FRONTIER CONFLICT AND THE NATIVE MOUNTED POLICE IN QUEENSLAND Cowander (aka Make-i-light, Mak-i-light, Moggy-Mog… Default Name Cowander (aka Make-i-light, Mak-i-light, Moggy-Moggy, Mickaloi, and Chongalee) Role/status/position Aboriginal person Notes/comments "They describe him as "Cowander, good while nangry Gaol," and add that he has "plenty names," of which there can be very little doubt." (Moreton Bay Courier, 3 July 1852, p2). Found guilty of the murders of William Boller and William Waller in 1847, but 'afterwards liberated in consequence of strong doubts being entertained as to his identity' (Moreton Bay Courier 28 May 1853, p2). Along with Mickey, Billy Barlow and Dundalli, alleged to have been amongst the group of Aboriginal men who killed Michael Halloran at Pine River, about 15 miles north of Brisbane, in late June 1852. His brother, Burra, was supposedly one of the men who attacked the crew of the Thomas King in April 1852. Documents 17 entries Title Text File Tools Title Text File Tools Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 20 The Murder of the Sawyers at the Pine River September 1851, p7 Four Years ago,.—It may be remembered that, about four years ago, namely, on the 11th September, 1847, two sawyers named William Boller and William Waller, were murdered by the blacks at the Pine River, and that a third, named James Smith, made his escape, after re ceiving some injuries. The particulars were reported in the Moreton Bay Courier, of September 18th, 1847. The black, "Dundalli," of whom mention was recently made as having been concerned in other depredations, and as being now at large on Bribie's Island, was a principal actor in this tragedy. Since the publication of our report of the examination of the aboriginal called 'Paddy,' alias 'Mickaloi,' for warded hither on a charge of being concerned in the murder of Mr. Gregor and Mrs. Shannon, James Smith, the survivor of the Pine River murder above mentioned, having obtained permission to see the prisoner, declares that he recognizes him as one of the natives engaged in the murder of Waller and Boller.— Ibid. [Moreton Bay Courier] Title Text File Tools Freeman's Journal, 18 September 1851, p11 MORETON BAY. THE MURDER OF THE SAWYERS AT THE PINE River Four Years ago. — It may be remembered that, about four years ago, namely, on the 11th September, 1847, two sawyers, named William Boiler and William Waller, were murdered by the blacks at the Pine River, and that a third, named James Smith, made his escape, after receiving some injuries. The particulars were reported in the Moreton Bay Courier of September 18th, 1847. The blacks, "Dundalli," of whom mention was recently made as having been concerned in other depredations, and as being now at large on Bribie's Island, was a principle actor in this tragedy. Since the publication of our report of the examination of the aboriginal called 'Paddy,' alias ' Mickaloi,' forwarded hither on a charge of being concerned in the murder of Mr. Gregor and Mrs. Shannon James Smith, the survivor of the Pine River murder above mentioned, having obtained permission to see the prisoner, declares that he recognizes him as one of the natives engaged in the murder of Waller and Boiler. We need scarcely add that it is the duty of the police to make immediate inquiry into the truth of this statement ; and it is said that an investigation is to be instituted accordingly. — Moreton Bay Courier. More Outrages by the Blacks.— A correspondent to our local contemporary, writing from the Burnett district, August 4th mentions a report that the aborigines had driven away a ock of 1400 ewes from Mr. Hay's station, and had murdered the shepherd — Ibid. Title Text File Tools Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General BRISBANE CIRCUIT COURT.—… Moggy Moggy, Advertiser, 6 December 1851, p2 an aboriginal native, was indicted for the wilful murder of William Bowler, by spearing him, at the Pine River, on the 21st September, 1847. Bowler, James Smith, and William Walter, three sawyers, were at work near the Pine River on that day, when a lot of blacks, who had frequently been about them, acting in a friendly manner, attacked them, and speared Bowler so much that although Smith and him escaped together, Bowler died six days after in the Brisbane hospital ; Smith positively identi ed the prisoner as one of those blacks, and said he saw him spear Bowler ; prisoner now said his name was Make-i'-light, to which form the indictment was altered. An interpreter named James Dans, who had been fourteen years among the blacks, and knew prisoner as Make-i'-light, deposed to the di culty of distinguishing one black from another. Guilty ; sentenced to death, the Judge being unable to hold out any hope of mercy in that place… Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General APPREHENSION AND COMMITTAL OF ONE OF Advertiser, 6 October 1852, p3 THEPine River Marauders.—In consequence of information received by the Police, Mr Chief Constable Sneyd, accompanied by Constables Tredenick, McAlister, and Swinburne, proceeded late on Tuesday night towards Breakfast creek, where they expected to nd an aboriginal native commonly called by some such name as "Tinkabed", and who was suspected of having been concerned in some of the late outrages at the Pine river. On arriving near the creek, the Constables secreted themselves, and at about two o'clock in the morning crept cautiously towardsthe camp, where they succeeded in pouncing upon the object of their search, who was secured with great di culty. As the Constables were conveying him towards the high road, he called loudly to the other blacks, who had been encamped with him, and made o on the Title Text File Tools approach of the police, to , come and rescue him ; but although several of them hovered near, they made no attempt of the kind. After a violent resistance, the prisoner was securely lodged in the watch-house, and yesterday morning was brought up at the Police O ce, where he was positively identi ed by Mrs. Mary Cash as one of the native's who were concerned in the robbery at her husband's home on the 19th of June last. It appearedfrom her statement that about two hundred blackscame up to the house, and on her shutting the door to keep them out, one of them got in by the window, and struck her on the back with a waddy. He then opened the door, and all the other blacks rushed in. Amongst these was the prisoner, whom she had seen before, and immediately recognised. The blacks plundered the house of money, wearing apparel, and other property, to the value (as estimated by Mr. Cash) of about £60. After the majority of the blacks went away, three of them remained, and made insulting proposals to her, but hearing the crack of her husband's stock whip, as he was coming up, they went away, and she escaped, as detailed in a former report. The prisoner was not one of the threewho remained, nor did he assault her. He said to a little child that was there " Don't you be jerrund(afraid) bail me mumcull" (I won't strike you.) He took away two gown pieces with him. When he came into the house he was armed with a spear and a waddy, and all the other blacks were armed. The prisoner, who gave his name as " Johnny," and seemed very well, to understand what was alleged against him, did not persist in denying his guilt. At rst he said that he was at another place atthe time; then that he told the blacks not to spear the woman, but only to take the blankets; and nally he said that he did not take two new gowns, but only one old one. The bench committed him to take his trial at the next Circuit Court. Moreton Title Bay Courier, 11 September 1852, p2 Text File Tools APPREHENSION AND COMMITTAL OF ONE OF THEPine River Marauders.