FRONTIER CONFLICT AND THE NATIVE MOUNTED POLICE IN QUEENSLAND Events Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools Attack on stock - in vicinity of Maryborough (before 16 November 1854) before 16 November 1854 Attack on stock/property "The blacks are continually committing depredations here, robbing the stores, gardens, and drays, on every opportunity. A few days ago, in the scrub, they killed a working bullock belonging to one of the Maryborough carriers." (Moreton Bay Courier, 2 December 1854, p2) 30 matching entries Events Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools Attack on stock - sheep in the vicinity of Hervey Bay (? November 1854) November? 1854 Attack on stock/property "In a communication a fortnight ago, it was mentioned that Lieut. Fortescue, N.P., had started after some sheep belonging to a Chinaman, that had been taken by the blacks. After the absence of a day and a half he returned with the sheep, only one or two of which were missing. The blacks had got the sheep away about 25 miles towards the southern part of Harvey's Bay. On the approach of the police the aborigines deserted the ock and ed." (Moreton Bay Courier, 16 December 1854, p2) Attack on Aboriginal people - Francis MacCabe's surveying camp, East Stowe (9 February 1854) 9 February 1854 Attack on Aboriginal people ‘On 4 February, MacCabe reported that the Aborigines made it clear that the surveyor¹s camp occupied ‘their ground’ but in this rst incident no ghting ensued. Charles Arthur, one of the survey team wrote in his diary: ‘Whilst we were away a lot of Blacks came in sight of our tents on the opposite side of the River and cooeying to our party it is supposed that they were some that have been at Auckland Point before as some of the party thought they were calling out ‘Mr Willmott’ a name which it was common for them to do whilst camped at Barney Pt so I expect there are some of our ‘old friends’ amongst them. I went over to the police and told them the circumstances and Sergeant Humphries and 2 troopers came over. We have commenced watching.’ (Arthur n.d., Saturday 4 February 1854). Four days later the Native Police Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools arrested and handcu ed four Aborigines in the vicinity of the camp at East Stowe. They were shot the next morning ‘while endeavouring to e ect their escape’ (MacCabe to Surveyor General, 6 March 1854, cited in McDonald 1988:17; Alfredson 1992:4). Arthur recorded: ‘8th February, The Sergeant (Humphries) took 4 Blacks somewhere in the neighbourhood of our Camp and has handcu ed them. 9th February The Blacks escaped from the Police in the night and when morning came they tracked them and shot the four before breakfast.’' (Chris Clarkson, Michael Williams, Sean Ulm and Ian Lilley 1998 Gooreng Gooreng Contemporary Social Landscapes: A report to AIATSIS:56) Attack on Europeans/others - Francis MacCabe's surveying camp, East Stowe (3 March 1854) 3 March 1854 Attack on Europeans/others ‘On 3 March, MacCabe¹s camp was again attacked, probably as pay- back for the murder of the four Aborigines in the previous month. About 20 Aborigines attacked the camp and one of MacCabe’s men, Sheriss, was speared through the leg and several things were taken from the camp.’ Arthur (n.d., original emphasis) writes: ‘We saw some blacks on the opposite side of the River about 9 am. About 10 am they appeared to have crossed and came on our side of the River. At about 1/4 past 10 am I was busy writing a letter in my tent when I suddenly heard a shout. I ran out and saw one Black over at the men’s tents. I immediately ran Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools over with my gun as fast as legs could carry me but the Darkie was no where to be seen: he speared one of our men in the thigh and that¹s what made him shout out: I had to pull the spear out and it was as much as I was able to do to get it out, a portion of it still was in his leg and Mr Murray cut it out in the evening when it was found to measure (7) seven inches, We could not see any part of it before the wound was cut open.’’ (Chris Clarkson, Michael Williams, Sean Ulm and Ian Lilley 1998 Gooreng Gooreng Contemporary Social Landscapes: A report to AIATSIS:56-57) ‘In one of the letters Mr MacCabe wrote, in detailing the particulars of an attack by the blacks on his camp, 'I have reason to believe, I wounded one.’’ (Illawarra Mercury 26 May 1859, p2) At top: “Government Resident Port Curtis” Forwarding copy of Proceedings in case under “Master & Servants Act” brought before him – relates to claim made against Surveyor MacCabe by one of his Party for compensation for losses sustained through attack by aboriginal natives on Surveyor’s Camp at Stowe 3rd March last. ... Mr Charles Arthur duly sworn states as follows: On morning of 3rd March went to Complainant’s tent after Sherrick? wounded by natives – Mr MacCabe Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools had revolver ri e in hand, took guns from tent – Blacks were plundering tents when Mr MacCabe red shot 4 men available with 20 stand of arms loaded, 150-170 yards from tent, Asked Mr MacCabe to let him go to the tent which he refused – think he reasoned Blacks taking things from tent would keep them occupied until Police came up. [p 727] Cross examined by Defendant First time saw blacks they were on opposite side of river & opposite your tent – supposed they were going up river –“you were writing letters” & did not go out when told of blacks, supposed in a hurry with letter Police expected at Camp that morning – copying letter into letter book when Sherrick wounded – further details of their movements, mentions Groves, wounded man asked for spear to be pulled out, use of the rearms & swords with view to scaring blacks & alerting the Police – refers to rule made that guns not be red before sunrise or after sunset [p 728] Reason for rule was if Police heard ring they might come up – (Maurice O’Connell to Colonial Secretary 4 July 1854 plus enclosures, Letters relating to Moreton Bay & Queensland: A2 series – Reel A2.29, 715–723) "April 19th ... 1854 ... Mr McCabe's Party was attacked a short time since, and a man speared, the Native Police followed them up, Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools and it is said, killed 23. Plunder is, of course, their object, but they will take the life of a white man whenever they can do it with Impunity. Hence a constant warfare, and Extermination will, of course, be the Result." (Capt John Coghlan Fitzgerald, Private Diary, 25 June 1853 to 16 June 1855, (File FIT/ 4), from Collections held by the National Maritime Museum London) Attack on property - outstation on Cannindah (4 April 1854) 4 April 1854 Attack on stock/property "New South Wales To Wit. The information and complaint of Patrick Mackay of Cannindah, Grazier, taken this sixth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & fty four before me James C. Mackay Esqr one of her Majesty's justices of the peace for the said colony who being duly sworn upon his oath saith that on the fourth day of April the shepherds hut at "Tiera Bong" was entered and robbed by Aboriginal blacks and the meat our tea & sugar carried away Patrick Mackay" Attack on Aboriginal people - Palmer's store, west? Maryborough (November 1854) November 1854 Attack on Aboriginal people '4. A case occurred in Maryborough a few weeks ago, which has created a very great sensation amongst the Aborigines, and will I greatly fear, lead to retaliation on their part. I allude to a case that I lately reported to you, of two Aborigines being poisoned from eating damper made out of our stolen from the store of Mr H. Palmer.' (QSA2969643 1855 Report from Arthur Halloran to the Chief Commissioner of Lands 1 Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools January, Correspondence of Colonial Secretary's Department, NSW, extracted from micro lm (Reel A2-32) held at State Library of Queensland) '... as for the surveyor, he is now twenty miles down the river in bush with three white men fearlessly pursuing his profession, although surrounded at this moment by some two or three hundred of these, same, "marauding savages," who have gone down there to deposit the remains of two of the nest young men of the tribe in their native forests. These men died by poison, by poisoned our; this much is proved, but as the matter is now undergoing judicial investigation, I will not enter into particulars. My belief, and the belief of many here, is, that a great crime has been committed, and that a most searching inquiry into all the circumstances connected with their death should take place, so that the survivors of the tribe may learn, that while we hold them subject to the pains and penalties of our law, they are also within the pale of its protection. B. F. LLOYD. Maryboro', 25th November, 1854.' (Sydney Morning Herald 15 December 1854, p4) Attack on Europeans/others - Robert Owen and son and Aboriginal worker, Onnaberry, Upper Dawson (May 1854) May 1854 Attack on Europeans/others 'OUTRAGE BY THE NATIVES.