33054-006491

3 50-1026 - 25 March 1850 50/3467

Memo In the event of Convict vessels arriving on an early day at Moreton Bay, I would suggest for the approval of His Excellency the following arrangements. 1st _ That as there appears to be considerable difficalty [sic] in landing Prisoners before they are hired, both from the state of the old Barracks, & other reasons detailed in the private letter of the Police Magistrate at Moreton Bay, (which is herewith.) it would be desirable that settlers or their agents, should be enabled to proceed on board of the Convict vessels, & bring their servants on shore free of expense, in a boat to be provided by the Government. The nearest point at which a ship can anchor - being distant about 20 miles from Brisbane.

[Margin note] Approved ChFR

2. That except in special cases, & by authority, the ticket of leave holders should in future be prevented from hiring in, & residing in the town of Brisbane. 3. That should any party of prisoners be landed & retained together on shore, the Police Magistrate may be authorised to engage the number of extra Constables absolutely necessary for their control, until they are hired or otherwise disposed of. 4. That no Ticket of leave holders while under the immediate charge of & rationed by Government, be allowed on their arrival to reject wages that may be considered the market price of labor in the District,

[Margin note]

Approved ChFR

Approved for[?] in the landing & rationing the Prisoners in any numbers at Brisbane shd. be avoided as far as possible ChFR

Approved ChFR

5 except those who do not wish to go into service & have the means of supporting themselves, & which they must satisfy the authorities they actually possess. 5. On the subject of Demurrage, & the obtaining of temporary quarters for the Prisoners on shore, in the absence of more positive instructions, I recommend that the P.M. may be authorised in conjunction with the Officer of the Commissariat department at Moreton Bay, to use their discretion in bringing the vessel under demurrage, or hiring a building to receive the prisoners, reporting without loss of time to Government the steps they have taken, & their reasons for doing so.

16th. March 1850. J McL

[Margin note] Approved 27th March ChFR