In his journal entry of 9 December, 1839, written near 'Crayoh' [sic], 50 miles from Melbourne on the harbour, Niel Black candidly explains that the occupation of new runs requires killing people. There is an implication that by this time, many people in Wadawurrung country, broadly around Geelong (aka Crayoh or Corio) had already been killed, as runs could be purchased in that area without concern for attacks from Aboriginal people. The first squatters took runs in the area in 1836.

"Decr. 9th. Called on several parties who have sheep, and some of them runs, to sell. It is an easy matter to get sheep without the run, and there is no great difficulty in getting a small run near Town. But the lands near Town will soon be sold, and besides they are limited to a narrow space, the one crowding as near the other as possible. The best way is to go outside and take up a new run, provided the conscience of the party is sufficiently seared to enable him without remorse to slaughter natives right and left. It is universally and distinctly understood that the chances are very small indeed of a person taking up a new run being able to maintain possession of his place and property without having recourse to such means - sometimes by whole sale - but I do not think that this is by any means common, and it is only outside that they are ever called upon to act in so brutal a manner. It, however, seems to be little thought of here as it is only done in defence of self or property. The natives who have not been brought into subjection have a strong propensity to spearing and stealing sheep and cattle, and the settlers agree that lead is the only antidote that effectually cures them of this propensity. When a few are shot the rest become timid and are easily kept at bay. They are in general a very timid race, and a man's life is in little danger from them. It not infrequently happens that the shepherds occasion disturbances by having connection with their women on condition of giving flour or something in return which they do not always perform. At Portland Bay they are a more numerous and a bolder race. The settlers no [sic - transcript] there are obliged to keep two men in each hut and two flocks of sheep together as one man would not be safe. It is, however, a difficult matter to obtain distinct information respecting the murders committed on the natives. There is nothing but "bouncing" as it is called (bragging) here, and many persons bounce about their treatment of the natives. This they can only do by hints and slang phrases, as the Protectors of the Aborigines are always on the lookout for information against the whites, and anything plainly said would subject them to a prosecution. At the same time these hints and slang phrases leave a worse impression on the stranger's mind than the whole naked truth would do. I believe, however, that great numbers of the poor creatures have wantonly fallen victims to settlers scarcely less savage tho more enlightened than themselves, and that 2/3rds of them does not care a single straw about taking the life of a native, provided they are not taken up by the Protectors. But this need not deter any one from coming here as they may buy a run already occupied and where the natives occasion as little annoyance, and I may with truth add much less, than a party of 3 or 4 tinkers or Gypsies do at home. Of this I am certain, and moreover I am strongly impressed with the opinion that a person bringing a set of decent men with him from home, who would behave as they ought, might here live in perfect safety in the middle of the worst of the natives. They have no desire to take white men's blood. It is only for the sake of flour or some food of one kind or other that they would take a man's life unless he had injured them, and if he has they are afraid of him."

"Spent part of the evening with Mr Gisborne, the Crown Commissioner, in his tent. He is on his way from Portland Bay where he says the natives are very troublesome." (Dec 23, 1839)

Niel Black records sheep raids committed at 'Derwent Coy' sheep station. The location is difficult to determine. He had ridden from Geeloong through a vast flat plain and passed scenic salt lakes. He then visited various stations within about 15 or 20 miles of each other. The region is on the route between Portland and Geelong as he describes travellers en route, and there was a bush track passing to the south of the lakes. Hence the location is probably about 20 km west of Lake Corangamite. Other names of squatters runs mentioned in the region are McKillop, Smith, Officer and Taylor which might help narrow down the location.

"Decr. 25th.    We set out this morning for the Derwent Coy Sheep Station, distant about 20 miles. This flock and station, are also for sale. They are forming a new station and had about 20 men sleeping in tents just large enough to contain a bed. The natives have been very troublesome to them here, stealing and spearing their sheep in the folds at night, and even collecting in mobs and
attacking the shepherd in day with a view to steal the sheep, but very few lives has been taken by them, not for the fifty murders committed in Ireland, although I believe they, poor creatures, are slaughtered in great numbers and never a word said about it. When a new run is first settled they steal the sheep, and I believe they cannot easily be checked till a few of them are shot; being thus effectively frightened at first they are easily kept down, afterwards by threats till they become civilized, but they, like all savages, are treacherous and not to be much trusted. But the servants in this country are actually more savage than the natives. To manage the men well and keep them sweet (in harmony) is the whole secret of sheep farming according to the colonial
ideas, and really it is no easy task to do so." 

