of the Iron
House for the Aborigines ?? that the Hon the CCL approves of Mr Brougham’s tender for 10 pounds being
accepted.
[Birch]
259
15th May 1867
I.N. Blackmore Esq.,
Sec: CCL
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of the Hon. The CCL that the Tomahawks mentioned in the
Contractor’s Price List are of such an inferior description that the Natives do not care to have them; I
therefore recommend that 5 doz. Good American Tomahawks at 36/- per doz. Be purchased for them.
[Scott]
260a
16th May 1867
T. Jones Esq., Goolwa
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 13th Inst., enclosing the a/cs & receipts from Anderson.
I have also the honor to forward herewith £ 1. 0. 0 for Freight paid to Jno Smith.
[Birch]
260b
21 May 1867
Mr. W. H. Limbert,
P.O., Rapid Bay
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 15th Inst., (237/67) requesting Blankets for the
Natives at Rapid Bay.
I beg to inform you that the Blankets will be forwarded to you as soon as they are procured from the
Contractors which will be in the course of two or three days.
Mr Elliott your neighbour has been requested to co-operate with you in distributing them.
[Birch]
261
17th May 1867
J.P. Buttfield Esq., J.P.
S.P.A., Blinman
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 10th inst., the one relating to Chrystal
Brook, asking if in your District, I beg to inform you that it was an oversight of the Clerk’s in inserting it in the
list of Stores forwarded the Different depots in your District.
In reply to your letter referring to the Map, I have to inform you that a Map of the Colony was forwarded to
you in January last; The Surveyor-General stating at the time application was made to him, that he was
unable to supply anything further.
[Scott]
262
20 May 1867
Mr George Taplin
Point McLeay
Sir,
I am instructed by the AP Mr Scott to inform you that twenty more Blankets will be forwarded to you as soon
as they are forwarded from the Contractor.
I am also desired to inform you that the Police at Milang can only recognize nine of the Finniss tribe on your
list.
[Birch]
263
20th May 1867
H. Scott Esq., Adelaide
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th inst (159/67) and I beg to inform you
that that the Hon CCL approves of your request being complied with. Stores will be forwarded by the first
Steamer to Port Augusta.
[Birch]
264
21 May 1867
C.B. Young Esq., Adelaide
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th inst. (221/67) requesting a further
supply of clothes for the children of the Native School, Lacepede Bay. I am desired to ask you, if it is the
intention of your institution to apply for clothes, books, and miscellaneous articles, whenever they may be
required. In a former application, you stated that if the Government granted what you then required, it
would not be considered a precedent for asking for anything more.
[Birch]
265
22nd May 1867
James Barlas, Esq., M.D.,
Penola
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th Ulto., (171/67)and have to inform you that you will
continue to act as Medical attendant to the Aborigines at Penola, when required to do so by the Police.
[Scott]
266a
23rd May 867
Messrs McArthur & Co., King William Street
Gentlemen,
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 21st inst., tendering to supply two hundred pairs of
Blankets, and am desired to inform you that the AP cannot recommend your tender for acceptance.
[Birch]
266b
23 May 1867
Messrs Wills & Co., Rundle Street
Gentlemen,
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 20th inst, tendering for the supply of 100 pairs of Blankets;
and am desired to inform you that the AP cannot recommend your tender for acceptance.
[Birch]
267
27th May 1867
Thos Jones Esq., Goolwa
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (243/67) of the 13th inst., and I am desired to
inform you that the Hon CCL is not satisfied with your explanation and requires that any further information
you may choose to give, before deciding upon the action he will take in this matter.
[Birch]
268-269
28th May 1867
J.P. Buttfield Esq., J.P.
Blinman
Sir,
I am instructed by direction of the Sec: CCL Department to request that you will in future, make out your
account for travelling at the rate of five shillings per day, so as to prevent unnecessary alterations.
I may inform you that Dr Walker recommended you for the increase to the Hon CCL last year, who did not
approve of his recommendation of altering the Scale of Charges, but increased your Salary and allowed you
Forage allowance 269 for two horses instead of one, as an equivalent.
[Birch]
P.S.
Stores have been forwarded to the following New Depots: - Angipena, Yudanamutana, Wilpena,
Nonning & Payney, Gawler Ranges, Cariewerloo, Yadlamalka and Corunna. W.B.
270
28 May 1867
R.A. Fiveash Esq., Currie Street
Sir,
Mr R.C. Purnley of Yudanamutana writing for Government Stores for the Aborigines, refers to you in his letter
as having lately returned from that locality, and I am desired by the Hon CCL to ask if you would be kind
enough to supply the Government with any information you may possess in regard to the State of the Natives
in that quarter.
[Birch]
271
1st June 1867
Geo. N. Birks Esq., Kadina
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st Ult., on behalf of the Committee of the
Yorke’s Peninsula Native Mission, asking for a grant of money for the purpose of establishing Mission Station
at Point Pierce.
I now beg to inform you that the Hon CCL is disposed to look favorably on your application, but requires the
additional information, as to the number of the Natives, the proposed mode of spending the money, and the
names of the Gentlemen managing the matter before he can bring the subject before his colleagues with a
view to asking parliament to pass such an item.
[Birch]
272
3rd June 1867
Messrs A.D. Tassie & Co., Port Augusta
Gentlemen,
In forwarding Stores from Town, to Mount Freeling in the beginning of the month of April last, there was
among the other Stores, a small parcel of Tobacco (5 lbs) which has not been received at Mount Freeling.
Any information concerning the above will be thankfully received.
[Birch]
273
6th June 1867
Mr J. Darling, Weymouth Street
Sir,
In a recent tour through the Country, I noticed at a Depot, that a huge quantity of the Flour, which you
supplied, for the use of the Aborigines, was full of Mill Bugs; I have therefore deemed it my duty to intimate
to you, that the Government agent at Port Augusta, will receive instructions not to receive Flour from your
stores unless it is free from insects.
[Scott]
274-275
6 June 1867
The Hon CCL
Sir,
In obedience to instructions contained in your letter of the 22nd Ulto. I visited the Station of Mr Rich. Holland
on the River Murray for the purpose of ascertaining the boundaries of a proposed reserve for the use of Mr
Glennie, the Sub-Inspector of Sheep, and an examination of the ground. I found that Mr Glennie has
intended to deprive Mr Holland of almost the whole of his paddock, in which his Head Station is situated, and
consequently Mr Holland’s business in the working of his run wold have been materially interfered with. I
therefore chained and marked out a portion of land for a paddock for the Inspector of Sheep, adjoining Mr
Holland’s paddock, and distant from the Head Station, forty seven chains, and I am 275 glad to report to
the Hon CCL that both Mr Holland and Mr Glennie are satisfied with the arrangements I have made.
The Sub-Inspector of Sheep requires the use of a paddock, the situation of the land marked out, for one, by
me cannot interfere with Mr Holland’s business in any way.
The Sub-Inspector to be of any service could not reside at any other place excepting Chowilla, all sheep and
cattle as a rule pass within a quarter of a mile of Inspector Glennie’s residence.
The Paddock fence in course of creation will measure seventy two chains and the cost of meeting it will
amount to ( 64. 16. 0) Sixty four pounds sixteen shillings, being at the rate of four shillings and sixpence per
rod, which I consider a fair and reasonable price.
[Scott]
276
10 June 1867
I.N. Blackmore Esq., Sec: CCL
Sir,
Having satisfied myself that neglect has taken place; both in the charge, and Issue, of Government Stores at
Chowilla, River Murray – I have deemed it my duty to transfer the Stores from the care of Police to Mr. H.S.
Glennie, trusting that the Hon CCL may be pleased to approve of my conduct.
[by direction, Birch]
277-278
10th June 1867
Mr Jno Gilbert, Lower Finniss
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th Ulto., (260/67) stating that you had not received
the money (21/6) for an a/c sent in sometime since. I find on looking over my cash book an entry of 21/6 as
having been paid to you on the 28th Nov 1866, and I have since had a conversation with Mr O’Halloran on the
Subject, who states that he believes the money was sent to you and must have miscarried, and since you
state that you did not receive it, Mr O’Halloran being responsible, Will forward the money to you, through my
hands.
You’re a/c for 11/- sent in February was passed for payment in March and now lies in the Treasury and can
only be drawn (excepting by yourself) with a procuration order from you.
278 By filling up the enclosed procuration order in my name, I will draw the money from the Treasury and
remit to you with the other amount by Post Office Order.
[Birch]
279
12th June 1867
W. L. Beare Esq., Bungaree
Sir,
I am directed by the AP (Mr Scott) to acquaint you that the late Hon CCL disapproved of his sending rations to
the Bungaree Station for distribution amongst the Natives, hence the reason that the promise has not been
complied with. If you will be good enough to render an a/c of the Stores you have issued to the Aborigines
from your own Stock, the AP will return them.
[Birch]
280
12June 1867
Mr Jno Field, Corporal of Police,
Narracoorte
Sir,
Messrs Ormerod & Co of Robe have been instructed to forward to you by Mail a bale of Blankets (they may
possibly have to make two parcels of them) and I am directed to request that you will forward them on to
Border Town without delay.
[Birch]
281
12 June 1867
Messrs Ormerod & Co., Robe
Gentlemen,
I presume you will have a bale of Blankets from this Department addressed to the Police at Border Town; if
so, please forward them by mail (in two parcels if necessary) to the Police at Narracoorte who will forward
them on from there to their proper destination.
[Birch]
282
13 June 1867
Caleb Peacock Esq.,
Blanchetown
Sir,
I have the honor to forward to you per rail to Freeling a small parcel addressed to Tinarnama and would feel
obliged by your distributing the articles contained therein.
[Birch]
283
13 June 1867
Mr T. O’Connor, Penola
Sir,
I have returned Dr Barlas’s bill for attendance on the Aborigines in consequence of the excessive charges
made in it. I beg that you will ascertain whenever a Native may be taken ill (in your neighbourhood of
course) whether the services of a medical man are always required and necessary before contracting a heavy
debt.
[Scott]
284
13 June 1867
Dr Barlas, Penola
Sir,
I look upon the charges made in the accompanying bill, for attendance on the Aborigines, as most
unreasonable. I consequently return it, trusting that you will make large reductions in the account.
Vide- The visits to Natives occupying the same camp 10/6 each and excessive charge of six pounds for
attendance on a Native at ?Kenan Station.
[Scott]
285
15 June 1867
Officer in Charge, Police
Mt Freeling
Sir,
I am directed to inform you that the Hon CCL has deemed it desirable to accept Mr Sabine’s offer of 10 or 12
bags of Flour at Mt Freeling on the express conditions that the Flour is of good quality and entirely to your
satisfaction: to be delivered at the Police Station free of extra charge and should you approve of the quality
of the Flour, you will add it to your present Stock, on behalf of the Aborigines.
[Birch]
286
15 June 1867
C. Sabine Esq., Adelaide
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st Ulto. (259/67) offering to supply the Government
with 10 or 12 bags of Flour at 50/- per bag and in reply I beg to inform you, that the Hon CCL accepts of your
offer on the condition that the Flour is delivered, free of extra charge, at the Police Station, Mt Freeling, and
is of good quality, to the satisfaction of the Issuer of Stores at Mt Freeling.
[Birch]
287a
15 June 1867
Mr Jno Gilbert, Lower Finniss
Sir,
I received your procuration order this morning and beg to forward you herewith Post Office order on Milang
for the two a/cs of 11/- and 21/6.
I beg that you will acknowledge receipt thereof.
[Birch]
287b
25 June 1867
Mr Jno Gilbert, Lower Finniss
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th Inst. And I am desired to inform you that in
consequence of the close proximity of Milang, Goolwa & Rapid Bay, It has been found desirable to
discontinue the Issuing of Stores at the Lower Finniss; any Natives that are in want can be supplied from the
other Depots.
[Birch]
288
22nd June 1867
Dr A. J. Paterson, Lunatic Asylum
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 21st Inst. And in reply beg to inform you that I
will forward the Native mentioned therein to Aroona by the first opportunity but I have to request that you
will be good enough to allow him to remain in the Asylum until I can make arrangements for his safe
conveyance.
[Birch, pro Scott]
288
25th June 1867
Dr A.J. Paterson, Lunatic Asylum
Sir,
I am directed by the APA to inform you that according to your request, he will make arrangements for
despatching the native named Billy, by the Steamer to Port Augusta on Saturday next.
