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[Stamp] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE . QUEENSLAND 02742 9 . MAR . 94
A Longden
Re stopping supply of rations to the Blacks on the Mulgrave
11.
[Margin] [Stamp] PREVIOUS 94 . 2417 Serial No. 5.
Mulgrave River Near Cairns March 3rd. / 94.
[Written across body of Letter] Ack. Thomas' Letter and inform Longden that the Minister adheres to his decision W.H.E[?] 12 . 3 . 94.
Jas' Thomas 94/2014.
A. Longden 13 . 3 . 94/2015.
The Hon The Colonial Secretary Brisbane.
Sir I have the honor to state that upon Mr. John Gordon (who is at present supplying the blacks on the Mulgrave with rations, as advised per my letter to you of the 17th. Feb.) presenting the vouchers Countersigned by myself for the past four weeks to Major Fanning the Police Magistrate of Cairns the latter informed him that he had received instructions from you not to sign any more vouchers, and upon Mr. Gordon informing me of this fact I sent you the following wire which I now beg to confirm "Police Magistrate states instructed not sign vouchers blacks rations for past month as rations have been consumed Kindly instruct him sign vouchers". o far this is the only intimation that I have received and trust that it may only be a temporary
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[Stamp] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE . QUEENSLAND 02742 9 . MAR . 94
A Longden
Re stopping supply of rations to the Blacks on the Mulgrave
12.
Cessation. The blacks here have now been supplied with rations by the Government for a period of nearly six years and it would be very hard on them to have these rations stopped and to be turned adrift. As I have always had the charge of the distribution and ordering of the rations I cannot understand why this step has been taken as there is no doubt but that the small supply given them has caused them to cease their depredations on the Mulgrave & Russell Rivers & Diggings. I would beg to point out that formerly there were two detachments of Native Police here in the district but since the rations have been supplied and the blacks have come almost under my personal Control there has been no necessity for the Native Police here. I have heard one or two "Agitators" remarking that I worked some of the blacks but I found it quite impossible to keep them under control unless I had them Camped near me and I think you will agree with me that it is much better to try and make them useful than to have them loafing about and
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[Stamp] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE . QUEENSLAND 02742 9 . MAR . 94
A Longden
Re stopping supply of rations to the Blacks on the Mulgrave
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and becoming a nuisance to settlers and diggers. Besides the rations allowed by the Government I have vouchers to prove that I have at my own personal expense supplied them with clothes, Tobacco, Tea, Sugar, Rice etc at a greater weekly cost than that allowed by the Government. Should the Government discontinue the rations I should be forced to turn the blacks into the bush and as they have associated with white people they have naturally become rather knowing and they are sure to recommence their depredations. I can refer you to all the leading and respectable members of the Community here, as to the beneficial result my having taken the blacks in hand has had upon them. As they still look upon me for rations I will be placed in certainly an unenviable position with them should the rations be discontinued. I should be glad to hear if any com - plaints have been made which have influenced you in the decision you appear to have arrived at, and I think that I am fairly entitled to an explanation considering how well I am
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[Stamp] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE . QUEENSLAND 02742 9 . MAR . 94
A Longden
Re stopping supply of rations to the Blacks on the Mulgrave
14 known and my past standing in the district or in fact all North Queensland as Manager of large Gold Mining and other Companies. Hoping on behalf of the blacks that you will give the matter of the supplying of rations your earnest and favourable consideration. I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient Servant Arthur Longden.