fired and killed four.  The natives say six were slain, and their information on that point is more to be depended on.  Owing to the legal disabilities of the Aborigines, this case must be added with many others which have passed without judicial notice.  I cannot, however, but wish that squatting licenses were withheld from persons who manifest such an utter disregard of human life as Mr. Frances, even on his own shewing, has done.’

“And in this latter sentiment, under existing circumstances, I most cordially agree.  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.’