Niel Black obtained his ideal run, one of his criteria being that Aboriginal people had already been killed:

"The run is one of the most wonderful in the colony, situated
about half way between this and Portland Bay, and this makes
it valuable as it will at least be 5 or 6 years before it
is sold. The blacks have been very troublesome on it and
I believe they have been very cruelly dealt with. The late
superintendent ran off from a fear that he wd be apprehended
and tried for murdering the natives. The poor creatures
are now terror stricken and will be easily managed. This
was my principle reason for fighting so hard for it." (Niel Black, 4 Jan, 1840)

He later learned more details about what had happened:

"Feby 21st. Reaping and preparing sheep wash. Rode out with Blackie, the former overseer, to see a salt water lake and cattle run. Finest feed & soil I have yet seen, but no fresh water. Shot a black swan 14 lb weight. This is a fine part of the country - astonishes even those who have spent their lives in the colony. It is the opinion of B----- that about 35 to 40 natives has been dispatched on this establishment and that there is only two men left alive of the tribe. He is certain we will never be troubled with any of them on this run. I think myself remarkably fortunate in a run as well upon this acct as because I believe it perhaps all in all unequalled in the colony, and the situation, as far as I can judge, is the best possible." (Niel Black, 21 Feb, 1840)

Niel and Donald Black were none the less prepared to kill Aboriginal people if they took sheep:

"Feby 23rd,    Rode round the different stations accompanied by Donald Black. Sheep looking better and lambs thriving splendidly It is more pleasing to see the lambs play here than at home as 200 or 300 may often be seen at their gambols together. On our return found all the men and their wives with each a Bible in hand - what a happy contrast to what I have usually seen at other stations. The Protector of Aborigines passed here yesterday, and last night the dogs were barking furiously till at last Donald Black and I got up, never doubting some of the natives followed the Protector and was about to steal our sheep. We each took a pistol which happened to be lying loaded in my room. We did not venture far thus armed; we thought it prudent to go to the Store House for our guns, and boldly sallied forth. All of a sudden we heard a rushing behind the garden; Donald (ran) as fast as his lame leg would carry him, and had he got sight of any object in the shape of a man, I think he would not have stood on much ceremony. He afterwards seemed astonished at himself and said that, on the spur of the moment, if a black fellow had met him he would have done what till then he did not think himself capable of. The rushing we heard behind the garden happened to be the horses. They were on their way to the crop and the overseer had gone after them, and was chasing them away in his shirt. Before D.B. had time to be at him, I called out and he answered." (Niel Black, 23 Feb, 2026)

"Feby 25th.    Had our harvest home consisting of four stacks whet, one small stack oats and a small one of barley.   My own is the first stack yard I have seen in the colony, and the best crop I have seen.   Other hands employed in dressing sheep.   Rode out about 4 miles in search of springs for forming a cattle station; followed up a chain of reeds that indicate water till it began to form into a cluster of tea tree. This tree grows to the height of 15 feet as straight, small and close as it can grow, and always indicate water of the best quality. Tea tree springs are almost equal to the water at home. When closing upon the tea tree I saw three natives closely watching something in a tree. I was close upon them but they[d?] did not observe me so intent were they on the game they were watching. At last I began to whistle carelessly to warn them of my approach. One of them looked round and saw me, he crept down and lifted up his hand to the others. This was a signal, and they all soon took up their spears and scampered off to the tea tree. I follow them, but they showed face when they got there. There was about 12 of them and they made a tremendous noise and yelling. One of them poised and quivered his spear altho it was impossible for him to throw it much more than half the distance between us. I walked my horse twice up and down past them, and when I turned away they shouted and cheered and tossed their weapons in the air and cryed "Gego Magoi" (go away), apparently delighted with my not being able to dislodge them from the tea tree which they did not seem to doubt my being desirous of doing if I could. When at a short distance from them I fired off two pistols and a gun to show them I had the power of injuring them severely if I chose to do it. When I returned the Protector was at my house. He is the most unpopular man that ever breathed; I have not yet formed any decided opinion of my own respecting him. The weather is provokingly fine, for it has left me nothing to wish for on that head for a long time back." (Niel Black, 25 Feb 1840)

Black mentions that there were 'quambies' or small huts in the area:

"Feby 27th.  Sheep dressing.    Rode out with Anderson to  
                the tea tree described two days ago and sought 
a long time for a spring in vain, but as the natives had
quambies (sleeping places) we were certain water must be near."

