I fear the chops are burning!

 The author of this satirical letter, the result of an imagined communication between La Trobe and the Colonial Office in England, expressed a commonly held sentiment about inadequate levels of government expenditure within the new state of Victoria. The discovery of gold had upturned the local economy and La Trobe showed a reluctance to raise the salaries of public servants or to dip into the golden proceeds of the new found wealth, which was destined for England.

The Argus 1st December 1851 p.2

From the State Library of Victoria's Newspapers Collection.