2

9 [written in pencil] (2)- [centred]

pearl fishery at Warrior reef would have been published
in Sydney before it was known at a port only fifty
miles distant. This discovery has had the effect of again
creating an interest in all that relates to Torres Strait.-
Seven vessels employing about thirty large boats are
now engaged in this profitable pursuit, which is,
however, entirely monopolised by our neighbors [neighbours] of New
South Wales. Owing to the absence of all maritime enter-
prise in Queensland, the wealth so profusely scattered
over the reefs fronting her N.E. coast has been gathered
year after year by the merchants of Sydney; yet it will
now, perhaps, surprise people to learn that since 1864
this represents a total of upwards of £80,000 -

Towards the end of last year the harbor [harbour]
of refuge at Cape York became possessed for the first
time of a boat capable of going any distance from the
port. On 1^st December 27 of the Survivors from the wreck
of the brig "Freak" arrived at Somerset, and their boat
being no longer required was purchased by the Police
Magistrate. The Government of Queensland desirous
of encouraging trade with New Guinea had authorised
M^r Jardine to incur any reasonable expense within
certain limits in so doing. It was therefore determined
to employ the boat in paving the way for this desirable
end, by cultivating friendly relations with those tribes who
are in the habit of trading with the natives of New Guinea.
Unfortunately these intentions could only be partially
carried out, as on the arrival of HMS "Rozario" the
shipwrecked Kanakas who formed the boats [boat's] crew
were forwarded to their homes; consequently a projected
expedition to New Guinea which was about to start
had to be abandoned.

My offer to take charge of the boat was