Category Archives: Holt – Jimmy, Billy and Johnny

The (Robinson) AKA as the Holt brothers

Mission to the Islands

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‘Mision to the Islands’ was published in 1979 by Stephen Murray Smith. Smith collated all of Canon Marcus Blake Brownriggs publications written for the Examiner on returning to Launceston after his annual visit to the Furneaux Group 1872 – 1875. Mission to the Islands’  includes the entire publication of Brownriggs book ‘Cruise of the Freak’. Smith also presents his researched preamble expanding information about the local identities Canon Brownrigg refers in his travels. The last chapter is about Ralph Plaice’s murder, as Tommy Rue’s mentioned in the Narratives.

I read the book when it was first published, and aware James Holt and  Collis families were part of our history – what’s interesting reading again after so many years and the recent family research, is I am able to recognise a lot more in the ‘Narratives’ allowing me to thread together more than just names.

Smith’s preamble on James Holt, concludes as I do, that James was born in 1852.

The first reference to our family history is 1875 – Brownrigg was not keen on the smells of the ‘birding industry’. Those born and raised in the Straits and lucky enough to experience ‘birding’, will relate to this extract with a smile………..it is unique!! The smell of the rookeries in my opinion, is predominantly ‘earthy’ and yet in a good way, subtly pungent. The production side is certainly not for the faint hearted, as you will glean in the following extract. Would love to hear others descriptions, please feel free to comment in box below.

‘Our first anchorage was at Little Dog Island; we brought up in a sandy bay about a hundred yards from Mr Holt’s huts. Here “birding”   operations were in full swing, and, despite a breach of good manners, we were compelled on landing to hold our handkerchiefs closely to our noses, for an aroma inconceivably intolerable and indescribable assailed us, and at first made breathing a semi-suffocative proceeding. Doubt less use is second nature, and those concerned in ” birding” become indifferent to the unavoidable perfumes attending it, but, to say the least, it tries a visitor, and we ourselves were not a-little tried. However, by keeping somewhat to wind ward of the establishment we experienced a sense of relief, and were then able to converse with our friends.’

1876 ……when I read the following extract all those years ago I was not aware Jimmy Holt owned the Elizabeth, I certainly do now!! The Pearl is also part of our history, and owned by Jimmy’s younger brother Johnny. I am not sure if he owned her in 1876, (need to check marine board records) Jimmy was helping out the ‘Pearl’ possibly his 20-year-old brother in a pickle……..the Pearl did a lifetime of work in the Straits with her owner Johnny Holt, trading out of Launceston. There are many stories about the ‘Pearl’ from Dad we are lucky to have the most magnificent photo of the ‘Coogee and Pearl’ when I get to the Holt brothers page.

‘One of the first objects that met our view on making the harbour was the unfortunate cutter Pearl as a wreck on  the rocks. To us, the special interest attaching to this vessel was the circumstance that she had been built expressly for the Furneaux Mission, though, so far  as I know to the contrary, never actually employed on that behalf. However, there she lay remarkably poised on a rock and likely to give some trouble before she can be got off and repaired. About two hours after anchoring at Cape Portland we were surprised by a hard blow from the eastward. The grassy bottom proved insecure holding for our anchor, hence we dragged; and so to prevent a stern board on to the reef under our lee we quickly lowered the dingy and laid out another anchor to windward, which held us fast. At noon, taking advantage of a lull we got in our anchors, and sailed the cutter into the inner harbour, where we found the cutter Elizabeth;’

The second extract from this year; (there are several but in particular) references Bishop Bromley staying overnight with Collis family.

‘Arrangements having been kindly made by Mr and Mrs Collis for the Bishop, his Lordship remained ashore allnight, and was rejoined by us in the morning (Sunday) in time for service.’ 

