March 26, 1873 - John Miller’s letter to the editor

In March 1873, John writes a letter to the editor of Lake County Press, criticising an anonymous resident for challenging the Arrow River United Gold Mining Company.

“Venom.

Sir,—There is in our midst an individual, or individuals, whose delight is seemingly to flourish their bad qualities before the eyes of the public. Such individuals are “Inquirer” and “A Would-be Shareholder.” It will be in the recollection of your readers that “Inquirer” a short while ago wanted to know what the Committee of the Arrow District Miners’ Association did with the money he and others had subscribed, and was informed by the Secretary of that body that he could inspect the books at any convenient time. Yet. would you believe it? no “Inquirer” has, up to date, presented himself for such a purpose, and your correspondent thus proves himself a coward who, under protection of your promise of secrecy, would not hesitate to throw a slur upon a body of well intentioned men, but who has not the courage to show his face.

“A Would-be Shareholder” is another of the same class. What can it matter to him who, in a company like the Arrow River United Gold Mining Company, holds the shares? If he is not satisfied with the prospectus and thinks the scheme not worth his money, let him stand back; others with more faith and enterprise will not be afraid of supporting the undertaking. Such persons as “Inquirer” and “ Would be Shareholder” may do a vast amount of harm, if they are not curbed, I do not mean to say they should be debarred from giving expression to their opinions, but they should temper these expressions with charity. In the case of the Arrow River United Gold Mining Co, such effusions may do a great deal of injury to people outside the district, and may possibly delay the development of a valuable tract of country. It is indeed a pity that this flat was not long ago been taken in hand, as there can be no doubt that the old Arrow River bed goes through it, by Mr R. Watson’s farm, and empties into Lake Hayes—a distance say of four miles. The vituperations of your correspondent might have the effect of such being proved to be a fact to be retarded.

Looking upon the effusions above referred to psychologically, they furnish a striking example of the inefficiency of the educational system of the present day, and demonstrate the necessity for a change. Supposing the writers to be Christians, it would be worth knowing where such amiable traits of character were imparted to them, and by what particular sect or creed they were inculcated. Can it be wondered at that Spiritualism is making proselytes wherever it makes its appearance, when the teachings of Christian doctrines leads to such results? Yours See.,

John A. Arrow Falls, March 26th, 1873.”

Source: LAKE COUNTY PRESS, ISSUE 95, 28 MARCH 1873, PAGE 3 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LCP18730328.2.7)

The following week, “A Would-Be Shareholder” responded:

“Sir.—l was sorry to see from your last paper that my remarks about the intended Arrow River United Gold Mining Co. had mused the virtuous indignation of the President of the Arrow Miners’ Association, Mr John A. Miller. I hasten to calm Mr Miller’s troubled spirit, and to assure him that I utterly disclaim the honor of being one “ whose delight seemingly is to flourish their bad qualities before the eyes of the public,” and am not so fond of parading my good qualities before the public eye as some people are. I may may [sic] also explain to Mr Miller what he seems to have altogether overlooked in his charitable spirit, vis., my object in writing upon the matter at all. It was simply to learn, if possible, on what grounds of equity the promoters of the company claim 3000 paid-up shares in the concern, as they have done nothing entitling them to such a large slice of fortune—if one may except the pegging out and applying for a number of acres, and issuing prospectus of the projected company. Mr Miller, so far from imparting the desired information, does not even touch upon this part of the matter. He is content to preach a sermon on charity, psychology, and Spiritualism subjects very good in their place, no doubt, but with what bearing on the Arrow River United Gold Mining Co. I fail to see. Mr John A. Miller may be a believer in the “ new and beautiful faith,” or any other visionary project; but I am afraid the more practical of his fellow-men in this district have neither sufficient faith nor charity to subscribe £3000 unless they have a clear knowledge of what quid, pro quo they are to receive. I assure Mr Miller, in conclusion, that, equally with himself, am I anxious to see the Arrow Flat tested; but if this cannot be done by a more liberal process than seems to animate the promoters of the A.R U.G.M. Co, then I will “stand back,” and see whether others with “more faith and enterprise will support the undertaking.” The result will show whether my enquiries are so unjust, and my motives so uncharitable as imputed by Mr John A. Miller.- I am, &c.,

A Would-be Shareholder, Arrow River, March 31.”

Source: LAKE COUNTY PRESS, ISSUE 96, 4 APRIL 1873, PAGE 3 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LCP18730404.2.14.1)