"ANTI-HUMBUG" V. "VIATOR."

Cromwell Argus, Volume III, Issue 137, 25 June 1872, Page 5

"ANTI-HUMBUG" V. "VIATOR."

CASE FOR DEFENDANT. In your issue of June 4, a letter appeared from a very amiable critic, signing himself " Anti-Humbug,"—though why he attaches the prefix to his nom de plume I cannot understand ; his identity is perfectly apparent under the latter part of the cognomen. It has been said by a certain clever writer, "that it is a blessed thing that Nature, when she manufactured and fashioned her authors, contrived to make critics out of the chips that were left": be it understood, I use the term authors advisedly in this case. Sad as the necessity is to their delicate sensibilities, they never fad to warn the author of the probabilities of failure in what he has undertaken, and press upon him the necessity of retiring before he sinks into imbecility. Trusting to their kind offices, with deference to " A.H.," I will still endeavour to fulfil my self-imposed task of instructing or amusing (as the case may be) my fellow vertebrates. And without displaying any inconsistency or sacrificing my "pachydermatous" character, may 1 venture to remark that "A.H.'s" sweeping condemnation of the humble efforts of "Crusher" and myself is rather ill-timed, and scant of courtesy to us as fellow-miners endeavouring to benefit our class. Fur myself, I can only say that if I have failed to impart any practical information, it is not from the want of ideas, or of practical ability; as I have, at one time during my career in New Zealand, managed one of these so-called "poor reefs," and made the same to pay; which feat was not accomplished by either my predecessors or success) >rs in the management. This may sound rather egotistical, but is nevertheless perfectly true ; and the statement is only made by me to show "A.H." and others, that in dealing with the subject of quartz-mining, I am not speaking at random or altogether theoretically. With regard to his discovery of my scientific (?) attainments, I feel flattered, as I was not hitherto aware of their existence.. The use of "big words" may be a fault where a dictionary is not easy of access ; but I am of opinion they were made for use ; and whenever they occur to me I use them, on the multum i,i parco principle, and generally find my meaniug greatly condensed thereby. As to the "alum c.ise ; " I never read the report of it, and so c.vrmot offer any opinion ; but must remark that "A.H." evidently is enveloped in my atmosphere, "fog," when he uses the unlucky chemists as comparisons fur my incapacity, and in a subsequent paragraph veiy inconsistently endeavours to find an excuse for their blunders. When you attempt to castigate an unlucky scribbler, Mr "Anti-Humbug," do it thoroughly ; show no hesitancy ; in fact, as our American friends say, " go the whole hog"; and your victim will know what you mean. "A.H." states that little of any service in gold-saving has in late years been invented or discovered by either scientific or practical men. If not by them, by whom ? may I ask. Surely not by tinkers or tailors ? I have witnessed, as possibly have thousands of others, many important improvements in gold-saving of " late years," both in alluvial and quartz mining ; and I do not think the menders of kettles or breeches can lay claim to the discoveries. Beware of extremes, says i "A.H." Verily, he is a sago mentor.

" A.H." seems to think that the method in vogue on the Carrick of working quartzreefs is economical. It may be perfection itself ; but never having visited that locality, I cannot form any opinion as to its merits. When I bear of dividends becoming the rule instead of the exception, I may incline to his belief myself; until then, I will "agree to differ" with him. Notwithstanding "A.H.'s" depreciation of our efforts, I still repeat that if the grievances or abuses complained of by " Crusher" in the matter of the management of quartz-mines, were removed or remedied, and my suggestions in part or totally, whether practical or otherwise, were adopted, many reefs which have been abandoned, and many which are not paying dividends, might be made sound and paying speculations. I see that " Crusher," in his last effusion, asks, —Where are my scientific friends, that

I they are not giving their thoughts to the ' matter of improved methods of gold-saving ? j Really, what with being accredited with sci- | enti lie friends, and having the term applied i personally, my vanity ought to feel flattered. II suppose " Crusher" alludes to a statement i made by me that T knew a gentleman who had the germ of an excellent plan for the j purpose. 1 cannot conscientiously call this [ inventor a scientific man, but he is undoubtedly a clever practical and mechanical one ; and as he must have seen my appeal to him, i I wonder he does not come forward with his \ invention. He should remember that "delays are dangerous," and he may be deprived I of his laurels ; as, from the description given

by you in a late issue of Mr Watson's invention, bis idea is likely to be anticipated. With a few, but important, alterations, the description almost tallies with the outline given to me by the gentleman aforesaid. In conclusion, I might intimate that as Jack Frost has effectually set his seal on quartz-crushing for the winter, I shall leave the much-vexed subject to hybernation: ("mercy on us," another "big word," "AntiHumbug" will ejaculate.) This, however, is not "positively the last appearance," and when, with the clown, I can exclaim, "Here we are again !" it will probably be to talk on other subjects. VIATOR. Bendigo, June 18, 1872.