Venturing further, about 10 miles from Glenormiston he noted that many Aboriginal people lived by a lake, who saw men on horseback as a threat, and that people on the 'Sydney side' of the lake (probably north or north east) would spear livestock. As the country between Glenormiston and the Melbourne-Portland track to the south was probably already familiar to Black and other Europeans, these are likely the more northerly lakes among the many salt lakes east of Glenormiston, such as Lake Bookar and Lake Colongulac. This fits with the term the 'Sydney side' which would be directly opposite to the Glenormiston side, and the need and difficulty of finding fresh water near salt lakes, and the ecology of tea trees which tolerate moist salty soil.

"Feby 28th.   Men dressing sheep.    Sent out Anderson to set
    fire to the bush about the lake to prevent any
person from squatting on it for some time.   I have a finer
cattle run within 1½ miles of the home station, but by taking
up the lake I can claim all the country between there and here.
The Blacks are numerous upon the banks of the lake, but they
do not kill cattle and a horse is their terror if backed by
a man.  On the Sydney side they sometimes spear cattle."

Niel Black at the Glenormiston run on the road between Melbourne and Portland reported that, "Protector left here this morning for Portland Bay to investigate a case in which five natives had been killed by the Whites." (Niel Black, 26 Feb, 2840)

Niel Black described destroying an Aboriginal hut and leaving a warning to stay away. He mentions this was on the previous Sunday, which would be March 8, where his journal says, "Rode round the stations accompanied by Donald Black". By this time Niel had expanded his run extensively, to the annoyance of other would be squatters, so it's difficult to identify where this would have been. However, the journal seems to focus on his expansion towards the lakes at this time, and mentions many Aboriginal people lived there.

"March 13th. Night very stormy. Afraid of death among the sheep washed yesterday from the cold of last night. The division of the sheep was proposed to commence today and I have not one man on the home station to do it. Every man of them is out at different points fending off intruders and we can hardly defend ourselves but hope the worst of it is over, as scabbbed sheep are prohibited from travelling excepting in the month of February, and all the sheep in Port Phillip are scabbed. Donald McNicol has this moment come home from the lakes unwell, and I must go 130 miles before I can get another. On Sunday last Donald Black and I fell in with a native Chief s Myoh Myoh (native hut) - from the superior style in which it was built we judged it to be such. It was exactly of the shape of a small potato, hurriedly and carelessly put up. The frame was made of broken branches of trees covered over with earth, and a small hole on the south end of it to serve for both door and window. We ordered it to be tumbled to the ground, and a piece of paper folded up containing a small quantity of powder put into the end of a split stick or piece of wood and the other end stuck into the ground among the ruins of their hut to show them (the natives) that it was done by whites and that we did not want them near us. I believe that the greatest mercy that can possibly be shown them is to keep them entirely away, as this is much done than keep them from stealing when allowed to come about a place." (Niel Black, 13 Mar, 1840)

Aboriginal group evaded colonists near the lakes. The lakes are probably those around Lake Bookar and Lake Colongulac.

"March 16th.    Day very fine.    Dividing sheep.    All the bullocks on the establishment lost, being no fewer than 32, and all the people that was here last night must in consequence thereof remain today. About midday a party of 5 natives was seen at about & a mile’s distance approaching the home station.    Whenever they saw the men walking about they put about and scampered away as fast as they could hop. Peter McIntyre is on the lake which I have named the Dhuloch. He shot a swan on it and could not get it brought out of the reeds. To secure the swan he set his genius to work and stripped the bark off a tree and made a canoe of it in which he pleasures on the “Dhuloch” shooting swans half his time. He has named his canoe “The Lady of the Lake” and his double barrel and canoe afford him amusement. All his work at present is to cook forn hut himself and another and take care of the hut, but the blacks are numerous where he is..." (Niel Black, 16 Mar, 1840)