1881 Click on this link and you can read the entire article – for those not familiar with TROVE – double click on the actual article to enlarge. I corrected some of the text but it was going to take forever. I usually enjoy text correcting when hanging around airports, a job I can do rather than sitting around waiting, helps pass the time (quite quickly) in the ‘unlikely’ event of delays!!! This article references the Collis family on CBI, and also William Robinson/Holt in his boat the ‘Rosebud’ along with his BIL John Smith. William and John must have decided  Brownrigg’s activity was a high risk and as gentlemen, acted accordingly. Also reference to James Holt in the ‘Elizabeth’, Cannon Brownrigg fails to mention that shortly after being dropped back at G’town …..James returned with his beloved Emily and he married them at St Johns.

1882 (part1)

The following extract refers to James Willett and William Brown, both renowned boat builders in the Straits who assisted to fix the leaking ‘Franklin’. James Willett was Emily Holts BIL, he was married to her eldest sister. The Holts and Willetts were not only related but the greatest of friends. When James died his funeral left the home of James and Fanny Willett. Dad recalls his parents were also the greatest of friends with the Willett’s, his cousins.

‘An opportunity was now open to us of placing the Franklin on the beach , to ascertain and stop the cause of the her leakage. This was soon effected, in part by Mr Brown, and in part also by Mr J Willett, who kindly gave their time and labour free to our service. The benefit of their labour we have since enjoyed, and now thankfully acknowledge.’

1882 (part 2)

The following extract refers to Alfred Collis (abt 18) and younger brother to Emily (Edith her first child was born prematurely a few months after this visit), James and Emily had William and Ellen and their four children (William, Jessie, James and Phillip) staying with them, also Ellen’s ?brother Edward. Phillip Daniel ‘Boob’ Robinson was the infant baptised. I suspect they hadn’ been living at Badger Corner that long as Emily and her family were still living on Cape Barren when they married in 1881. Edie was born on Cape Barren as well. It’s these notes allowing us a glimpse of a close family – from other diaries I have read, James and Emily always had lots of visitors to their home. Interesting that Canon Brownrigg uses J. Robinson instead of Holt as he usually did, this was probably because he was aware of the correct name Robinson when he married James and Emily in 1881.

‘The heavy weather continuing all that  day detained us at Long Beach, and  induced us to find a refuge in the school-room for the night. I would here grate-fully acknowledge the kind and assiduous  attention we received from Mr and  Mrs Collis.’

‘Wednesday morning opened to us the  desired prospect of a run down the Sound. The wind was westerly and light, and at about 10 a.m. we got under way for Little Badger Corner. Previously,  however to starting, I visited the public school, and was satisfied with the  result. The attendance also during the past year showed a decided improvement. Not with standing the advantages of improvement and tide, our passage through the Sound was not so satisfactory as it might have been, but this was owing to detention  upon a sand-bank over which the depth of water was less than we had expected. We arrived, however just before ‘dark, and in the evening I had family prayer in the cottage occupied by Mr J. Robinson. The next day, leaving the Franklin at Badger Corner, I took a passage over to Big Dog Island in the Rosebud, as the navigation among the numerous sandbanks was well known to Edward Smith and Fred Collis, who offered me the passage in that boat. After visiting Mr Taylor at Big Dog we proceeded to Little Dog Island as Smith and Collis wanted to procure a few mutton birds for home use. Though there was no resident on the island I landed and accompanied Smith and Collis to their “birding.” The rookery the birds inhabit resembles rabbit warren. The soft ground is burrowed out in all directions among the tussocks of grass and the thin, covering over these holes often gives way-as it did frequently  in my own experience and lets one down knee deep. The mode of birding is very simple, but by no means free from danger, arising from snakes, which are occasionally found in the same hole with the bird. To procure the bird the arm is first bared, and then thrust in sometimes quite up to the armpit into the hole, and the bird is laid hold of. The young birds offer no resistance, but the old, bird does not hesitate to defend itself, and makes its presence felt by sharply driving its beak into the hand or arm of the capturer, and drawing blood. When dagged from its hole a jerk of the hand speedily kills the bird by breaking its neck. As the birds are collected they are fastened upon a pointed stick called a “spit”, which is pushed through their beaks and thirty birds makes a fair load to carry.Within a short time Collis and Smith had collected sixty, birds, and with the spoils returned to the boat, and sailed over to Badger Corner. At family prayer in the evening I baptised the infant child of Mr. W. Robinson making the ninth-time of administering that rite among the islands during this visit.’

