barber’s statement. 
161 
ascertain the truth of a report brought in by a runaway 
convict of the name of Barber, or Clarke, who had been at 
large for five years, at different times, among the natives to 
the northward of Port Macquarie. This man stated that a 
large river, originating in the high lands near Liverpool 
Plains, and the mountains to the north of them, pursued a 
N. W. course to the sea. His story ran thus : Having 
learnt from the natives the existence of this river, he deter- 
mined to follow it down, in hopes that he might ultimately 
be enabled to make his escape from the colony. He accord- 
ingly started from Liverpool Plains, and kept on a river 
called the Gnamoi, for some time, which took him N. W. 
Aftera few days’ journey, heleftthis river, traversed the coun- 
try northwards, and crossed some lofty ranges. Descending to 
theN.E. he came to another large river, the Keindur, which 
again took him N. W. He travelled 400 miles down it, when 
he observed a large stream joining it upon its left bank, which 
he supposed to be the Gnamoi. The river he was upon 
was broad and navigable. It flowed through a level coun- 
try with a dead current and muddy water, and spread into 
frequent lakes. He found that it ultimately discharged it- 
self into the sea, but was uncertain at what distance from 
its sources. He was positive he never travelled to south- 
ward of west. He ascended a hill near the sea, and observed 
an island in the distance, from which, the natives informed 
him, a race of light-coloured men came in large canoes for a 
scented wood ; but having failed in the immediate object 
of his journey, he was eventually obliged to return. 
VOL. I. 
