Correspondence with the Colonial Secretary's Office

[oval stamp, upper left corner] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE. No. 2756 JUN 2 1883 QUEENSLAND

[centred] [signed] Wm Summers

In re Murder of Dan Wea & wife, also ^ one of Crew of Cutter by Mainland Aborigl "Cookie" }

[centred] 2 should be ready to return when a Mainland Native named "Cookie" (who is well known in the Straits) came on board and remained, on this night. the boat anchored at a small uninhabited Island off the Mainland and Dan Wea with his wife slept ashore in a hut.

About daylight this Cookie crept into the hut, and taking the rifle from the sleeping man's side, deliberately shot Dan and his wife, Killing both. Cookie then made off, and the Crew brought the boat back to the Station, leaving all the "returned boys" at their homes.

I immediately reported the matter to Mr Duff the Officer in Charge during Mr Chester's Absence, but was told that he could take no action.

After this affair; I did not trouble about getting the natives back; until they sent repeated messages to me through the Manager of this Company's other station "Roko" (situated within half a mile of the Mainland) requesting me to send a boat for them, as very many of them were desirous to return.

It was not until receiving these messages, I decided to send for them, and accordingly on 20th inst. I despatched a boat in Charge of two trustworthy men "Tom [Rolinerah?] and Jimmie Mawa" with a crew of 4 Mainland boys to bring back as many as wished to return to work.

On the 23rd inst., the boat with 16 of the boys

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[oval stamp, upper left corner] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE. No. 2756 JUN 2 1883 QUEENSLAND

[centred] [signed] WM Summers

In re Murder of Dan Wea & wife, also ^ one of Crew of Cutter by Mainland Aborigl. "Cookie" }

[centred] 3 the boys who had decided to come back; anchored off a Camp on the Mainland, and after sundown "Jimmie Mawa" and six of the native boys went ashore to witness an Aboriginal dance going on in the Camp. After they had watched the proceedings about half an hour; the man "Cookie" who previously shot Dan Wea & wife, ran up behind Jimmie Mawa and speared him in the back; Jimmie jumped up grasped his rifle, and as he turned towards his assailant, Cookie again speared him in the stomach; Jimmie then with assistance of two boys ran to the beach, swam on board the boat.

The spears were extracted, and boat proceeded with all speed back to the station.

I immediately reported the circumstances to Mr Chester; who told me the man had no business on the Mainland, but if he died he would hold an inquest, beyond that he could take no action in the matter.

The man expired on night of the 25th inst. about 54 hours after the occurrence, in great agony; and I today 26th inst., reported his death to Mr Chester, again requesting that steps should be taken to arrest the murderer, offering at the same time, any assistance that he might require. Capt. Tucker who was with me, also offered Mr Chester the services of 30 or 40 men if necessary to assist the Police

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[oval stamp, upper left corner] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE. No. 2756 JUN 2 1883 QUEENSLAND

[centred] [signed] Wm Summers

In re Murder of Dan Wea & wife, also, ^ one of Crew of Cutter by Mainland Aborigl. "Cookie" }

[centred] 4 the Police in effecting his Capture. Mr Chester replied, beyond reporting it south he would take no action in the matter.

I would respectfully point out to you, that should the perpetrators of these dastardly murders, be allowed to escape imprisonment, a feeling will assuredly be engendered amongst the natives, which will embolden them to such an extent; that they will commit further outrages and render it highly unsafe for any man to set foot on the Mainland upon any pretext whatever.

My Company employs 34 boats, there also is a large number belonging to other stations engaged in the shelling in the Straits, these are frequently fishing close to the Mainland, and the Crews often have occasion to land for wood & water. In heavy weather during the norwest season, large numbers of the boats are forced to seek shelter under the Mainland, then again there is always a probability of a boat being blown ashore and wrecked, in such case and under existing circumstances; the crews would have but a very poor Chance of escaping with their lives, in the event of their falling into the hands of the natives.

Besides this, the Company's other Station "Roko" is separated from the Mainland by only

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[oval stamp, upper left corner] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE. No. 2756 JUN 2 1883 QUEENSLAND

[centred] [signed] Wm Summers

In re Murder of Dan Wea & wife, also ^ one of Crew of Cutter by Mainland Aborigl "Cookie" }

[centred] 5 only a very narrow Channel; a desperate scoundrel such as this man "Cookie" who could gather around him a large number of men, that have served on the stations previously; consequently are well versed in the ways of white men, and know their assailable points; renders our occupation of this station far from safe.

I would further respectfully beg to point out to you that the shellers here pay the Government large sums yearly in the shape of duties, Fishery Licenses, Customs Boat Licenses and Divers [sic] Licenses &c for which they receive no return whatever; I think; in a matter such as this, which affects our interests so greatly, some provision should be made for our protection.

Had these men been killed in an affray arising from any dispute or misunderstanding with the natives; I should have been the the [sic] last to have troubled you on the subject, but as they were killed in an entirely unprovoked and most coldblooded manner I think the murderer should no longer be allowed to remain at liberty.

In conclusion I may mention that of the forty boys returned, very many had been on Wai Weer station for years; being paid off annually for their spell at home among their relatives, and regularly

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[oval stamp, upper left corner] COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE. No. 2756 JUN 2 1883 QUEENSLAND.

[centred] [signed] Wm. Summers

In re Murder of Dan Wea & wife, also ^ one of Crew of Cutter by Mainland Aborigl. "Cookie" }

and regularly returning to the Station for another year's service.

Trusting you will give this matter your early and earnest consideration?

I have the honor to be Sir, Yours Respectfully

[signed] William Summers Manager Queensland Pearl Shell Fishing Company Limited

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