—A Drayton correspondent of the Empire writes,—"News has just arrived of another outrage committed by the aboriginals. In Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools the Upper Dawson, at the station of Mr. S. Owen, a ferocious attack was made on one of his sons, and a quiet black boy in his service. They were following the tracks of cattle through a scrub when a volley of spears and nullah nullahs was suddenly thrown at them. The black boy fell dead, trans xed by a spear. Young Owen, though struck in two or three places, clung to his horse and was carried home alive, but was found to be much hurt, and has been dangerously ill. It is just possible that the aggressors might have had amongst them some of the unpunished murderers of Mr. Kettle, as the two stations are both in the beat of that tribe."' (Hobarton Guardian, or, True Friend of Tasmania 31 May 1854, p3) 'On the 11th I proceeded to Onnaberry the station of Mr Owen, and made inquiries respecting the recent outrage there. Robert Owen being absent, I was obliged to postpone further enquiry from the want of evidence. ... On the 18th and 19th it rained very heavily, but on the 20th I proceeded to Onnaberry where, Robert Owen having returned, I took his a davit relative to the murder of Mr Scott’s Black boy, and the attack upon himself.' (QSA86141_1854_Letter from Francis Nicoll to George Fulford 15 May 1854) Attack on Europeans/others - William Tough, Mr Denty August 1854 Attack on Europeans/others ‘WRECK OF THE "NINGPOO," AND ATTACK OF THE NATIVES UPON Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools and Alick, of the Ningpo near Wide Bay (August 1854) PART OF THE CREW.—On Wednesday morning some of the native blacks, from the vicinity of Bribie's Island, arrived at Brisbane, bringing with them a seaman named William Tough, second o cer of the schooner Ningpoo, which had been wrecked upon Burns's Reef, in latitude 13°36 S., about six weeks ago. Tough had been severely beaten by the natives at Wide Bay; his right arm was broken, and his head and face cut in several places. He was removed to the Brisbane Hospital, and the following is his account of the wreck and its consequences: —"The Ningpoo, three-masted schooner, Captain William Billings, was bound from Hongkong to Melbourne, in ballast, having on board a Mr. Denty as a cabin passenger, a Chinese man and woman as steerage passengers, chief mate, second mate (William Tough), carpenter, steward, four other Europeans, and a number of Chinese seamen. About six weeks ago the vessel struck upon Burns's Reef, at night, in the latitude above mentioned, and somewhere about the longitude of New Caledonia. The vessel settled down on the reef, and the crew and passengers succeeded in getting on a neighbouring island, called Ewan's Island, and in saving some rice and a few casks of water. Here they remained for about three weeks, when having tted up the only boat they had—a small vessel only 13 feet long—it was resolved that Mr. Denty, together with the Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools second mate, and a seaman named Alick, should make for Moreton Bay, and endeavour to send o assistance. They did so, Mr. Denty acting as navigator. This gentleman was proceeding from Hongkong to Melbourne, to visit a brother residing there. They left the captain and the remainder of the crew and passengers—in all 18 persons—on the island. They had prepared an extempore copper machine, and had begun to distil fresh water from salt; and as there were plenty of turtle and birds to be had, it was thought that they would be able to hold out until assistance arrived. Mr. Denty steered for the coast, and at length made it in latitude 26°, near Wide Bay. All their fresh water being exhausted, they were anxious to land and procure a supply; and as some blacks swam o to them with friendly professions, o ering to show them where water could be had, they pulled in; but had scarcely reached the shore when a number of blacks seized the boat and dragged it up on the beach, and immediately attacked the unfortunate men with clubs, leaving them on the beach, wounded and insensible, and stripping them of everything they had on. When Tough recovered his consciousness he found himself lying half in and half out of the water, with his arm broken, his head cut open, and other severe injuries on his person. The blacks were gone, and he contrived to crawl to a water-hole and drink, Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools and nding a pot that had belonged to the boat, he brought water to his insensible companions. He succeeded in recovering Mr. Denty rst, but Alick was not restored to consciousness till next morning. They then proceeded along the beach southward, and after travelling for 3 days without food, fell in with some blacks, who gave them some shell sh, and