[Birch]
289
26 June 1867
Sergt Wauhof, Blinman
Sir,
I beg to inform that during the month of January last, there was forwarded from the Department to your
charge on behalf of the Aborigines, 24 lbs Rice and 20 lbs Sago, for which you have not accounted for in any
way. Should you however not have received the goods, enquiry should be made, as you were duly advised of
the goods leaving Town. With regard to the quantity of Blankets, I can only say that 60 was the number
ordered by this Office, but enquiry will be made as to the quantity sent.
You will oblige by forwarding the blank return forms to H.C. Swan Esq., S.M.
[Birch]
290
26 June 1867
H.C. Swan Esq., S.M.
Angorichina
Sir,
I have the honor to state for your information that the following Stores will be forwarded to you at an early
date, viz. 82 lbs Tea, 100 lbs Soap and 10 lbs of Tobacco; they are now in the charge of Messrs A.D. Tassie
& Co at Port Augusta who has been instructed to forward them without delay.
[Birch]
291
26 June 1867
Mr Jno Dann, P.T.
Milang
Sir,
In answer to your communication of the 25th inst., I beg to state, that the account was passed for payment
last month and now lies in the Treasury, and can only be drawn by Duncan Mackae or by Procuration Order
bearing his Signature, by filling up the enclosed order I will remit the money by Post Office order.
[Birch]
292
26th June 1867
G.W. Hawkes & Co., Norwood
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 13th inst., and beg to inform you that Ranger
Cole has been instructed not to interfere with the Swing gates in the Road leading to Poonindie from Port
Lincoln.
[Birch]
293
27 June 1867
[Dr] R.B. Penny Esq., Tatiara
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th inst. and your bill for Medical
attendance on the Natives; I regret your account should have arrived here too late to be attached to this
months’ schedule; however, it should be passed for payment as soon as possible; for the future be good
enough to render your accounts not later than the 20th of the month. I think you are entitled to the fee of
fifteen pounds for travelling to attend on the sick woman mentioned in your letter, and as it is not possible to
remove her from where she is to your residence, I beg that you will render her all the medical aid that she
may require, although she is at so great a distance from the Border Town Depot.
[Birch]
295a
1 July 1867
Mr. J. Dann P.T., Milang
Sir,
I beg to forward you herewith a Post Office order for the sum of £ 2. 15. 0 for cartage of Firewood, payable to
the Carter; also (3) Procuration Orders on the Treasury - and to prevent delay I would recommend you in
future to make the orders payable in my name instead of the Protector, as in his absence I cannot draw the
money, which accounts for the present delay.
[Birch]
295b
12July 1867
Mrs C. Smith, Mt Gambier
Madam,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th inst. inquiring if the necessary comforts will be paid
for, on a/c of the Aborigines. I beg to state that anything absolutely necessary and certified by Medical
Practitioner will be paid by this Department. Concerning Rice and Flour, I need not remind you that you can
Issue both in half quantities.
[Birch]
296
2 July 1867
Mr Ph. X. Oster,
P.O., Rosenthal
Sir,
In answer to your communication of the 29th April last (191/67) I have now the honor to inform you that the
Government has caused a reserve of one hundred square miles from leasing to be noted on the public maps
in the Land Office, until such time as a change may be necessary to include the Lakes Killalpaninna and ?Allo
Allaninni.
[Birch]
297
8 July 1867
Mr T. O’Connor, P.T.
Penola
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd inst. (206/67) and I am desired by the AP to inform
you that you are to use your own direction in giving Meat to the Sick Natives (Toby & Tommy).
[Birch]
298
9th July 1867
J.P. Buttfield, SPA, Blinman
Sir,
I have the honor by desire of the Hon CCL to request that you will, at your earliest convenience, forward a
report to this office, as to the fitness of Mr Turnley’s successor to Issue Stores to the Aborigines at
Yudanamutana.
[Birch]
299
9th July 1867
Mr Joshua Jones P.T.,
Wellington
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 7th inst. (311/67) requesting authority for making dresses, I now beg to inform
you that permission is hereby given, the cost of making the dresses not to exceed four shillings each.
[Birch]
300
9 July 1867
I.N. Blackman Eq.,
Sec: CLL
Sir,
I have the honor respectfully to request that the authority of the Hon CCL be obtained for the purchase by
private contract of (200 lbs) two hundred pounds of Netting Twine.
[Birch]
301a
15 July 1867
Mr F. Herriot
Meningie
Sir,
In compliance with the request from Mr Attiwill, I have the honor to forward you the enclosed procuration
order on the Treasury. The a/c for cartage was passed for payment last month and the money now lies in
the Treasury and can only be drawn by yourself, or your order – by filling up the enclosed form. I will draw
the money and remit it to you by Post Office order or otherwise if requested.
[Birch]
301b
15 July 1867
Mr W. Attiwill
McGrath’s Flat
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 12th inst. I beg to state that the account for cartage of Stores to McGrath’s Flat
was passed for payment last month and the money now lies in the Treasury awaiting Mr Herriot. I have
however forwarded to that gentleman a procuration order on the Treasury so that he can obtain the money
without appearing in person.
[Birch]
302a
15 July 1867
Mr J. Dann, PT
Milang
Sir,
I beg to forward you the enclosed PO order for two pounds – you will oblige by forwarding to me an
acknowledgement from G. V. Rogers. Also for the last money order transmitted to you for D. McRae.
[Birch]
302b
17 July 1867
Mr T. O’Connor PT
Penola
Sir,
You will oblige by returning the enclosed a/c, signed, as soon as possible. PO order enclosed herewith for
the amount (8/-).
[Birch]
303
15b July 1867
Mr R. Whitbread
Mt Freeling
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd inst. (316/67) and I have to inform you that I would
on no account take Flour that was infected with the Weevil, as it would in all probability contaminate Flour
that was clear of the insect.
[Birch]
304
15 July 1867
Mr C. Sabine
Adelaide
Sir,
In reference to the Flour at Mt Freeling offered by you to the Government I have the honor to inform you
that from the report of the Police Station at Mt Freeling, the Government cannot entertain your offer.
[Birch]
305
15 July 1867
Mr B. C. Besley
Wallaroo
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the contract is already accepted for building a Storeroom for the
Aborigines’ Stores by the Public Works Department – the dimensions are 20’.0” x 12’.0” x 9’.6” high- this
action has been taken on your former application dated 9th May (214/67)
306
18 July 1867
Mr W.H. Limbert
Rapid Bay
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday’s date, and I am desired by the Acting
Protector to inform you to forward the sick Woman (‘Lubra’) either by rail or horse and dray, the expense will
be borne by this Department.
[Birch]
307a
19 July 1867
Mrs C. Smith
Gambierton
I have the honor to request that you will state the sum of money required to erect a lean to the School room
– also if you know of any suitable person who would undertake the work required and complete it without
delay.
[Birch]
307b
23 July 1867
Mr Herriot
Meningie
Sir,
I beg to forward you the enclosed Post Office Order for three pounds, payable at Milang by the Protector of
Aborigines. (You will oblige by acknowledging receipt hereof.)
[Birch]
308
22nd July 1867
W.L. Beare Esq.
Bungaree
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th inst.& beg to inform you that the Stores
issued in excess of those supplied by the Government will be returned to you by the Police ….. at Clare.
[Birch]
-
309
22nd July 1867
Mr F.H. Catchlove
Clare
Sir,
I am desired by the AP to request that you will forward to W.H. Beare of Bungaree the following Stores from
the Stock of the Aborigines:
Viz.
471 lbs Flour
35 lbs Sugar
6 lbs Tea
4 lbs Sago
&
6 lbs Rice
These Stores have been issued by Mr Beare in excess of those supplied by the Government.
50 lbs of Rice and 20 lbs Sago will be forwarded to you in the course of a few days for distribution to the Sick
Natives.
[Birch]
310
22nd July 1867
C.B. Young Esq.
Adelaide
Sir,
I am desired by the AP to remind you of a promise to reply to a former letter from this office dated the 21st
May last, in regard to the Native School at Lacepede Bay. The Protector is anxious to prevent at any future
time any misunderstanding that might arise through the absence of a written answer to his letter (altho
verbally given).
[Birch]
311
22nd July 1867
Mr T. McT. Gibson
Yudnapinia
Sir,
I have the honor to acquaint you that the Government do not consider it necessary that supplies of food and
clothing should be sent to the Yudnapinia Station, for distribution among the Aborigines of that portion of
the Province.
[Birch]
312
22nd July 1867
Mr C. Provis [PT]
Streaky Bay
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 15th inst. (327/67) I beg to inform you that if there are no means of conveying
the Stores direct from Streaky Bay to Nonning, you will please add them to your present Stock on behalf of
the Aborigines – There should be 1 Ton Flour, 250 lbs Sugar & 41 lbs Tea.
[Birch]
313
22 July 1867
Mr W.F. Sullivan
Nonning
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that from advice received from Corpl Provis at Streaky Bay, to inform me that
there are no means of conveying the Stores from there to your Station. I have therefore given instructions
for the Stores to be Issued at Streaky Bay and another supply will be forwarded to you, via Port Augusta.
Your telegram of the 31st May arrived too late, the stores were already shipped.
[Birch]
314
25th July 1867
Newman & Son
Port Adelaide
Gentlemen,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your memo/- of yesterday’s date and I am desired by the AP to instruct
you to close with the purchase of the Boat, and despatch it by the first vessel leaving for Streaky Bay, to the
charge of the Police.
[Birch]
315
2 August 1867
J.P. Buttfield Esq., J.P.
SPA
Blinman
Sir,
I have the honor to state that your letter of the 24th Ulto., having reference to the re-formation of the Mount
Eyre Depot reached me yesterday and Stores would have been forwarded immediately in accordance with
your request; but Mr Malachy in a letter dated 29th July declines to have anything to do with Government
Stores, and states that the Warrakimbo Depot is not now required, because Yadlamalka is so close at hand.
[Birch]
316a
8 August 1867
Mr W.D. Sanderson
Kingston
Sir,
I have the honor to forward herewith a P.O. Order for £ 1 for Freight on Stores for Lacepede Bay. You will
please return the a/c receipted.
[Birch]
316b
8 August 1867
Mr Jno Harrison
Tothill’s Creek
Sir,
I beg to forward you the enclosed PO Order for £ 5. 12. 0. drawn on the P.O. at Marrabel by the Protector of
Aborigines. You will please be kind enough to forward an acknowledgement of the same.
[Birch]
317a
8 August 1867
Mr Sanderson
Kingston
Sir,
I have the honor to forward herewith a PO Order for ?1. 0. 0 for Freight for Stores to Lacepede Bay ??/
please return the a/c receipted.
[Birch]
317b
8 Aug 1867
Mr W. Lyon
Wellington
Sir,
There is a Native named Doctor at Chowilla. Mr Glenie the Issuer of Stores there has been written to
concerning him. Should he be the Native you are seeking for ? I will again communicate with you upon the
subject.
[Birch]
318a
8 August 1867
Mr W. Campbell
Port Wakefield
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 5th inst. (350/67) and I am directed to inform you that you
are hereby authorised to procure a load of firewood for the woman mentioned in your letter. And I am also
desired to inform you, that on your sending in you’re a/c for the Blanket purchased with the necessary
vouchers) it will be recommended for payment.
[Birch]
318b
8 August 1867
Mr H. Glenie
Chowilla
Sir,
I see by your monthly return a Native named Doctor – should he belong to the Wellington Tribe, you will
please inform him that he is wanted at Wellington. He is kind of one-eyed. [Talmanindjeri?] Mr Lyon is
making enquiries about him and is anxious for his return. He left Paratoo Station about two months since.
You will please to obtain a witness to the enclosed a/c before it can be passed for payment.
[Birch]
319
8 August 1867
Mr Jno Gilbert Senr
Lower Finniss
Sir,
There are such a number of Depots for the Issue of Aboriginal supplies round the Lakes, that the AP does not
deem it necessary to make Mr Gilbert’s homestead a more than temporary place of Issue; but the AP is
prepared to meet the wants of any Native who may be in distress on the Lower Finniss at the present
juncture – So if Mr Gilbert will state the number of Blankets, Blue shirts of anything else that may be
positively required to meet the emergency stated in Mr Gilbert’s letter, the AP will attend to it.
[Birch]
320
8 August 1867
J.P. Buttfield Esq, APA
Port Lincoln
Sir,
After having visited Franklin Harbor and Port Lincoln, you will please to return to your own District, without
any further delay and on your return you may have it in your power to visit Depots en route to Port Augusta.
