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57/1216
Asst. Commissrs Camp Rocky River 7th Mar. 1857.
Sir, Enclosed I have the honor to forward the depositions taken by me at the Inquiry held respecting the death of the man named in the margin. [In margin: 'No 57/25 John Booth']
2. You will percieve from the evidence that the deceased was a Shepherd in the employ of Mr Henry Allan of the Bald Hill's Station in this district, and that there is nondoubt that he has been murdered by the Blacks I can take no further steps in the matter as there is no evidence to prove the identity of those who committed the deed.
The Honorable The Attorney General Sydney.
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3. Although perhaps scarcely within my province I cannot refrain from drawing your serious attention to the frequency of murders and other outrages committed by the Aborigines on this station, this is the sixth murder, and the necessity of some immediate steps being taken on the part of the Government to afford protection to the settlers located in this part of the District. 4. The Bald Hill's station is situated immediately above the fall of the table land towards the Clarence, Bellingen and McLeay Rivers which forms a harbor for the Aborigines perfectly - inaccessible to the whites and affords every facility for their immediate escape after the committal of any depredation.
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5. It is not for me to suggest the steps necessary for the Government to take but I have felt it my duty to draw your attention to the matter in order that something may be done with as little delay as possible. I have the honor to be. Sir, Your most Obedt Ser F. Buchanan JP