Dear Listers, I am seeking a little information on HORACE A. DIGNEY who was the first postmaster at Saratoga and ran a ferry in connection with the mail service. A petition was put forward by residents and land owners at "Mount Pleasant, Woy Woy" in November 1910 for a post office. The PM at Woy Woy reported that about 80 residents would take advantage of a post office there, and he recommended DIGNEY to be the postmaster. When the matter was being considered, petitioners were required to choose a designation other than "Mount Pleasant" and they suggested "New Brighton" or "Farnley" but these names were in use elsewhere in Australia at that time. In 1911 the thinking caps went on again and up came the suggestions "Saratoga, Marlepool, Harrogate, Grimston, Horaceville, Hawkesville and Loydville." Out of these the PMG considered "Saratoga, Marlepool and Grimston" (can you imagine the latter doing anything for tourism?). It is interesting to conjecture that some of these place names may have had something to do with the background of certain residents involved. However, a lady name LOYDSTROM ran a boarding house at that location. "Farnley" was evidently the name of a home at Mount Pleasant occupied by petitioner Alfred HAWKESWORTH of the Technical College, Sydney, and his wife. ..both he and DIGNEY wrote from that address. Finally, the name Saratoga was selected. DIGNEY would have to run a launch. Saratoga Receiving Office opened on 16 October 1911 in charge of Horace DIGNEY. This information has come from the Saratoga Post Office History. The wharves were at New Brighton and Mt Pleasant. I have been told by a gentleman in his 90s that HORACE DIGNEY was an Englishman. In connection with my research into Brisbane Water and Tuggerah Lakes ferries, I am keen to obtain a photo of Mr DIGNEY and his launch, or either, and would be delighted if anyone can help please. For that matter, with any other local ferry pictures. Best wishes to all, Gwen