[Birch]
321
8 August 1867
Mr Joshua Jones
Wellington
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th inst. Forwarding sample of Flour, and I am desired to
ask, of the whole of the last ton is as bad as the sample forwarded for the inspection of the AP, and if so
immediate steps will be taken to replace it with a better sample.
The AP commends Mr Jones for having brought this subject to his notice.
[Birch]
322
9th August 1867
Mr Chs Cooke
White Horse Inn
Adelaide
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th inst (353/67) and in reply beg to inform you that the
subject is at present before the Law Officers of the Crown, but when settled, you will be again communicated
with.
With reference to your daughter I only have it in my power to have her placed under Mr Taplin of the Point
McLeay or Mr Kuhn of the Kadina Institution.
[Scott]
323
9 August 1867
? B. Jones Esq
c/- Elder Smith & Co.
Sir,
In answer to your letter of this day’s date I have the honor to state that I will refer your communication to the
Sub-Protector and if he should report that it is desirable to establish a Depot at Illinaworbina for the
distribution of Govt Stores to the Aborigines, your request will be complied with immediately.
[Scott]
324
12 August 1867
Mr Joshua Jones
Wellington
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your Memo of the 19th inst. and have to inform you that a Ton of fine
Flour (the best) will be sent to Wellington immediately from Pavey’s Mill at Milang, and if the said Flour is
mixed with that you have, a good sound match will be ?delivered and fit for any person to make ?? by.
You will please forward a sample of the Flour when it arrives, for the inspection of the AP.
[Birch]
325
13 August 1867
Mr Geo Taplin
Point McLeay
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 12th inst. and desire to be informed, for the
information of the Hon the CCL, the charge Dr Herbert would make for vaccinating the Natives at Point
McLeay – on receipt of your reply, the subject will be laid before the Hon the CCL with a recommendation
that your request be complied with.
[Birch]
326
15 August 1867
H. A. Short Esq
?Billarmuck??
N.E.? Plains
Sir,
I am desired by the AP to request that you will be good enough to send in your bill, for the maintenance of
the two old Lubras mentioned in your letter of the ?3rd inst. It will be necessary for Mr Short to certify that
the account is correct before a Magistrate, in order to facilitate the passing of the a/c on the Audit Office.
[Birch]
327
16 August 1867
Mr Geo Taplin
Point McLeay
Sir,
I beg to inform you that the Contractor for Flour (Mr J. Darling) will cause to be delivered to your order, at
Milang, half a ton of fine Flour (best quality) to mix with the inferior flour lately sent to you.
If you would be kind enough to send your Boat across on Monday or Tuesday next.
[Birch]
328-329
19 August 1867
Mr. L. Egan, CLR
Tarpeena
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th inst (368/67) and have the honor to state that
Lester cannot be compelled to pay the boy Duncan wages unless there is an agreement stating such to be the
case. The Boy as a matter of course can leave Lester’s service whenever he pleases, and if he ?were so
disposed, of course you will grant him a daily ration, until an opportunity should occur, which would enable
him to return to the Salt Creek.
I cannot reasonably recommend that his fare by Mail from Tarpeena to Salt Creek should be paid; but if I
were in a position to prosecute these people who took him away from his home 329 and country I would
do so.
Any persons travelling with stock from Tarpeena in the direction of Salt Creek would be too glad to obtain his
services without charge.
[Birch]
330
20th August 1867
Rev. F.W. Cox
Sec; AFA
Norwood
Sir,
I am desired by the AP to ask if you would be willing to provide and educate at the Point McLeay
Estabslishment, a half-caste Girl about five or six years old, upon the same terms as the Wilkins Family.
[Birch]
331
21st August 1867
J. Umpherston Esq., M.P.
?Dorsetta Terrace
Sir,
I have the honor to forward herewith a copy of portion of a letter from the Protector of Aborigines to the Col.
Sec. dated 9th June 1849, stating the conditions upon which land is allowed to Natives marrying Europeans:
1st The Section is placed in Trust for the benefit of the girl.
2nd The husband is not allowed to sell or sublet any part of it, and if there be any children, the land to be
given to them, if the Government think proper to do so, on the decease of the mother.
[Birch]
332
22 August 1867
Mr T. Moriarty PT
Goolwa
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 21st inst (275/67) and have to inform you that your
accounts have already been paid from the sum granted by the Hon. The CCL, viz.,
G. Eaton, August 1866 – 18/0
Do. in April 10/6
T. Goode April £1. 8.4 and to
Geo Wright £1. 7. 8,
Any accounts against the school not exceeding the latter amount, and certified by Mr Doke, will be duly paid.
[Birch]
333
26 Aug 1867
Rev. F.W. Cox
Norwood
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd inst (376/67) in answer to a letter from
this office of the 20th inst and in reply thereto, I beg to call your attention to an error in your letter stating the
terms of the Wilkins Family to be £ 3 per month, instead of £ 3 per quarter.
[Birch]
334
27 August 1867
J.B. Jones Esq., J.P.
Illinawortina
Sir,
In answer to your communication of the 7th inst (361/67) I am desired by the Hon the CCL to inform you that
it is not considered necessary to establish a Depot at Illinawortina on account of the close proximity of
Umberatana and Yudanamutana Depots.
[Birch]
335
27th August 1867
Mr T. Dailey
Clarendon
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday’s date, and in reply thereto, I have the honor to
state that the subject of giving land to the Natives, desirous of settling to industrial pursuits, is now under
consideration by the Government and when definitively settled, you will be communicated with.
[Birch]
336-337
28 Aug 1867
Mr H. Walder
Kopperamanna
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the Hon the CCL has approved of your request for Stores to be supplied
to Children attending School.
Your request for a grant of land for erecting Buildings upon: is still under consideration. The Hon the CCL
being desirous of the opinion of the Surveyor General before acceding to your request.
The AP does not deem it advisable to make any special alteration in the Instructions relative to the Issuing of
Stores. The Mission Stations at Point McLeay, Poonindie and Yorke’s Peninsula being perfectly satisfied with
337 the present instructions that he could not make an exception in your case.
[Birch]
338
28th August 1867
J.P.Buttfield Esq., J.P.
SPA
Port Augusta
Sir
I have the honor to forward for your information a list of stores despatched to the various Depots in your
District since the 32st March up to date.
I have also to inform you that the Hon the CCL has approved of the Moravian Missionaries’ request for Stores
to be supplied for Children attending School.
[Birch]
339
29th August 1867
Mr W. Lyon
Wellington
Sir,
I beg to inform you in answer to your letter of the 5th inst (352/67) that Mr Glenie of Chowilla was written to
for information concerning a native called Doctor, who states that he knows of no Native with one eye in his
District of that name.
The AP will shortly be making a tour of the South Eastern District and any information ne may be able to
gather will be communicated to you.
[Birch]
340
31 August 1867
I.N. Blackmore Esq.
Sec: CCL&I
Sir,
It is respectfully requested that the authority of the Hon the CCL be obtained to purchase by private contract
the following articles viz.,
5 doz American Tomahawks
12 doz Fishing Lines
[Scott]
341
31 Aug 1867
Mr Geo Taplin
Point McLeay
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 28th and beg to state that if Mr Herbert should be
instructed to visit Point McLeay, I will not fail to employ him for the purpose of attending the sick Natives at
your Mission Station.
Your requisition for Hooks, Lines &c shall meet with immediate attention.
[Scott]
342
2 Sept 1867
Mr R. Whitbread
Mt Freeling
Sir,
I am directed by the Hon the CCL &c to request that you will explain the reason why you gave a clean receipt
for weevilly Flour, and took it at all, in opposition to letter from this office dated 15th June.
[Scott]
343
3 Sept 1867
G.N. Birks Esq.,
Kadina
Sir,
I am desired by the Hon the CCL to inform you that two hundred pounds (£ 200) will be given by Government
towards the erection of buildings at the new Station at Point Pierce.
All accounts for the above purpose duly certified, with the necessary vouchers, will be paid by this
Department, to the amount of Two hundred pounds (£ 200).
[Birch]
344
3rd Sept 1867
Mr J. Lyall
Flinders Street
Sir,
I am desired by the Hon the CCL&I to inform you that the Government have decided to grant two hundred
pounds (£ 200) towards the creation of buildings at the new Station at Point Pierce.
The account to the amount of £ 200 for the above purpose, duly certified and accompanied with the
necessary vouchers, will be paid by this Department.
[Scott]
345
4 Sept 1867
Mr Joshua Jones
Wellington
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th Ulto (587/67) and I am desired by the Hon the CCL
to inform you that as it is not unlikely that His Royal Highness will visit that part of the Colony, the Hon the
Comm cannot authorize any expenditure in bringing the Natives into Adelaide.
[Scott]
346a
6 Sept 1867
Corpl Mallon
Melrose
Sir,
I received the procuration order (drawn by Geo Hill) yesterday and I now beg to forward your Post Office
order for the amount (£ 4) payable to yourself from the Protector.
[Birch]
346b
10 Sept 1867
The officer in charge of Police
Port Augusta
Sir,
I beg to inform you that your returns of Aboriginal Stores are in a very unsatisfactory state – inasmuch as
your return for the month of March has not yet come to hand. The returns for the month of April and May
were received at this office and returned to you for some explanation and have not been sent back to this
office. Consequently the returns are unchecked since February.
[Birch]
347
7 September 1867
Mr Geo Taplin
Point McLeay
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the Hon the CCL has been pleased to comply with your request to cut
Mallee for hurdles, and the Surveyor General will instruct the Crown Lands Ranger of the District in which you
reside that you have obtained this permission.
[Scott]
348
7 Sept 1867
Mr Geo Taplin
Point McLeay
& to Mr T. Moriarty, Goolwa
Sir,
I am desired by the A.P.A. to require that you will try and induce the Natives to make war implements &c as
quickly as possible, for the purpose of making the Corrobboree which is shortly to be held near the Lakes
[Wommeran] more attractive than it would otherwise be.
A few Bark Canoes are required if they can be had.
[Birch]
349
9 September 1867
Mr W. Attiwill
McGrath’s Flat
Sir,
I have the honor to request by desire of the AP, that you will try and induce the Natives to make war
implements &c as quickly as possible, for the purpose of making a Corrobboree which is shortly to be held at
the Lakes, more attractive than it would otherwise be.
A few bark canoes are required if they can be had.
[Birch]
350
Same letter to Mr Joshua Jones, Wellington
351
Same letter to Mr J. Dann, Milang
352
9 September 1867
?Rev P.S. Hinterocher
West Terrace
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you in reply to your communication of the 27th Ult that the Hon the CCL cannot
grant land to the Aborigines, on the terms mentioned in your letter; but the subject of allowing Natives to
occupy Crown Lands, for certain purposes, is now under the consideration of the Government, and I may
therefore be in a position, before a long period elapses, to point out to you the conditions on which these
people may become tenants of the Crown.
[Scott]
353
11 Sept 1867
Corpl Shaw
Overland Corner
Sir,
I bet to acknowledge the monthly return of Stores for July and August and desire to inform you that there is
some difference in the stores received by you and the quantities ordered by this office from the Contractor
for groceries. I have therefore to request that you will forward any information you may possess whether the
stores arrived in good condition, or if there was any appearance of the sugar bags being opened on the
journey. Perhaps you might have made some error in the weighing. The Sugar ordered was 250 lbs, Tea 41
lbs and there was 100 lbs Soap which I find you have not received by your return.
[Birch]
354
16th September 1867
Mr T. O’Connor PT
Penola
Sir,
In examining your return for the month of August, I find in your receipt of sugar a deficiency of 26lbs, Rice 8
lbs & Tea 1 lbs overweight.
You will please explain to the AP if the Stores had the appearance of having been opened on the way; if not,
the deficiency must lay with the Contractor.
[Birch]
355
16 September 1867
Rev. P.T. Oster
Rosenthal
Sir,
In answer to your communication of the 30th Ult., I do myself the honor to state, by direction of the Hon the
CCL, that the Missionaries need not apprehend being removed by the Government, as long as their
Missionary work is being carried on.
[Scott]
356
16 September 1867
Rev. F.W. Cox
Norwood,
Sir,
I am desired by the AP to ask, if you would be kind enough to supply him with a copy of the letter of
occupation, which authorizes the Aborigines’ friends’ Association to hold the land at Point McLeay.
