Melbourne
9 January 1888
My dear Chris
I have just paid in ₤320 to your Bank of NSW and paid 1% commission to have it placed at once.
Wilson tells me the other claims are better than the Queens, the lodes being heavier. I don’t want you to make this a permanent investment as I have but little money out here. If the shares increase on value I would write you to sell but there is plenty of time for this,
Let me know from time to time what you are doing.
If I find that goods can be sent round to Normanton reasonably I may send you round some things I can spare from the ship and a lot champagne Moet extra quality which you can turn into money and invest for me. I will find out from Siddeley what it would cost.
I hope you have plenty of quinine and will keep free from fever.
The weather here is splendid now and we are all well.
Ever your affectionate Father
Jas A Elmslie