Z506/3/14/15

Letter from John Field to father, John Perring Field.

13 June 1875

From: 1875 To: 1875

Octavius has again resumed teaching. Hopes his late experience may be of advantage to him in future. Is living in excess of his income. Margurette has not yet joined him.'Have not heard from him since he left Ballarat'. Frederick Martell has received an appointment as drawing master at £5 per week. 'I suppose he will shortly marry'. Charley Martell is at college. Parliament has again met but appears to have no policy. Colony is far from prosperous. General depression is everywhere manifest. Free trade party is gaining strength. Property tax has been hinted at. Some scheme must be devised as much money is wanted. ''It has been a great loss to the Colony our able & energetic Premier going to England' which does not agree with him. Many colonists have made a fortune and gone home then returned as they find England too cold. He asks about his religious attendance 'in spite of myself I cannot help imbibing some of the popular views of the day… I can't reconcile your ideas:…I have ever expressed…myself as knowing but one Christian viz yourself '. It is enough to shake anyone's faith witnessing the strife between ministers of religion.

item

Field, John,
Field, John Perring,
Field, Marguriette,
Martell, Fred,
Martell, Charles

family correspondence, teaching, Ballarat