Edward Clarke to GE, Auckland, 31 July 1868
Title
Edward Clarke to GE, Auckland, 31 July 1868
Title
Edward Clarke to GE, Auckland, 31 July 1868
Sender
Edward Clarke
Recipient
George Eliot
Date(s)
- 1868-07-31
Place
Auckland
Letter Content
Edward Clarke to GE, Auckland, 31 July 1868
793
MS: Yale.
Parnell, Auckland | July 31st 1868.
My dear Aunt
I was very much pleased to receive your letter dated May 7th and trust to be able to keep up a correspondence, for nothing gives me greater pleasure than to hear from Old England, and I long to visit it again, I arrived in the Australian Colonies in 1861, put up with many hardships and with very little success until I arrived in Auckland in November 1864. An engagement was obtained for me upon the staff of the New Zealander, as shorthand reporter, which I held till the newspaper became defunct. I had one other engagement previous to my present occupation.
I married in 1865, the daughter of a respectable settler who holds a good position in society, and a man of considerable property. My wife's maiden name was Ellen Nicholls, (a Cornish family) -- she makes me a good wife, the only falt she has, is a quick temper, very high spirited and a great screw, but a first-class housekeeper, her health has greatly improved, and we are both very comfortable.
My engagements at the present time are very numerous -- being connected with the Daily Southern Cross as shorthand reporter and subeditor (pro tem). I am employed preparing a new work for the Press entitled the Miners Guide and Pocket Companion with Plans of the Gold Fields, price 10/6. this is my first attempt to write a book, and from the great number of orders for copies that have been received I feel sure that with regard to the pecuniary return, it will be a success. Captain Hutton, the Government Geologist, has undertaken the revising of my work previous to its going to press. I will send you a copy when published. I intend to produce another and larger edition towards the close of the year, which will include the newly opened Gold Fields, which are not yet developed. I find it very difficult to obtain first class litterature in Auckland, the chief expense of the work, has been the high price I have had to pay for Scientific Books -- in my letter to Dr. Kittermaster 794 I requested him to procure the following works for me, which cannot be procured in New Zealand (viz.) Dr. Ure's, Dictionary of Science, Arts, Mining, etc. (1868), K'e4ustel on Mining and Machinery used in quartz crushing mills (1867 or 8), J. A. Phillips on Mining and Metallurgy (1868) the above works are published by E. and A, Spon, London, not knowing your address I could not write to you, but said in my letter that perhaps you would undertake to procure the books, being in London and connected with publishers could obtain them at a reduction upon the retail price. I shall remit the cost upon receipt of the books.
I have repeatedly made inquiries about my relatives both at Griffe and elsewhere but have never heard from any of them; Emily promised to answer as many letters as I could write, I have sent her one each month it is now some months since I heard from her; she has never replied to my invitation to come out here. I offered to pay £50 towards her outfit. Mr. Buchanan 795 of Nuneaton informed me that for the present Emily did not wish to accept my offer, she was very comfortable at Miss Crockett's, Lichfield. I do not like her being a dependent upon any one whilst I have the means to make her comfortable. I understand she is very clever, and does not wish to be away from her books, she thinks that we have no intellectual society out here -- if this is her excuse, she is very much mistaken -- for my friend Mrs. Edward Rumsey, the Great Architect's wife, is a match for any one, and will, if you are in conversation, soon see what extent of knowledge you possess, Mrs. R -- has visited most of the Continental cities and is a thorough linguist. She would just suit you, it is a pleasure to be in her society. I have had 15 months training, so can speak from experience. I do not attend regularly, but have given satisfaction during the time I have had her three sons under my tuition. I have had to study to gain my present position, but I do not regret the many sleepless nights that I have passed over books and papers upon scientific subjects -- Captain Hutton and Dr. Maunsell 796 have greatly assisted me. I have a series of articles to write upon the Great Question of Education in New Zealand which has been much neglected, in fact the poor are left without any means of educating their children. I do remember the time when you visited my poor Mother at Attleborough. 797 I did not know your address, otherwise I should have sent a photograph, will shortly send one of myself and wife. My hair is truning grey in many places, and I am only 30, it must be anxiety and hard study that has caused it to do so. I detest low society, and am never so happy as when shut up in my study, or in one of the Libraries. I very seldom read a novel (but I have read most of yours); in fact my time is fully occupied. I shall order your Long Poem. Mr. Wayte, the only publisher in Auckland is bringing out my work -- it will be bound in cloth.
