ENPages
1
[centred] ===================
[centred] MACKAY.
[centred] (From the Mercury.)
THE dark skinned gentry who prowl around the squatters' homes and properties in this district have again been making raids on the Messrs. Martin's station, situated some twenty-five miles from town. Three or four days ago, Mr. R. Martin relates that he came across the tracks of a large mob of blacks whilst riding within a mile of the homestead, and from the terrified appearance of some of the cattle at once concluded that his run had for the twentieth time been the scene of gashed and mutilated beeves. His loss he has not yet discovered, as he rode at once to town for the purpose of sending a telegram to Sub-Inspector Isley and his troopers, and is now awaiting their arrival before returning to the station. By this time it is hoped the savages have been justly punished, for whatever philanthropists of a certain school may put forward in extenuation of the barbarous habits of these merciless vagabonds of the bush, it is well known to many that only force can check their evil propensities. To such a length have these depredations on runs, where shelter is found in the thick scrub and ranges, been carried on by the blacks, that it is almost inconceivable the losses sustained by the victims of them. But to appeal to the Government for a further increase in the number of Native Police stationed in this district has long been found to be fruitless, so the only alternative left to the unfortunate squatter who is deprived of legal protection is to retaliate in the best way he can upon his ferocious enemies.
By private advices from a correspondent, who has recently travelled over a great portion of the colony, we learn that the country is everywhere in a most magnificent state, and the stock in the highest condition. This is the more remarkable, as the drought of last year was one of the most severe ever known, particularly in the south and west. Fortunately the dry