The Sun.
London, England, 1856-09-12 00:00:00

LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, sEPrEMBER 12, 1856.

AUSTRALIA.

[A. portion of the following appeared in our late
edition last night :—] •
A letter dated Melbourne, June 24, says :—The
enterprise of the South Australians is likely to
effect a very considerable alteration in the channel
of our flour trade, at least in this colony. Your
readers are most likely aware that the River Mur-
ray is the boundary between Victoria and South
Australia for a considerable portion of its course.
A short time since a crop of flour from Adelaide,
via the River Murray, reached Sandhurst (Ben-
digo), our most northern gold field towards the
Murray. It was conveyed up the stream by a
steamer of small draught, landed at the nearest
point to Sandhurst, and conveyed thence in drays
to the township. Another steamer, the Leichardt,
is now on her way up, with a cargo of flour in tow,
destined for the same market, and a third is to
follow "for orders"—i.e., either to be transmitted
to Sandhurst or distributed among the stations on
the Victoria side of the Murray. As flour is much
cheaper in Adelaide than in Melbourne—South
Australia producing a surplus—and as the trans-
port by water is less expensive than by land—espe-
cially in winter—it may be presumed that for the
future Adelaide will supply ditect all that is re-
quired, and probably take down a good deal of
wool collected from the Murray's banks. This has
revived the demand for railways or tramways, and
will probably stimulate the Government of this
colony to something like activity. But the quan-
tity of flour required from distant localities will, I
think, rapidly decrease. The soil near Castleman
is well suited for farming, and there is no defici-
ency of good farming land within easy reach of
Sandhurst. Even when the roads are at their best
and cartage cheap, which happens when the waters
of the Murray are low, namely, in summer, or
when the Murray affords the cheaper highway,
i.e., in winter, the cost of transport is equivalent
to a "protective duty" in favour of the local
grower. Flour-mills have been erected on
the streams near to which farming opera-
tions are carried on, and it would not sur-
prise me if the northern gold fields were shortly to
find themselves independent of either Melbourne
or Adelaide for their supplies. This will be in it-
self a source of wealth. We are already saving
1,000,0001. at least in the purchase of flour as com-
pared with last year. The colony last year paid
3,317,4891. for imported food, besides growing a
considerable quantity. Taking all the articles to-
gether, the prices are now less than half what they
were last year, and I have no doubt that accumu-
lation of capital which was stopped in 1854, is now
proceeding rapidly. For about 18 months, I be-
lieve, in spite of our 10,000,0001. of gold, very
little was added to the wealth, or more properly
speaking, the available capital of the colony. Be-
tween 3,000,0001. and 4,000,0001. was destroyed
by the cost of governing 250,000 people. Nearly,
and perhaps quite an equal sum was got rid of in
the extra price of food and forage. We have spent
more than 2,000,0001. a year for drink and tobacco
—on the average of three years. At the same rate
England alone should drink and smoke away about
114,000,0001. But we improved last year—for the
imports of wine and spirits did not much exceed
1,000,0001. I say again, that our high-priced
food, our Government extravagance, and our
drink pretty well took the gilt off our gingerbread,
and it is only now that we have halved thew heads
of expendilaxre that we have become an accumu-
lating people. It was fortunate for consumers that
clothing was cheaper than in England at the time
provisions were dear, and now that imported goods
remunerate the merchants the public can afford the
improving prices. The scarcest thing just now is
human bone and muscle.
New gold fields are announced. One is in New
South Wales, about 25 miles from Wellington, at
a place called Stoney Creek. For some time the New
South Wales gold fields have yielded under 2,000
ounces per week, and most of that has been coined
and not exported. A few persons had been work-
ing at Stoney Creek for about a month. About ten
days ago some men opened a new gulley, and a man
who rejoiced in the nickname of "Bothered Harry"
got a nugget of 8 ounces, and several ounces of
small stuff. Out of the next' hole 9 ounces were
obtained, and a day or two after a beautiful speci-
men of gold in quartz weighing 25 ounces, contain-
ing- about 18 ounces of pure metal. The holes are
" bottomed" at six feet. This has attracted a good
supply of diggers, who are said to be all doing well.
The other newly discovered gold field is near Nel-
son, in New Zealand. It is situated at Motu Eka,
(et the west side of Bind-bay, about 13 miles from
Nelson, which is on the east side. Gold has often
been found in various parts of New Zealand, and
no doubt exists as to its presence in many localities,
but it yet remains to be shown whether it will
turn out to be a workable or remunerative field.
It is also reported that gold has been found on
the Waipa, a river running parallel with the
Waikatto. _