1884 – this article my very favourite, describing a characteristic of Edie. I wish Brownrigg had mentioned her name but after re reading this article so many years later with a better understanding our family history, quickly identified the child as Edie, she was born prematurely and lucky to have survived, albeit she and her family had to adjust to life around her disability. You can read Edie’s story on her page under the heading Emily and Adeline. Emily had twins Tuck and King a few months after this visit.

‘At 2.30 p.m we started against a strongebb tide for Little Badger Corner, where we anchored for the night, and spent part of the evening ashore in the cottage of Mr.James Holt. It was here I witnessed the very novel performance of an infant, about fifteen months old, rocking itself to sleep in its own cradle. In the following manner was the deed performed. The little legs left free to act, the right one was first raised and thrown from side to side,whereby an oscillatory motion was imparted to the cradle. That limb being fatigued the left leg was then raised and moved in like manner, sustaining the motion which had thus been imparted to the cradle. Both limbs being tired, the feet were placed down, and the side to side action continued by the knees. All this the child managed for itself and then dropped off to sleep. My reference to this domestic incident will, I am sure, be pardoned, for this infantile proceeding is here looked upon as one of the phenomona of the islands. I doubt not, indeed, that many mothers elsewhere would be well pleased could their infants, in similar fashion, relieve them of the sometimes monotonous duty of cradle-rocking.’

1885 – reference to James Willett in the ‘Clarence’ and W Davey in the ‘Syren’, which would later be owned by William Robinson Holt.

‘At about 3.55 a.m. (March 1st) we got under way for the Heads. The morning was very cold, due principally to the keen fresh S.S.E . wind. During the previous few hours the sea had gone down very much, and as we approached the Tasmanian shore we entered calm water. Throughout  the day the wind was light and unsteady.  When about 22 miles from the Heads we met the cutter Clarence, bound for Flinders. Her master, Mr. J. Willett, sailed close alongside of us, and threw a parcel of letters and papers aboard. Later on we passed the Syren cutter, under the care of  W. Davey, bound for Barren Island. While glad to report the sighting of these vessels,  we felt that by their means the progress we had made would be conveyed to the friends  we had left among the islands.’  

Flinders Island……… November 2013

Posted on by under Collis - Henry and Hannah, Holt - Jimmy, Billy and Johnny, Robinson's and Briant's

It’s been a productive time following up more history, whilst here on Flinders, I have been here for 2 weeks and still one week left. Great discussions with Dad and other close relatives,  lucky to find a few more old family photo’s tucked away in other family collections. The Furneaux Museum had several old family photo’s I  fell in love with (Robinson & Collis) relevant permission requested to publish one or two of these photo’s,  approved and of course – to be referenced accordingly.

The Museum is operated by a dedicated group of fabulous volunteers, led by Dreen Lovegrove. A treasure trove of family and Island history and thoroughly recommended to all also looking for family histories – the family folders are sure to give up all sorts of information. Looking in other families folders can be a source of information as well. For instance I found in the Bowman family folder the diaries of Dan Bowman, notations of Tot Bowman and Louisa Holt (Robinson) 1916 travelling between each others homes. I am keen to go back to read in more detail, hopefully this weekend.

The current exhibition is about the early music in the Islands……….highly recommended to all visitors to the Island to explore this  comprehensive and talented journey regarding the Flinders and Cape Barren Islands musical history.

Thought I would share these pictures taken in the Trousers Point area this afternoon, the beaches are surely some of Tassies best kept secrets!!

