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[in top left embossed stamp] Home Secretary's Office Queensland / 12850 / 7 Oct. 97
14-97
Cooktown PM
29th September 1897
[written across top] Benches Re complaint made against Mr Hislop
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 97.5599 dated 16th inst. with complaint against Messrs George and Robert Hislop by Mr William Colliers, and an extract from Mr Mestons report reflecting on the moral character of Mr G Hislop also requesting me to state whether I had any knowledge of the parties when I made the recommendation in my letter of 14th January last.
In reply I have the honor to state that Mr George Hislop has been a magistrate of the Territory for many years. He was at one time a wealthy squatter and owned Wolfgang station, but ruined himself by his generosity. He is well known to Messrs Clive, Humpheries, Balser, and other old residents of the district as an honorable lman. I have known him for the last severn years, and it was from information furnished by the Acting C.P.S. at Ayton that I endorsed Mr. Hislop's recommendation re feeding the aboriginals.
Of Mr William Colliers I know but little, but judging by the tone of his complaint I should take him to be the mere mouthpiece of the Bloomfield Mission. I am informed that he has had a quarrel with Mr. G. Hislop over business matters.
The Under Secretary
Home Secretary's Department
Brisbane
[in upper left margin stamp] PREVIOUS / 97. 12828 H / Serial No 9 6198
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and I question whether he has any authority "to speak in the name of many other Bloomfield residents".
I would respectfully suggest that Mr. George Hislop be furnished with a copy of the complaint, and invited to report thereon.
As regards the moral character of Mr. Hislop Junior I know very little, but I am aware that he speaks the aboriginal language and hs considerable influence over them.
I also beg to enclose a letter from Mr. G. Hislop received during my absence, giving an account of the number of blacks supplied with food since he has distributed the Government grant of Five pounds per month.
I have the honor to be
Sir,
Your most obedient servant
[signed] HM Chester
P.M.