directed by His Excellency the Governor to say that it is at present quite impossible to supply Cheery small village with a Police Station, and that the Inhabitants of Check Chee should be informed, that they must protect themselves as they formerly did from such depredations.
I have to,
Woornam
(Signed) Richard Meernam
Mr. Ford
Sir,
Victoria, 31st October, 1843.
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th Instant, requesting to be advised as to the course you should take with regard to the affairs of Mr. Bennet, who has lately absconded from this Colony in a state of insolvency and from whom you hold a power of attorney to receive any monies due to him and to discharge any debts he may have.
As Mr. Bennett's absence and insolvency are matters of public notoriety and consequently well known to his Creditors, I would recommend your not moving further in the matter until called upon by the Chief Magistrate or other competent Government Officer to surrender for the benefit of Mr. Bennett's Creditors, any money or effects you may be in your hands belonging to Mr. Bennett. You will thus place yourself in the same position as any other of the debtors to the Estate of Mr. Bennett, and a similar receipt to that granted them by the Chief Magistrate will be given to you for such monies or effects as you may surrender to him.