During 1862 and 1863 the gold mined from the Cariboo rush was passing through 
Victoria. Victoria boomed and it's population grew rapidly. To serve the increased 
volume of mail passing through the Victoria Post Office additional help was required. 
John M. Sparrow was hired in 1862 to assist Henry Wooton and John L.Buckley in serving 
the long lines of miners waiting for letters on mail-days. Sparrow maintained his 
connection with the Victoria Post Office for several years.