[Birch]
357
16 September 1867
S.P. Creagh Esq.,
Clerk Asst – House of Assembly
Sir,
I am desired by the Acting Protector of Aborigines (E.B. Scott Esq.) to forward to you the enclosed copy of
evidence, and to state that absence from Town prevented him from complying sooner to your request.
[Birch]
358
16 Sept 1867
J.P.Buttfield Esq., J.P.
SPA
Port Augusta
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th inst and beg to state that I am not aware
of any Heads of Departments who are interesting themselves to secure for their officers the privilege of
joining in the demonstration in honor of the Prince – consequently you will not be overlooked. I have to
observe for your information that I anticipate to be sent away the moment the Prince arrives here, so that
our positions as far as the demonstration is concerned will be alike.
The requests contained in the other portion of your letter shall be attended to.
[Scott]
359
17 September 1867
I.F. Bottomley Esq.,
Port Elliot
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 10th inst., I beg to inform you that the Hon the CCL has been pleased to grant
your request to purchase a boat for the Natives at Port Elliot.
I am desired to ask you whether you know of a suitable boat at Port Elliot; and if so, to state price and any
other particulars, as the AP will be visiting your neighbourhood shortly, and will be most happy to facilitate
matters as much as possible.
[Birch]
360a
18 September 1867
Mr H. Glenie
Chowilla
Sir,
I have the honor to forward you herewith a cheque for £ 5. 0. 0 on the South Australian Bank for the removal
of Stores at Chowilla.
You will oblige by acknowledging receipt thereof.
[Birch]
360b
18 September 1867
Mr A. McLaren
Goolwa
The enclosed a/c requires the ?? ?? of the person who took charge of the stores for delivery from the
?tramway. ?? they went up the River Murray for July, Aug.,?? ?? at Overland Corner ? case of soap (100
lbs) ?? instead of 16 were delivered.
[Birch]
361
19 Sept 1867
Mrs McAdam
Kingston
Madam,
I am desired to inform you that after mature consideration the Government cannot entertain your request
for compensation for attendance on three Lubras, during confinement, considering the service performed
being unauthorized and unnecessary.
[Birch]
362
23 Sept 1867
D. McLean Esq.,
North West Bend
River Murray
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12 th inst and beg to state that the Native
mentioned therein [erousblind], shall meet with all the attention and care that I can bestow.
[Scott]
363
24 Sept 1867
A.H. Landseer Esq.,
Milang
Sir,
There are several parcels of Stores leaving Town today, intended for the Native Corrobboree, to be held on
Lake Albert Peninsula during the visit of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh to this Province.
The AP desires me to ask you to be good enough to take charge of the Stores until his arrival at Milang. They
will be addressed to E.B. Scott Esq.
[Birch]
364
24 Sept 1867
Hy Pavey Esq.,
Milang
Sir,
I am desired by the AP (Mr Scott) to ask if you could supply him with two and a half tons of good seconds
Flour and at what price, delivered on the Jetty at Milang; an early answer would oblige.
[Birch]
365
24 Sept 1867
Jno Henderson, Esq., J.P.
S.A. Bank
Port Victor
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd inst on the Subject of a boat for certain
natives of Port Victor, and as a matter of course, I will place your communication before the Hon the CCL if
you wish it; but I cannot promise that your request will be granted; on the contrary if you will forward a
simple memorial, signed by a number of the inhabitants of Port Victor I shall be glad to recommend it to the
favourable consideration of the Commissioner, and I dare say the object you have in view would be gained.
[Scott]
366
25 Sept 1867
Mr Jno Dann PT
Milang
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your requisition of the 24th inst., and I am desired by the AP to inform
you, that you are hereby authorized to obtain three loads of firewood for the use of the Natives.
[Birch]
367
26 Sept 1867
I.N. Blackmore Esq.,
Sec: CL&I
Sir,
I do myself the honor to state for the information of the Hon the CCL, that a great saving of money could be
made in the Department under my charge, if I were permitted to purchase Flour for the Aborigines in various
places in this Colony, instead of obtaining it as I do at the present time, from the Contractor in Adelaide.
[Scott]
368
26 Sept 1867
H. Pavy Esq.,
Milang
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday’s date (410/67) and have the honor to inform
you, that I will take three Tons of Flour instead of two and a half as previously stated; therefore, I shall
expect it in readiness for me, when I proceed to Point McLeay; my departure from Adelaide will depend
upon the arrival of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh.
[Scott]
369
28 Sept 1867
Mr T. O’Connor PT
Penola
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd inst (416/67) and am rather surprised at the
suggestion contained therein, considering that (printed forms) letters of advice are always despatched to the
Issuer of Stores at the time the stores are ordered from the Contractor, and I find that in your case there was
no exception.
The deficiency must have happened after leaving Adelaide as all the stores intended for the Aborigines are
examined and weighed by the Govt Storekeeper prior to despatch.
[Birch]
370
1st Oct 1867
A.H. Landseer Esq.,
Milang
Sir,
I am desired by the AP to ask you, if he would be able to hire two vessels – or a Steamboat – to convey
Aborigines from Meningie, Wellington, Milang and Goolwa to Point McLeay; and the probable cost per day
of vessels, and what advice it would be requisite to give.
[Birch]
371
2 October 1867
A.H. Landseer Esq.,
Milang
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st inst., and I am desired by the AP to state that you
have not included Wellington in your letter. The places w[h]ere the Natives are expected to muster are
Wellington, Meningie, Goolwa, & Milang, and the steamer would be required to convey them to Loveday Bay
near McBeath’s. Three days’ notice will be given when the steamer is required, and the AP would like to be
informed of the charge of Steamer for conveying Natives from each of the above places.
[Birch]
372
3 October 1867
I.N. Blackmore Esq.,
Sec: CL&I
Sir,
I beg respectfully to call the attention of the Hon the CCL to a leakage in the roof of the new building, directly
above the office, and to suggest that the Architect be advised thereof.
[Scott]
373
12 October 1867
Mr Geo Taplin
Point McLeay
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the Hon the CCL has been pleased to grant your request to have the
natives vaccinated and has approved of the charges named by Dr. Herbert in your letter of the 12th Augt last.
Dr Maslin is not a qualified medical practitioner and therefore cannot vaccinate as the Act expressly states
that it must be only a qualified medical practitioner.
Dr Todsman is the public vaccinator for Port Elliot & Goolwa and he is authorized to vaccinate and will be
instructed on this Subject.
[Scott]
374
12 October 1867
Dr Herbert
Strathalbyn
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the Hon the CCL has been pleased to approve of the offer made by you
(through Mr Taplin) to vaccinate the natives at Point McLeay; when upon completion you will please
forward you’re a/c certified by Mr Taplin to this office.
[Birch]
375
12 October 1867
Dr Todsman
Goolwa
Sir,
I am desired to acquaint you that the Hon the CCL has authorized you to vaccinate any natives in your District
deemed desirable by the Police who have been communicated with upon the subject. The same charges as
are allowed for Europeans will be duly acknowledged; and the a/c should be certified by the Police Officer in
charge and forwarded to this office.
[Birch]
376
October 12th 1867
Mr Jno Moriarty PT
Goolwa
Sir,
I beg to inform you that Dr Todsman has been instructed to vaccinate any natives that you may consider
require it; you will therefore take whatever steps you may consider necessary in the matter.
[Birch]
377
15th October 1867
Rev. W.J. Kuhn
Kadina
Sir,
In answer to your telegram of this morning, I have the honor to inform you that Mr Rogers has consented to
allow the Mission Station to be established at once on his run, provided the square mile and the section are
as shewn on tracing sent to him by Surveyor-General last May; after approval by the Commissioner, copies
of this tracing will be sent to Mr Kuhn and Mr Rogers to close the matter.
[Birch]
378
16 Oct 1867
A.H. Landseer Esq,
Milang
Sir,
In answer to your communication of the 8th inst., I have the honor to inform you that I will accept your offer
for the conveyance of natives and Stores to Baker’s Bluff – provided I have not to pay for the Steamer, if she
should not be required.
Four days’ notice will be given you. Reply in order that I may make other arrangements immediately should
you not accept my terms.
[Scott]
379
16th October 1867
Mr T. Moriarty PT
Goolwa
Sir,
In answer to your communication of the 15th inst., I am desired to inform you that you are hereby authorized
to incur the necessary expense in having the Canoe repaired, forwarding the a/c to this office for payment.
[Birch]
380
16 Oct 1867
C. Sabine Esq,
Adelaide
Sir,
I beg to I inform you that the a/c for the Flour (140 lbs @ ?50/- ?10/-?) used by the Police at Mount
Freeling will be passed for payment this month, and will be Payable at the Treasury on or about the sixth of
next month.
[Scott]
381
17 October 1867
J.S. Woods Esq,
McGrath’s Flat,
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15 inst., (434/67) and have the honor to inform you
that Kruse has no authority to take the Government Boats and turn them to his own use.
I will therefore direct him to discontinue such practices, otherwise I will place the matter in the hands of the
Police.
I will forward a few small stores in the course of a few days.
[Birch]
382
17 Oct 1867
Mr A. Webb
Long Island
River Murray
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 15 inst, and I am desired to state that there is no money
at the disposal of the Protector of Aborigines for the purpose mentioned in your letter.
[Birch]
383
17th October 1867
Mr. C.W.T. Kruse
Milang
Sir,
I have been informed by Mr Woods of McGrath’s Flat, that you are using the Government Boats – I therefore
direct you immediately to discontinue such an unlawful practice – otherwise you will compel me to take
serious steps, for the purpose of suffering such unwarrantable conduct.
[Birch]
384
17 October 1867
J.S. Woods Esq.,
McGrath’s Flat
Sir,
Will you have the goodness for the future, whenever duty may call you from your station to engage some
person to take charge of the Aborigines’ Stores when they arrive at the landing place at McGrath’s Flat.
I regret very much to hear that some sugar has been damaged.
[Scott]
385
21st October 1867
Mr T. Moriarty PT
Goolwa
Sir,
In consequence of a number of Natives coming to Town, I am desired by the A.P.A. to inform you that a
quantity of Blankets, Blue Shirts, Flour, Tea, Sugar, Tobacco, Tomahawks, Twine, Hooks & Lines, Tinware &c
&c are now waiting at Milang, ready to be taken across the Lake, for distribution among the Natives, as soon
as HR.H. the Duke of Edinburgh arrives in the Colony.
A Steamer will be sent to Goolwa to convey the Natives across upon the third or fourth day after the arrival
of the Prince to the Colony. Due notice will be given you of his arrival.
[Birch]
386
21 October 1867
Mr J. Jones PT
Wellington
Sir,
In consequence of a large number of natives coming to Adelaide, I am desired by the A.P.A. to inform you
that a quantity of Blankets, Blue shirts, Flour, Tea, Sugar, Tobacco, Tomahawks, Twine, Fish Hooks and Lines,
Tinware &c &c are now waiting at Milang, and will be taken across the Lake as soon as H.R.H. the Duke of
Edinburgh arrives in the Colony for distribution among the Natives. The Streamer will be sent to Wellington
the third or fourth day after the Prince’s arrival, to convey the natives to Lake Albert Peninsula and due
notice will be given you.
[Birch]
387
28 October 1867
Mr T.P. Richards PT
Fowlers Bay
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th inst (448/67) and I am desired by the A.P.A. to
inform you that no special provision is made by this Department for the maintenance of half-caste children,
not does he think it necessary; but of course they (the half-castes) may become the recipients of rations,
supplied for the support of the Aborigines generally.
The Fathers of half-castes are I believe amenable to the law which compels people to support their offspring;
but I deem it unadvisable to take action in a matter of this kind.
[Birch]
388
28 October 1867
J.P. Buttfield Esq., J.P., SPA
Blinman
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you in answer to your letter of the 19 th inst., (445/67) that I approve of the
transfer of Stores from Yudanamatana to Illinawortina.
[Scott]
389
28 October 1867
J.P. Buttfield Esq., J.P., A.P.A.
Blinman
Sir,
I am directed by the Hon the CCL&I to acquaint you, that he will not authorize the expenditure of any money
for the purpose of building a residence for the Sub-Protector, and before considering the question of making
some allowance in lieu of quarters, in accordance with a suggestion of mine, the Hon the CCL would like to be
informed, where the Sub-Protector would be likely to reside in the event of his leaving the Blinman.
[Scott]
390
28 October 1867
D. McLean Esq.,
North West Bend
River Murray
Sir,
I am desired to inform you that the native named Johnny Weeako from the North West Bend, since he
arrived in Town, has been attending the Colonial Surgeon, who states that he cannot restore Weeako’s Sight
and recommends his return to his tribe.