—In consequence of information received by the Police, Mr Chief Constable Sneyd, accompanied by Constables Tredenick, McAlister, and Swinburne, proceeded late on Tuesday night towards Breakfast creek, where they expected to nd an aboriginal native commonly called by some such name as "Tinkabed", and who was suspected of having been concerned in some of the late outrages at the Pine river. On arriving near the creek, the Constables secreted themselves, and at about two o'clock in the morning crept cautiously towardsthe camp, where they succeeded in pouncing upon the object of their search, who was secured with great di culty. As the Constables were conveying him towards the high road, he called loudly to the other blacks, who had been encamped with him, and made o on the approach of the police, to , come and rescue him ; but although several of them hovered near, they made no attempt of the kind. After a violent resistance, the prisoner was securely lodged in the watch-house, and yesterday morning was brought up at the Police O ce, where he was positively identi ed by Mrs. Mary Cash as one of the native's who were concerned in the robbery at her husband's home on the 19th of June last. It appearedfrom her statement that about two hundred blackscame up to the house, and on her shutting the door to keep them out, one of them got in by the window, and struck her on the back with a waddy. He then opened the door, and all the other blacks rushed in. Amongst these was the prisoner, whom she had seen before, and immediately recognised. The blacks plundered the house of money, wearing apparel, and other property, to the value (as estimated by Mr. Cash) of about £60. After the majority of the blacks went away, three of them remained, and made insulting proposals to her, but hearing the crack of her Title Text File Tools husband's stock whip, as he was coming up, they went away, and she escaped, as detailed in a former report. The prisoner was not one of the threewho remained, nor did he assault her. He said to a little child that was there " Don't you be jerrund(afraid) bail me mumcull" (I won't strike you.) He took away two gown pieces with him. When he came into the house he was armed with a spear and a waddy, and all the other blacks were armed. The prisoner, who gave his name as " Johnny," and seemed very well, to understand what was alleged against him, did not persist in denying his guilt. At rst he said that he was at another place atthe time; then that he told the blacks not to spear the woman, but only to take the blankets; and nally he said that he did not take two new gowns, but only one old one. The bench committed him to take his trial at the next Circuit Court —Subsequently James Powers, the hut keeper who was attacked when the shepherd, was murdered at Mr. McGrath's station, came forward,and looked at the prisoner, but deposed that he could not recognise him as having been present on that occasion. Prisoner was then removed to goal. [sic] Much credit is due to the Police for this capture, as there are always great di culties in the way of apprehending the aboriginal natives. Moreton Bay Courier, 13 November 1847, p2 LATEST FROM LONDON. THE NIGGERS' PROTECTION ASSOCIATION. BY the Ærial Machine's Mail we have received a report of the proceedings of the above-named Society at their last meeting in London, Mr. Alder-man Tallow in the chair. The worthy Alderman brie y explained the objects of the Society, which were to a ord protection and assistance to those persons who incurred the disapprobation of illiberal individuals by shedding human blood. At present the operations of the Society were con ned to the Title Text File Tools Aboriginal Blacks of the British Colonies, but many sensible men were of opinion that the same assistance should be extended to white men who were similarly unfortunate. The barbarous slaughter of the celebrated Sawney Bean and his family must have often excited the sympathy of his hearers ; and even their own times had witnessed a similar sacri ce in the persons of Messrs. Bishop and Williams (hear, hear). That rm had transacted an extensive business in London, and the unfortunate partners might have lived to this hour if they had possessed the countenance of that Society. But he would not agitate the question at present, as the means of the Society were limited, and every body must admit that the poor blacks ought to be attended to before the whites (hear). He should therefore call upon the meeting to proceed to business. Dr. Glossy rose to move the rst resolution. Far removed, as they all were, by unanimous consent of themselves, from the frailties incidental to common humanity, they must be horror-stricken at the revelations he was about to make. But the fearful truths with which he should electrify his hearers would give them more cause to be thankful that they, were not like other men (hear, hear). He had received private letters from a friend holding a responsible situation at Moreton Bay, an island about fty miles to the westward of Sydney, in the distant colony of Australia : those letters teemed with accounts of the cruelties perpetrated by the white settlers upon the harmless natives of that island. The rst case he should refer to was that of Mille Bon James (or "Jemmy," as he was disparagingly called by the colonists). This young man was the son of a Chief,—in other words a member of the Blood Royal in the island of Moreton Bay (hear, hear). It was well known to his hearers that Australia had been one of England's proudest conquests during the last war, and that its original Title Text File Tools possessors were the French. It was doubtless from one of their descendants that this young Prince received his name. He must inform the meeting that, from a peculiarity in the language of the Australian Aborigines, they could only judge of the positive, comparative, or superlative by numbers : the word "narang," with them, signi ed a cypher, and was expressive of positively nothing ; "coborne," meant one hundred, and was generally used as the comparative, while "Bolennty," which denoted one thousand (their highest number), meant, also, the superlative in anything else. He therefore concluded that the name of "Mille Bon" (or one thousand good) was bestowed as being most intelligible to the natives—the greater number of whom had doubtless acquired a smattering of French—and thus the correct translation of "MILLE BON JEMMY," was "EXTREMELY GOOD JAMES." Such titles as "The Good"—"The Bold"—and "The Wise," had been often bestowed upon the sovereigns of Europe, and the plain conclusion must be that Mille Bon Jemmy was a good and virtuous Prince. In drawing this conclusion it might, perhaps, be possible that he was wrong (cries of "No, No."). Well then, since he had satis ed the meeting upon that point, he would at once inform them that the amiable, the benevolent, and, he had no doubt, the accomplished MILLE BON, had been shot to death by the whites of Moreton Bay. (Great sensation.) Yes ! it was too true ; this virtuous youth had been ruthlessly destroyed, and his royal body was brought to town on a common bullock-dray ! And what was his crime? What act in the life of this ino ensive creature could have called for such a punishment? Perhaps his hearers were not aware that Moreton Bay boasted a newspaper, called "The Geelong Advertiser." In that paper it was stated that the hapless su erer had made himself dangerous to the whites ; but he (Dr. G.) held in his hand a number of "The Oldest Newspaper in the Title Text File Tools Australasian Colonies," and it was there declared that the poor blacks had committed no o ence, save a mere "execution of vengeance, according to the customs of the people" ! (Cries of "Shame, shame.") Ay, shame indeed—shame to those tyrannical exterminators of venerable national usages, who, under the mask of expediency, would resent, punish, and abolish those beautiful ebullitions of nature, those sublime exempli cations of character which alone remained, like the Temples of Mexico, to shadow forth the past greatness of a once mighty people (immense cheering). He would next call their attention to the case of MARGARET MARGARET, or as the colonists, in their vulgarity, chose to call him, "Moggy Moggy." This gentleman, for such he believed was his rank, had been the dearest friend of the unfortunate Mille Bon James— and, because he had faithfully followed the fortunes of his chieftian, because he had participated in his dangers, and shared in the spoils of the vanquished, as became an a ectionate friend and a loyal subject—he was now a proscribed outlaw in the land of his fore-fathers ; and the government of the colony—that paternal government which for so long a period had extended universal toleration to the natives had now so far forgotten itself as to permit the issue of a warrant for his apprehension. (Loud weeping.) But there was yet a resource for this persecuted o cer ; his habits were those of a soldier, and he could subsist upon the indigenous animals, and natural productions of his native sod. They had all heard of the Bunyip, a gigantic animal abounding in the neighbourhood of Sydney, and which was the favourite food of the natives : in Moreton Bay existed a still larger species of this animal, which was there called the Bunya Bunya ; and, at certain seasons of the year, the tribes assembled for the purpose of hunting them. Title Text File Tools There was also what is called the Australian Grub, which he had no doubt was a very luxurious fruit, as that great traveller Sir Thomas Mitchell had seen the natives eagerly cutting them from the trees. The name of this fruit would not appear strange