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  that the country known as Watnal was unoccupied,

compelled to admit that I was in error in reporting
as I did. I will remark that I have this day seen
for the first time proof of the existence of the Lower
Cobblegum run (by that name). While I was Commissioner
I had no knowledge of such a Run. It was not marked
on the Commissioner's chart, while Watnal was. I failed
to discover any trace of Lower Cobblegum, and knowing
that the country known as Watnal was unoccupied,
and that no Tender had been put in for it under that
name since Mr. Rolleston's withdrawal I considered there
could be no impediment to Mr. Blyth's occupation.
It now appears that my successor Mr. Haige, had
discovered among the old papers of the Office, Mr.
Welch's Tender - and in the proper discharge of his duty
has supported the claim of Messrs Bell.
As I before stated there cannot be any question
as to the identity inch for inch, of the Watnal with
the Lower Cobblegum run and Mr. Blyth has occupied
upon incorrect data. He cannot contest the matter
with Messrs Bell- but must accept the refund of his
payment. His Agents, Towns & co, have paid £:32
into the Queensland Treasury for rent and assessment
to 30 June 1861.
I cannot concur in the suggestion of the Chief
Commissioner of Crown Lands for New South Wales
that the authority to refund to Mr. Blyth should
be revoked, on the ground that having occupied the
country he has suffered no injustice in being made to
pay for it. That may be; but as it is to be
taken for granted that Messrs Bell have also paid
their dues into the public Treasury, although not
occupying the country, it would appear to me hardly
correct for the government to take rent from
two tenants of the same property. Whatever may
be