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The movement of letting the blacks into the stations is progressing. Mr. Bode has over 100 in at Strathdon. That gentleman informs me that there has been living on his station for twelve months a gin, who has during that time acquired a knowledge of English, and acted as interpreter with the blacks when they came in. The blacks are reported as having said that, if they are allowed in "they not kill any more cattle." Mr. Bode appears to have sent some black boys to Euri Creek to bring them in. They (the wild blacks) came in unarmed, having thrown away all their
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spears, stone tomahawks and waddies, as a proof, we suppose, of good faith. Mr. Bode suggests that a subscription might be got up to supply them with tomawhaks [sic], which, as tomahawks are implements necessary to enable them to get their subsistence, we think a good and reasonable suggestion. A very few shillings would supply as many as would be required. Mr. Bode also thinks, and we quite agree with him, that the Government ought to assist, and to allow them a bullock a fortnight, which he believes would be better than flour, and would certainly not cost as much as a detachment of Police. It seems to us that these blackfellows should have a blanket each allowed them yearly, as is done in Moreton Bay, and a few tomahawks amongst them. Mr. Bode has pointed out to them on what part of the run they can hunt, and they have promised not to hunt on any other part when the cattle are running there. He has also given them a fishing net, and they are about to go to the mouth of the Don to fish. We are asked to inform the settlers in that neighbourhood of the fact, and to request them not to interfere with the blackfellows in any way, as that would undo all that Mr. Bode has been, very wisely and prudently as it seems to us, endeavouring to do. In a month's time more are expected to come in. We sincerely hope that all settlers will scrupulously abstain from any such interference, and especially from giving them drink. The blackfellow difficulty has been a very serious one, and has done a great deal towards retarding the progress of the country. There seems now to be some hope of solving the question, and we congratulate Mr. Bode on the steps he has taken in that direction, and hope that every one will do his utmost to co-operate with him.
Accounts have been received in town during the week that there has been a new rush to Thacker's Range, between 50 and 60 miles from Townsville. Our informant states that when he left there were sixty men on the ground, the majority of whom were doing well. He produced some very good specimens, which he states were obtained at the new rush.—C. B. Express.
A reply has been received to the memo-