A LETTER FROM KIMBERLEY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1549, 28 August 1886, Page 2

A LETTER FROM KIMBERLEY.

The following letter was received by Mr D, Mcllrakh, of the Bush Ilo'cl, Geraldine, by the last mail from Vic* toria. It was written by a young man lately residing in Geraldine, and who was one of the passengers by the steamer Triumph, which sailed from Lyttelton, and was written shortly after arrival at Derby. It was dated Jdly 29th : . ... .. Dear Friends,— We landed here safely, the Triumph having to remain about 12 miles from the wharf. Everything has to be landed in lighters at passengers’ risk arid expense. The reports from the field are not very good at present. We have not heard any news from the Gulf. There have been 1116 lauded there, how many here I don’t know. Flour ia' about £26 per ton, bacon Is 9J per lb, and mutton 8d per lb. Everything else is cheap enough. There were about 250 people here before we landed. There are plenty of birds here. Crows fly about in flocks, and there are many others. I have not seen a snake yet, though there are plenty. The olimite is fine—warm days and cold nights. There are plenty of fish and game on tbe road up. There are plenty of stores in Derby, and a chemist’s shop. There is no work at Derby. Many men come here thinking to get work, but are deceived. 1 believe there is a lot of work at tbe Gulf, as there are a lot of moneyed men there. There are three hotels here. Spirits are 6d per glass, English beer 2* per bottle, and ginger ale Is. Tbs charge for board is 25s per week, or 2a per meal. Horse shoeing is 12a a set, but there is no work for tradesmen at Derby whatever; The ground is a sort of red sand, frightful hot to walk on about noon. I should think there are about 20 white women here, no girls. The escort will be going to Kimberley next week. I shall not write again till I reach Kimberley. Please address my letters Kimberley, Derby, Western Australia. Remember me to all enquiring friends. Hoping that this may fled jou in good health, as it leaves me at present, 1 remain yours, etc.,. H, Nioflow. Derby, Western Australia.