to his hearers when he informed them that vulgar persons, such as formed the white population of Moreton Bay, made use of the term "Grub" indiscriminately to denote anything to eat. By these means Margaret Margaret might indeed support life for a time, but he was compelled to absent himself from the bosom of his family, and seek a refuge amongst the mountains. Lost to him for the present were those daily incursions so dear to the heart of a warrior, and which had shed a halo around the earlier years of his life : no more could he lead the dark-eyed daughters of his native land through the mazes of the festive corobboree, or pass his hours of peace in those gentle attentions to the sex for which the Australian Aborigines were so famous ; but, by the cruelty of the whites, a warrior and a gentleman had become a fugitive and a vagabond. (Loud cheers.) The resolution with which he (Dr. G.) was entrusted proposed a present to the families of the two gentlemen he had named. [HERE SEVERAL MEMBERS RETIRED.] Something substantial must be done for those a icted families. (Murmurs of disapprobation.) He did not propose a money vote. (Hear, hear.) He believed that an o er of that description would be indelicate. (Cheers.) What he asked for was merely an expression of sympathy on the part of that Society. (Enthusiastic cheering.) He would now read the address, and move that this meeting do adopt it. The worthy Doctor then read the following address :—"The members of this Society, cordially sympathising with Mille Bon Jemmy, and Moggy Moggy, desire now to present their families with this expression of their Title Text File Tools sentiments." Dr. Glossy sat down amidst an uproar of applause. Mr. Fig Muggins took great pleasure in seconding the resolution. After the eloquent speech of his friend the Doctor, little remained for him to say. The eloquence of that speech was its least recommendation. They might all declaim, they might all be poetical on so sublime a subject, but few could bring to their assistance the great fund of information with which Dr. Glossy had sup-ported his motion that day. For his own part, he was unworthy to follow such a leader, but having a near relation who was at present located in some part of Moreton Bay, he was enabled to furnish the meeting with some particulars respecting the natives which the Doctor had omitted. He had heard it stated that the aborigines of Australia were in a state of the deepest human degradation, but he knew the contrary. He had received from his son an original war song, called "Coreenda Braiaa," which had been written and set to music by a respectable old native called Ngaythun. Of the beauties of this composition he would enable them all to judge, as he had made himself master of it, and would sing it to them now if they pleased. (Hear, hear.) [Mr. Fig Muggins then sang the song called " Coreenda Braiaa," accompanying himself on an inkstand and a ruler, and perform-ing at the same time the appropriate war dance. The exhibition was received with great applause, after which Mr. Muggins proceeded.] He would now ask the meeting if a people boasting a musician like Ngaythun did not deserve their best assistance ? (Hear, hear.) But it was not only in music that they excelled. The natives of Moreton Bay were exceedingly skilful in capturing the turtle which were found in the lakes of that island —this alone should be a su cient recommendation to the Society. (" Hear, hear," from Alderman Tallow.) As a proof of their attachment to their own customs, and their horror of litigation, he Title Text File Tools would mention one circumstance, communicated to him by his son's letter. Two Lawyers had at- tempted to establish themselves on the Pine,— a stream so called from the number of pine apples growing upon its banks, it was a tributary of the Murrumbidgee, a large river which discharged it-self into the Derwent, at Port Essington. How did the deep-thinking natives behave to those troublesome persons who intruded upon their territories ? They slew them !—not in their beds— not in a moment when it might be expected that they were most harmless—no !—his son's letter distinctly stated that "two Lawyers were killed while they were at work." That is to say, they were in the very act of endeavouring to create law suits by sowing dissensions amongst the natives, when they met their just punishment. (A voice— "Humbug.") He did not know who it was that made that observation—perhaps it was the gentle-man with the beard and the tweed coat, whom he saw on the reporters' seat. He had before heard some expressions of feeling from that person dur-ng the speech of his friend Dr. Glossy—a speech displaying such extensive historical and geographical knowledge, as could rarely be found in a London citizen. (A convulsive grin from the bearded man.) He (Mr Muggins) would not be put down by laughter ; perhaps the gentleman was an Australian squatter—nothing more probable—for he had heard from the most respectable authority— his own grandmother—that those individuals were compelled by the Government to wear beards, in order to distinguish them from civilised beings. If he was indeed one of those unhappy persons, he (Mr. Muggins) could tell him that he had no business there, but had better return to his bark hut and his corn-meal damper. (Loud groans, during which the person with the beard lled his pipe.) Mr. Muggins having cordially seconded the motion, took his seat. A question was Title Text File Tools addressed to him by the bearded man, having reference to his mother's knowledge of his absence from home ; but Mr. M. declined to answer it. The motion was then put and carried. The following votes were next hastily proposed, and carried unanimously, viz :— A vote of thanks to the chairman. A vote of thanks to themselves, and A vote of censure on the bearded man ; after which the meeting hurriedly adjourned to the Guildhall Co ee-house. The bearded man gathered up his papers and departed. HE WAS OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT. Moreton Bay Courier, 16 August 1851, p2 THE MURDER OF MR GREGOR AND MRS. SHANNON. YESTERDAY "Jemmy Parsons", alias Paddy, alias Mickaloi," the aboriginal native forwarded hither from Wide Bay by way of Sydney, on suspicion of having been concerned in the murder of Mr. Gregor and Mrs. Shannon, at the Pine River, about ve years ago, was brought up for examination at the gaol, before Messrs. Duncan and Ferriter. Ralph William Barrow, an aboriginal lad about fteen or sixteen years of age, appeared to give evidence. It will be remembered by many of our readers that this was the witness upon whose testimony the warrants were granted, shortly after the murder. The witness on being questioned, answered that he believed it sinful to tell a lie, and that those who did so would be punished hereafter. He spoke very good English, and had evidently been long domesticated with white people. Being sworn, he deposed that he knew the prisoner, who was called Jemmy Parsons. Remembered the murder of Mr. Gregor ; witness was then in Mr. Gregor's service, and was about forty yards from the station when the murders were committed. Saw the prisoner Jemmy Par-sons strike Mr Gregor on the back of the neck with a waddy. Mr. Gregor fell, and the prisoner then Title Text File Tools again struck him with the waddy on the neck, under the chin. Mr. Gregor did not get up again. A great many other blacks were there. Two of them were Dick Ben (or Tickpen) and Millbong Jemmy. They struck Mr. Gregor. Does not remember any others that struck him. The prisoner took a blanket out of the hut, and carried it away. Witness went afterwards to the hut, and saw Mr. Gregor lying dead. Remembers Mrs. Shannon. She was living on the station as Mr. Gregor's servant. She had three female children living with her. Saw the prisoner Jemmy Par-sons strike Mrs Shannon on the back of the neck with a waddy. She was standing outside the hut at the time. Prisoner struck her on the back of the neck and then in front of the neck. She fell down with the second blow, and prisoner then struck her again with the waddy on the fore-head. Mr, Gregor was struck rst. Mill-bong Jemmy also struck Mrs Shannon. Dundalli struck her, and a black named Constable also struck her. No others struck her. The other blacks were robbing the house. Witness was on horseback at the time, on the other side of the creek. Dundalli also struck Mr. Gregor. [By the Bench]. Constable did not strike Mrs. Shannon, but Mr. Gregor. Witness had not heard before the murder any conversation amongst the blacks about killing Mr. Gregor. Had known the prisoner, Jemmy Parsons, a long time. He was not kind to witness but had never beaten