On the 24th December a mounted trooper, accompanied by Benjamin Reid, a stock-keeper who was held in the siege at Dr George Mackays’, and another man, apprehended at Mole-le-nin-ner” alias Joe. Joe was a valued employee of Rev Joseph Docker at Bontherambo. Docker complained that Ben Reid was intoxicated during the capture of Joe. Docker said they put a collar on Joe and took him away. Mr Docker further complained that Reid was extremely insolent and ‘swore he would shoot every bloody black on the river.’
There is reason to suppose that he (Benjamin Reid) was a cause, if not the principal one, why they did so. Reid holds at present a’ ticket of leave,’ which was suspended for a short time, in consequence of his appearing to give evidence before the bench at Melbourne, while in a state of intoxication. These with other circumstances connected with the character of this man, induces me to recommend his removal from the Ovens.