Dr. Kittermaster often writes to me, -- his letters are a great comfort to me. Mr. Buchanan is a regular correspondent. Miss Smith, Mrs. B's. sister is very ill -- so is Mr. Greenway of Attleborough Hall -- I have met a Mr. Kirk formerly of Coventry who knew Grandpapa -- he is Curator at the Museum and an active member of the Provincial Council. I have made inquiries about my brother Charley, the last I heard of him was that he held an engagement in Sydney. I believe he arrived in New South Wales immediately after I left for Auckland -- he has never written to me, but I have addressed a letter to Sydney for him. From what Dr. Kittermaster said in his last letter, I think Charley must be in England -- the words of the Doctor are "Charlie was with us last week, he was at Meriden. He promised to write but have not heard from him -- my best wishes are for his welfare. My sincere regards to him." I cannot understand this extract, and what puzzles me more is that Mr. Buchanan who is a constant correspondent of the Doctor writes for information about my brother.
A very rich gold field has been discovered in the Waicatto about 120 miles from Auckland -- even promises to excel the Thames Quartz reefs, which are said to be the richest yet discovered in the world. One Claim (Hunts) has produced 20,000 ounces of gold, another 3,000, several 1,000 and upwards all within twelve months. I am interested in several Claims. I purchased a share in one of the old Claims for £40 -- now it is worth £600 -- in another I have cleared £90 from my purchase. I am now interested in several good Claims yielding on an average of 8 ounces to the ton of quartz. There are more than 20,000 miners at the Thames alone. Shortland the principal township a year ago was a large peach grove -- now a large flourishing town, with banks and public buildings, the town extends upwards of 4 miles along the sea shore, the principal reefs are near the beach, the hills are very steep and lofty, one in particular is 10,000 feet above the level of the sea, and Claims all the way up to the top. Good Machinery for crushing the quartz is much wanted. The Gold bearing range of hills, from the sea remind you of an enormous rabbit warren, the drivers and miners moving in and out, often remind me of old times when I used to watch the rabbits in Packington Park.
Sir George Bowen 798 is very much liked -- he is very popular -- he has a very difficult task to perform with the natives, now that we are to have another war -- fighting has commenced about 100 miles from Auckland, -- they threaten the Thames, and only wait for the Thames tribes to join them. I feel sure that they will protect the diggers, who pay them for their
Miners Rights, and the native is too fond of the Rum bottle and money to quarrel with the Miner, they have received upwards of £10,000 this year as rent for the Gold Field at the Thames and Tapu 799 Creek. The New Zealand native 800 is far superior in every respect to the lower class of Europeans, and his honour is unimpeachable. I have always found them a kind, straightforward people if fairly dealt with -- but the Government has treated them shamefully.
It is a source of grief to the members of the Church of England to hear that it is being mutilated at home 801 -- what is now being done in the Imperial Parliament at home, may be compared to a wedge driven into a log after the first stroke of the axe, it will eventually split up and finally fall to pieces by repeated blows. Without a State Church the English Constitution cannot stand -- it is also a disgrace to Christians of all denominations to see men tampering with religion, for without the Established Church is supported by Governmental aid, we shall be in danger of persecution and bloodshed as in Queen Mary's reign. The Jew, who is at the head of the English Government, is aware of the calamity, and wishes to prevent it -- after the great Novelist's 802 conduct in the House can we do otherwise than respect his sect -- and dispise our own. Gladstone, is held in abhorrence in New Zealand, since he introduced his bill for the disendowment of the established church in Ireland. Fennianism has died out in New Zealand. Several persons who have been arrested are to be liberated.
We have had a very gay season. Lady Bowen mixes with all classes of society -- she seems to be void of pride -- and is already beloved by all. Sir George Bowen said, that the Queen could not have been received in a more brilliant style. He mixed with the natives without a guard -- has gained their confidence even more than Sir George Grey 803 who had upwards of 12 wives and concubines, all natives of high caste. Sir George Grey was shamefully treated by the people of Auckland -- poor man -- he had many trials to contend with during his administration. The Colonial Government is composed of illiberal and for the most part illiterate men.
Please write again when you can find time -- for your letters will be always welcome. -- Nelly unites in love. Believe me to be Dear Aunt
Your affectionate Nephew
Edward Clarke.