"March 23rd. Day windy. Finished dividing sheep. In the evening Mr Hussey, of the Bank of Australasia, and Mr White from Portland Bay came to my house, the latter on his way to inform the Governor of an affray he had with the natives in which it is said 41 of them has been killed. About a fortnight ago a large party of them came to one of the outstations and took from the shepherd 900 breeding ewes. He immediately acquainted his master of it, and they made preparations for following their flock next day as too much time had been lost to be able to come with them in time that evening. The sheep were carried away about 3 o.c. that afternoon. Next morning 9 men set out after the Blacks, 5 on horse and 4 on foot. When they had travelled about 8 miles they came upon the native encampment. When the Whites were seen approaching they set up a tremendous yell, and about 30 drew out in order of battle.. They were on the opposite side of a creek, and the first man that crossed the creek was speared through the calf of the leg and pinned to the ground. His friends followed him and soon dispatched the black fellow. He fell after having 9 balls lodged in his body - making signs to his friends to fight. They stood feight for an hour but did not hurt or injure any other person, but one of the Whites had his cheek cut by a ball fired at random by one of his own party. The Protector of Aborigines was within 6 miles at the time the affray took place, and his report (collected among the natives themselves) is that 41 has been killed, and Mr White says that he is not aware of more than 25. The bodies were all removed and put out of sight by the natives - a thing they never fail to do. I think they will never occasion much trouble in that quarter again. The whole of the sheep was recovered except 45 which they had slaughtered and on which they were feasting themselves when first surprised by the Whites, having first skinned and roasted them. There are several brothers of the Whites, all young men, and they only went to Portland Bay in January last. They are only 70 miles distant from here, but neither then nor I will ever be troubled with blacks again. They may, however, be obliged to go to Sydney to stand their trial for murder, but it will be a mere form. They must be acquitted. I had some doubts in my mind about making this entry as it might occasion my friends some uneasiness upon my account, but hitherto I am not sensible of overrating nor of concealing one thing respecting this place, and I thought it a pity to deviate from that course now. But to overcome any foolish fears that might be felt by friends I may here state that even one instance of natives attacking a home station has never yet been known in the colony, and several of the men lately on this establishment are now very ill with native pox, which shows how they acted with the Blacks. Notwithstanding the bad name they had here, I am told it is no uncommon thing for these rascals to sleep all night with a lubra (native female) and if she poxes him or in any way offends him perhaps shoot her before 12 next day. How can the father or husband feel upon such an occurence, or how can they avoid resenting such usage? and I am certain it is a thing that has frequently occurred." (Niel Black, 23 Mar, 1840)

"April 15th. Collecting articles and loading drays. Obliged to be every moment at the men's heels and can't keep them, yet dare not say a word to them. About 2 o.c. heard a tremendous yelling and saw every person running. At last I followed the crowd on being told that three different tribes assembled and were fighting a battle on the other side of the River Yarra Yarra ½ mile distant, from which place the yelling proceeded. The battle appeared to me to resemble a game, or perhaps the ancient Scotch Tournaments, than a fight between hostile tribes. A few sometimes stepped forward out of the crowd, and every inch of flesh on their body shook in a most extraordinary manner and by some power which I cannot exercise. When standing in front they seemed under the influence of the most fearful excitement and throwing themselves into the strangest attitudes imaginable. Then the Chiefs gave their orders and a general movement and shifting took place throughout the whole, and spears, barbed with glass, flint, or some such hard metal stuck on with gum, were thrown at different times and in different directions, and when one was wounded on either side the yelling commenced. There was none speared through the body and only 3 that I saw through the leg. The speared warrior was always supported by two of his companions who held down their heads and looked steadily on the ground, while their arms were twisted round his body holding him upright, the point of his spears stuck in the ground and holding them in his right hand. Their bodies and faces were all tatooed with strips of white and yellow clay, and some trembled with cold, not one having a single shred on their bodies. Their hair was also plastered with clay and their appearance altogether hideous, but their gait and the bearing of their bodies noble and warlike. After the fight ceased with the men, the lubras gathered together and set up the most extraordinary cackling ever heard by mortal ears. They also were chiefly naked. One only at a time appeared under the influence of the most fearful excitement; she'd rush into the middle, shake her flesh and hair, her eyes sparkling, and her whole appearance indicating the wildest frenzy, when in one instant she'd cool down and a more general, but more moderate, cackling commenced all round. The fight is to be resumed in a few days again." (Niel Black, 15 April, 1840)