Page:Banking Under Difficulties- Or Life On The Goldfields Of Victoria, New South Wales And New Zealand (1888).pdf/127

118 was informed that one would be provided if the rush turned out a good one. As soon as the Bank of New Zealand building was finished, two or three hands were sent down, and an agency opened. I was then working at a great disadvantage, inasmuch as Walmsley was still my opponent in the field, and his bank having an office in Okatika, had by far the best chance of securing the business accounts, and of this they did not fail to take advantage. Notwithstanding such odds against me, I managed to hold my own, especially in the gold purchases.

Mr. Revell, the warden, was busy most part of the day marking off sites of 40 feet frontage; he also laid out two streets and measured off the different allotments, reserving one chain frontage to the river and 40 feet wide for the street. Several disputes have already arisen. Not a ripple on the bar. The captain of the Wallabi crossed it to-day in his boat, taking soundings. Cassius opened a store.

21st December.—Sergeant Broham marked out the camp, on which site now stands the Bank of New Zealand, town hall, Union Bank, drill shed, and other buildings. His tent was pitched here, and here I was generally to be found at meal times.

22nd December.—The cutter Nugget, of Invercargill, and the cutter Petrel, arrived from Jackson’s Bay with thirty-nine men, who have been prospecting in that locality; Barington and party amongst the number.

Christmas Day of this year fell upon a Sunday. I was busy all day buying gold, &c. A short time after I got to bed (my saddlebags being under my head and revolver at my side), three drunken men rushed in; one came to me, took my hat from over my eyes, and said to the others, “By dad it’s the banker; suppose we give him a crack on the head with a stick?” and off they went into the bar. I have often heard it said that when people are drowning the principal events of their lives pass through their brain. So it was with me in this instance. I thought of all sorts of things, and at the same time made up my mind what to do. I knew perfectly well should any scrimmage take place, and the report of a pistol be heard, there were so many maniacs about, that without inquiring why or wherefore, but “eager for the fray,” they would rush in, and I would stand a very poor show. Still, I had to protect myself and the bank property as far as I could, and this I was determined to do. I turned with my face to the door and took out my revolver, which I always kept in good order, and waited. They had drinks in the bar, and away they went. I did not see any more of them. My idea was, had they shown up again, to challenge the first man at the doorway; had he attempted to advance—fire. I knew I could depend on my revolver, and unless the mob tore down the tent I was good for six of them. All I can say is that I was in a very awkward