Banking Under Difficulties

Step back in time to 1888 and discover the remarkable world of banking on the Goldfields of Victoria, New South Wales, and New Zealand, as narrated by a seasoned bank official. Imagine a bank agency operating from a tent, where bankers traversed rugged landscapes on foot to acquire gold from small storekeepers, often carrying it on their backs until they reached a makeshift bush shanty. In an era lacking modern conveniences like sturdy counters and secure vaults, banking was conducted with nothing more than a gin case for writing, a simple notebook, and a saddlebag. This vivid account highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of bankers amid challenging circumstances, revealing a fascinating chapter in the history of finance. - Summary taken from the book by George Ogilvy Preshaw