accompanied them some three or four miles further. They afterwards came up with a black called "Moysey," who took them to his camp, gave them sh, and the next morning o ered to accompany them to Brisbane. This o er was accepted by Tough, but the other two declared themselves unable to go on, and remained at the camp. Moysey travelled with him for two days, and then delivered him over to other blacks, who brought him on to Brisbane, Moysey returning, as he said, for the other two, and stating that he would have res lighted along the beach, to attract the notice of any person who might be sent from Brisbane to bring up Mr. Denty and the seaman. The second mate is doing well in the hospital, and although he has su ered much hardship, is likely to be quite restored in a few days. He states that the other two, though very much cut and bruised, had no bones broken. The customs boat left Brisbane on Thursday morning in search of the two men left at the black's camp, and two policemen on horseback, Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools under the guidance of an aboriginal native, proceeded at the same time to search the scrubs northward of Brisbane, lest they should have come on by themselves, and wandered out of their way.—Moreton Bay Courier, 23rd September.’ (Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser 4 October 1854, p4) 'P.S. September 27th In consequence of the delay of the "Boomerang" I am enabled to inform you that the Customs' Boat returned last night, and I regret to state that, the remains of one of the unfortunate men were found about 30 miles north of Moreton Bay, in a very mutilated state, no doubt caused by Native Dogs as the traces of those animals are numerous near the place—the other person had, according to the account of the Natives, gone to Wide Bay, which was only about 35 miles distant. Tough is of opinion that, the remains found are those of the Cook, in consequence of his having been so severely wounded on the head by the Natives, on the rst day of landing, and the head of the body is described as having been much beaten. JCW' (QSL 1854 Letter from the Government Resident, Moreton Bay, to Colonial Secretary 21 September, NSW Colonial Secretary Letters Relating to Moreton Bay and Queensland 1822–1860, Reel A2.34) Attack on Europeans/others - Mr Denty from the August 1854 Attack on Europeans/others ‘THE PROBABLE FATE OF MR. DENTY—It will be recollected that Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools schooner Ningpo, Wide Bay (August 1854) when the Customs boat returned from the search for Mr. Denty and the seamen of the Ningpoo, left behind by the second mate, Mr Tough, they reported that they found the body of a man supposed to be the seaman, and that they had been told by the blacks that the other white man, supposed to be Mr. Denty, had proceeded to the boiling-house at Wide Bay. Information of this was transmitted by the Government Resident to the Commissioner of Crown Lands at Wide Bay; and we understand that a communication has been received from Mr. Halloran to the e ect that he had been informed by some blacks that a white man, whom he supposes must have been Mr. Denty, was proceeding towards Wide Bay, about the time mentioned, and that he was murdered by the blacks on the way. The non-appearance of Mr. Denty, we are sorry to say, renders this account only too probable. - Morton [sic] Bay Free Press. - November 7th.’ (Argus 21 November 1854, p4) ‘Some intelligence has been received of the fate of Mr. Denty, the passenger who was on board the shipwrecked Ning-Po; but it also rests on the authority of the blacks. It will be remembered that, on the arrival of the second mate of the above vessel, Mr. Tough, at Brisbane, the Customs' boat was despatched to bring o Mr. Denty and a seaman, who were left by Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools Mr. Tough at a black encampment near the coast. Those on board of the boat found the body of a man supposed to be the seaman, and learned from the blacks that Mr. Denty had departed for Wide Bay. in consequence of this information, the authorities here wrote to the Commissioner of Crown Lands, at Wide Bay, requesting him to look out for Mr. Denty, and to question the blacks respecting him. An answer has just been received from the Commissioner, stating that some blacks had informed him that Mr. Denty was murdered on his journey by a party of aborigines. I am afraid that this report, although resting upon the doubtful testimony of the natives, is but too probable. The unfortunate gentleman must either have been murdered or died of fatigue and starvation, or he