I am a new lister and new researcher (6 mths) but have just received copies of convict records for my ancestors, George CANNON and Mary Ann DEAN (which has opened a wonderful new door!) I am managing to read and make sense of them (surprisingly) but I have three areas that I’m stuck with. 1. Mary Ann’s Record states “… absent all nights without leave /Repd./ WF / May 1 1839 ….” What does the WF mean – there are two uses of this in the record. Is it just an initial of the recorder? George’s trade is listed as “House Lad and Tailor” – can anyone explain what a House Lad would have done? George received transportation for life for “ HBreaking” which is self- explanatory but also “denies being in prison before or transported before”. Was this denial an offence? Can SKP explain where would I look for other prison / transportation records? There are no other George CANNONS in the Tas records prior to this event. Any help would be much appreciated. For info, George and Mary Ann married in Tasmania, had six children (one of whom was my g-g-f and he died at the ripe old age of 84 in Launceston! Thanks in anticipation Greer Wilkinson Balhannah, SAust.