On 10/05/2012 5:11 PM, Leith Davis wrote: > I live in the Nowra area, and before and advent of computers and the > centralisation of records, to apply for a birth certificate I went > along to our local courthouse, where the clerk lifted down a large > register (bound book) from the shelf, with a handwritten entry for my > birth registration, complete with my father's signature - A fine logical system!! I assume you were born in the Nowra 2541 area. Howdy neighbour, I live just uphill from you at Bundanoon 2578. Yes centralisation has a serious downside. But my research project is centred on Grafton/ Casino, s trip too far!! Thanks Leith. Good name. Been there! a seaport near Cockenzie on the Firth of Forth. ALISTAIR CAMERON