Z506/3/14/9

Letter from John Field to father, John Perring Field. From 15, Edward Dtreet, Hotham, Melbourne

27 Mar 1873

From: 1873 To: 1873

Octavius called at Christmas. He drives a very good turnout – a buggy (a four wheeler, to carry 2 wheels all one size) like traps used in trotting machines. Is still total abstainer. Business is not so cheering – still continuous failures among butchers. Stock prices still very high mainly due to immense runs being taken up for grazing purposes. Many squatters have made fortunes in 3 years and are returning home to spend their days in ease and quiet. Mr Fison Lorimer Fison of Barningham 'my playmate when visiting Grandfather' is quite a pillar – was head of deputation which waited on Chief Secretary for purpose of returning to their homes the kidnapped natives in notorious last atrocities. 'I recollect him a very rough boy, the dread of his sisters' 'A new feature in baptism … to protect the reverend gentleman from the child attending upon his entering the water a pair of baptismal waterproof Pants has been provided'. He recollects the time 'when you presented a reverend gentleman with not only the inexpressibles but suit complete' Frederick Martell visited at Christmas. Has passed his examinations with credit

item

Field, John,
Field, John Perring,
Field, Octavius,
Fison, Fison Lorimer,
Martell, Frederick

family correspondence, Methodist churches, butchers, cattle, baptism