Melbourne
27 January 1888
My dear Chris
Your letter of 6th inst came this morning. I sent you a wire directly after saying “Letter sixth received. Is money invested – advise prospects.”
When I last wrote to you I asked you to only temporarily invest the money as I had not much here, but I find that I can do without it if you see that it will produce dividends or increase in value. Keep it invested for me and let me have the proceeds when they come. I take it that by this time you have considerable amounts of cash at your disposal and can invest for yourself with certainty, and that you do not need help.
My money is mostly locked up in property of various kinds but I am arranging for some of these investments to be sold and money on mortgage to be called in. When I could muster a few thousands and have them at command and though I am not in favour of the gambling risks that are going on here just now in a new place such as Croydon and where the rich country is just opening up, I look upon investment as legitimate. However if you have bought Croydon Mines Ltd(?) with the money I sent you and you are sure it will be a good and safe thing keep hold of them. But if you have a doubt sell out again and either send me the money or put it into something else good.
I send this in haste to save today post but will write again tomorrow to you and Alec.
I have been away for a week with Felton and only just ???? I am much pleased with your letter and the account you give of Alec and yourself. I hope you will tide over the wet season without sickness. I note what you say about the training of boys, it is quite my opinion and I mean to follow it in the case of the younger ones. At present they are being very practically taught at home. I hope you write now and them to them. I have sent your first letters home.
Two brothers named James are at Croydon – one of them went home with me some time since, but he was so addicted to opium there I cannot tell what he was like. His brothers and sisters here are very nice people.
I called on Wilson 74 Queen St twice. He showed me the stone and told me what it yielded. He said 800 shares could be bought at 10/-. He wanted to make profit out of them here I fancy. I did not tell him I was sending up money.
We are not getting many passengers and will leave on 26 January.
Reisky is going to be married soon to a man with a German name, she is at Brisbane.
Excuse haste and, believe me ever your affectionate Father
Jas A Elmslie
Mr C T Elmslie
Croydon
Queensland