Correspondence with the Colonial Secretary's Office

6. [upper right corner]

- With regard to the Native Police I found M^r Isley's Camp as far as circumstances would permit, in a highly satisfactory state.

The Blacks however are very troublesome throughout the District - there are endless reports of Cattle stealing spearing on the Stations, and molesting Travellers on the roads: and they are very troublesome and dangerous about the Township. - They are particularly numerous in the in the country near the coast, and very bold, - coming into the Township at night and stealing from the very houses, and only a few months since a man was murdered by them in the very Township. Only a very few nights ago they made their appearance in the Native Police Camp but were fortunately discovered before any mischief had been accomplished.

The strength of the Native Police is quite inadequate to the requirements of the District. The number of Troopers is too small - being reduced to four men by the desertion of Trooper Charlie - the men themselves are inferior.

I would strongly recommend an increase in the number, raising the detachment to 7 (seven) men. - I further beg to recommend the discharge of Troopers "Drum" and Tpr. [Trooper] "Sambo" - The former is too old and slow for further service, and