him. Does not remember having said anything to Mr. Gregor about the blacks threatening to kill him. Did not say so to anybody else. Had heard the blacks complaining that Mr. Gregor did not give them enough to eat when they had been cutting bark. Had several times spoken to "Constable," but he did not tell witness about the intended murder. Nobody told him about if. [The prisoner in the course of the examination made several statements in tolerably intelligible broken English. The substance was that he was not Jemmy Parsons Title Text File Tools ; that Jemmy Parsons was dead, having been killed by falling from a tree; and that, when alive, he was much taller than himself (prisoner), and had a broken nose, which he (prisoner) had not. He stated further that he (prisoner) belonged to Wide Bay, a long way o , and that the witness had never seen him at the Pine River. The prisoner cross-examined the witness, who deposed further as follows]. Saw the prisoner at Mr Gregor's station, on the Pine River, a good while ago. Jemmy Parsons is not dead, and he had not a broken nose. The prisoner struck Mr. Gregor and Mrs. Shannon. [By the Bench]. The children were outside the hut, and must have seen the murders. Witness knew a black named Moggy-Moggy. He was robbing the hut before the murder was committed, and while the murder was being committed he was carrying our out. A black named Jacky assisted in murdering Mrs. Shannon. Three altogether struck Mr. Gregor. Others might have struck him without being seen by witness. Jacky struck Mr. Gregor. Witness was very much frightened at the time the murder was being done. [The Bench proceeded to examine the witness searchingly respecting discrepancies between his present evidence and the statement made shortly after the murder. The deposition made on the latter occasion was produced and examined from time to time, but not read aloud]. When witness gave his former evidence he was more frightened than now. [Witness being again cautioned by the Bench, began to cry, and the examination was continued as follows]. Did not quite see the prisoner strike Mr. Gregor. He did not strike Mrs. Shannon. He did not strike Mr. Gregor. The prisoner Jemmy Parsons was there at the time of the murder. He was taking our and sugar away from the house. The Bench, having consulted, sentenced the witness Ralph William Barrow, to seven days' imprisonment in Brisbane Gaol, for prevaricating in his evidence. Title Text File Tools The prisoner having stated that "Durambi" knew him, and that he would be glad to see him. James Davis, the blacksmith, (who acquired the name of Durambi, during a long residence with the blacks) was sent for. On his arrival the prisoner immediately recognised him, and calling him by name, was proceeding to interrogate him, when the magistrates tendered the witness the book, to be sworn. Davis, however, refused to give any evidence unless his expenses for attendance were rst guaranteed, and, on persisting in this refusal, the Bench sentenced him to twenty-four hours imprisonment, for contempt of Court. Mary Jane Shannon, daughter of the murdered woman, having given satisfactory replies respecting her knowledge of the sinfulness of lying, was sworn, and deposed that she was about ten years old. Remembered the day when Mr. Gregor was murdered. Does not know the prisoner, and did not believe that she could recognize any of the blacks who were present at the murder. The intelligent manner in which this witness made her statement re ected much credit upon Mr. and Mrs. Peattie, by whom herself and her sister had been adopted since the calamitous death of their mother. The other sister being younger than herself, was not called. Mr. Thomas Petrie was next called, as a witness to identity, and deposed that he did not know the prisoner. He believed that prisoner was called by the blacks "Cowander." [This the prisoner denied.] Witness had known Jemmy Parsons, who was in the service of the late Mr. Gregor. Jemmy Parsons had a at nose, and witness believed that he was now dead, having been killed by a fall from a tree. The blacks had told witness so about six months before. There was no further evidence, and as the prisoner had been committed to the custody of the Sheri , pending the decision of the Title Text File Tools Attorney General, he was remanded, to await the directions of that o cer, to whom the depositions will be transmitted. Moreton Bay Courier, 2 January 1847, p3 £20 REWARD. SUBSCRIPTION FOR THE APPREHENSION OF THE TWO BLACKS WHO MURDERED MR. GREGOR AND MRS. SHANNON. A REWARD of £10 for each Black will be given to any party who apprehends the following Aboriginal Natives, viz. :—Dick Ben, and Moggy Moggy, the murderers of the late Mr. Gregor and Mrs. Shannon. Persons who approve of the above objects, are politely requested to forward their Subscriptions to J. RICHARDSON, North Brisbane, November 27, 1846. Moreton Bay Courier, 22 May 1852, p2 THE ABORIGINAL, "MAKE-I-LIGHT".—We understand that instructions have been received for the immediate release of the aboriginal Make-i-light from Brisbane gaol. It will be remembered that he was convicted of murder, and sentenced to death, at the last assizes, and he was reprieved by the Governor- General, with the advice of the Executive Council, in consequence of some doubt of the su ciency of the evidence of identity. Title Text File Tools Moreton Bay Courier, 25 September 1847, p2 THE LATE MURDER.—The unfortunate man Boller, who was speared by the aborigines at the Pine River on the 11th instant, and conveyed to the Hospital, died there in great agony on Tuesday last. It appeared from a post mortem examination which was held on the body, that the poor fellow had received six spear wounds, one of which had penetrated the abdomen three fences deep, and was the immediate cause of death. Morti cation took place on the previous Friday, when the medical gentleman, Dr. Ballow and Dr. Cannan, who had paid every attention to him, gave up all hopes of his recovery. We understand that the deceased was a quiet ino ensive man, and died, much regretted by his fellow workmen. We have no wish to be considered idle alarmists, but we must say, that unless some steps are taken for the capture of the murderers of this man, we may expect that other atrocities will be committed by the " poor blacks," as certain philanthropic gentlemen, who know little or nothing of the peculiarities of the Australian savage, designate a race of beings, possessing all the worst passions of man, with scarcely any of his redeeming qualities. Moreton Bay Courier, 26 December 1846, p2 [1] £20 REWARD. SUBSCRIPTION FOR THE APPREHENSION OF THE TWO BLACKS WHO MURDERED MR. GREGOR AND MRS. SHANNON. A REWARD of £10 for each Black will be given to any party who apprehends the following Aboriginal Natives, viz. :— Dick Ben, and Moggy Moggy, the murderers of the late Mr. Gregor and Mrs. Shannon. Persons who approve of the above objects, are politely requested to forward their Subscriptions to J. RICHARDSON, North Brisbane. November 27, 1846. Title Text File Tools Moreton Bay Courier, 28 August 1852, p2 The Late Outrages at the Pine River.— We lately reported that the notorious ru an "Make-i-light" or "Cowander," the aboriginal turned loose from Brisbane Gaol, and since charged with participating in the lawless acts at of the natives at the Pine River, had been apprehended at Wide Bay, having in his possession a ring supposed to be that stolen from Mrs. Cash. The ring has now been forwarded to Brisbane, and is positively identi ed by Mrs. Cash, so that it will be hard, we should imagine, to get this " poor black " out of his present scrape. The horrible enormities committed by the villains who lately attacked the stations on the Pine River, are such as to call for the heaviest punishment the law allows, for the rst of the delinquents convicted. The prisoner will be forwarded to Brisbane, via Sydney, and we believe that every precaution will be taken for his safe custody, as also to prevent any alteration in his appearance. Moreton Bay Courier, 28 May 1853, p2 MURDERS BY ABORIGINES IN THE NORTHERN DISTRICTS. RETURN to an Address from the Legislative Council of New South Wales, dated 27th July, 1852, praying that his Excellency the Governor General would be pleased to cause to be laid upon the table. "A return showing the number of murders committed by the Aboriginal Natives on the white population in the county of Stanley and districts of Clarence and Darling Downs, Moreton, Burnett, Maranoa, and Wide Bay; also the names and occupations of the su erers; the dates on which the murders were committed; and what steps have been taken to punish the o enders; commencing from the 1st January, 1847, to the 31st December, 1851." POLICE DISTRICT OF BRISBANE (STANLEY.) William Roller and William Waller, sawyers, 10th September, 1847. An aboriginal named Mak-i-light apprehended, tried, found guilty, Title Text File Tools was sentenced to death; afterwards liberated in consequence of strong doubts being entertained as to his identity. Thomson, about 1848, the remains found in the bush, supposed to have been murdered by the blacks. Charles Gray, mariner, September, 1840. Warrants issued for aborigines on Bribie's Island, but not executed. POLICE DISTRICT OF GRAFTON (CLARENCE.) John Gray, hutkeeper, 17th February, 1850. Supposed to have been perpetrated by a black called Tommy. Apprehended on the 5th March, 1850, and forwarded to Sydney on the 17th May to take his trial, in the Supreme Court. Brought up for trial in August, 1850, and discharged on his own recognizance. POLICE DISTRICT OF CASSINO (CLARENCE.) N.B.