33054-006485

50/1370 - 9th April 1850. [pencil addition] Chf. Commr. forwarding letters from Crown Land[sic: Lands] Commissioner for the District of Maranoa [text deleted: to the Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands] respecting road for Maranoa to Drayton

12/50 Maranoa March 25. 1850 Camp at Yulgulba April 9/50

Sir, I have the honor to report that by following the course of the Ballonne River and the Tannin and Yu'lha' creeks, I have found a very good road to Mr. Dangar's station Darling Downs, in about Eighty miles.

The distance from my Head Quarters to Drayton is thus ascertained to be two hundred and twn miles in estimated extent, and fifty miles more from Drayton to the Steam-boat at Ipswich.

By selecting Moreton Bay for a market, and adopting this route, the settlers of Maranoa will save a land carriage of three hundred and fifty miles

The Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands &c &c &c Sydney

[marginalia] 50/3682 - 11th. April 1850

Let the Postmaster General have the perusal of this. 18th. Ch FR

Forwarded for the information of His Excellency the Governor. Geo. Barney Chief Comr. of Crown Lands

The Honorable The Colonial Secretary. B. C. [...] 10 April 1850.

[faint pencil] For information of His Exy. the Governor [inits; ill.]

To be returned

noted=

Returned CSO 14 May 50

Miles, as compared with the distance to Maitland.

I was informed at Mr. Dangar's station that the Squatters of Darling Downs interested in the matter - had solicited and obtained a promise that a Mail should be conveyed next year from Drayton to or near to that spot.

I would therefore respectfully suggest that this Mail be established to run between Drayton and Yulgulba, proceeding by the high-road from Drayton to Mr. Dangar's station and thence to this spot.

I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedient SErvant

Roderick Mitchell Com. Cr. Lands