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[Stamp] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE . QUEENSLAND 4,237. 7 . MAY . 88
J Brooke Sub Insp. Georgetown April 21st. 1885.
The Honble. The Colonial Secretary Brisbane.
Report re establishment of a Blacks' reserve at Georgetown
[Margin] Previous 88 3750 Police
B. B. M.
Sir I have the honor to report that in accordance with instructions received from the Commissioner of Police. I have visited this district with a view to forming a Black's Reserve.
I find both soil and climate unsuited for agricultural purposes and game very scarce, it would therefore be necessary to feed the blacks at the expense of the Government.
As there are about 400 blacks of different tribes it would be a most difficult matter to get them to live on the same reserve.
The expense would also be very great as at the low rate of 1s/ per head per diem and the cost of buildings, salaries, and implements it would amount to about £6000 the first year.
For the above reasons I do not deem it expedient to form a Reserve here and in conclusion may I say that I find the state of the blacks here no worse than in other places.
I have the honor to be Sir Your obedient servant Jocelyn Brooke 2/c S.I.