[Birch]
391
29 October 1867
J.F. Bottomley Esq.,
Port Elliot
Sir,
I am desired to remind you of a letter from this office dated 17 th Ulto., and to inform you that the Acting
Protector has been awaiting your reply thereto, before taking action in the matter.
[Birch]
392
30 October 1867
G.N. Birks Esq.,
Kadina
Sir,
IM have the honor to inform you by direction of the Hon the CCL that the Surveyor-General has been
authorized to survey (in the course of a short period) a square mile, and an eighty-acre section of land
including the wells at Point Pierce, for the use of the Native Mission, and that this survey will finally set this
matter at rest. In conclusion, I have to observe that by this arrangement, the Lessee of the Point Pierce run
has consented to waive his claim to six months’ notice of resumption.
[Birch]
393
30th October 1867
Rev. F.W. Cox
Norwood
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you by direction of the Hon the CCL that the Surveyor-General has been
authorized to survey (in the course of a short period) a square mile and an eighty-acre section of land
including the wells, at Point Pierce, for the use of the Native Mission, and that this survey will finally set the
matter at rest. In conclusion I have to observe that by this arrangement the Lessee of the Point Pierce run
has consented to waive his claim to six months’ notice of resumption.
[Birch]
394
4 Nov 1867
A.H. Landseer Esq
Milang
Sir,
You will please forward per ‘Telegraph’, steamer, on Wednesday next to the care of Mr Taplin – Point McLeay
– all stores addressed to Mr Scott and intended for the Corrobboree.
[Birch]
395
5 Nov 1867
Mrs C. Smith
Gambierton
Madam,
I am directed by the AP to inform you that you are hereby authorized to purchase from the Flour mill at Mt
Gambier five bags of Flour (second quality) and to forward the a/c to this office for payment.
[Birch]
396
14th Nov 1867
Mr C. D. Aston
Port Adelaide
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday’s date, offering to convey Stores to Point Pierce,
and in reply thereto, I have the honor to inform you that at present there are no Stores destined for Point
Pierce, the Missionary Station lately there having removed back to Kadina.
[Birch]
397
19 Nov 1867
J.P. Buttfield Esq., J.P. S.P.A.
Blinman
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to state the place you think most eligible for the
residence of the Sub-Protector in the Far North, in the event of his being, by force of circumstances,
compelled to leave the Blinman – as your communication of the 6th inst is no answer to my letter No 237/67.
[Scott]
398
19th Nov 1867
J.P. Buttfield Esq.,
S.P.A.
Blinman
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 6th inst on the subject of leave of absence, I have the honor to suggest that you
had better make a separate application for leave to absent yourself from your duties, during the Xmas
holidays.
I also beg to call your attention to a letter from Mr Short No. 300, forwarded to you on the 1st July from this
office.
[Scott]
399
21st Nov1867
Mr J.R. Ewens
Blanchetown
Sir,
I am desired to inform you that you are authorized to purchase meat and any other article, suitable for a sick
man like Tinarnambi, and upon forwarding the a/cs to this office, they will be duly acknowledged.
[Birch]
400
28th Nov 1867
G.N. Birks Esq.,
Kadina
Sir,
It is not on the power of the Govt (at the present time) to give you authority to occupy that portion of land,
which has been surveyed at Point Pierce for a Mission station; but no doubt you could induce Mr Rogers to
waive his claim to notice of resumption and thereby be enabled to take possession of the land in question
without further delay.
[Scott]
401
2 December 1867
The Hon the CCL&I
Sir,
I have the honor to forward herewith for the information of the Auditor General, Statement of Aborigines’
Advance, balance repaid into the Treasury, 30th Nov 1867, receipt attached.
[Walker]
402
2nd Dec 1867
The Auditor General
Memo/
Statement of Aborigines Advance forwarded for the information of the Auditor General.
Balance, repaid into Treasury 30 Nov (receipt attached)
£16. 13. 6
Amount paid out of advance as per Schedule rendered
For Audit and not yet repaid
£2. 6. 6
£19. 0. 0
Vide C.L.& I. letter 153/67
[Walker]
403
2 Dec 1867
Sergt Simpson
Port Elliot
Sir,
I am desired by the Protector of Aborigines to ask you to be good enough to inspect a boat, selected for the
Aborigines by Capt Tait, Harbor Master at Victor Harbor, and to reply as to the suitableness of the boat in
question.
The Protector is anxious that a good and serviceable boat should be procured for the natives at Port Elliot.
[Birch]
404-406
2nd Dec 1867
The Hon the CCL&I
Sir,
I have the honor to forward for the information of His Excellency the governor, the return and observations
having reference to the Aborigines, which you requested me to supply in your letter of the 18th Ulto.
The tabulated return enclosed herewith, will contain an answer to many of your queries, and the following
remarks will I hope complete my answer to your letter.
Education has made but little progress among the Aborigines, nor has any attempt been made to teach these
people on a large scale; but some few young persons attend the Mt Gambier, Point Pierce, Point McLeay,
Lacepede Bay and Goolwa Schools, and are instructed by zealous Schoolmasters and Schoolmistresses, who
devote great care in endeavouring to ameliorate the condition of the Blacks in a scholastic point of view;
with all this care, and attention for their religious and 405 secular teaching, I can state, after an experience
of thirty years, that the efforts of Europeans to turn the degraded Australian native from a barbarous life to
one of a higher character has been anything but a success.
Missionary establishments are as an idea, pretty and interesting, and despite the unwearied exertions and
views of good and pious men to overcome the difficulties of civilizing the blacks, I do not hesitate to observe
that all practical persons are fully aware of the utter impossibility of reclaiming the Aborigines of Australia –
nevertheless, I would not propose, or authorize if I had it in my power, any diminution of support to the
natives – on the contrary I would be liberal in my help and endeavour by all means to relieve their
necessities, whenever and wherever I could.
As Far as my knowledge goes the natives are more subject to pulmonary diseases than any other, I believe
the reckless use of clothes has been the cause of prematurely sending numbers to their graves. 406 Skin
and other complaints are occasionally to be met with among the blacks; but as a rule pulmonic disorders are
the most prevalent.
The Aborigines are employed by Europeans to some considerable extent as Shepherds, Shearers, Reapers,
Stockriders, Cutters of wood &c., and doubtless their labor would be much more sought for, if their habits
were not of such an erratic kind and therefore not to be depended upon for any length of time.
The rites and customs of the natives are still practised to some extent, but as they are (with few exceptions)
of a harmless description, the colonists are not subject to many revolting sights.
In conclusion, I have to remark that the rate of mortality among the blacks is proceeding rapidly, and judging
by the past thirty years, no long period will elapse ere the settled portions of South Australia will be left
without a trace of its original inhabitants.
[Scott]
407
3 Dec 1867
The Hon the CCL&I
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will be pleased to approve of the enclosed ‘Advance Warrant’ for the
sum of nineteen pounds (£ 19) to enable me to meet various petty expenses.
[Walker]
408
4 Dec 1867
I.N. Blackmore Esq.,
Sec: CL&I
Sir,
I have the honor respectfully to request the authority of the Hon the CCL&I to call for Tenders for the supply
of one thousand (1000) pairs of Blankets, for the ensuing year, it being necessary to forward the supplies to
the outlying districts early in the year by the returning wool drays.
[Walker]
409
6 Dec 1867
W.L. Beare Esq.,
Bungaree
Sir,
I am directed to inform you that the Police at Clare will deliver to your order all Aboriginal Stores on hand
taking your receipt for the same.
Blank forms of return and copy of Instructions will be forwarded by this mail.
[Birch]
410
6th Dec 1867
Mfr F.W. Catchlove
Clare
Sir,
I am directed by the Protector to request you to deliver to Mr Beare or order all remaining Aborigines’ Stores
on hand, taking his receipt for the same, and forwarding a statement to this office.
[Birch]
411
7 Dec 1867
J.P. Buttfield Esq., J.P.,
A.P.A.
Blinman
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 27th Ulto., requesting authority to forward Lubra
of deceased Native (named Peter) to Pt Lincoln and in reply I beg to inform you, that the Hon the CCL has
approved of your request.
You will therefore forward the Lubra to Pt Augusta, with a letter of instruction to Mr. A.D. Tassie to forward
her to Port Lincoln.
[Walker]
412
J.P. Buttfield Esq., JP
APA
Melrose
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 28 th Ulto., asking for leave of absence at
Christmas and beg to inform you that the Hon. The CCL&I has been pleased to grant you a month’s leave of
absence from the 20th inst.
[Walker]
413
12 Dec 1867
Rev. F.W. Cox
Norwood
Sir,
I am desired to ask you for the information of the Hon the CCL, under what letter, or authority, for
occupation, the Reserve at Point McLeay is now occupied by Mr Taplin.
You would greatly oblige by forwarding the Number and Date of the letter.
[Birch]
414
13 Dec 1867
Mr James Simpson
L.C. [OIC, Police]
Port Elliot
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th inst (506/67) and have the honor to inform you
that you are authorized to purchase the Boat, on behalf of this Department, for the use of the Natives at Port
Elliot, and if procurable at Port Elliot or Victor, you might also procure sufficient chain and Rope for moorings,
forwarding the a/cs to this office for payment.
The Boat to remain under the supervision of the Police, who will be good enough to report anything that may
be required for its preservation.
[Walker]
415
13 Dec 1867
J.P. Buttfield Esq., J.P.
S.P.A., Melrose
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th inst., concerning the travelling expenses
of a native witness, and in reply I beg to inform you, that in the case alluded to, the prisoner being an
European, the expenses will be paid in the usual manner by the Supreme Court. Had the prisoner been a
Native, the expenses would have been borne by this Department.
[Walker]
416
13 Dec 1867
J.F. Bottomley Esq.,
Port Elliot
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the Officer in charge of the Police at Port Elliot has been instructed to
purchase and to take charge of the Boat for the Aborigines at Port Elliot.
[Birch]
417
16th Dec 1867
H.A. Short Esq.,
Buttamuc, North East
Sir,
In reply to your communication of 24th June last, I have the honor to inform you that the Hon the CCL has
been pleased to approve of a Depot being established at your Station, for the distribution of rations to the
Aborigines. You will be expected to forward to this office a monthly return of stores Issued, for which printed
forms will be supplied you.
Upon receipt of your letter advising the best way of sending the stores, a supply of Flour, Tea, Sugar &c will
be forwarded to you.
[Walker]
418
17 Decr 1867
D. Brown Esq.,
Port Adelaide
Sir,
Understanding that you have a Boat for sale, I am desired by the Protector of Aborigines to ask you to state
the price required, also to mention any gear included.
You will understand the description of boat required, when I state that it is required for a fishing boat for the
natives at Victor Harbor.
[Birch]
419
23 Dec 1867
Mr J. Simpson
Port Elliot
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st inst., forwarding a/cs for boat, and have the honor
to remit you herewith – P.O. Order for the two small a/cs, for which I will thank you to procure receipts and
return them to this office; the a/cs for the Boat & Chain will be passed for payment the end of the month
and will be payable at the Treasury about the 7th proximo.
With regard to the Natives using the Boat on New Year’s day, I beg to state that if you consider they will
conduct themselves properly, without getting intoxicated, I see no reason to object to their request.
[Walker]
420a
23rd Dec 1867
Mr T. Moriarty PT
Goolwa
Sir,
I beg to forward you seven 6’ stamps for Medicine supplied to Aborigines. The account for £ 2 for the Flag
has been handed over to the Reception Committee Office.
[Birch]
420b
23rd Dec ? 1867
Mr Joseph Smith
White Horse Hotel
Currie Street
Sir,
I beg to remind you that according to agreement, you are desired to forward to this office by the 31st inst.,
four pounds for the maintenance and education of a girl at the Point McLeay Institution, daughter of Charles
Cook.
[Birch]
421
Jno Henderson Esq., J.P.
Port Victor
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that a whale boat with four oars, rudder, and moorings has been despatched
from Port Adelaide by the “Gem” for the use of the Aborigines at Victor Harbor.
I would respectfully request in the absence of the Police at Port Victor, that you would instruct the natives to
take particular care of the boat, and when not in use, the oars and rudder should be deposited in some place
for safe keeping.
[Birch]
422
28 Dec 1867
J.P. Buttfield Esq., J.P.
SPA, Port Augusta
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd inst asking to suspend your leave of
absence until 4th January and in reply I beg to inform you that the Hon the CCL has been pleased to grant your
request.