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27 October 2013 – In loving memory of George Collis Robinson

Posted on by under Collis - Henry and Hannah, George Collis Robinson, Holt - Jimmy, Billy and Johnny, James & Emily Robinson

scan0067At 5.30am this day 96 years ago – George Collis Robinson passes away in the 2nd Canadian Clearing Station, Belgium he is 21 years of age, a lad from Badger Corner, Flinders Island, Tasmania.

George is buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery near where he died a few kilometres from Poperinge. George is my Great Uncle, the youngest brother of my Grandfather Horace.

Emily, James and family devastated and the impact on their health is obvious in Em’s letters to the AIF and again 1922 after the death of beloved Edie.

Emily and James notice of thanks in the Examiner December 1917………Holt not Robinson as no one would have known who George Robinson was, as only used for official documents.

1918 – Memorial notices first anniversary of George’s death…..again Holt.

Mary Holt (Nee Ackerman) – wife of George’s uncle Johnny memorial notice.

We are planning a family memorial service at Georges grave on the 100th anniversary of his death, and invite all members of the Robinson, Holt clan to join us. The idea started ANZAC day 2011 after reading the circumstances in which George was injured and the full extent of his injuries and his bravery – we decided we would plan this trip to remember George on behalf of Grandfather Horace, his parents and siblings. This will be our way of keeping his memory alive.

The Australian War Graves Commission has granted permission for this to happen on 27 October. Four years seems a long way off – however gives plenty of time to save up. To contact me you can leave a comment which will be private in the first instance and not published if requested.IMG_5426 IMG_5425

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26 October 1917

Posted on by under George Collis Robinson, Holt - Jimmy, Billy and Johnny, James & Emily Robinson

George was critically injured on the morning of 26 October  –  this day 96 years ago.

Reading the unit diary – there is mention of Pte Downing W who was killed. George and  Private Dicken noted as injured and evacuated, the diary is brief, the appendix, doesn’t offer any further explanation.

Reading George’s Red Cross file  ANZAC day 2011 was emotional to say the least, all we have ever known as far as family history goes is ‘George died from wounds’, reading the extent of his wounds and how he lay all day  in such perilous conditions was the start of  our plan to travel to George’s graveside in 2017. As Horace’s family, the decision was easy, to do what George’s family were unable in 1917.

George injured when a pill-box exploded, his injuries were compound fracture to both legs and his left arm including a head injuries, he was not rescued until later that evening under cover of darkness. He was transferred to the 2nd Canadian Clearing Station in the early hours Saturday 27th where he died at 5.30am. The one comfort in reading – he didn’t die alone in the  field.

Dan Bowman was close by as noted in one of the Red Cross letters, I should imagine he had a difficult time returning home without his sister Tot’s sweetheart, and his mate.

Private Nagle 5071 gives account as he was close by.

Robinson or Holt

Posted on by under Holt - Jimmy, Billy and Johnny, James & Emily Robinson, James Robinson date of birth

Another piece of verbal history – Jimmy Holt told his sons, when he was a lad he had experienced driving the stage-coach on a Launceston/Hobart leg, amazing. He had a very rough early life, spent a lot of time on the waterfront, where he learnt to fight (bare knuckles in those days, another story for later) his father (Samuel) was not a good person. His step father John Holt was the best thing that ever happened and as far as he was concerned was his father – hence the dilemma of the Robinson/Holt story. Emily  may have been (school teacher’s daughter) the force to keep ‘Robinson’ as seen on all official documents apart from his Masters ticket where he used Holt, (pre Emily, I suspect) even though they were informally known as Holt’s. The clue supporting the theory…… When Edie died, Emily received from the Royal Derwent Hospital a form called ‘particulars required for Registration of a Death’, information directly from Emily as follows, ‘Name and Surname (in full)  Edith Elizabeth Robinson (known as Holt)‘. ‘Born Cape Barren Island’. As I was reading the form in the history room, I noticed Emily wrote on the back of the form – reiterating……. ‘please note the deceased correct name is Robinson (not Holt)’. Mind you the hospital ignored Emily’s comments, as Edith Holt is the name on the council cemetery records.

