trade – The Amazing Paulin(e) Family

August 18^th 1884

My Dear Fred

I am afraid the letters to you have not been so numerous as they should have been lately. It is not for want of my telling your brothers to do so, if the letters have been few or scarce you may depend – we have not heard of you since Dr S informed me he had received a letter from you in which you said you were well. We are anxiously looking for a letter daily from you and trust it will soon arrive telling us you are still well and any other news you may have to write about. We have a grand spell of truly harvest weather, the heat is unusual, some days have been tropical, and the farmer is looking up cheerfully at the prospect, and he needs all the help the weather can give to him. Trade, will that which is called so is as bad as it well can be. I as in Sheffield last week and the old traders there say it never was so wretchedly unremunerative as business

Is there at the present time. I still begging away at the British Mercantile Gazette which produces a fitful return. On the whole up to now it has not been so bad. The advertising process is however in every way affected of course by the state of trade, and as August is the month between the seasons – a sort of off time in the calendar it is just now difficult to keep the ship moving, whilst the expenses of home do not diminish as the members severally increase in size and years. The garden is well stocked, the peas were very fine, ditto broad beans, the runners are not quite ready but the potatotes are clean healthy and good size and most of the spaces filled in with [illegible] produce. The flower garden secondary in importance, has yielded us a goodly show the roses are nice and the cardinal gladioli are now brilliant and beautiful. We are pretty well. And Mrs Paulin is still with us. Louise has returned from Henley and is looking out again to assume an independence of home and thus make one less to lean on the exchequer. Geo keeps to McLelland and Ernest to Wright and Brothers. I never see ant of the Collins’ people so do not know how poor Smith is, but spose he is driving along well as he can. The “Green” is much the same. I don not remember a new feature to record and the Choir makes no progress, we are one principally a stagnant composition. Great stirring is now the order in the political world, parliament is prorogued until Oct when the franchise Bill is to be again sent up to the Lords, who will doubtless reject it again, if without the redistribution scheme. Lord Randolph Church holds a foremost place in future conservatism and if he lives

Is destined to lead the party. He is a powerful speaker and agreeable to hear because of his moderately paced delivery without hesitation or trip. The organization of the Conservative party is being perfected throughout the country and will, whenever the general election comes, make a goodly show. A young man who was with you in Deritend Factors Warehouse met me a few days ago and wished to be remembered to you. He is at Martinson & Smiths. I see by the papers today Hanlan has been beaten in Australia by 7 lengths. I do not remember anything else to say so will finish with the hope that you are alright and that we shall soon hear from you soon

Your very affectionate Father

This goes with one from your Mother.

[Cheat Sheet: Mrs Paulin is likely Frederick Paulin Sr’s mother Sarah Clements Paulin. Hanlan is Ned Hanlan the Canadian rower see here for more information on him ]

John A Paulin to Frederick A Pauline, 9 Sep 1913

[1]

JA Pauline Esq

Victoria BC

Bella Bella BC

Sept 9^th 1913

Dear Fred

Yours of Aug 29^th to hand and contents noted. Re Sealskins and my answer is to accept 18.00 per with as good grace as possible, and Ill be quite content, and try to do better next time. I note what you say about Behring Sea Catch, and no doubt will tend to improve prices. Capt Johnston is known as “Jacob” so you can inform the department of this fact, expect to use these licenses next week, and sure will remember to send for yours if necessary.

You’ll kindly have cheque for skin drawn in your favor and deduct charges also 1.15 1.25 owing to yourself and pay in the balance to Bank of Montreal Vancouver.

Im sorry that I did not see you a few days ago, but time was so limited. Mr Lerser got about ¾ of am down, also an order about $550.00 which no doubt pleased him, when Freddie phoned you I was due at the Olster Wharf to meet Capt Park, and intended getting in touch with you later on, but my wishes did not mature.

[2]

You’ll notice in using a straight few, so excuse any miss q’s.

Business Im glad to say is improving very much, and I look forward to a good fall + winter, the Indians are getting more than usually energetic, owing to a bad fishing season; they appear very eager to commence halibut fishing also Beaver + Martin trapping, and some hand-logging. Im glad to say that some of the BB Indians fished at Smiths Inlet this year, and the cannery put up a record pack, the high gill net boat had 4300 at 12 ½ cents each

My trip to Vancouver was made for the purpose of bringing up a new 50 ft launch which Mr Robson late of S/S Venture and myself bought in July last, and it was to be ready to be taken over by us on Aug 15^th but the party we bought off skinned out and had done nothing to the boat. On my arrival in Vancouver last week, I then placed her in the hands of Chappel Bros Coal Harbour, who promised to have her ready to sail to day the 9^th and Mr Robson who is there will bring

[3]

Her up with the assistance of a 35 HP Hercules Engine, also two men. I trust all will be well, but bad weather is setting in quite early this year, price of fresh halibut should be good next month, and I sincerely hope it will, as unless it is so, its hard to keep the men fishing in bad weather.

The old folks at home will no doubt tell you that I got out that far, and found them ready to move, did not get a chance for a private talk as we were quite a party as usual.

By the way I left a cheque with Charlie Gardiner to be used partly in paying auto hire out of Freddie’s garage. I hope this was attended to, you might find out please will you?

Well Fred, I’ve had a busy day in the store, also in my official capacity of registrar I married Miss Rosie Stewart to Harry Dumchit Jr who are now man + wife, ah, ah, what next. Best wishes to all

Yours faithfully Jno

Tag: trade

Letter to Frederick A Paulin from his father, 18 Aug 1884

John A Paulin to FA Paulin, 9 Sep 1913