Image 19: Frank P Mahony, Native troopers dispersing a camp

The troopers depicted in this drawing are members of the Native Police of New South Wales, commanded by Frederick Walker, conducting a 'dispersal' some time in the 1850s in northern New South Wales, in areas that became part of the Colony of Queensland in 1859. This confronting image clearly illustrates the meaning of its evasive title. The phrase 'dispersing a camp' was a commonly used euphemism for violent attack and murder. Similar euphemisms can also be found in the records relating to the Native Police of the Port Phillip District. Reports about 'rushing' or 'surrounding' a camp simultaneously implied and avoided mention of the occurrence of violence. Frank P Mahony, Native Troopers Dispersing a Camp, circa mid-1880s. Courtesy of Koorie Heritage Trust collection.