Melbourne
15 February 1884
My dear Chris
Your letter of 7 February has just come. You don’t give much news but glad to find you are comfortably settled and like the place.
My suggestion about land you may find of use, but if there is a rush for it as you say, it’s a bad time to buy. There seems to be a tendency that may ?. Don’t do anything hasty, take plenty of time to look about you and form your own conclusions about the propriety of investing. I will leave instructions with Mr Crosby to provide you with money if you should require it
I have seen Mr Jeffray. He is quite pleased to hear about you so far as I could tell him. He is going home next month but not for long.
Now you are settled write home and tell them how you get on &c. Archie is all right. He has probably written to you. The ship is off the pier and will go to sea tonight. I make a fair freight for the time, about ₤6500 including passage money.
I will not leave money because Mr Crosby has said he will give you whatever you want. Money is dear at present and I am laying out a good deal for homeward ventures, so please don’t think of investing any just now. Wait until you hear from me at home.
Meantime get all the knowledge and information you can. If you want ₤20 or ₤40 write up here for it.
I think Chris Tatham will get on very well here after a while. He seems to suit very well where he is.
I must cut my letter short. Hoping you will succeed and keep in good health. You will hear from me directly I get home.
I am ever your loving father
Jas A Elmslie