[Birch]
------oo-----
1868
423
6th January 1868
The Hon. the CCL
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that I propose leaving town, on a visit to the South-Eastern district, on Friday
next.
As I shall travel the whole distance with my own horses, I shall probably be absent for about five or six weeks.
[Walker]
424
9 January v1868
Mr J. Wood
McGrath’s Flat
Sir,
I am desired to inform you, that the Shooting Punt, lately used by H.R.H. during the trip to the Lakes, has
been transferred to the Department for the use of the Aborigines.
The manager at Campbell House will be instructed to deliver it up to your order; you will therefore despatch
one or two Natives with an order for its delivery; when they can wither bring the Punt round by water or
have it carted across the Peninsula.
[Birch]
425
9 January 1868
The Manager
Campbell House
Lake Albert
Sir,
You will be pleased to deliver to the order of Mr J. Wood, Telegraph Master of McGrath’s Flat, the shooting
punt used by H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh during his trip to the Lakes, it being intended for the use of the
Aborigines on the Coorong.
[Birch]
426
10th January 1868
Mr Jno Dann P.T.
Milang
Sir,
You will please forward to this office without delay, a list of all non-consumable stores under your charge,
belonging to this Department, such as Boats, Scales & Weights &c &c.
[Copy sent to the following – Goolwa – McGrath’s Flat – Pt McLeay – Wellington – Lower Finniss]
[Birch]
427a
11 Jan 1868
Mr G. Gladstone
Penola
Sir,
OI beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 8th inst., concerning your a/c for supplying coffins for the
Aborigines, and in reply, I have the honor to inform you that your a/c was passed for payment the end of last
month and now awaits you in the Treasury.
Enclosed is a form of procuration order by which, if you think proper to fill in, will enable anyone to draw and
remit the money to you.
[Birch]
427b
18 Jan 1868
Mr Jno Dann P.T.
Milang
Sir,
I beg to inform you that you are authorized to purchase three loads of firewood for the Natives at Milang,
sending the a/c to this office as usual for payment.
[Birch]
428
13 Jan 1868
Mr Rd Phelan P.T.
Border Town
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you, in reply to your remarks in the December Return, that Dr Penny in his letter
of the 1st January, promised to have the two incurables at Lawson’s Station removed to Border Town; if not
already removed, you had better see to it without delay.
Dr Walker will be in your neighbourhood about the beginning of next month, and will be in a position to
attend upon any natives requiring assistance.
[Birch]
429
17 Jan 1868
Mr W.H. Limbert
Rapid Bay
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th inst., informing of the native shaving
left your locality, and requesting to be informed how to dispose of the Stores. In reply, I beg to inform you,
that should the Stores be no inconvenience to you, they had better remain for the present where they are, in
case the natives should return.
[Birch]
430
1
17 Jan 1868
Mr T. Bath
Kooringa
Sir,
I am desired by Mr Short of Buttamuc to inform you that the following Stores will leave Town on the 21 st inst
per rail to Kapunda, for the Aborigines at Buttamuc Station, and to request that you would forward them to
Parnaroo, from whence his own dray will take them.
Description of Stores:
Ton Flour
250 lbs Sugar
41 lbs Tea
10 lbs Tobacco
The following stores also left on or about the 13th inst for the same route:
2 tons Flour
400 lbs Sugar
82 lbs Tea
10 lbs Tobacco
Addressed to Mr R. Williams, Bimbowrie
[Birch]
431
18 January 1868
Messrs D. & W. Murray
King William Street
Gentlemen,
In reply to your Tender for Blankets of the 6th inst., I have the honor to inform you that the Hon the CCL has
accepted your tender for delivering of 500 pairs of blue Blankets at 14/11, to be delivered at the Govt Store
during this month, and 500 pairs at 14/6 to be delivered in February, to be equal to samples which will be
retained in this office.
[Birch]
432
20 January 1868
Mrs C. Smith
Mt Gambier
Madam,
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 14th inst., and in reply thereto, I beg to inform
you that you’re a/c for the month of October was passed for payment in November last, and has been paid to
you’re a/c in the National Bank. The a/cs for Nov & Dec will be passed the end of this month; consequently
there is nothing in the Treasury.
[Birch]
433
20 January 1868
Mr C. Draper
Grenfell Street
Sir,
In reply to your tender for Blankets of the 6th inst., I have the honor to inform you that it has not been
accepted. The Sample forwarded by you to this office can be had on application.
[Birch]
434
20 January 1868
Similar letter to Wills & Co, Rundle Street.
435
23 January 1868
Corpl Simpson
Port Elliot
Sir,
In reply to your [letter] of the 20th inst., I beg to state for your information, that previous to receiving your
former letter dated 29 December 1867, I wrote to Mr Henderson, Manager of the South Australian Bank at
Port Victor, asking that gentleman to be kind enough to instruct the natives what to do with the boat, until
the arrival of the Police at Port Victor, which I was given to understand by the Police Dept would be shortly
made a Police Station.
Mr Tait making use of the Boat without authority from this Department – he will therefore be expected to
repair any damage he may have caused to the Boat.
[Birch]
436
29th Jany 1868
F.E. Goldsmith Esq., M.D.
Robe
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th inst., forwarding a/c for 2, and beg to
inform you that it will be passed with the Feb a/cs and therefore will not be payable until the 6 th or 7th of
March next, at the Treasury.
I have also to inform you that the Hon the CCL has sanctioned the outlay of thirty shillings, as requested by
you for a leather apparatus for attaching to stump of arm.
[Birch]
437
30 January 1868
Corpl J. Simpson
Port Elliot
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your memo/- of the 28th inst., requesting rollocks and chain for the
Aborigines’ Boat at Port Victor. In reply, I have the honor to inform you that you had better purchase the
chain required for the Boat at Ports Elliot or Victor, and at the same time engage a Blacksmith to make six
rollocks, so as to keep two spare ones in case of loss, forwarding the a/cs to this office in the usual way.
[Birch]
438a
4 Feb 1868
Mr T. Moriarty
Goolwa
Sir,
In answer to your request dated yesterday, I beg to inform you (in the absence of the Protector) that I see no
reason to object to their request, provided it be limited to one bag of Flour, as stated in your letter.
[Birch]
438b
5 Feb 1868
Mr H. Pavy
Milang
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will forward to this office, for the information of the Hon the CCL, the
price for which you are willing to deliver at Long Island, River Murray, one ton of good seconds Flour –
Sample requested.
[Birch]
439
7 Feby 1868
Mr A. Webb
Long Island
River Murray
Sir,
I beg to inform you, that on looking over your store return for the month of January, I very much surprised to
find such an indiscriminate Issue of Stores, to every one who chose to ask for them, more particularly as I find
upon enquiry, that the neighbourhood abounds with fish and game.
I beg to call your attention to clause 1 of Instructions to Issuers of Stores, when you will see that it is not the
intention of the government to distribute rations to anyone who chooses to come for them.
[Birch]
440
8 February 1868
F.E. Goldsmith Esq [M.D.]
Robe
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th inst., and have the honor to inform you that the a/c
for maintenance is already made out and passed in the name of G. Smith and cannot therefore be altered.
Should you particularly desire the a/c payable to yourself, you can, by procuring the Signature of G. Smith to
the enclosed procuration order, payable to yourself, and I will attach it to the a/c.
I have also to inform you that before passing the a/c for the stump, all necessary vouchers must first be sent
to this office for examination.
[Birch]
441
11 February 1868
Mr H. Pavy
Milang
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th inst., offering to deliver Flour at Long Island for the
sum of £ 17 per ton, and in reply I have the honor to inform you that your offer cannot be entertained.
[Birch]
442
13 Feby 1868
Messrs G.R. & W.H. Birks
Kadina
Gentlemen,
Being desirous to forward Two tons of Flour to Mr Kuhn at Point Pierce, I am requested to ask, if you could
inform me of the best way of sending it and the rate of cartage to Point Pierce, or if a saving could be
affected by purchasing it at Kadina. Second quality flour is what we are accustomed to send for the
Aborigines, present price in Adelaide fourteen pounds per ton.
[Birch]
443
Between 13-19? February 1868
The Hon the CCL&I
Sir,
I have the honor to report that I returned this morning from my South-Eastern tour.
[Walker]
444
19 Febr 1868
Miss Ewens
Kingston
Madam,
In answer to your remarks in the return for the month of December, I beg to inform you, that the Protector
considers half a pound of soap sufficient for each child per month.
[Birch]
445
The Hon the CCL&c
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that Mr Buttfield is desirous of having his leave of absence extended for a
fortnight, and I beg that his application be granted as I think it may be done without injury to the public
service.
[Walker]
446
21 February 1868
H.A. Short Esq.,
Bishop’s Court
North Adelaide
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the Hon. The CCL has sanctioned the payment of five shillings per week
each, for the maintenance of the two Lubras at Buttamuc Station, from the time you first wrote to the
Government concerning them (24 June 1867), up to the time of the arrival of Govt Stores at the Station.
[Walker]
447
21st Feb 1868
J? McKechnie Esq., M.D., J.P.
Franklin Harbour
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 8th inst., (60/68), and in reply thereto, I beg to
inform you that the late Commr (Mr Milne) decided that no stores should be sent to anyone declining to fill
up the usual monthly returns. The Protector desires me to state, that you are not bound to Issue Rations
daily, and trusts that upon further consideration, you will not find the filling in of the return forms so tedious
as at first expected.
[Birch]
448
21st February 1868
Mr. T. Perry
Keeper H.M. Gaol
Redruth
Sir,
In your letter of the 18th inst, addressed to the Sheriff, you allude to a native of the Cooper’s Creek tribe; the
Protector of Aborigines desires me to ask, how he came to Redruth, and where committed and by whom, and
where the offence was committed, and where taken in charge.
[Birch]
449
21st Feb 1868
J.P. Buttfield Esq., J.P., S.P.A.
One Tree Hill, Munno Para East
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the Hon the CCL has approved of extending your leave of absence for a
fortnight.
[Birch]
450
26 February 1868
Mr T. Perry
Keeper H.M. Gaol
Redruth
Sir,
I have to request that you will be good enough to purchase a blanket and a blue shirt for the prisoner Bobby
when he leaves the gaol, and if he is disposed to return from where he was taken from, I would thank you to
procure for him a passage by the Coach, to Outalpa, forwarding the a/c to this office for payment.
[Birch]
451
27 February 1868
Mr J. R. Ewens P.T.
Blanchetown
Sir
I beg to inform you that the a/cs sent in by you, amounting to one pound seven shillings and two pence, were
passed for payment last month, and is now payable to yourself or order at the Treasury.
Procuration order herewith.
[Birch]
452
27 February 1868
Corpl Field
Narracoorte
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 4th inst., I beg to inform you that the Hon. The CCL approves of your destroying
the bad Flour remaining on hand at the Narracoorte Depot; and I beg to inform you that you are authorized
to purchase a bag of Flour for present Issue,, forwarding the a/c to this office for payment.
[Walker]
453
28 Feb 1868
Mr W.H. Cattaro
Strathalbyn
Sir,
I am desired by the Protector to inform you that in consequence of an established principle of the
Government, ?[in relation to?] the sub-letting of sections of land, he cannot recommend your request to the
Government.
[Birch]
454
28th February 1868
G.G. Wollaston Esq., J.P.
Lake Hamilton
Sir,
In answer to your letter dated 28 January (40/68) I have the honor to inform you that the Government
acknowledges no right to a section of land for marrying a native woman. Sections of land have occasionally
been granted conditionally to native women for their lifetime, reverting to the Crown again at their demise.
In the present case, the Government do not feel inclined to grant Ahang’s request.
[Walker]
455
28 February 1868
Mr G.N. Birks
Kadina
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 21st inst (65/68) and have the honor to inform you, that the
Hon the CCL has decided that as soon as your Committee can satisfactorily show that one hundred and fifty
pounds has been expended on the buildings, one hundred pounds will be advanced by the Govt, and the
balance upon the completion of the work, at not less than 200 cost, to the satisfaction of some officer of the
Government to be named by the Commissioner.
[Side note: Notice of resumption of land at Point Pierce expires 28th May]
[Walker]
456
5 March 1868
Messrs Bowman Bros
Crystal Brook
Gentlemen,
In answer to your letter dated 16 December, I have the honor to inform you that the Government have
approved my recommendation and have granted five pounds for the remuneration of the services of the
native called “Dick” for tracking and attending upon McCrae.