It’s interesting to see William used Robinson and Holt or Robinson/Holt equally and then at some point Holt became official. John was that bit younger when his mother married John Holt, and used it officially from what I can see on all records. Dad tells another story about the day Jimmy Holt’s children officially decided to use Robinson………..  Horace and another brother had been in the Lady Barron store talking to the owner Billy Conder (as they often did), and they got talking about the name situation that they were known as Holt’s locally and Robinson officially. Apparently Billy Conder said among other things ‘if you were born a Robinson……. then you’re a Robinson‘  it seemed a unanimous vote by all the siblings to start using Robinson locally after this particular conversation with Billy Conder. Thank goodness it all got sorted then! The locals had great difficulty getting their heads around the new concept, and quickly adopted the saying when they saw Tuck out with his wife – here comes Tuck Holt and Mrs Robinson. You can still rely on the same Island humour these days!!

The wash up of the Robinson/Holt conundrum – John Holt’s family have always been Holt’s, James family the Robinson (Holt’s) and Williams family Holt (Robinson’s) …….go figure!!

Now back to Billy Conder –  his most famous saying was; ‘it’s on the boat’ this he used when anyone wanted to buy a product he didn’t or never had. Dad recalls his father and uncles from both sides of his family often using in jest! I imagine by all the locals as well. IMG_6031

James Robinson

Posted on by under Billy and Johnny, Holt - Jimmy, James & Emily Robinson, James Robinson date of birth, Little Dog Island

James Robinson or Jimmy Holt, either/or……..the same person, our Grandfather and Great Grandfather! He is well-known by the two names and I often use both. Dad only ever uses Jimmy Holt as this is the history handed down to him by his father Horace also known as Horace Holt for a fair period of his life. We only ever heard stories about Jimmy Holt and his mother was always Meg Youl. A decision to photo copy James Masters Mariners Ticket – along with a few other documents as Christmas gifts last year, evolved into our family research and hasn’t stopped since!!

The tricky subject of James birthdate –  what’s written on his Masters ticket and Masters application doesn’t fit  with the 1858 birth certificate. IMG_5247 IMG_5248 Naturally I thought this was Jimmy’s original ticket – all became clear in the Hobart History Room, finding it was a duplicate and reissued in 1891 and has fold marks, probably kept in his wallet. (The original (and duplicate) application and examination was signed by James Riddle, great-uncle of Bill Riddle Senior who bought the Robinson home at Badger Corner in 1930’s.) IMG_0063 References for these documents – certificate No 52.

This information is direct from Jimmy Holt himself……… birth date, place and address…… Little Dog Island in Badger Strait. (Interesting…… Badger Strait) The specifications of the Elizabeth (built by William Brown, Cape Barren Island) the other boats he had been employed on.

Thank you Jimmy for this information. When I first read like others before me, a son had been born in Georgetown  24/9/1858 to Samuel Robinson and Mary Devine, thought it possible the registrar (registered 6/10/1858) may have mis heard Dwyer and why we see Devine.

The baptism certificate for this same child on November 3rd 1858 states the child’s name was ‘David’ parents named as Samuel and Mary Robinson, no reference to maiden name. As the dates fitted this would suggest the child was James Robinson.

However when I was examining his Home Trade Ticket, the glaring inconsistency was DOB, 1851, the dates didn’t fit with his parents history. Was James was the eldest of the brothers not the youngest. Did Samuel Robinson have another son in Georgetown with another woman called Mary and possibly the crux of his sudden departure in January 1859.

A trip to Carr Villa to photograph the headstone.

