Matrimonial Agencies Batch Letter from James R Clarke to the Queensland Police seeking assistance in finding a wife

This file contains correspondence collected by the Queensland Police regarding mail matirmonial services often called mail order brides.

A bachelor on the Lockhart River Mission in North Queensland, enquiring about a wife.

‘[I] am desirous of getting married but there is no one here of course,’ he wrote, ‘and wondered if in your capacity you ever come across a decent young girl who has been led astray and who would appreciate a good home, etc.’ The Brisbane police made enquiries to see whether a suitable wife could be found for the lonesome letter writer.

Several weeks later, a detective constable wrote back:
Inquiries made from other members of the C.I. branch showed negative results. I have conferred with the two police-women and also Matron Beverley of the Women’s Salvation Army home … but they know of no suitable person who would be interested in this matter.

The detective constable suggested the bachelor advertise through the Brisbane daily newspapers. We can only hope the gentleman eventually found a wife.