is detained a prisoner by the savages, and I am sadly afraid that the rst supposition is the most likely one. It is impossible not to regret that he did not wait a little longer on the spot at which he was left by Mr. Tough, as in that case assistance would have reached him from Brisbane. But no doubt the time appeared long to him, poor fellow! in his wretchedness and isolation and, besides, he must have considered it very problematical indeed whether Mr. Tough, in the state in which he was when he left, would ever reach his destination. The chance of making Wide Bay very likely appeared to Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools him by no means desperate, as he knew where it lay, and from the spot mentioned he could be distant from it scarcely thirty miles. How much misery and su ering, and how many lives would be saved, if it were possible to establish a line of stations at moderate distances along the coasts, the north-eastern coast more especially.’ (Sydney Morning Herald 14 November 1854, p4) ‘A correspondent of the same Journal writing from Wide Bay on the 11th ultimo, says:—"There Is no doubt concerning the fate of the unfortunate Mr. Dainty. About a fortnight ago his journal was brought in by the blacks, and given to E. B. Uhr, Esq, who has forwarded it by the Herculean to Sydney. About a week subsequently his hat was brought in. It had a hole In the crown. It has been ascertained, that when surrounded by the savages, he bent his head forward to protect his chest, when a spear was thrown and pierced the brain. His remains were afterwards covered with grass by an old gin. It is an undoubted fact that the aborigines are in possession of a quantity of money, rings, and articles of clothing. Not long since a black brought two half sovereigns to Palmers's store to purchase our. On being questioned he gave evasive answers, and whilst being taken over to Mr. Uhr's store, he bolted, Captain Prout, when going down the Bay on his trip to Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools Sydney, got two sovereigns and two half crowns from a black on Fraser's Island. The black gave them to understand that he had four pieces of money. A party went ashore, when he brought one sovereign and half a crown. Being asked for the other two, he brought them, saying, that they had been taken from some white follows who had been murdered. A Chinese ring, of rude manufacture, has been brought in. The blacks say that they could take a party to the spot where Dainty was murdered, in two days. It would require a strong party, as the blacks there are very daring. Denty was the name given in your paper, but In the journal the name Is Dainty. In one place he mentions its being his birth-day, and that he is 29 years of age. Lieutenant Fortescue arrived here with his detachment on the 14th, Yesterday, the 15th, a Chinese butcher, named Chamdya, lost a ock of 66 sheep. They were out in charge of the aboriginal. It is supposed the blacks have got them,. The police are out after the sheep and have not returned yet. The blacks are continually committing depredations here, robbing the stores, gardens, and drays, on every opportunity. A few days ago, in the scrub, they killed a working bullock belonging to one of the Maryborough carriers.’ (Empire 12 December 1854, p5) 'Para 3: Also learnt from aborigines that Mr Denty, Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools passenger aboard “Ningpoo” [as it is - “Ningpo” ?] when wrecked a short time ago & who, with part of crew of that vessel landed near Wide Bay, has been murdered by blacks whilst endeavouring to get to Maryborough – black fellow yesterday o ered 2 half sovereigns at a store for our, probably one of party who murdered Mr Denty – storekeeper attempted to arrest him without success' (Letter from Arthur E. Halloran to Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands 24 October 1854, Letters relating to Moreton Bay & Queensland: A2 series – Reel A2.30) Attack on Europeans/others - Frederick Strange, Mr Shinks, William Spurling and Henry Gittings, Middle Percy Island (15 October 1854) 15 October 1854 Attack on Europeans/others 'RETURN OF THE KETCH VISION. ATTACK AND SUPPOSED MURDER AT PERCY ISLAND. This week it becomes our painful duty to record another attack upon peaceful Europeans by the savage natives of an Island in this sea, and the supposed murder of four persons. It will be remembered that the ketch "Vision," chartered for the purpose of collecting specimens of Natural History, left Brisbane for the Northward on the 12th September last. Nothing further was heard of the vessel until last Tuesday, when