You will be kind enough to give it to him in such sums as you may deem best.
[Walker]
457
7 March 1868
Mr G. Murray
Shepherd
Booyooloo
Sir,
I beg to inform you that the Government having been informed of your leasing a section of land, No. 3055
Hundred of Upper Wakefield, to a person of the name of Jno. A. Lines, I am requested to ask, by what
authority you presume the section of land to belong to you. By letter to you, from the Crown Lands Office in
February 1864, you were requested to forward your marriage certificate, when a section of land would be
allotted to you on the same terms as to Thos. Adams; but on searching the records of the office, I find that
you have not answered the questions asked you in the said letter, consequently your claim is still unsettled.
[Birch]
458a
10 March 1868
Mr J. Grosse
?Port Adelaide
Sir,
In reply to your tender for Fish hooks, Lines and Twine, of the 11 th Ulto., I beg to inform you that it has not
been accepted.
[Birch]
458b
10 March 1868
Mr T. McDonald
Gawler Place
Same as above
458c
10 March 1868
Messrs G. Phillips & Co.,
Hindley Street
In reply to your tender of the 11th ulto., for Fish Hooks, Lines and Twine, I beg to inform you that your tender
for Fish Hooks only has been accepted.
Samples of fishing lines left at this office can be had on application.
[Birch]
459-460
11 March 1868
Mrs Doke
Goolwa
Madam,
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 30th January, which has been laid before the
Hon the CCL with memorial alluded to in your letter, and I have to inform you that the Government are still
unwilling to grant a Reserve of Land at Goolwa, it being situated in such close proximity to Point McLeay.
I have also to inform you, that the balance of the previous grant having lapsed, the Hon the Commr has
approved of your purchasing any School books, &c that may be required for the present wants, such as are
enumerated in your letter of 30 Jany – the cost not to exceed five pounds.
The Government Storekeeper will 460 be instructed to send you fifty yards of blue serge for making
dresses for the women & Children.
[Birch]
461
11 March 1868
R.B. Penny M.R.C.S.
Charla
Tatiara
Sir,
In answer to your communication of the 21st Ulto., I am desired by the Hon the CCL to ask you, whether you
would supply medicine and attendance to the Blacks when called upon to do so, within a radius of 20 miles
from Charla, for the sum of fifty pounds per annum.
[Walker]
462
12 March 1868
Mrs Doke,
Goolwa
Madam,
In writing to you yesterday, I am under the impression that I did not sufficiently explain the intentions of the
Hon the CCL regarding the expenditure of the five pounds. The Commr’s intention was, that the cost of the
Serge was to be included in the five pounds, therefore if you think proper I will procure the books at the
Government Office and forward them with the Serge upon the receipt of your answer.
[Birch]
463 Cancelled
464
13 March 1868
Mr Jno V. Lloyd
Buttamuc
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 9th inst (93/68) from which I perceive you acknowledge
receiving two small boxes of soap; you will be kind enough to inform me whether it was directed the same as
the groceries; if so it must have been sent by mistake, and has not been charged to the Government by the
contractor.
[Birch]
465
14 March 1868
Messrs W. & A. Bowman, Millers
Middleton
Gentlemen,
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your telegram of yesterday and regret that I cannot entertain your offer of
Flour at nineteen pounds. I am buying good second quality Flour in town at £17 and at Milang at £18;
therefore, should you consider it worth your business to reduce your price to £18, we might come to some
arrangement. If so, be kind enough to forward a small sample per post to this office.
[Walker]
466
18 March 1868
The Hon the CCL
Sir,
I have the honor to respectfully request, in accordance with circular letter dated 29th February last, that a
drawing account for the sum of twenty five pounds ( £25) may be opened at the Treasury, to enable me to
meet any petty expenses, transport &c., and that an order or cheque book may be supplied.
[Walker]
467-483
12 March 1868
The Hon. The Comm. Of CL&I
Sir
I have the honor to forward my Report of a recent visit to the South-Eastern District, for the information of
His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.
Point McLeay
A great many of the Natives had left this Station to visit the neighbouring tribes as is usual at this season; but
about sixty remained. One of them, a woman, was dying of consumption [Teenminne?] and a young man
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
was in a weak state of body, evidently from the same disease. All the rest were apparently in excellent
health.
Mr Taplin had thirteen men and boys at work, chiefly in the harvest field. The men received from 7/- to 8/- a
week 468 which is less than they could probably have obtained elsewhere, but they preferred working
there even at a lower rate of wages, that they might continue to enjoy the advantages of the Institution.
The school was closed at the time of my visit, and most of the children were absent with their parents and
friends enjoying the holidays. An Evening Class is held for the benefit of adults, which was attended by ten of
the young men, most of whom read the Bible with manifest intelligence and fluency.
Mr Taplin Says, “A great step has been taken towards inducing many of these Natives to lead a civilized moral
and industrious life. Certainly there are also many of them who have as yet been unwilling to listen to us, yet
the cause is not native superstitions, but the influence of the public house and wine shop 469 and the
bad example of immoral white people.
I think we may fairly point to the following facts as proofs that this Mission Station has made some Natives
better members of the Community:
They have cleared a large portion of land here, and but for the prevalence of red rust we should have had a
fine crop of wheat.
We have fenced in nearly the whole of the reserve. This has been by Native labour.
Three couple s have been joined in Christian marriage and others will be as soon as we can find houses for
them.
We are just commencing two more stone cottages for Natives, and I hope before 1868 closes, if God helps us,
to have five more built. People are waiting to occupy them.
For the last six months an 470 average of 40 Natives of all ages have been living here in a civilized manner.
These form a nucleus of civilization in the midst of the Natives. We should have much larger accessions to
this number if it were not for the fact that this Reserve won’t provide employment for more.”
Milang
In consequence of a failure of the crops in this neighbourhood, the farmers had no employment for the
Natives in the harvest season; the blacks therefore were not as well off as in former years; but a few were
earning a little money by gathering and selling leeches. The price given for them latterly however was too
low to be remunerative.
Wood is very much wanted at this depot and the old and infirm people suffer greatly in consequence. I
believe there is none nearer than 471 four miles from the township which is much too great a distance
for them to carry so bulky an article. A supply of firewood is as necessary for the blacks here as is a supply of
food.
Wellington
There were about thirty Natives at the Station, all of whom were in good health with one exception. This was
a young man suffering from a painful swelling of the knee joint, the effect of an injury received some time
ago while breaking-in a colt.
Fish were scarce, the river being very high and muddy, and game was not plentiful, consequently the
applications at the depot for relief were pretty numerous. The stores were of good quality and in excellent
preservation.
The general conduct of the Natives was reported to be good, no complaints having 472 been made against
them for a considerable time.
McGrath’s Flat
From forty to fifty were encamped at this Station, who were said to be very quiet and well-behaved. In
general the blacks here are pretty healthy but at present Whooping-Cough prevails amongst them and three
have fallen victim to it.
I saw and prescribed for a number of sick patients – one of them suffering from Consumption, and several
from Chronic Cough and diarrhoea.
There is no employment for the blacks except at a neighbouring Station, where two or three are kept. A few
of them were engaged during shearing time and earned good wages.
Both fish and game are easily obtained at present and there is a good market for all they catch that are not
required for their own consumption.
473
Three of their canoes were greatly in need of repair, and having met Mr Kruse at Wood’s Well, I asked him to
examine them and report what was necessary to be done. I learned however on my return that he had at
once repaired the canoes; they are of the very greatest service to the Natives in fishing and shooting.
Lacepede Bay
The number of Blacks at this place was about forty; some of them old and inform, and a few sick, but most of
those whom I saw appeared healthy and strong. Several were employed at the jetty, loading trucks with
bales of wool &c, and others at the various stores in the township. Some Natives also were I believe at a
neighbouring Station engaged in shooting kangaroo which are very numbrous and destructive.
474
While they are kept from intoxicating drink they are quiet and well-behaved but the very reverse when under
its influence. They will do any thing for grog, and unfortunately in spite of all efforts to prevent them, very
often succeed in getting it.
The Stores were good and well-preserved.
A boat is much wanted at this Station, as in fishing the Natives have to go much in the water, frequently up to
their necks, and suffer very greatly in consequence of this exposure to cold and wet.
I visited the School which was opened for Native children, about two months before, under Miss Ewens’
Superintendence. There were eleven boys and girls present but of them very few have attended during the
whole period, and considering the short time they have been in hand, acquitted themselves on examination
quite satisfactorily.
475
Two of them were in the 2nd lesson book and read with tolerable fluency, the rest were in the 1st lesson book,
and a few wrote upon slates. The whole repeated and sung several hymns very creditably.
Guichen Bay
No Natives were here at the time of my visit. Three or four were seen at the Boiling-down Establishment,
one of them suffering from Ophthalmia; but most of them were scattered abroad at the various Sheepstations.
Dr Goldsmith reported the case of a man named “Deaf Joe” whose hand he had lately amputated, and who
perfectly recovered from the operation without a single bad symptom. The poor fellow had sustained a very
severe injury by fire while in a state of total insensibility, from intoxicating drink.
Several cases of drunkenness have occurred 476 recently for which the culprits have been punished with
imprisonment.
Mount Gambier
Only two or three Natives were camped here, the bulk of them being engaged at the neighbouring Sheepstations.
The blacks would be very well off in this part of the district, if only they were less improvident and
intemperate, for they earn considerable sums of money at sheep-washing, shearing &c., but no sooner is
money obtained than it is spent in debauchery.
The supply of drink to these wretched creatures is only limited by their ability to pay for it; but although the
law is thus openly violated from time ot time, the Police seem utterly unable to bring the guilt home to the
offenders.
A clever detective could no doubt in the course of a few days trace and 477 bring to merited punishment
the dealers in this accursed traffic.
At Mrs Smith’s Establishment, there were seven children, but no adults. There were lately as many as twelve
children but some of them left to “walk about” with the tribe, and two or some who have been resident for
more than a year can only read short lessons of words of two or three letters, and the rest know imperfectly
the letters of the alphabet. Three were enticed away by an abandoned half-caste girl [Lizzy Wilkins?] Those
now in the “Home” appear to have received little instruction, as ?? They sung however several simple
hymns and songs very well.
Some disagreement with the Lord Bishop of Adelaide having taken place, Mrs Smith has sent in her
resignation as Superinte4ndent; and until the matter is settled, I have not thought it expedient to cause the
478 additions to the “Home”, which is leased to His Lordship, to be built.
Macdonnell Bay
No Natives had been at this station for several months; indeed the Coast is so bleak and cold that they resort
to it only for a little while in mid-Summer.
The blacks refuse the flour because it gives them trouble to prepare it for food, and as there is consequently
a good deal on hand and some danger of its spoiling, I ordered two bags to be sent to Mount Burr, at which
place there were a few old Natives much in need of assistance.
An offer was made by a Baker here to convert the3 flour into bread returning weight-for-weight, which offer I
directed the Issuer to accept.
Tarpeena
There were no Natives at this depot, many of them being employed at the neighbouring Stations, cutting
thistles and doing their work for 479 the Settlers. For some time past they have been sober and wellbehaved. The Stores were of good quality and in excellent preservation.
Penola
A party consisting of 9 men, 8 Lubras and 4 children were camped here. They were well off in every respect
and I observed only one case of sickness amongst them, viz., a child with Whooping-Cough and diarrhoea.
About ten more of the Natives are well employed cutting thistles at a Station about ten miles distant.
The general behaviour of the whole was reported to have been very good.
At Mr Hunter’s house, I saw a Lubra suffering from ?Plous Abscess, and who was under Medical treatment.
She was comfortably lodged and had every comfort supplied by Mrs Hunter who is a kind friend to the blacks
and to whom they often resort in times of sickness.
On examining the stores, I found that 480 the Flour (about 150 lbs weight) which had been a long time on
hand, the Blacks not caring to receive it, had become mouldy and unfit for food; and I gave orders that it
should be destroyed.
I regret that any recommendations to appoint Dr Barlas, Medical Officer for this district, has not been carried
into effect.
Narracoorte
Few natives have visited this Station since 1866 when sickness and mortality so much prevailed. At the
period of my visit there were only four at the depot, three of whom were on the sick list – viz., one from a
swelling of the left hip-joint, another from a sore foot, and the third from consumption. These are under the
care of Dr Gunning.
There are three Blacks who have permanent employment at an adjoining Sheep-Station.
Border Town
There were no Natives at 481 this Station.