In spite of the largo consumption of spirits by
the population of Victoria the cultivation of the
intellect is not neglected. The population of Mel-
bourne Proper is about 50,000,—i. e., without
reckoning outlying suburbs. The average attend-
ance of readers in the public library is 57 by day,
and 68 in the evening. This is equal to 5,800 for
Indon. The experiment of opening the library in
the evening has answered well. Excluding the first
night, when 119 went "for curiosity sake," the
attendance of readers has ranged from 36 to 90.
The Mechanics' Institution is also well attended.
The book trade is also flourishing, there being a
great number of booksellers in Melbourne, and some
large second-hand book-stalls, which have a very
old-country air. One of the booksellers told me that
he had imported 150 copies of Macaulay's third and
fourth volumes, that another had imported a like
quantity, and cthers smaller quantities. Here iv,e,
have what used- to be accounted "an edition
of such a work, sold in Melbourne alone. A
very large number of Warren's works (the cheap
edition), have been spld, and also one of Wilson's
works (the "Noctes"). I went for Vol. 11. about
a week after its arrival, and they were all sold.
Even such works as " Mill's L%Tic and Political
Economy" are always kept in stock and " on shelf,"
as my informant expressed it, and of Grote's his-
tory, besides " ordered copies," I have found one
copy at a bookseller's for sale. Of the cheap edi-
tions of "Macaulay's Essays," Bohn's several series,
the reprints from the " Encyclopa3dia, Metropoli-
tana," and other works of a superior popular char-
acter, there is no difficulty in getting any one
wanted. Books on the higher branches of the
mathematics and on philosophical subjects are to
be found in every bookseller's shop, to a far greater
extent than in our large provincial towns at home;
but editions of the Greek and Roman classics are
not so common, and French and German works are
very rare. It is quite true that the acquisition of
wealth is very ardently pursued, but not exclu-
sively so, as I have seen stated, as the above facts
will show.

There is a second-hand bookseller in Hobart-
Town whose history is worth mentioning. He is a
very steady and respectable man, whose prosperity
is the result of his fair dealing. He was a carriage
liner by trade, and was imported by a respectable
carriage builder there under the bounty system of
1840. He worked for his employer for three years
under an agreement, and then sot up for himself as
a repairer. He had purchased a small piece of land
on which he had built a wooden cottage, but not in
a principal street. In 1843, however, the colony
was in a state of depression, and he found he could
not make a living by his trade. One day he went
to an auction sale of books to buy a book or two
for his own reading. There he found books going
for next to nothing, and it occurred to him that he
could make a little money by purchasing some and
selling them. A gentleman present, whom he con-
sulted, advised him to try, and he accordingly in-
vested 121. or 151. in books—l forget which sum,
but certainly not more than the larger. He carried
them home, and was in the act of displaying them
on a board when a passer-by purchased 28s. worth
at a large profit on the prices he had just paid.
"This," said he, telling his own story, " this.
made me a bookseller." The business prospered,
and 10 years after his stock consisted of 14,000 vo-
lumes, all made out of the original 151. Ho now
occupies a large shop in a principal thoroughfare,
and has a large trade—several gentlemen of Mel-
bourne who have private libraries corresponding
with him when they require books not to be found
in the shops of our dealers in the "literature of
the day."

From the summary compiled by the Age, we
make the following extracts :

"POLITICS.

"We are now approttehreL,:tite period when the gene-
ral election will take place fur the two branches of the'
legislature, under the new constitution. The election
for the Upper House will take place in August, awl that
for the Lower House in Septetuber. Very little visible
preparation has, until now, been wade for the coming
campaign. A few stragglers have, indeed, taken the
field; but the old campaigners on each side have re-
mained in winter quarters.
Meanwhile, what are th Epeople doing had been

