OUR LONDON LETTER.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 2, 9 October 1871, Page 3

OUR LONDON LETTER.

London, August 10,1871. I have just received your letter by the June mail announcing your intention of starting a new paper, which you purpose to call the Thames Guardian, on the Thames Goldfield, of which lie have heard so much lately through the far-famed riches of the Caledonian mine. To your flattering request that I should inform you of all matters of interest that is going on here, I am happy to accede. The Tichbornc case, which has lately absorbed so much of the public attention, has been legally shelved for a time. How it will end is a subject for betting in the clubs, though there is a very strong feeling that the claimant is the “Simon

pure.” Meanwhile both sides are hunting for information, pro and con. and I have no doubt you in the antipodes take ~ very considerable interest in the case.

You will probably have been looking out for the * Megera,’ troop ship, but are doomed never to see her. She has been beached at the Island of St. Paul, owing to her leaking, and a P. and 0. steamer has been chartered to take the relief crews on to Sydney. It is generally said that she was next to unseaworthy prior to htr departure, but red tape will be red tap® to the end of the chapter. Happily in this case we have not to mourn the loss of a gallant ship’s company, but to rejoice over that of a worthless ship. Of all our recent distinguished visiters, we have only the Emperor of Brazil left to us. He appears to be most active in the pursuit of information, and there is scarcely any kind of manufactory that he is not reported to have visited. He has been made a Knight of the Garter, at which he is said to be much delighted. There has bean plenty of shooting at Wimbledon this year, and it is, I think, a pity that New Zealand should not have been represented there, considering how well the Volunteer movement is supported in your island. The Princess Louise distributed the prizes. Your old friend Mario has at last- retired from the stage, and I can remember at least a dozen farewells—but this is said te be the last. Edmnnd Pork, of Blackheath, who was charged with the murder at Eltham, has been acquitted. He was mobbed at Greenwich, where he and his parents reside. Amongst horrors there is a charge of murder against a “ baby farmer,” one Agnes Norman and another, one Frances Mayes, has received a penal sentence of, I think, 20 years. The Prince of Wles and others of the Royal Family have boon making a royal progress in Ireland. Pat was very glad to see him, and he is said to have enjoyed his visit. The Queen still keeps herself in great seclusion, and some good folks are growling at it. For my part, I think that she is wise in seeking a littlo quiet, and in allowing the Prince of Wales to undertake those duties of state which were always distasteful to her, and have of late years had a bad effect upon her health I hear that a large amount of emigration is likely to take place to the Australian colonies, including New Zealaud. Now that the war is over, greater attention is being attracted towards the Britain of the South. lam afraid, however, that many of the intending immigrants are not men of the right sort, but rather clerks, shopmen, &c., who are used to- light and sedentary employments. Now the sort of men you want, I presume, are practical miners, and useful labourers and mechanics, with a sprinkling of domestic servants. I think if you sent here a paid agent from your district, well acquainted with its resources, its wants, and capabilities, it would have a good effect. There seemed a probability not long ago that a large number of Communist prisoners from France might reach your shores, via New Caledonia, but it seems now not unlikely that a company of American speculators will take them to some desirable locality in Mexico. The time is now, I suppose, not far distant when the British and Australian cable will connect the two countries, consumation much to be desired, and one that will be productive of great mutual advantage. The New Zealand Government, I presume, will not suffer themselves to be behind the world in this matter, but will do their part towards joining. The lawyers are likely to have a good time of it in the case of the consignees of the cargo of the Queen of the Thames against the cap tain of the vessel, and the probabilities are that there will be but little left after the legal faternity have done with the matter. A new and important company is to be formed called the Pressure Meat Preserving Company. Could nothing be done to bring New Zealand oysters to the home market? Those delicious bivalves are getting dearer and dearer eveay day in England, and before long they will be about a shilling a-pieoe. I have often thought with envy of you people at the Thames being able to get many as you like to knock off the rocks for nothing. I shall look forwnrd to receiving your next as I am auxious to hear some news of your “ Colonial Gladstone,” Mr Vogel, and his policy, and of your political movements generally. You must not forget to send your summary regularly.