P.S. Please excuse errors -- for I am very tired, and have been writing all day, and have now to prepare the leading article for the Cross.
793
MS: Yale.
Parnell, Auckland | July 31st 1868.
My dear Aunt
I was very much pleased to receive your letter dated May 7th and trust to be able to keep up a correspondence, for nothing gives me greater pleasure than to hear from Old England, and I long to visit it again, I arrived in the Australian Colonies in 1861, put up with many hardships and with very little success until I arrived in Auckland in November 1864. An engagement was obtained for me upon the staff of the New Zealander, as shorthand reporter, which I held till the newspaper became defunct. I had one other engagement previous to my present occupation.
I married in 1865, the daughter of a respectable settler who holds a good position in society, and a man of considerable property. My wife's maiden name was Ellen Nicholls, (a Cornish family) -- she makes me a good wife, the only falt she has, is a quick temper, very high spirited and a great screw, but a first-class housekeeper, her health has greatly improved, and we are both very comfortable.
My engagements at the present time are very numerous -- being connected with the Daily Southern Cross as shorthand reporter and subeditor (pro tem). I am employed preparing a new work for the Press entitled the Miners Guide and Pocket Companion with Plans of the Gold Fields, price 10/6. this is my first attempt to write a book, and from the great number of orders for copies that have been received I feel sure that with regard to the pecuniary return, it will be a success. Captain Hutton, the Government Geologist, has undertaken the revising of my work previous to its going to press. I will send you a copy when published. I intend to produce another and larger edition towards the close of the year, which will include the newly opened Gold Fields, which are not yet developed. I find it very difficult to obtain first class litterature in Auckland, the chief expense of the work, has been the high price I have had to pay for Scientific Books -- in my letter to Dr. Kittermaster 794 I requested him to procure the following works for me, which cannot be procured in New Zealand (viz.) Dr. Ure's, Dictionary of Science, Arts, Mining, etc. (1868), K'e4ustel on Mining and Machinery used in quartz crushing mills (1867 or 8), J. A. Phillips on Mining and Metallurgy (1868) the above works are published by E. and A, Spon, London, not knowing your address I could not write to you, but said in my letter that perhaps you would undertake to procure the books, being in London and connected with publishers could obtain them at a reduction upon the retail price. I shall remit the cost upon receipt of the books.
I have repeatedly made inquiries about my relatives both at Griffe and elsewhere but have never heard from any of them; Emily promised to answer as many letters as I could write, I have sent her one each month it is now some months since I heard from her; she has never replied to my invitation to come out here. I offered to pay £50 towards her outfit. Mr. Buchanan 795 of Nuneaton informed me that for the present Emily did not wish to accept my offer, she was very comfortable at Miss Crockett's, Lichfield. I do not like her being a dependent upon any one whilst I have the means to make her comfortable. I understand she is very clever, and does not wish to be away from her books, she thinks that we have no intellectual society out here -- if this is her excuse, she is very much mistaken -- for my friend Mrs. Edward Rumsey, the Great Architect's wife, is a match for any one, and will, if you are in conversation, soon see what extent of knowledge you possess, Mrs. R -- has visited most of the Continental cities and is a thorough linguist. She would just suit you, it is a pleasure to be in her society. I have had 15 months training, so can speak from experience. I do not attend regularly, but have given satisfaction during the time I have had her three sons under my tuition. I have had to study to gain my present position, but I do not regret the many sleepless nights that I have passed over books and papers upon scientific subjects -- Captain Hutton and Dr. Maunsell 796 have greatly assisted me. I have a series of articles to write upon the Great Question of Education in New Zealand which has been much neglected, in fact the poor are left without any means of educating their children. I do remember the time when you visited my poor Mother at Attleborough. 797 I did not know your address, otherwise I should have sent a photograph, will shortly send one of myself and wife. My hair is truning grey in many places, and I am only 30, it must be anxiety and hard study that has caused it to do so. I detest low society, and am never so happy as when shut up in my study, or in one of the Libraries. I very seldom read a novel (but I have read most of yours); in fact my time is fully occupied. I shall order your Long Poem. Mr. Wayte, the only publisher in Auckland is bringing out my work -- it will be bound in cloth.