frequently urged that our great political want was the
want of a popular party and popular leaders. At length,
the dry bones have begun to move ; and something that
looks like a popular party has begun to develope itself.
Last week a requisition was sighed by several of our
most influential citizens calling a pubic meeting in the
Theatre Royal to consider and determine upon a popular
pro gramme. Mr. O'Shana,sy and Mr. Gavan Duffy
were among the requisitionists, and supposed to he the
originators of the movement ; but suspicion was excited
by seeing their names in juxtaposition with those of Mr.
Cruickshank and Mr. Ebden, who are closely connected
with the squatting interest, the former, indeed being
president of the Pastoral Protection Association.
" TRADE AND COMMON.
" The excessively wet and inclement weather which
has prevailed for so many weeks, and justifies us in
characterising this as one of the. severest winters we
have experienced, continues to prevail with almost un-
abated rigour, and materially impedes the operations of
commerce. The towns in the interior have been exten•
sively flooded, and the roads between them and the
metrepoli4 rendered almost wholly impassable. The
consequence has been that land carriage has greatly in-
creased in price ; and should the weather not shortly,
prove finer, there can be little doubt the rates will ad-
vance still higher. According to some of the mining
journr.'s stocks there are not so small as some interested
parties in Melbourne wish to have it thought; conse-
quently, they are not entirely at the mercy of those
who wield the land carriage, but only need to make use
of the costly means of transit for the conveyance of those
articles of which they are in urgent necessity.
• " During the last fortnight there has been some im-
provement in town trade, but we' have still two months
of bad weather before us, during which we are not justified
in looking for any marked imprtiOtttlret-elther in prices
or in del:plod. Notwithstanding hsiness has long since
assumed a thoroughly healthy tone, and is not likely
again to be forced out of its legitimate course by recur-
rence to the insane speculation which was the chief cha-
racteristic of our commercial transactions two years ago.
"The great influx of Chinese into our population is be-
coming with us a social feature of the highest interest.
The capitation tax has failed of its end, and the overland
migration of Chinese from South Australia is now at adily
going on. It is calculated that there are fully 30,000 of
them at present in Victoria, principally at the various
gold *olds. They are in general steady, industrious, and
successful, working fur the most part in groups under the
control of a headsman or chief.

SYDNEY MARKETS.
From the Sydney Mercantile Journal..
SYDNEY, June 16.—We cannot advise any improve.
ment in business since our last, and there is a general
complaint that there is nothing doing. We account for
this want of animation principally to the winter, at which
period business is always dull; to the want of late news
from home as to the confirmation of peace ; to the con-
tinued augmentation of stocks ; to the plethoric condi-
tion of our stocks; to the cessation of orders from Mel-
bourne; and to the entire absence of speculation, all of
which causes for dulness exist at present. There have
been several failuressince our last, but they arenot likely
to affect commercial credit, which continues pretty good,
although greater cautioc is exercised than formerly.
There is a scarcity of freights at this season, as the wool
clip is to hand, and very little tallow is coming forward.
The exchange is without alteration ; some people antici-
pate a decline in the rates of discount, as money is very
plentiful, and persons cannot afford to pay the high rates
for discount at present ruling, in the prevailing stagna-
tion of business. Numbers of capitalists are seeking for
safe investment, but are tenacious of buying landed' pro-
perties, and shares in the various banks and companies
are receiving considerable attention as investments for
surplus capital.
Ale and Beer—There is a good demand for first-class
brands of ale in bulk, but inferior are neglected. Draught
Porter--Taylor's and other favourite brands are in good
request, but other descriptions are not saleable except at
a reduction. Bottled beer is without any animation.
Bacon and Hams—These articles are not quite so firm
as there have been several arrivals, which have supplied
the present wants, but quotations still leave a margin.
Butter—A decline has taken place, owing to importa-
tions, and the favourable season for colonial produce.
The market at Melbourne has been well supplied by direct
importations, and prices have receded there.
Beggs and Bagging—There is a demand for three bushel
bags, and gunnies have been inquired for. Wool packs
very unsaleable, and bagging very dull of sale.
Boots and Shoes—Notwithstanding the continued
heavy importations, seasonable goods meet a heavy sale
at fair price, although not so satisfactory as they have
ruled for a long time. The heavy miner boots are quite
unsaleable. Much experience is required in selecting
for this market.

Candles—There has been a sligbf decline in candle,
although large parcels have been shipped to Melbourne,
which have lessened our stocks ; but there are several
parcels on the way, which will keep our stocks amply
supplied.
Cheese—There has been a decline of Id. to 2d. per lb.
on cheese owing to importations, but still cheese in
good condition leaves a fair margin to shippers.
Confectionery—This is very dull, owing to the large
quantity of colonial made confectionery, which, though
inferior to some of the imported, is cheaper, and fre-
quently mixed.
Coffee—There is no animation whatever, and although
we do not hear of any to arrive, there is no disposition
to speculate ; the present high rates are considered as
too high to purchase for a further rise.
Cigars—No. 2 Manilla may be purchased under the
cost price. The quoted price at present is 455., but we
understand they have quitted hands at a lower figure.
Drapery—The drapery trade is at present extremely
quiet, and prices low, sales at auction in almost every
instance showing a great depreciation from English cost.
The cessation of demand from Port Philip, and the bad-
ness of the roads to our English townships, in a great
measure account for this dulness.. Some articles are
beginning to get scarce, though in the aggregate the
market is fairly supplied. Blankets are in excess, and
sales cannot be effected except at a discount ; 35 in. and
8.4 grey domestics
.are much wanted ; fancy goods are
tolerably plentiful.
Dried Fruits—Currants are in good demand, and
there are few in first hands. Shipments of sound fruit
would meet ready sale at quotations. Raisins are in-
quired for, but prices are not quite so firm, and our
quotations could scarcely be realised. Figs are still in
demand, and stocks are light. Dried Apples—A large
parcel came to band by the K.ithay, and were quitted
immediately on arrival, at a figure which left a good
margin. Several other parcels, however, have come
forward, and prices are not quite so good ; 614 d. to 7d.
we conidder the present quotation, although 74d is asked
by holders.
Earthenware—There has been some little stir in this
article, caused by the report of an immense advance in
the Melbourne market, and we have heard of several
sales having been effected at improved rates over recent
quotations, but as our stocks are large, and the expense
of transshipping so bulky an article of low value, the
operations have not been very extensive, nor the im-
provement, permanent.
Flour—The market remains without alteration since
our last, and as arrivals are not KO numerous as was an-
ticipated, the market is a shade firmer. The demand is
very limited, and a good deal is hold for higher rates.
Chilian flour may be purchased below the quotations for
colonial.