James died in February he hadn’t turned 75, taking this into account he was born in 1851. IMG_5222

Elizabeth Prest’s Will names James first, although William and John are around the wrong way. Again James marriage certificate – states in 1881 he was 29 years of age, again 1851. There is a variable of 7 years working on 1851 and 1858. James applied for his Home Trade Ticket in January 1875 –  James Holt states he started working on the ‘Blackbird’ in 1866, making him 15 or 16 as a boy and worked for 8 years in the trade, bringing his age to 23. James and his mother Elizabeth Holt owned the ‘Elizabeth’. If he had been born in 1858 – he would have started working at 8 and applied for his masters ticket at the age of 16. In this case he would have become the Master of the ‘Blackbird’ when he was 10. My youngest nephew has just turned 10…… ludicrous to consider he could be employed as a Master or even as a boy at this age, (no offence, Will, I think your parents would agree). The book Mission to the Islands published by Stephen Murray Smith also supports the 1852 theory – Smith researched and presents information about the local identities from Cannon Brownrigg’s work.

The answer I suspect is with Meg his mother who arrived in the Colony in 1853. I wonder if James chose his brothers, did Meg leave 2 boys at the orphanage and 12 months later leave with 3 boys. Would love to hear other ideas about this……..

Meg Youl – a collector of names! (1)

Posted on by under Elizabeth and Thomas Prest/Youl, Holt - Jimmy, Billy and Johnny, James & Emily Robinson, James Robinson date of birth

Meg – a colourful character!!

Firstly…….Samuel Robinson – the oral history we have handed down is fairly grim. James was up front with his sons and used to say he was ‘no good’ and this was always strongly emphasised, still evident when Dad talks about Samuel. When the boys where very young they had a really rough life, really rough, and this can be seen by the time spent in the Orphanage. Between the three boys they had 37 children, Samuel was not a name afforded to any of their sons, whereas Elizabeth was used by the three sons for their daughters, clearly a statement!!

Secondly – How does James fit into the scheme if he was born in Hobart 1951 – an element of intrigue of our history!!

Thirdly – why did Mary Elizabeth Dwyer come to Launceston in the first place? What compelled this young woman of 23 to relocate the end of the earth in big old sailing ship as a free agent?? Did she follow a relative out here, maybe a convict parent or sibling, and is this where James fits in??

Imagine my surprise to see a picture of Meg in the William Robinson/Holt history folder at the Emita Museum when I visited two weeks ago.There is also a picture of John Holt her husband. I will revisit this when I go home in a few weeks………. rock on November.

Meg died in the house she rented from Catherine Prest at 37 York Street in Launceston – directly opposite my work place. 37 York St is now a private car park and I have for the past nine years walked past each day on my way to work. I often spare a thought for the times she must have also walked this same spot!

Bishop Montgomery June 1894 – Visit to the Furneaux Group.

Posted on by under Briant's, Collis - Henry and Hannah, Holt - Jimmy, Billy and Johnny, Robinson's and Briant's

Extracts from Bishop Montgomery – who also visited in 1893. On this 6 day visit (1894) Bishop Montgomery stayed with Dad’s maternal and paternal, grandparents and two sets of great grandparents that is  – Harry and Adeline (1&5), James and Emily (3&5), Henry and Hannah Collis  including the ‘Willetts’ Ed and Maria (1&3),(2), also his Great Uncle William and his wife (James brother)and Ellen (4) on Cape Barren.

‘Extracts’ from – CHURCH NEWS for the Diocese of Tasmania August 1894

VISITATION OF THE FURNEAUX ISLANDS JUNE,1894 –  Bishop Montgomery

1) ‘It was announced to the expectant public that the daughter of the school-house was to be married at 9.30 to Mr. Henry Briant, owner of the “Furneaux” cutter, and now a would be farmer on Flinders. It was also announced (with a fatal coincidence) that the bride and bridegroom were to set sail for their new home directly after the ceremony. It is needless to say that the church was crowded to witness the first marriage in the Church of Epiphany and to see the Bible given away which had been promised on the occasion’

‘The couple were made man and wife amid the solemn silence of the devout congregation. But once they were outside the church the scene became exciting. From the church door I beheld white clouds discharge themselves upon the devoted pair, and learnt it was rice.’

