Hi Folk With some of the discussion being about Alma some of you may find a transcript of an 1855 letter written from Alma back to England regarding conditions, mining, society, etc to be interesting. The transcript, recently published is at... http://www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/art/brain_letter.htm Regards Daryl Povey http://www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au

Thanks Daryl - Have downloaded a copy of the letter which certainly gives an insight into how tough it was for our gold-mining ancestors living in Alma. More flesh on the bones. Appreciate your time and interest Regards Joan