Gunpowder—This has experienced a further decline,
owing to importations.
Hops—There have been some inquiries for the Mel-
bourne market, which have established prices here, but
as stocks are large, we do not look for much advance.
Hides—There is only a limited supply, which are
taken for shipment at good rates. Heavy hides, in good
condition, are freely purchased at 15i., and even a shade
higher.
Ironmongery and Hardware—The arrivals continue
very heavy, and much in excess of our requirements.
Jewellery very dull of sale, and heavy losses are sus-
tained on forced sales.
Atustard—Stocks are ample, and the activity lately
noticed has subsided.
Matches—The market is fully supplied, and large
quantities have been forced at auction at heavy losses to
importers.

EXTRAORDINARY YIELD FROM QUARTZ.
(From the Mount Alexander Mail, of June 20,)

FIVE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THREE OUNCES OF GOLD
FROM TWO TONS OF QUARTZ, AT WATTLE GULLY,

FOREST CREEL

Last week we stated our belief in the quartz reefs in this
district being extraordinarily rich, but they are as yet
scarcely touched upon. We retrained from giving pub-
licity to floating reports, lest the public mind should be
misled. When, however, reports are verified and proved
to bo facts, it is our duty to give them. It will be in the
recollection of our readers that last week, in speaking of
Wattle Gully Reef, we made mention of a party of two
man who bad had a claim for some length of time on that
reef, and who were laying up their quartz to be crushed
at a future period, and that they were nuggeting out
as much as paid current expenses; We have
now much pleasure in stating that the above party
sent two tons of their quartz, on Wednesday
to be crushed at the superior machine of Messrs. Stewart,
Robins and Co., of Westley Flat, and that no less than
533 ounces of gold were obtained from the two tons. The
lucky owners were as much surprised as gratified at the
astonishing yield from their quartz. They expected from
perceptible indications that 20 to 25 ounces per ton would
be obtained ; but as the crushing proceeded it became
evident that the whole mass of quartz was impregnated
with the precious metal. As the stampers descended, nug-
gets of gold, several ounces is weight, were revealed to
tho eye, and from the stamper.board, after the quartz had
been taken from the box, no less than 3 lbs. of gold were
cleaned by Mr. Stewart, who also scraped from the wheel
of the mill in which the quartz was ground, flakes of gold
' as large as half-crown pieces.
This valuable quartz was not, wo understand, selected
with any particular care from the rest of the heap, which,
it may reasonably be supposed, will yield enormously. The
Yoga (row which it is taken lies irregularly, and is in!

terlined with layers of sandstone. The depth to which the
owners have penetrated is about 40 feet, but they believe
they are not yet on the permanent reef. They
have had possession of the claim about eleven
months, during which time, as we have already
remarked, they nuggeted sufficient to support themselves.
When the wet broke in on their shaft they determined to
suspend operations until the summer, working just enough
to preserve the claim. It occurred to them, however, that
they mightiest as well try the quartz they had excavated,
and thus they became acquainted with the existence of the
immense treasure of which they were possessed. They have
still 23 tons to crush, which we hope will turn out equally
well. This testimony to the richness of the quartz in this
district will doubtless stimulate the opening and working
of many of the reefs of this neighbourhood.
We append the following statement, taken from the
books of Messrs. Stewart and Co., which will at once settle
all disputes on the subject :
Victoria Quartz Crushing Machine, June 17.—Crushed
two tons of quartz for Makin and Radford, of Wattle
Gully.