Dr. Kittermaster often writes to me, -- his letters are a great comfort to me. Mr. Buchanan is a regular correspondent. Miss Smith, Mrs. B's. sister is very ill -- so is Mr. Greenway of Attleborough Hall -- I have met a Mr. Kirk formerly of Coventry who knew Grandpapa -- he is Curator at the Museum and an active member of the Provincial Council. I have made inquiries about my brother Charley, the last I heard of him was that he held an engagement in Sydney. I believe he arrived in New South Wales immediately after I left for Auckland -- he has never written to me, but I have addressed a letter to Sydney for him. From what Dr. Kittermaster said in his last letter, I think Charley must be in England -- the words of the Doctor are "Charlie was with us last week, he was at Meriden. He promised to write but have not heard from him -- my best wishes are for his welfare. My sincere regards to him." I cannot understand this extract, and what puzzles me more is that Mr. Buchanan who is a constant correspondent of the Doctor writes for information about my brother.
A very rich gold field has been discovered in the Waicatto about 120 miles from Auckland -- even promises to excel the Thames Quartz reefs, which are said to be the richest yet discovered in the world. One Claim (Hunts) has produced 20,000 ounces of gold, another 3,000, several 1,000 and upwards all within twelve months. I am interested in several Claims. I purchased a share in one of the old Claims for £40 -- now it is worth £600 -- in another I have cleared £90 from my purchase. I am now interested in several good Claims yielding on an average of 8 ounces to the ton of quartz. There are more than 20,000 miners at the Thames alone. Shortland the principal township a year ago was a large peach grove -- now a large flourishing town, with banks and public buildings, the town extends upwards of 4 miles along the sea shore, the principal reefs are near the beach, the hills are very steep and lofty, one in particular is 10,000 feet above the level of the sea, and Claims all the way up to the top. Good Machinery for crushing the quartz is much wanted. The Gold bearing range of hills, from the sea remind you of an enormous rabbit warren, the drivers and miners moving in and out, often remind me of old times when I used to watch the rabbits in Packington Park.
Sir George Bowen 798 is very much liked -- he is very popular -- he has a very difficult task to perform with the natives, now that we are to have another war -- fighting has commenced about 100 miles from Auckland, -- they threaten the Thames, and only wait for the Thames tribes to join them. I feel sure that they will protect the diggers, who pay them for their
Miners Rights, and the native is too fond of the Rum bottle and money to quarrel with the Miner, they have received upwards of £10,000 this year as rent for the Gold Field at the Thames and Tapu 799 Creek. The New Zealand native 800 is far superior in every respect to the lower class of Europeans, and his honour is unimpeachable. I have always found them a kind, straightforward people if fairly dealt with -- but the Government has treated them shamefully.
It is a source of grief to the members of the Church of England to hear that it is being mutilated at home 801 -- what is now being done in the Imperial Parliament at home, may be compared to a wedge driven into a log after the first stroke of the axe, it will eventually split up and finally fall to pieces by repeated blows. Without a State Church the English Constitution cannot stand -- it is also a disgrace to Christians of all denominations to see men tampering with religion, for without the Established Church is supported by Governmental aid, we shall be in danger of persecution and bloodshed as in Queen Mary's reign. The Jew, who is at the head of the English Government, is aware of the calamity, and wishes to prevent it -- after the great Novelist's 802 conduct in the House can we do otherwise than respect his sect -- and dispise our own. Gladstone, is held in abhorrence in New Zealand, since he introduced his bill for the disendowment of the established church in Ireland. Fennianism has died out in New Zealand. Several persons who have been arrested are to be liberated.
We have had a very gay season. Lady Bowen mixes with all classes of society -- she seems to be void of pride -- and is already beloved by all. Sir George Bowen said, that the Queen could not have been received in a more brilliant style. He mixed with the natives without a guard -- has gained their confidence even more than Sir George Grey 803 who had upwards of 12 wives and concubines, all natives of high caste. Sir George Grey was shamefully treated by the people of Auckland -- poor man -- he had many trials to contend with during his administration. The Colonial Government is composed of illiberal and for the most part illiterate men.
Please write again when you can find time -- for your letters will be always welcome. -- Nelly unites in love. Believe me to be Dear Aunt
Your affectionate Nephew
Edward Clarke.
P.S. Please excuse errors -- for I am very tired, and have been writing all day, and have now to prepare the leading article for the Cross.
Signature
Edward Clarke.
Citation
Edward Clarke, Edward Clarke to GE, Auckland, 31 July 1868, Complete George Eliot Letters(2026), George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://www.georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/91820