The Issuer says that Rations are little needed here as many of the Natives are young and healthy and easily
earn their living by working for the Settlers. A supply of Serge is much wanted however to make petticoats
for the old women and young girls who are at present nearly naked, also a few blue shirts. The tea and
tobacco were not of good quality, and it is said that they are refused by the blacks.
At Padthaway, there were three or four Natives, one of whom, a Lubra, was very ill of abdominal dropsy. As
she obstinately refused his consent to her removal to Border Town, I gave authority to Dr penny to visit her
at Padthaway, and to perform the operation of tapping which was urgently required.
I would again most respectfully urge the appointment of Dr Penny 482 as Medical officer for this District
with a fixed annual salary.
Goolwa
Most of the Natives were at the Murray Mouth, where I believe they have great success in fishing. Their
conduct lately has been quiet and exemplary.
The able-bodied sell a considerable quantity of fish and game, and generally are well able to supply
themselves. Five or six young men were employed about the township, with earnings from 2/6 to 3/- a day,
with rations.
A few loads of firewood before the winter sets in would be a great boon to the old and infirm as there is no
timber on unsold land within miles of the township.
I visited Mrs Doke who is a kind friend to the Aborigines and 483 who keeps an Evening School for their
benefit during the winter months when they gather in to the township. It was thus closed but the Blacks will
soon assemble at the township when it will be again opened. A small room is hired for this purpose, and it is
kept in repair and the rent paid by a few benevolent persons.
Most of the blacks were also absent from Port Elliot and Victor Harbour.
[Walker]
484 Unused
485
18 March 1868
Mr R.F. Sullivan
Nonning G.R.
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 1st inst (90/68) and beg to inform you that the
late Commissioner, Mr Milne, decided that in future, no stores should be sent for the Aborigines, unless the
usual monthly returns were supplied, with the names of the recipients. Still the Protector does not insist
upon your Issuing rations daily – if you consider that by issuing them weekly will answer the same purpose.
[Birch]
486a
20 March 1868
F.E. Goldsmith Esq,
Robe
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 17th inst, I have the honor to inform you that the a/cs for Maintenance and a
leather stump amounting to £2. 15. 0 were paid into your a/c at the National Bank this morning.
[Birch]
486b
21 March 1868
Mrs Doke
Goolwa
Madam,
The Books and Serge were forwarded to Port Adelaide today for shipment to Pt Victor; the cost of Freight
Tramway charges &c will be borne by this Department.
You will oblige by acknowledging receipt of parcel.
[Birch]
487
23 March 1868
Mr H.S. Glenie
Chowilla
Sir,
In answer to your remarks in the Store Return for the month of Feb, I beg to inform you that there has been
an equal number of blankets sent to the Depot at Overland Corner, therefore should there not be sufficient
at Chowilla for all the natives, some of the young men might get theirs from the former place; as far as they
will go, I would issue them to the sick, the old and infirm and the Lubras. All Issuers have been requested to
distribute the Blankets on the 1st May, so as to prevent (as far as possible) natives travelling from one Depot
to another, procuring a blanket at each.
[Birch]
488 Cancelled – see p. 490
489
26 March 1868
R. B. Penny Esq, J.P., Surgeon
Tatiara
Instructions to the medical officer for Tatiara district.
1st. The medical officer for Tatiara district will give advice and medicines to all sick Aboriginal natives, on
personal application to him at Charla.
2nd. He will attend at their Wurleys, or other dwelling places, within twenty miles of Charla, such of the
natives as may at any time require medical or surgical aid, and are unable to apply personally at his
residence; and will render to them whatever professional assistance and medicine they may stand in need
of.
3rd. He will keep a record of all cases of disease, accidents &c coming to his observation and treatment; and
forward to this office a Return quarterly, stating the name of the Native, the sex, age, disease or injury, and
result in each case; also a report of the general condition of the natives within the district, with such
suggestions as he may see fit to make, for the promotion of their health, and amelioration of their condition.
[Walker]
490
26 March 1868
R.B. Penny Esq, J.P., Surgeon
Charla, Tatiara
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the Hon the CCL has accepted your offer to supply the Aborigines with
medicines and Medical and Surgical attendance within a radius of twenty miles, for fifty pounds (£50) per
annum; and has proposed that the new arrangements begin from the 1st April 1868.
You will accordingly from that date be ready to perform your duties as Medical Officer for Tatiara, when
called upon to do so by the Police at Border Town, or when applied to by any of the Aboriginal Natives of the
District.
Instructions to which I beg to direct your attention are herewith forwarded, also a few blank forms of returns.
[Walker]
491
26 March 1868
Corpl Simpson
Pt Elliot
Sir,
In answer to your letter dated 6th inst (86/68) I beg to inform you that you are authorised to have the
Aborigines’ Boat at Port Victor repaired, the cost not to exceed six pounds (£6) – everything the Boat requires
should be done for that sum, such as painting &c.
You will be good enough to make a memorandum of agreement with the Boatbuilder, previous to his
commencing the work.
[Birch]
492
26 March 1868
The Officer in charge of Police
Border Town
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that Dr Penny has been appointed Medical Officer for the Department to
attend upon the natives in the Tatiara – his district to be within a radius of twenty miles from Charla.
You will be good enough to call Dr Penny’s attention to any natives requiring medical treatment.
[Birch]
493
27 March 1868
Mr C. Cook
Care of Capt Smith
White Horse Hotel
Currie Street
Sir,
I beg to inform you that the Government have decided to grant Sections of land to deserving Europeans
marrying native women, you are therefore requested to forward to this office, your marriage certificate or a
duly authenticated document to that effect: also a certificate of character.
I have also to request that you will state the number and locality of the section of land you wish to occupy – if
surveyed, or otherwise give a full description, so that it can be marked on the Land office plans.
[Walker]
494
27 March 1868
Mr L. Egan, CLR
Tarpeena
Sir,
I am requested by the P.A. to ask you to be kind enough to report to this office anything you may know of the
character, habits, and competency, of a native named Ed Blucher, for managing a section of land. He has
been living for some time with a Mr J.K. Bors, who writes in his behalf, from Compton Downs stating that
Blucher has been in his employ since 1861.
[Birch]
495
27 March 1868
Revd. O. Hammond
Poonindie
Sir
I am directed by the protector of Aborigines to ask you to be kind enough to supply him with the following
information, viz., whether the son of Thos Adams is of age, or is he still a minor ?
Whether, if allowed a section of land, has he any capital to commence with ?
If there is any unsold section, Adams would prefer to the one originally granted to his Mother ?
[Birch]
496
27 March 1868
Mr J.K. Bors
Compton Downs
Mount Gambier
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 6th June last, on behalf of a native named Blucher, I am desired by the PA to ask
you, in the event of the Government granting your request, to grant a section of land to the said Blucher,
whether he has any capital to commence with.
The terms upon which the Govt grant land, do not allow of sub-letting, and is compulsory to live upon the
land.
[Birch]
497
28 March 1868
Mr A.R. Wortham
Wellington Lodge
Wellington
Sir,
I beg to inform you that the Government have decided to grant the right of occupation to a section of land to
any deserving European marrying an Aboriginal woman, upon certain conditions, viz. the land to be occupied
by the parties to whom the lease is granted, without the right to sub-let any portion thereof; also upon legal
proof of marriage being shewn; with a certificate of character from some respectable householder or late
employer. Upon complying with the above conditions and forwarding a full description of the land required,
you will again be communicated with.
[Walker]
498a
30 March 1868
L. Herbert Esq, Surgeon
Strathalbyn
Sir,
In examining the a/cs for your attendance upon the Aborigines, I find on the 18 th Feb last two visits to Milang
on the same day, one for dressing Kitty’s wounds, and for attending and certifying to a lunatic named Peter
[Pullum]. You will be kind enough to forward some explanation, in regard of the charges of five pounds one
shilling, for the information of the Audit Office in passing the a/cs.
[Birch]
498b
31 March 1868
Mr Jos. Smith
White Horse Hotel
Currie Street
Sir,
You are respectfully requested to pay into this Office three pounds sterling (£3) for second quarter’s
schooling and maintenance of Ch. Cook’s child at the Point McLeay Establishment ending 31st March 1868.
[Walker]
499
2 April 1868
The Hon. the CCL
Sir,
A report having reached me that a party of blacks from Point McLeay and Milang were at Strathalbyn, and
that several of them were affected with small-pox, I immediately proceeded thither to ascertain the truth or
falsehood of the rumour.
On my arrival there I learned that the whole of the blacks had left for Mount Barker, and next day I drove to
that place but found they had gone off in the direction of Adelaide.
I followed again this morning and had the satisfaction to overtake them at Crafers when I carefully inspected
the whole pry, about 40, consisting of men, women and children.
Two of the children suffered from an eruption of the skin, usually known as ‘Native pock’, but simple in
character and having no affinity with small pox; another was labouring under ‘Whooping-Cough’; and all the
rest of the party were apparently in good health.
[Walker]
500
3rd April 1868
Mr G.I. Rechner
Light’s Pass
Nuriootpa
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 6th Ulto, I have the honor to inform you that the Government have approved
your request, for a grant of rations to be forwarded for the old and infirm Natives at Killalpaninna, and also
for the children under tuition there, say:
2 tons of Flour
400 lbs of Sugar
82 lbs Tea
200 lbs Rice
20 lbs Tobacco
30 single Blankets
20 Blue Shirts
60 yds of Serge
20 Tomahawks
24 Qt pots
24 Pannicans
50 lbs Netting Twine
400 Fish Hooks
48 Fishing Lines
6 Axes
2 lbs Thread and 200 Needles.
You will cause a return of their expenditure to be forwarded to this office monthly.
[Walker]
501
3 April 1868
Memo/Philip Charlton, servant of Mr. Cave, Sheep-farmer, Coorong, having married an Aboriginal woman named
Caroline Stephens, alias Cowchangamata, applied through Mr. I.G. O’Keefe (Ab: 188/66) for permission to
occupy a Section of Land in right of his wife. The same letter also certifies their legal marriage before the
district Registrar at Robe.
In a subsequent letter (Ab: 149/67) Mr. O’Keefe states that the applicant and his wife “are very deserving
people”.
He said Philip Charlton further applies for a Section of Land “situated about a mile north of the southern
boundary of the Hundred of Duffield, with mail and telegraph line for the Eastern boundary, and about one
and a half miles from Mr. J.B. Cave’s Station near Tillago Swamp on Coorong”. The land is not surveyed, and
he is unable to furnish a tracing of this Section.
I beg respectfully to support his application and request that a licence of occupation be granted to him for a
Section of Land in the locality indicated.
[Walker]
502
3 April 1868
The Hon. The CCL
Memo/- [almost illegible]
Daniel Williams, Shepherd at ?Gooboorowie? having married an Aboriginal native woman named ?Dinah,
?applies …. ?permission? to occupy a Section of land by right of marriage.
… and Dinah …. Legally married on the ….. by Richard Daly, ?Registrar?, and ….from the certificate …
……
……..
[Walker]
503
3 April 1868
Henry Warren Esq, J.P.
Two Wells
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 28th Ulto, I beg to inform you that there is a Depot for Issuing rations to
distressed natives at Stockport, and would suggest that the old woman and her Grandchild mentioned in your
letter, be advised to repair thither, where her wants will be supplied.
[Walker]
504
4th April 1868
D. & W. Murray
Adelaide
Gentlemen,
In reply to your letter of the 27th Ulto (118/68) I have the honor to inform you that the government cannot
entertain your offer, for supplying Blankets for the ensuing year. Samples left at this office can be had on
application.
[Birch]
505
6th April 1868
Mrs Smith
Mount Gambier
Madam,
In reply to your letter of the 21st Ulto (131/68), I have the honor to inform you that your a/c for the month of
November and December was passed for payment in January last and still remains in the Treasury.
With regard to the damaged Flour, you are authorised to dispose of it as you may deem fit.
[Walker]
506a
6 April 1868
Mr Jno Dann
Milang
Sir,
In reply to your memo attached to your Store Return for month of March, I beg to inform you that Mr. A.
Pavy’s a/c for carting firewood was passed for payment in February last and has since been waiting in the
Treasury. By Mr. Pavy filling up the enclosed order, I will remit the money through you.
[Birch]
506b
8 April 1868
Corpl Shaw
Overland Corner
Sir,
In reply to your letter dated 6th inst, regarding the payment of the a/c to Mr Brand, I beg to inform you that
the said a/c was p