Hi Maureen I have been following your articles forever, and truly appreciate your effort. However, I was wondering if you had access to articles around the 1889 - 1890 era? The reason I ask is this: Marcella Ada HAYES (my maternal ggrandmother) was born in Windsor in 1869 to James HAYES and Mary Ann GALLAGHER. I know they never left the district, but I have never found anything on Marcella for the time leading up to her marriage. Franz HELMRICH arrived in Sydney on the "KAISER WILHELM" when it berthed 29Nov1889. He married Marcella 11Oct1890 - just 10 months later, but their first baby was born 04Mar1891 - thus if baby is full term, would say they knew each other by June 1890 (within 7 months of his arrival). So that limits my time span to 7 months from 29Nov1889.... How did they meet, when Marcella was in the Windsor area, and Franz was a musician in the Sydney area? Did one of the Sydney orchestras play in the Windsor area between 29Nov1889 and Jun1990? Did Marcella travel to Sydney to attend one of the recitals? >From your transcripts, I would think that you had a good understanding of the early life of the area, and might have some knowledge of whether the young women left the Widnsor area to work in the Sydney area, or even perhaps, Rookwood area. How far would Rookwood have been in travel time from Sydney or Windsor? Indeed, he may not have been with an orchestra. His marriage certificates cites his occupation as - Teacher, Age 24 of Sydney (music teacher?) (and she was unemployed) In 1896, he is a Farmer, Age 30 of Freemans Reach whilst In 1903, he is a Superintendent Life Assurance Co., of `Norwood' Doris St, N Syd However, I know that he played with various orchestras in Sydney, and was one of their solo violinist. (principal violinist - as was his sons in future years). But for now, my query realtes to how these two people would have meet in the time and districts that they resided. Any help appreciated. Lorrae Glenore Grove Qld 4342 http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=helmrich

Hi Lorrae, I found a few references to some HAYES in the Gaztte. Not sure if they're yours, but just in case. Sorry I've taken so long to reply. Cheers, Maureen Windsor & Richmond Gazette, Saturday, March 24, 1900, page 9 Local Land Court - Homestead Selections At the last sitting of the Local Land Board the following cases were dealt with:- George HAYES, 60 ac. 1 rd. 20 per. confirmed Caleb Donald HAYES, 45½ ac. confirmed Windsor & Richmond Gazette, Saturday, March 31, 1900, page 11 WILBERFORCE An afternoon's horse racing took place in Hall's paddock on Saturday. The attendance was not large, and there were very few gee-gees present. No doubt the parade of the Lancers at Clarenden had something to do with this. The first event was a race for a bridle, which was easily won by Robinson's Wombo, with R. Reynold's mount 2nd, and H. Simpson's grey 3rd. Alf Robinson rode the favourite, a brown moke, and could have won had all the other horses fallen, providing he got past the post before any of them got on their pins again. The second race was won by Mr. D. HAYES' Gipsy. Mr. R. Eggleston's Jack, second, and Mr. Cross' Miss Trick 3rd. A match between Jack and Miss Trick was won by the former, ridden by Charlie Norris. A "bob" sweep, in which there were seven or eight starters, was pulled off by G. Greentree's Tormenter. > >