-The Bench at Casino state that thirteen murders were perpetrated in that district in the four years preceding the date named in the Address. POLICE DISTRICT OF DRAYTON (DARLING DOWNS.) Unknown, shepherd, August, 1847; ditto, ditto, September, 1848; William Barker, shepherd, October, 1848; William Robinson, hut keeper, October, 1848; Unknown, shepherd, 1848; ditto, ditto, October, 1848; Cameron (a boy), October, 1848; Unknown, shepherd, April, 1849); ditto, hutkeeper, April, 1849; ditto, hutkeeper, April, 1849; ditto, overseer, August, 1851. No information is given on this head by the Bench of Magistrates (Drayton, who furnished the return. POLICE DISTRICT OF IPSWICH (MORETON). —Cater, hutkeeper, November, 1849; Saml. Whittaker, hutkeeper, November, 1850. No information is given on this head by the bench of magistrates (Ipswich), who furnished the return. POLICE DISTRICT OF GAYNDAH (BURNETT.) John Rogers, labourer, June, 1847; Opossum Jack, labourer, July, 1849; William Chester, and Title Text File Tools John Wills, labourers, 7th March, 1850; William Dixon, labourer, 22nd November, 1850; Peter Couray, labourer, Eileen Couray, 13th August, 1851. No information is given on this head by the bench of magistrates (Gayndah), who furnished this report. William Street, grazier, 13th August 1851. Warrants issued. Thomas Colaney, labourer, September, 1851; William Ronald, labourer, October, 1851; Alexander Ross, grazier, 23rd October, 1851; Seboo (Coolie) hutkeeper, 23rd October, 1851; Serenan (Coolie), shepherd, February, 1849. No information is given on this head by the bench of magistrates (Gayndah), who furnished the return. N. B.—Nine other murders are stated by the bench to have occurred in this district on dates subsequent to that mentioned in the address. POLICE DISTRICT OF SURAT (MARANOA). William Low, John Gore, September, 1848; John Bull, William M'Caverty, John Burns, 21st March, 1849; Edward Foley, Joseph Flaherty, 4th May, 1849. In the employment of Messrs. A. and W. Macpherson. No information is given on this head by the Bench of Magistrates (Surat) who furnished the return. Anthony Cox, December, 1850; in the employment of Henry Eckford. The murderer in this case was shot immediately on the perpetration of the crime.POLICE DISTRICT OF MARYBOROUGH (WIDE BAY.) James Graham, 28th August, 1850; Thomas Howard, 18th August, 1850; Alexander Drummond, 26th September, 1850; John Roberts, 18th October, 1850; Warrants issued; blacks followed without success. Denis Macarthy, 11th August, 1851; body never found. No information given on this head. N.B.-Another murder is reported to have occurred in this district, subsequently to the date named in the address. Moreton Bay Courier, 3 July 1852, p2 Title Text File Tools Another Murder by the Blacks.—On Sunday last a messenger brought news to Brisbane that another barbarous murder had been committed by the aboriginal natives, on the person of a shepherd in the employment of Mr. Darby McGrath, at a station called "the Gap" on the Pine River, and about fteen miles from Brisbane. Dr. Swift, coroner of the district, with Mr. Atkins, Provincial Inspector of Police, Dr. Cannan, the Chief Constable, and some mounted constables, proceeded to the scene of the outrage early on Monday morning; and a magisterial investigation having been held, the following facts were elicited. The deceased Michael Halloran, together with Edward Power, the hut keeper, were employed at an out- station, and about ten or eleven o'clock last Sunday forenoon about nine or ten blacks were at the hut, when Halloran was outside cutting up some tobacco. One of the blacks asked him for some, which he refused, and then went away to his sheep. Shortly afterwards the hut was attacked by some of the blacks, who threw spears and other weapons at Power. The latter defended himself by presenting a double-barrelled gun, for which, however he had no ammunition. He succeeded in preventing the blacks from setting re to the hut, which they attempted to do; and at length made a rush and escaped. The blacks threw stones and sticks after him, but he made his way to the spot where the sheep were, having heard the dog barking. Here he cooeyed for the shepherd, but receiving no answer, made his way to the head station and reported the circumstance. Mr. McGrath, with some others, immediately started for the spot, and after searching some time, found the dead body of Halloran, lying on the face. There was a wound over the eye as if from a boomerang; and the skull was literally smashed with blows from waddies or bludgeons. The body was not stripped, and there was some money in one of the pockets, Title Text File Tools but a tweed coat, serge frock, and some tobacco, had been carried o . We believe that none of the sheep were taken away. One of the spears thrown into the hut, was recognized as belonging to a black known as Billy Barlow. This native, with two others, named Mickey and Mullon, had been cutting bark at the head station a few days before, and had disappeared on the day of the attack at Cash's station, detailed in our last. From the description given by Power, there is little doubt that "Billy Barlow" was amongst those making the present attack, and a warrant has been issued for his apprehension, for the assault. The hut was robbed of everything it contained, and the murderers had evidently retreated towards the coast, through swamps and rotten ground, where it would be almost hopeless to follow on horseback. Most of the natives agree that "Make-i-light," or Cowander, (the convicted and discharged murderer) has been concerned in the late outrages. They describe him as "Cowander, good while nangry Gaol," and add that he has "plenty names," of which there can be very little doubt. The notorious Dundalli has also gured in the late attacks, according to the accounts of his countrymen; although it is said that he for one performed an act of mercy, having saved the life of Mrs. Cash, which the blacks had intended to take. These statements are of course only given for what they are worth, as coming from the aboriginal natives. Mr. Atkins and the police returned to Brisbane on Thursday, having travelled to Durundur and back, searching the creeks and gullies around without nding any traces of the murderers or seeing any blacks' res. From inquiries which they made of the blacks at Durundur they have no doubt that the marauders have made good their retreat to the coast. The blacks continued to report that Cowander was present at the attack at Cash's, and add that the other two blacks, discharged from the indictment proferred against them for attempting to Title Text File Tools murder Mr. Furber, were in his company. They were said to have gone o to the Bunya scrub. From all that can be gathered it appears that the greater part of the blacks concerned in the late outrages were young men, or kippers. Indeed the argument brought forth by some of the friends of "Make-i-light" at his trial, that he was too young to have been concerned in the murder sworn against him, was quite fallacious; for all who have any experience of the bush know that young blacks recently made kippers are invariably found taking part in these acts of violence, because they are anxious to distinguish themselves with their tribes. We are informed that it is proposed to make a further search on the coast in a day or two: and it is to be hoped that the Government will be urged to o er a reward for the apprehension of the murderers. With regard to the warrant issued against Billy Barlow for assault, the procedure, with all due respect, appears to us to be most remarkable. If that black was really one of the party assaulting Power, at the time when his companions, with his knowledge must have been murdering Halloran, at a place within view of the hut, he is guilty of participating in the crime of murder, and the warrant should be issued accordingly. Moreton Bay Courier, 6 September 1851, p2 COMMITTAL OF MOGGY-MOGGY, ALIAS MICKALOI, FOR MURDER.