`~ 
when it is mentioned that the locality is some _850 miles from the nearest 
saddle on had been found in Gorge Creek, 850 miles distant from that 
to travel between Phillips Station at Mt. Augusta and Smith's Station en 
Office of the Commissioner. 
0.0. 2266/18 PERTH 16th April 1920, 
Sir, l 
With reference to your letter of the 6th January last, addressed to 
the Officer in Charge of Police at Roebourne relative to the wWiereabeute 
of your father, I have to state that no trace of him has been ascertai a 
for some considerable time. . 
The last heard of him was near the end of 1917 when he left the 
Tamil; Range and expressed his intention of proceeding to the 
Ashburton. | 
` 
In March 1918, advice was A from Onslow that a dead horse ul 
town. It is generally pe ha that this dead animal belonged to Donata 
MoLennan, prospector, of about 70 years: of age, who it was stated used 
the Hammersley Range referred to in the foregoing. 
The Constable in charge of the Gascoyne Junction Station, who has 
since severed his connection with the Department, made an attempt in April 
last year to/ reach the country where fires, which it was considered by the 
natives were lit by the missing man, were seen, but was forced to abandon . 
the AP, on account of the camels knocking up through the rough country 
traversed. For your information I am attaching an extract from his 
reporta | 
Owing to the drought in this particular part of the country it has not 
been possible to arrange for further efforts to be made to clear up the a 
fate of the missing man, and you will realise the difficulty of Pd FLA 
out post and that the country to be traversed is extremely broken, whilst | 
the waterless condition of same renders the sending of an expedition a 
very hazardous venture. 
Yours faithfully j 
Commissioner of Police. 
