2 FROM BOMBAY TO THE WYNAAD.
My
destination was the Wynaad goldfields, of which so much has been said
and written. I had resolved to see them for myself, and to report the
result of my visit to those who were interested in furthering the new
industry. It must not be supposed for a moment that,I was sent to "
prospect," as it is termed, with the view of forming any new company.
My commission was a very simple one, if it were one that required both
careful observation, patient inquiry, and some knowledge of
organization. I had no intention to paint, either in bright or in
gloomy colours, the prospects of the gold companies already in the
field. The primary object of my journey, was to organize the staff, to
introduce a proper system of accounts, and to initiate various
improvements in local arrangements, with a view to secure both greater
efficiency and more accurate and speedy information on a variety of
matters of importance. Besides this, I was instructed to report
generally upon things as I found them, more especially as regards the
companies with which I am officially connected. I had no interest to
serve, by misrepresentation or exaggeration. The following
description of what I saw and did is, therefore, a simple record of
the impressions left on my mind by the journey; and in so much, can
claim, I hope, the confidence of my readers in respect to its
trustworthiness.
I landed, as I have said, at Bombay; from which
