From the 1850s to 1890s, concerned citizens monitor the issue of free blankets to Aborigines in newspapers such as the Maitland Mercury to ensure continuity. Despite this pressure through public scrutiny, distribution is highly eratic from the 1840s. Here are some examples. During 1869:“blacks of the [Paterson] district muster in strong force at the Court-house, in hopes of receiving their usual supply of blankets [but]…had to go away disappointed”. (Report from the Select Committee on the Condition of the Aborigines for the Hunter region, in Lucas, 56).