it became known in town that she had returned to this port, after an attack upon her passengers, and the murder of some of them, by the natives of an island near New Caledonia. As Mr. Strange, one of the missing persons, had been long resident in the Moreton Bay district previously to his last visit to Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools Europe, and was much respected here, additional interest was excited by this intelligence. An inquiry into the circumstances was held next day, before Capt. Wickham, and the following is the substance of the statements made on that occasion. George Elphinstone Vernon Maitland, being sworn, saith—-“I am master of the ketch "Vision," of Sydney. I left Sydney on the 4th September last, bound for Moreton Bay, and from thence to the northward for the purpose of collecting specimens of Natural History. I took charge at Moreton Bay. The crow consisted of William Spurling, mate; Geo rey Geary, ordinary seaman; William Vann, able seaman; Henry Gittings, Cook and steward. The passengers were, Mr. Fredrick Strange, Owner; Mr. Hill, Botanist; Mr. Shinks, Assistant to Mr Strange; and a native named Deliapy, whom we got at Moreton Island. On the 29th September last we left Moreton Bay, and proceeded to the northward. We called at a small island o Cape Capricorn, and then proceeded to the Percy lslands, to tho ship anchorage at the second Percy Island. We anchored there on the 14th October. In the evening Mr. Strange, Mr. Hill, Mr. Shinks, and the black went ashore. In about an hour they returned, with a canoe paddle. Mr. Strange said he was certain there were natives on the island, though he saw none, and that he should take the boat ashore next morning. On the Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools following morning Mr. Strange, Mr. Hill, Mr. Shinks, and the black, with Spurling and Gittings, went ashore at about half past 8. I saw nothing of the party until 10 o'clock that night, when Mr. Hill and the black brought the boat along side, and the black told me that the others were all killed on shore. It was dark when the boat returned, and I hailed when I heard her approaching. As I suspected something wrong, I had previously armed myself and the two men Vann and Geary. Mr. Hill said, when he came on board. "It has been a sad day's work! They are all killed on shore." Mr. Hill told me he had seen tho body of Spurling, stripped with his throat cut, but had not seen the bodies of the others; and that he had afterwards found the black hidden in the crevices of the rocks, and had joined him. The black told me that Mr. Strange had been speared in the thigh, and had then shot one of the natives, when the rest of Mr. Strange's party ran away, and the natives followed and "waddied" them. The black also said that before Mr. Strange was speared he had seen a gin bringing spears down close to the blacks, and hiding them in the mangroves; and that he then warned Mr. Strange and advised him to go on board, but he would not, (as I understood him.) Dellapy also told me that the natives, prior to this, had stolen some beef and pork and biscuit out of the boat. On the next morning I asked every one on Event name Day and month Year Nature of event Description Tools board if they would go on shore with me, to look after their shipmates. They said they thought it was useless and they would be only risking their lives by going. I got under way, at 10 o'clock, stood to the northward, through the passage, and reconnoitred about the anchorage for an hour. I hove round twice, and red several volleys of musketry. I saw neither natives nor any one else on shore. We were in sight of the island for three days, to the 18th. On that evening I saw res on the high land. On the 25th I returned to the former anchorage, in consequence of having carried away the bowsprit iron. I remained there until the 20th, and red volleys night, and morning during our stay; but I saw no natives' canoes, or res. No one landed from the vessel. Our anchorage was a mile and a quarter from the beach. I then sailed for Moreton Buy, where I arrived on the 13th November, and got into the river on the 14th. Walter Hill, on oath said ; I was a botanist with Mr. Strange, and sailed with him in the "Vision." On the 14th October, at about 5 in the afternoon, we anchored at Percy Island. Mr. Strange, Mr. Shinks, and the black went ashore and remained an hour, without seeing any natives, but saw their tracks. Next morning, about half past 8 o'clock. Mr. Strange, Shinks, Spurling, Gittings, the black and I went ashore to get water. We were all unarmed excepting Mr Strange, who had a