QSA17980 1898 Letter from Walter Roth to Commissioner of Police 26 October, Correspondence and papers relating to "The Queensland Aborigines", Home Secretarys Department In Letters, DR58321

[stamp] Commissioner of Police 13586 Queensland 4.Nov.1898.

Cooktown 26 October 1898.

Sir,

I have the honour to inform that, in connection with the

Agreement Forms which are now being issued, we have inserted the following conditions incumbent on the employer, viz. to provide " suitable shelter, blankets, rations " (including tobacco) and clothing " maintenance during sickness " To be returned to native country " on expiry of agreement at " employer's expense

And that the following events, upon which the contract may be determined, include "ill-treament, or want of proper "accommodation, rations (including " tobacco) & clothing."

I am forwarding you a specimen to shew this.

[In margin] Lee 98.2398 Ab. Pro. Put extract with Cooktown Hospital Dispute papers WEPO

Aboriginal Hospital. I discharged three patients on the 1^st October: they were provided with rations etc to see them through on their journey to Highbury, and appeared very happy and contented with their treatment here. The last patient died at the 8-mile on the 10th inst, and the Hospital therefore is at present empty.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obed^t servant

Walter E Roth P.A.

The Commissioner of Police

N.B. Many thanks for sending the book McGribble