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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume I, Issue 14, 3 October 1861, Page 6 (Supplement)

Sept. Ist, 1881. Dear Sir, —I know you will be anxious to hear from here, so I have scribbled a few lines under great difficulties, the wind shaking the tent, and people talking and going in and out. V\ e had a fall of snow last Sunday night three inches deep, and a little more in the course of the day (Monday). We have had very fine weather on the whole,

of course somewhat cold, ice almost all the time. I arrived here this day fortnight. Very few of the Storm Bird’s passengers have done any good, none of them real well, many not' made their rations, myself included in the latter category. Everything was very high in Dunedin, more like the great gold' racket in ’52 than anything else I am acquainted with. Oliver Yye is here with me, and another carpenter named John Sinclair. You will perceive my opinion on these diggings proving any way permanent is contrary to that to be inferred from the Otago papers. Time only will prove which opinion is correct. Thousands will come and be disappointed, unless some moi’e rich places are found. The gold lays patchy even in the best places. I saw a friend from Auckland just now, and expect plenty more will come from there. I saw J. E. Perry a few days after my arrival: he is digging, and I suppose has done pretty well at'it, as he has been here several weeks. The Lindis, where gold was found a while ago, is- deserted since this was discovered.

I find Sir G. Grey is coming out to manage the mess that Governor Erowne has proved unable to get out of. lam not*sorry for the change ; but I hope Grey will not return to “ Hour and sugar.” I don't think he will, unless he has orders from headquarters to do so. Remember me to all enquiring friends. This is a sj.Lndi.l sheep country. Yours, &c.,