Dear Listers, Many thanks to Trish, Wynette, Ainslie and Mike for their excellent help in regard to my query about a female convict who was charged with 'being on her own hands'. For those who are interested, I think Mike's reply explains it nicely: The phrase "on (or upon) one's own hands" meant that a convict could work for his own benefit or interest, rather than working in public or private service. [You could perhaps translate the term to - their destiny/life was "in their own hands".] The term is first officially recorded in 1801 when it was actually forbidden for prisoners assigned to settlers to work "on their own hands". Settlers who hired out prisoners assigned to them, or allowed them to work for themselves (and thereby pay for their upkeep}, were required to return said prisoners to barracks forthwith. [ref. Government and General Orders]. In Tasmania, all female prisoners who were not assigned and were allowed to work "on their own hands" had to have a regular ticket-of-leave. A notice was published detailing the conditions and the method of obtaining the ticket. Women who failed to gain the necessary ticket would be ordered into Government employ. The system was tightened up later and became more regulated. [ref. Hobart Town Gazette, 3 Jan 1818] So, I believe the situation is that Elizabeth WICKS (Brothers, 1824) was charged with 'being on her own hands' (that is, working for herself) in July 1830 because she didn't yet have her ticket of leave. (It wasn't granted to her until October 1830). And that's why she was ordered to be kept under police surveillance. Thanks again to all who responded. Best wishes, Don Bradmore, Central Victoria.