Correspondence.
THE NELSON GOLD FIELDS. To the Editor of the ' Lyttelton Times.'
SiR» —Observing that you are always anxious to keep the public informed on matters connected with their welfare, I take the liberty of asking for a small space in your journal to answer the many enquiries sent me, as to ' what I think of the Nelson Gold Fields,' and 'how I would advise parties thinking about trying their fortunes there.' In reply to such enquiries, I beg to say that owing to the inclemency of the weather, I was not able to traverse the Diggings beyond ' Appoo's Flat, 1 the ' Doctor's Creek' and the juncture of the Slate River and Aorere Rivers; consequently that I have had to form my opinion more from what I heard than what I saw.
The Slate and other rivers being flooded, I had many opportunities of conversing with diggers while unemployed; the conclusion I drew was that there was doubtless much gold in the district, but the difficulty in working these mines, in consequence of the heavy falls of rain, will be far greater than anything experienced either in California or Australia. The diggers hitherto
have drawn a few large prizes to a very great proportion of blanks: I would therefore say to those who are thinking of starting, 'pause and reflect, whether it is not better to be contented with a moderate certainty at home than stake your money, time, and health in this the greatest of all lotteries, 'Gold Digging.' At all events, wait a few months longer until the weather takes up; and you can hear more decided accounts from your friends; depend upon it you will lose nothing by the delay, but be a saver in money and in health.' A fortnight ago I saw hundreds idle, waiting for the waters to subside. Trusting, Mr. Editor, I have not encroached too much on your columns, Allow me to subscribe myself, • Yours obediently, EDWARD WM. LAMB. Papanui, October 3rd, 1857.
To the Editor of the Lyttelton Times. Sib, —I had not the remotest idea that my letter which appeared in last week's impression of your journal would have caused the political mosquitos so suddenly to have arisen from their dismal swamp. I will dispose of them in sequence. No. 1. Who the author of that grand effusion is, with the signature of " Uncle Toby" attached thereto, must ever remain a sealed book and a solemn mystery; as a composition, all I can say is that it coolly baffles reason, and calmly crushes human consistency. I would speak to order on a point of grammar in this said epistle of Uncle Tobias to the Lytteltonians. Uncle T., bursting with eloquence, thus relieves his mind:—"l fearlessly assert that the supporters of Mr. Moorhouse have conducted that gentleman's election without the aid of artful dodges." Now, sir, pardon me, but the inference deducible from the above quotation would naturally be that Mr. Moorhouse is already returned as Superintendent of this province. "Toby" is decidedly at fault, but, with increasing years, he may possibly learn wisdom. My firm conviction is, that had the learned Pig Toby, exhibited in London some years since, been endowed with the power of speech, his grunt would have been far more eloquent than Uncle Toby's growl. lam also rather surprised that the replies my letter has elicited should have reiterated the language I made use of, as the expressions were culled from sundry speeches delivered in the Provincial Council by one of the most talented and influential of its members—of one who is constantly referred to in' cases of disputed orthography, or dubious grammar. This is my Roland for Uncle's Oliver. No. 2. The effusion of S. E. C. is too imbecile, 'politically speaking, to call lor notice, as he has evidently but re-echoed the statements of his brethren in adversity. No. 3. The grand composition of my friend the "Agent to Mr. Moorhouse's Committee" deserves a passing comment, for it is worthy of notice as being incomparably the most sensible production of the triumvirate of scribblers; and after all this is not saying a great deal in its favour as a literary production. In conclusion, I most distinctly state that I have irrefragable proof that my son's name^was agreed upon at a solemn conclave of Mr. Moorhoues's " Sapients" to be placed upon the roll, which (no pun is intended) was a very ill-bred affair. I pause for a reply. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your's respectfully, EDWD. GENET.
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Lyttelton Times, Volume VIII, Issue 514, 7 October 1857, Page 4
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753Correspondence. Lyttelton Times, Volume VIII, Issue 514, 7 October 1857, Page 4
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