‘In about half-an-hour the bridegroom went to his ship to get under weigh. He soon returned, and his looks told us something was wrong. If the truth must be told, a band of youths was absent from the church, a band who had vowed that the happy pair should not depart until they had joined in an evening dance at the township. The cutter had lost her jib and staysail. The bridegrooms other boat had no rudder, and no peak halyards nor could searching discover them anywhere. Even if they had found the missing articles, I am told that it had been determined to drag the ship back to her anchorage, and good sailors were there by the dozen to make escape impossible. The two who were most concerned took the whole thing thoroughly well, and were greeted with a cheer when they confessed themselves beaten. The dance was held, and at 1030p.m., under a brilliant moon, the newly –married pair sailed away to Badger Corner.’

2) ‘Mr. Collis’ hospitable house was reached by 5p.m. another service of baptism followed, two children being brought forward.  Then, after a merry meal, we started for a moonlight walk to the old settlement of the aborigines, where Mr. Willett now resides. Family prayers were conducted in due time, and once more enlivened with the merry stories of our old schoolmaster friend we returned to his house, and I obtained a real bed to sleep in, a luxury we do not expect often in the Straits.’

3) ‘We had to fly before the wind to Badger Corner through the long channel south of the Flinders Peaks. Oilskins were now in requisition, and ere we reached our anchorage we were becalmed. The darkness was settling down upon us as we landed at Mr. James Holt’s, but I thought it best to push on at once to Mr. Stephens’ new farm, some two miles back in the bush. Through open flats and fantastic grass trees we splashed our way until the aspect of the country changed, and trees of good growth were reached. Here, near the confluence of two creeks, is Una Vale, the property of Mr. Stephens. Nor do I think I have ever heard of a more wonderful record of energy than that which was unfolded to me by Mr. Holt of the way in which, during a few week’s holiday, Mr. Stephens put up a four roomed house two miles from the sea, all the material being carried up, or wheeled up in a barrow, along a rough bush track. Even the iron for the roof was carried up on the heads of the girls of the family.’

4) ‘I have not yet alluded to the fishing company which came from Melbourne to Flinders with a steamer to take their fish to market. Its fate was not fortunate. The fish were plentiful enough, but the venture failed; and though I saw the spot where they camped the region is given up once more to the wallaby: it is to many miles from Badger Corner, but in the channel between the two great islands. One night at the township Mr. W. Holt threw his net a couple of times into the boat harbor, and we watched with interest the landing of between 30 and 40 dozen garfish-a feast of course for the whole community. And now that the works are done, there came over me the usual feeling of anxiety. When could I hope to get away?’

5) ‘At length we bethought ourselves of the bridegroom at his farm far away, and of his large cutter. Perhaps he would take us back to the mainland. So we departed once more for Badger Corner. That night Mr. James Holt fed us wallaby and gave us the best accommodation he possessed. I slept that night on six chairs, and slumber was sweet. The next day we tried our utmost to reach the school-house. The bridegroom left his bride and sailed the “Furneaux” to the best of his ability, and Charles Stephens ably seconded him, but we took 19 hours getting over 15 miles of sea. Anchored that night, and waiting for the tide to turn, I saw a sight, which made us explode with laughter. It was about 3 a.m., and bitterly cold. We had laid down in our clothes, prepared to sail at the first opportunity, and when I put my head up on deck I beheld Mr. Briant cowering over a fire-pot, and looking the picture of misery. So miserable was his appearance that there was nothing left to do but to woken the echoes on the dim shores hard by with laughter as I pointed to the “happy bridegroom.” Nothing could really have been more brutal, since it was I who had torn him from his home. But at length our day came, and on Friday, June 29. After six days of waiting (I hope of patience too), the “Furneaux” started for Cape Portland. In 4 ½ hours we were in the boat harbor of the Cape, and in a short time we too (my boy and I) presented ourselves to Mrs. Bowne’s as occupants for a lodging.’