—On Monday last the aboriginal native charged with the murder of the two sawyers at the Pine River, as mentioned in our last, was brought before Messrs. Ferriter and Duncan, at the gaol, when the following evidence was taken: —James Smith, being sworn, deposed that he had known the prisoner before the court for the last seven years. Always knew him by the name of "Moggy-Moggy" until the time of Mr. Gregor's murder, shortly after which prisoner came to witness at Bulimba, and witness called him by the name of Moggy-Moggy. The prisoner replied that "that was a 'wadly' (bad) Title Text File Tools name, and he had thrown it away, his name then being 'Chongalee.'" After the prisoner went away at that time witness remarked to his mate, (Joseph Liddeard), that it was a pity they could not take the black, as he was charged with Mr. Gregor's murder. The next time he saw prisoner was something more than four years ago, at the Pine River. He and about sixteen other blacks came to witness on a Sunday afternoon, when the two other men with whom he was sawing were absent. Witness gave one of the blacks a pot of tea, and addressed prisoner by the name of Moggy-Moggy, when he replied that he had told him before not to call him by that name, as he had "thrown it away." When the other two men returned, witness cautioned them to be on their guard, as the mob of blacks around were not to be trusted; and he stated that he felt convinced prisoner had been concerned in the murder of Mr. Gregor, in consequence of his having changed his name. The blacks remained about three days, when they left, and continued to come to them again occasionally. About a fortnight afterwards prisoner and three more blacks came to them half-an-hour before sunset, and one of them asked where the gins were. One of witness's mates, called "Nobbler" [William Waller], replied that he knew nothing of the gins, and, after prisoner had o ered witness a bandicoot, he and the other blacks again left. It was next morning that the blacks attacked them, and committed the murders. It was about eleven o'clock in the forenoon. Witness was sawing in the pit, and William Bowler on the top, when the latter let go the saw, and witness, looking out, saw him making towards the hut. Saw the prisoner before the court throw a spear at Bowler, which pierced him in the shoulder. Witness strove to get out of the pit, when a block struck him on the head with a waddy, and he fell back insensible. When he recovered he jumped out of the pit. He then received Title Text File Tools another blow from a waddy across the jaw. He succeeded, however, in making his way to the hut, where he saw Bowler sitting on a bin in which provisions were kept. Saw no more blows in icted upon him, but witness himself received a blow on the hand from a black named Dundalli, while in the hut. Witness urged Bowler to attempt to escape, and witness would stand by him. They ran away for some distance, when Bowler fell from the e ect of his wounds. Witness protected him with a gun, and, taking him on his back, succeeded after some time in carrying him to within sight of Mr. Gri n's station. Bowler was conveyed to the hospital at Brisbane, where he died in four days afterwards. The murdered body of the other man was not found till next morning. He had a spear wound in the pith of the neck. Witness did not know his name, but he was called "Bill" or "Nobbler." He was employed as a labourer for witness and Bowler. An inquest was held by Captain Wickham, and witness gave evidence. Thinks he mentioned the name of Moggy-Moggy then, but is not sure. Knows that he mentioned Dundalli. Captain Wickham asked Bowler at the inquest if he was sensible, and if he (witness) had given a correct statement, and Bowler replied, yes. [The prisoner, on being asked to question the witness, proceeded, to talk with considerable volubility in broken English, stating that his name was not Moggy-Moggy, but Mickaloi; and that the blacks who committed the murders at the Pine River were several others, whom he named. The only name we could catch was Dundalli]. Dr. Cannan, who had examined the bodies, was present; but as he had given evidence at the inquest, the Magistrates seemed to think it unnecessary to examine him again, and the prisoner was committed to take his trial for the murder at the next Circuit Court, to be holden at Brisbane on the 10th of November. The Title Text File Tools witness James Smith, was bound over to prosecute. Queenslander, 22 October 1892, p794 In the Early Days.—XLV. THE BIRTH AND GROWTH OF BRISBANE AND ENVIRONS. THE BLACK MARAUDERS. BY J.J. KNIGHT. Made bold by their long immunity from contact with the military, and encouraged by their successes both in murder and plunder, the blacks daily became more aggressive. Never a day passed now but what a report was received that cattle and sheep had been driven away, or that a hutkeeper or shepherd had been murdered. In fact, the whole country was in a most disturbed state, especially that portion included in Wide Bay. An agitation was started, and the Government memorialised to send a detachment of native police—one had just previously been stationed on the Mclntyre River with marked relief—and eventually it was decided that a force should visit the strong- hold of the blacks on Fraser's Island, and then, perhaps, scour Bribie Island, where Dundalli and other sable murderers had recently been seen. Dundalli indeed—emboldened by his having so long evaded capture for the murder of Mr. Gregor and Mrs. Shannon at the Pine— hearing that Mr. Frederick Strange, the naturalist, was anxious to seise him, actually sent that gentle-man a challenge to ght! Needless to say the o er was rejected. Some solace was found, in the reported capture of a notorious black with a number of aliases, the best known of which were Paddy, Jemmy Parsons, and Michaloi (or Make-i-light). This fellow, it was believed, had been a party to the murder of Mr. Gregor and Mrs. Shannon, and was at last arrested in the Wide Bay distrust and for-warded to Sydney, thence to Moreton Bay. He was brought before a local bench on the 15th August. Considerable di culty was experienced in identifying the black owing to the extreme youth of Mrs. Shannon's children Title Text File Tools (who it will be remembered saw their mother murdered) at the time of the commission of the crime, and their incapacity to remember the features of the perpetrators. The blackboy (Ralph William Barrow) employed by Gregor, and who furnished the information identifying Michaloi with the murder, contradicted himself, too, and as a reward was sent to gaol for seven days. Michaloi protested his innocence, and said that if Duramboi (Davis) were asked he could clear him, as he had known him when out among the blacks. Accordingly Duramboi was sent for, but point blank refused to give evidence until his expenses were guaranteed. Of course the learned bench could not countenance such con-duct, and forthwith sent him "below" for contempt of court. Next day Duramboi, convinced that there was nothing to be gained by sticking out for expenses, o ered to state what he knew. This, in e ect, was that the prisoner was not known by the name of either Paddy, Jemmy Parsons, or Michaloi, but as "Make-i-light." The bench, however, committed Paddy to the Circuit Court. Daring the time he was await-ing trial there were certain unpleasant developments which made the blackfellow's chance of life even more precarious. It will doubtless be remembered that in a previous article I related how two sawyers named Boller and Waller had been killed, and a third, James Smith, badly injured by the blacks at the North Pine in September of 1847. One of the developments above referred to forms the sequel to the trial of Paddy for the murder of Mr. Gregor and Mrs. Shannon. Among the spectators on the last day of the magisterial inquiry was James Smith, the sawyer, who recognised in Paddy one of the blacks who had attacked him and his two mates at the Pine, and known to Smith under the name of Moggy Moggy. Recognition being di cult in Mr. Gregor's case Paddy, or Moggy Moggy, or whatever his correct name might Title Text File Tools have been, was brought up before the bench again charged with the murder of Boller and Waller, and was committed for trial, Smith being bound over to prosecute. He was arraigned at the second Circuit Court, and with a Chinaman (who was found guilty of murder committed in the Wide Bay district) was sentenced to death. The people naturally con gratulated themselves on having brought at least one black to the fate he deserved, and it was therefore with much indignation that they received the news at the last moment that Paddy had been reprieved, and after being kept in gaol for two months would be taken to Wide Bay and liberated. The only reason assigned for this was that the crime had been committed so long ago as to make identi cation di cult; therefore there was doubt, and the prisoner, as usual, was given the bene t of it. But what was the result ? We shall see presently. Queenslander, 29 October 1892, p842 In the Early Days.