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  "known as the ""Lower Cobblegum"" run presently held by the"

"Watnal" and "Lower Cobblegum"
This case involved a refund of License and assessment
paid on account of the "Watnall" station. The matter was
determined by the New South Wales Government before separation
and need not be reopened, as there is nothing in the subsequent
correspondence which can in any way affect the decision
arrived at.
It is evident that "Watnal" has no existence- the
country originally comprized within its boundaries being now
known as the "Lower Cobblegum" run presently held by the
Messrs Bell.
Mr. Rolleston, in June 1852, tendered for some
vacant country on "Cobblegum Creek,["] on the western boundary
of the Darling Downs District - In September of the same
year he withdrew his tender as it was contrary to
Departmental rule for a Commissioner to hold
country in his own district.
In August 1852, Mr. Welch tendered for country
which was identical with that applied for by Mr.
Rolleston- Mr. Welch called his block "Lower Cobblegum"-
In consequence of the withdrawal of Mr. Rolleston's claim
Welch's Tender was accepted - It appears to have sold to
Messrs Bell or, at all events, those gentlemen are now
the recognized holders of the run- but neither they nor
Welch ever occupied the country.
In July 1857, Mr. Blyth Tendered for "Watnal"
and upon my report as the then Commissioner of the
district he obtained the run.
Messrs Bell now resist Mr. Blyth's title,
and the matter has been very justly determined in their
favor and a refund to Mr. Blyth authorized by the
Executive Council of New South Wales, but Mr. Blyth
still clings to the hope of being able to make
good his claim, by disputing the identity of "Watnal"
and "Lower Cobblegum"
As Mr. Blyth has hitherto occupied Watnal
upon an authority based upon my Report, and I am
compelled
{Council
R.G.W.H.}
{G.F.B.}
{Letter within
A W M
11.1.61}