In Frances' case, the PERPETRATOR ADMITS his having SHOT
FOUR ABORIGINES, and for aught that is shewn to the contrary, it was AN
UNPROVOKED AGGRESSION. The natives, whose testimony Mr. Parker states,
can be relied upon, affirm that six were slain, and these within the
brief period of six months.
"In my last expedition I visited the country of the 'Barconedeets,' the
tribe attacked by Frances; of these I found a few sojourning with the
"Portbullucs,' a people inhabiting the country near Mount Zero, the
northernmost point of the Grampians. These persons complained greatly of
the treatment they had received, and confirmed the statement made to the
sub-protector by the other natives. The following are a few of the
collisions, from authentic documents brought under the notice of this
department, that have happened between settlers and Aborigines, and are
respectfully submitted for the information of the Government.
"CASES. - CHARLES WEDGE AND OTHERS. - Five natives killed and others
wounded at the Grampians.
"AYLWARD AND OTHERS. - Several natives killed and others wounded at the
Grampians. In this case Aylward deposed, 'that there must have been a
great many wounded and several killed, as he saw blood upon the grass,
and in the tea-tree two or three dead bodies.'
"MESSRS. WHYTE'S FIRST COLLISION. - William Whyte deposed that 30 natives
were present, and they were all killed but two, and one of these it is
reported died an hour after of his wounds.
"DARLOT. - One native shot. Two natives shot near Portland Bay by the
servants of the Messrs. Henty.
"HUTTON AND MOUNTED POLICE. - The written report of this case states,
'that the party overtook the aborigines at the junction of the
'Campaspee;' they fired, and it is stated, that to the best of the belief
of the party, five or six were killed.' In the opinion of the
sub-protector a greater number were slain.
"MESSRS. WINTER AND OTHERS. - On this occasion five natives were killed.
"One black shot by Frances.
"MUNROE AND POLICE. - Two blacks shot and others wounded.
"The following from Lloyd's deposition: - 'We fired on them; I have no
doubt some were killed; there were between forty and fifty natives.'
"BY PERSONS UNKNOWN. - A native of the Coligan tribe killed by white
persons.
"MESSRS. WEDGE AND OTHERS. - Three natives killed and others wounded.
"Names of Taylor and Lloyd are mentioned as having shot a black at Lake
Colac.
"WHYTE'S SECOND COLLISION. - ALLAN'S CASE. - Two natives shot.
"Taylor was overseer of a sheep station in the Western district, and was
notorious for killing natives. No legal evidence could be obtained
against this nefarious individual. The last transaction in which he was
concerned, was of so atrocious a nature, that he thought fit to abscond,
and he has not been heard of since.