—XLVI. THE BIRTH AND GROWTH OF BRISBANE AND ENVIRONS. HORRIBLE AND DARING OUTRAGES. BY J.J. KNIGHT. In the opening records of the year 1852 attention is arrested by a recapitulation of horrible and daring crimes perpetrated by the blasts. Our friend Make-i-Light had become a kind of hero, and with Dundalli and Billy Barlow—no relative of the hon. member for Ipswich—shared equal honours. They had established themselves at the head of the Mingy-Mingy and Bribie blacks, who, let me add, were at this time at deadly feud with the Meganchin or Brisbane tribe owing to the belief that the latter were aiding in the capture of the heads of the former. As an example of the light in which Dundalli's " crowd" regarded the others I need only say that whenever a Megachin black was captured he was killed; in fact they raided the Brisbane tribe in York's Hollow one night and one of the number had Title Text File Tools his head cut clean o , his body being afterwards cit into pieces. It will be readily understood, then, that there was some cause for the apprehension felt in the town regarding the natives. Deep feelings of smothered rage and indignation had basis engendered throughout the district, and it is no wonder the people cried out for assistance from the Government. When Make-i-Light was released the blacks isolated that "Cowander—another alias—will kill move white men." Let us follow him. In June a mob of aboriginals murdered a shepherd named Halloran, in the employ of Darby McGrath, at The Gap, Pine River, and at tempted to set re to the hut and kill the keeper (Edward Power). One of the spears found in the body of Halloran was identi ed as belonging to Billy Barlow, and it was de cleared that Make-i-Light was also implicated— to use the words of the blacks, "Cowander long time Nangry goal." Mr. Warner's survey camp was also raided, everything of value being taken, and the instruments and notes strewn about ad lib. A similar attack was made on the hut of a selector named Cash on the Pine, the lady at the house having to y for her life. From this place they took certain jewellery, which was afterwards useful in proving the identity of Make-i-Light. Suddenly Make-i-Light disappeared, and believing that he had made for Fraser's Island information was sent to the police in the Wide Bay District, and they were not long in e ecting his arrest. When taken he was wearing a ring which Mrs. Cash afterwards identi ed as hers. He was taken to Sydney from Wide Bay, and transferred thence to Moreton Bay, where he was committed for trial on a charge of stealing. Ever ready with excuses he declared that the trousers he was wearing had been given to him, and on his handing them to a gin to wash she had found the ring in one of the pockets. At hia trial, however, an important witness was missing, Title Text File Tools and in order that he might be seemed the dusky warrior was remanded until the next Circuit Court. This witness was not, however, forthcoming at the following court. On the 7th September Chief constable Sneyd and Constable Tredeneck (now living) with several others raided a blacks' camp at Break fast Creek, and arrested one of the blacks im plicated in the Cash outrage named Tinkabed. Shortly afterwards Tredeneck was wounded by a black desperado named Bumbarrowa, who was brought up at the Circuit Court at which Make-i-Light was remanded and sentenced to ve years imprisonment. Six years were meted out to Tinkabed. These two made two attempts to escape, but each time were foiled. Before quiting this subject I may as well give my readers what remains to be said of these blacks. The outrages which had been repeated with such audacity by the natives at last led to a few police being stationed at the Pine, and the rst thing these did was to e ect the arrest of "Mickey" who had been concerned in the murder of Mr. Gregor and Mrs. Shannon. He was brought before the Circuit Court held on the 20th May, 1868, and charged with stealing certain of Gregor's goods, for which he reoeived a sentence of six months. Next day, however, he was arraigned for the murder of Mrs. Shannon, and the Judge ordered a sentence of death to be recorded, but left the question of whether it should be carried into e ect to the Executive. This body subsequently commuted the sentence to seven years' hard labour on the roads. Shipwrecked Mariners. The wreck of the Thomas King on Cato's Bank, Torres Straits, on 17th April, was in a measure identi ed with the career of the notorious Make-i-Light. The Thomas King, barque,, left Sydney on the 7th April, bound for Manilla, the only passenger being Dr. Hyslop. On the vessel ooming to grief all hands were washed on to the reef, as well as one of the ship's boats. A consultation was held, when it was decided Title Text File Tools that Captain Walker, the second mate, Dr. Hyslop, and three seamen should take the boat and make for Moreton Bay, the remainder of the crew—comprising the rst and third mates, boatswain, carpenter, steward, cook, two seamen, and a boy—re maining on the reef in the hope that some stray vessel might take them o . This fortunately occurred, though when the whaler Lady Blackwood picked them up they were much exhausted for the want of food or drink, having been isolated for seventeen days. The captain and the party in the ship's boat made the coast south of Wide Bay, and for some strange reason commenced the journey over land, burying the chronometer in the sand. On the very rst day they were beset by blacks, but on this occasion were allowed to proceed after they had parted with the greater portion of their clothing as ransom. Next morning, however, they were overtaken by the blacks, who attacked them without ceremony. The captain and a seaman named Sherry, though wounded, managed to e ect their escape, but in the e ort they parted company. After resting awhile, and waiting until the blacks had departed, the captain came out of his hiding- place and found Dr. Hyslop mortally wounded and the second mate dread fully injured and in a state of delirium. Dr. Hyslop remarked that it was no good staying with him as he would soon die, and the captain thereupon left the scene of the onslaught. Nothing could be seen of the seamen. Ten days later, however, after wandering about the captain fell in with Sherry. The two, keeping the coast, more dead than alive, walked on, arriving at Brisbane on the 17th May. A search party was immediately organised, and on arriving at Bribie Island established a depot there. Acting upon information supplied by the blacks the party crossed over to Caloundra, and after a long search found the dead bodies of the second mate (Dallas) and the two seamen, but were Title Text File Tools not successful in discovering the remains of Dr. Hyslop. During the interviews with the blacks it transpired that the murder of Dr. Hyslop and the others had been perpetrated at the instigation of Burra, brother of Make-i-Light, who believed that his relative had been hanged for the murder of Boller and Waller at the Pine, and wished to avenge it. According to the statement of Captain Walker he and the other survivor of the party had been in the neighbourhood of Cabbage-tree Creek several days, and it was thought that had there been any settlement there the lives of the two seamen might possibly have been saved. Events 3 entries Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event Attack on Europeans/others 16 1847 Attack on "THE LATE MURDER.—The - William Waller, James September Europeans/others unfortunate man Boller, who was Smith and William Boller, speared by the aborigines at the Pine River Pine River on the 11th instant, and (August/September 1847) conveyed to the Hospital, died there in great agony on Tuesday last. It appeared from a post mortem examination which was held on the body, that the poor fellow had received six spear wounds, one of which had penetrated the abdomen three fences deep, and was the immediate cause of death. Morti cation took place on the previous Friday, when the medical gentleman, Dr. Ballow and Dr. Cannan, who had paid every attention to him, gave up all hopes of his recovery. We understand that the deceased was a quiet ino ensive man, and died, much regretted by his fellow workmen. Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event We have no wish to be considered idle alarmists, but we must say, that unless some steps are taken for the capture of the murderers of this man, we may expect that other atrocities will be committed by the " poor blacks," as certain philanthropic gentlemen, who know little or nothing of the peculiarities of the Australian savage, designate a race of beings, possessing all the worst passions of man, with scarcely any of his redeeming qualities." (Moreton Bay Courier, 25 September 1847, p2) 'MORETON BAY. SEPTEMBER. 21.— This district has again been the scene of other diabolical murders by the blacks, and within half a dozen miles of the spot where the unfortunate Mr. Gregor, and his servant Mary Shannon, met a similar untimely fate by the hands of the same reckless wretches—the uno ending parties in this instance are a few peaceable sawyers, who for some time past have been carrying on their avocations in a cedar scrub on the banks of the Pine River, about twenty miles fro… this township. Two of the men were at work at the time of the attack at their saw-pit, the other unfortunate man being at the hut preparing their food, and the whole quite unprepared, and unconscious of any attack from the natives, who they considered were on friendly terms with them; but repeated acts of cruelty on the part of these wretches only tend to prove that their cowardly attacks Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event are only made when their victims are thrown entirely o their guard. So soon as the intelligence reached Brisbane on the evening of the 10th instant that the outrage had been committed, Captain Wickham, the Police Magistrate, with Dr. Ballow, started at an early hour next morning to Captain Gri n's station on the Pine, were the survivors had found refuge, and the annexed evidence was obtained,—the poor fellow Boller was subsequently brought into Brisbane, and placed in the hospital, where every attention has been paid to him, but the numerous wounds he has received in various parts of his body render his case very precarious. Whiteside, Pine River. 11th September, 1847 James Smith, free by servitude, being duly sworn, deposed—I have been employed cutting cedar on the Pine River about two months, yesterday I was at the saw pits with William Boller and William Waller about eleven o'clock in the morning we were attacked by a party of blacks, I saw about a dozen of them, but I heard more close at hand; the rst we knew of their being near was a shower of spears. My mate, Boller, fell o the log in consequence of a wound from a spear in the sboulder, the blacks then rustled towards the pit, four of them throw spears at me, but I fortunately avoided them; I endearoured to get out of the pit, but was knocked down by a blow Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event from a waddy, I lay some time in the pit, I fancy the blacks thought I was dead, as they did not interfere with me again until I attempted to get out of the pit, I succeeded in getting out, and was making my way to the hut when I received a second blow from a waddy on the left side of my face, I do not know the name of the black who struck me, but was told by some of the blacks at Mr Gri ns station that his name was Dandable. When I got to the hut I found Boller sitting with the gun on his knees, I said to him why don't you shoot that blackfellow who has just thrown a waddy at me? he replied, that his eyesight had left him, that he was speared all over, and was unable to use the gun, I took the piece from him, he said he had put a ball into each barrel. I spoke to the blacks, and in their own language asked them what their grievance was, that if they wanted victuals they could have it without injuring us. They made some reply which I did not understand, I then presented the gun at them; they then threw three spears at me, but did not hit me. I said to Boller, for God's sake make the best of your way out of the scrub, as I see they are determined to take our lives, while I was saying this, one of the blacks threw a waddy and struck me a severe blow on the left hand, which rendered it useless. I then backed out of the scrub, with Boller in front of me, and keeping the gun pointed at the natives as long as they followed us, they did not Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event follow us out of the scrub, but rushed back, as I suppose, to plunder the hut, when we got out of the scrub Boller fell down exhausted, after about two hours exertion I succeeded in reaching the huts of Mr Gri ns head station with Boller, a distance of about a mile and a half. During the whole transaction I never saw Waller; he had been left at the hut to cook, I fancied that he had run away when the blacks approached, and had escaped, it was not until his body was found this morning that I knew he had been killed by the blacks. We never had any misunderstanding with the blacks, I have been nearly ve years cutting timber, and never was molested by the blacks before. William Boller who was present during the examination of Smith, but in too exhausted a state to give evidence, swears to the truth of the statement, made by Smith, he states that he saw nothing of Waller, the deceased. John Gri n, being duly sworn, deposed, that yesterday, about one o'clock, he saw a man (James Smith) at the door of the hut, covered with blood; he informed me that the blacks had attacked him, and speared his mate he asked me to go with him to assist his mate to the hut, as he was to much exhausted that he could not walk, I went with him, and with the assistance of one of our men brought the man to the hut; it was Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event William Boller, who now lies su ering from his wounds. Smith told me that there was another of their party, but he did not know what had become of him I immediately set o on horseback, accompanied by two others, we seached all about in the neighbourhood of the sawpits, but could not nd him I returned in the evening, and this morning went out again with two white men and three blacks, we searched about for a length of time. At last I saw a dog coming towards us, I sent one of the blacks in the direction which the dog carne from, he had not gone ten yards before he called out that the man was there, and was dead. I then went towards the place, and saw the body in a sitting posture, with his back against the branch of a tree. With the assistance of the whites and blacks who were with me, I got the body out of the scrub, and placed it on some timber, and carried it up to the station. The body now before us is the same. I knew the man by sight, but not his name, he had been about three months sawing timber in the scrub, about a mile and a half distant from this station. I have just learnt that the poor fellow Boller, who was so severely speared by the, blacks, died last night in the hospital, (morti cation having taken place, which precluded all hopes of recovery), soon after his being admitted, making the sixth victim within a very short time waylaid and Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event murdered by the blacks. One blackfellow called Kipper was apprehended yesterday, he is one of the rascals that was at the scene of murder a few hours before the attack, and no doubt participated in the plunder, but I fear nothing can be done with him. He, will no doubt be sent to Sydney, where, as a matter of course, after a few days detention in the convict barracks, he will be dismissed with a pair of blankets and a free passage to Moreton Bay.' (Sydney Morning Herald, 28 September 1847, p2) "... his [Waller's] lifeless body among the branches of a tree which had lately been felled, and, to which they had been attracted by observing a dog belonging to the deceased going in that direction. He was found in a sitting posture, with, his back against the branches. Dr. Cannan examined the body, and found several slight wounds on the legs, one in the left breast which did not penetrate into the chest, and one deep wound in the neck which, in his opinion, was the cause of death, the jugular vein being wounded, and, fatal haemorrhage the consequence. The wounds were all in icted by the same kind of weapon, and such as would be caused by the spears of the natives." (Moreton Bay Courier, 18 September 1847, p2) "In the hut he found Boller, sitting and leaning forward, with a gun on his knees, and witness asked him why he did not shoot the black who
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