James Aberdour Elmslie, 6 April 1892.

Received 23-5-92 ¹

Answered 30-5-92

Lancing

6 April 1892

My dear Chris

Your letter of ???? 5 February ???? came on the 4th enclosed the 1st & 2d of a draft for ₤22-19-.

The ???? by Jelunga(?) goes this week. I am going to town tomorrow and will see Balchin. As you will know by this time the last two shipments before that of the Jeluinga(?) on 29 March were not paid by me and being these all Balchin drew on you for the ???? and will probably do so also for the last lot of goods per Jelunga about £240 ????. He looks for a guarantee from me in case of your collapsing. I am not disposed to continue this responsibility further, and the assistance I have afforded you so far I hope will suffice. I am not in a hurry for the money, but doubt you will to go on further. I have but a limited income from the money and property I hold and, at my age, and with the responsibilities on my hands and no prospect of making an additional income, must nurse carefully what I have got. I have no doubt of your honour and good intentions, but mishaps ???? ???? with the best management. If the loss of a thousand pounds or it may of little consequence to my???? place money at your disposal without hesitation.

You say that the profits are small on the liquor you import and as you have ordered a good deal of costly liquor from time to time had you not better deal almost exclusively with Kennaway’s firm – they are first class people and their goods are low priced and well put up. The Balchins no doubt make a profit out of the buying for you decided that ????. but they will not take any risk.

Balchin has drawn on you by this mail. I have examined the accounts and costs and find them correct and the charges as low as it is possible to make them, although they are heavy all the same. Be particular in writing the drafts and don’t send orders to???? ????

8 April, London

I have seen Tasman twice. I find that several of the Charters Towers mines are engaging the attention of the London speculators through McArthur Forbes formerly a bank manager in Queensland who I am told has succeeded in getting of several Companies. At present he has his hands full, but I will seek an interview with him next week. Rawson is acting as secretary to him at present and spends a great part of the day at his office. Tasman does not know anything about this man. I was told by Mr. Critchol (Rawsons) that a Mr Wyndcote has been sent out to transfer the ???? and Golden Gate to a London Company. Is this the same man who has been visiting Croydon? Have you any agreement with Tasman? It is doubtful if Forbes would work with him. I will be cautious in what I say to Forbes. I am only enquiring.

My illness has given me a great shaking. I don’t feel half the man I was, but hope the effects will wear off in time and my old form return.

I have just taken a season ticket for the summer months on the line from here to London and mean to be in town frequently and if possible find employment. But except as assessor or arbitrator I don’t see where it is to be found.

Shall go to see Tasman tomorrow. Have not been to his place of business, nor have I seen him except for half an hour last September. Will add anything of interest that transpires between us to this before closing.

I hope you won’t be weak enough to let Chris Tatham have money – you would never see it again. He is in my opinion a confirmed gambler – he never backed a bill. He has urged me to lend him money each time I have been in Melbourne of late years. Like so many of the local young men he cannot resist the solicitations of the harpies who are continually on the look out to entice the weak ones.

Captain Soutell(?)] who had the Rodney and is now settled in Melbourne got his oldest son into one of the best banks. He had been a clerk in Rodney before he got to a very good position and stole cash. He got four years ???? Deer last. It is not charity to give money to men such as Chris Tatham, although he is your cousin. You would better not know him. I am in doubt about his keeping his place, and in these times he could not find another just now.

The weather here is pretty well all over the island, is and has been for three days the finest and warmest known for half a century. We are all well and Mater, the girls and boys send love to you and Alec.

Yours affectionately.

Jas. A. Elmslie

PS

Since my illness I have a numb feeling comes into my right arm when writing and cramps me. Of late I have not done much writing.

often Queensland stinks in the nostrils of business men at present. Neither Balchin nor anyone else would trust you or any other Queensland firm at the present moment. I have to guarantee but decline to do this further.

Yours affectioanately,

Jas. A. Elmslie