RUMOURED DESTRUCTION OF TWO EXPLORING PARTIES IN AUSTRALIA.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 182, 30 August 1845, Page 101

RUMOURED DESTRUCTION OF TWO EXPLORING PARTIES IN AUSTRALIA.

Early last summer, an enterprising gentleman, Dr. Leichardt, left Sydney with a small party, to explore the northern part of the continent of Australia. . We regret to learn that it is feared the whole party have been destroyed by natives, as will be seen by the following announcement in a late Sydney paper : —

"The steamer which arrived from Moreton Bay on Monday morning, brings with her, we regret to state, further confirmation of the distressing Tumours relative to the enterprieing Dr. Leichardt and his followers, It would appear that Mr. Isaacs, a settler at the Darling Downs, had been informed by some blacks that the little band had been slaughtered — offering to verify their statement by accompanying a party to the spot where the bloody deed was perpetrated, and where they stated the remains of the unfortunate victims would be found. They also informed him of some particulars of the catastrophe, which appear to be as follow : — Dr. Leichardt and one of his band had separated from the rest for the purpose of ascending a high hill with a view to taking observations ; and the blacks, seeing the party divided, took advantage of the opportunity, and rushed upon them and killed them all. As we stated in our last report from Moreton Bay, a meeting had been held at Brisbane for the purpose of ascertaining such particulars as were obtainable of the fate of the party. The result was, a determination to send an expedition in search of the explorers, and Mr. Peniberton Hodgson volunteered his services to conduct the party. A subscription was entered into to defray the expenses of the expenditure, and £40 subscribed on the spot. Mr. Hodgson has arrrived in Sydney per the steamer, with a view of procuring further funds ; and it surely cannot be doubtful but that he will be enabled to return at once with ample means to prosecute his noble and humane enterprise."

In South Australia, Captain Sturt, in the latter part of the summer, attempted with a strong party, to penetrate into the interior of the country ; and accounts of his destruction also have been brought to Adelaide by natives ; but his brother colonists appear to be unwilling to credit this unfavourable report, and express their hope that he will reach Sydney and return to them by sea.