A VISION.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3618, 31 July 1880, Page 1

A VISION.

To the Editor of the Eyknin<J Stab. . ■ Sib,—Last evening I was sitting by my own fireside, and was absorbed in tpecu* lation as to the future of the Thames Goldfield. I had been engaged in this profitless occupation for some time, when . . to my surprise instead of being in my abode"!•;was standing at Billy Bowe's corner, asid:watching for the inhabitants 1 to pass by. I drew forth a pocket , almanac and found myself in the month . of June, 1890, and surprised at. what

seemed a peculiar circumstance, I proceeded to the Advertise* office in Albert street, but to my dismay found the windows broken, and the place in a most dilapidated condition. Nothing remained of the 'Tiser but the scraggy walls on which excisions from the Thames papers were still discernible, although begrimed by the dust of years. Sickened at heart at this lamentable spectacle I wended my way to the Evening- Stab Office, but here also the desolation and decay were only too painfully conspicuous. I pressed my hand to my aching head and in perplexity stood, to better contemplate the decay. The Bank of I^ew Zealand, formerly the joy and terror of many, was now gradually crumbling to pieces, and on entering, I found the manager's chamber occupied by one white bearded sub-inspector, to whom I addressed myself as to the meaning of my strange adventure. "Ah," said he, " Tempora mutantur et nos mulamur in UUs" Strange, passing strange, things have come to pass since the year 1880. The Thames was then in a prosperous con* dition to what it is now." My revered companion here showed- unmistakeable signs of emotion, and to soothe hia feelings I gently wiped the watery stream which coursed unbidden down his wan cheeks, with my handkerchief reduced like the times to half its original dimensions; "When in 1880 Sir George Grey was here (said he) I never thought that a monument over his departed soul would be erected on Kawau, but there he lies with his Parljamentary speeches carefully preserved, in case, his energetic, political spirit should triumph over death, and he should with to regale the dreary hours prefixing his resurrection by ■ the perusal of H ausard. No more will scurrilous detractors cavil over his native policy, as he is now at rest, and Maoridom has lost a true supporter." I could see that this discourse was painful to him, so I prepared to take my leave. "Do not go »ir/'f said he, >' I should like to tell you the wholehistory of the Decline and Fall, johnny Sheehan, who, if I remember right, was fond.of the duiky Maori girls, has long since left his seat in Parliament; : and is engaged with the ferry at the Te Aroha. A. great come down for him, sir. But, I cannot make out how it is, but old -i Shanghai, the 4th of July hero; is now t; Speaker in the House of Representatives." This last disclosure quite overcame the old man, and his voice shook-*t the awful (revelation. "The electoral roll at that time numbered nearly 3,000, but what is it now? Not ; 30. The whole population does not number 50 people and there are only three hotels and two grocery stores, which supply the scanty wants of the fishermen, and others who have not been obliged to leave. The telegraph station and post office have long since been dispensed with, and in lieu of those desirable institutions we now have letters delivered about twice a year, and keep two carrier pigeons at the Police station in case we wished to send news of the premature decease of i one of our fishermen." I felt deeply this narration, and wishing the old man good night left. Asl walked round the streets and saw the uninhabited houses, weedy streets, and silent batteries long since abandoned by men who once had health, strength,' and money to work them, but who had lost all in their manful effort for a livelihood. As I gazed on the numerous, indications of ruin, my mind wandered, and I forgot where I was, and when I awoke I found myself in my arm chair, by the fire which had long since departed this life. Refreshed by the reflection that I had only been dreaming I retired to my virtuous couch, but for several days this strange vision has haunted me. Let me hope that it will never be so terribly realised, as my imagination prophesied it would be.—l am &c, Sctlla.