Does anyone have any info on what involvement Charles James had with the construction of the railway from Melbourne to Gippsland. Not sure what section or during what period of time but have heard his involvement was quite senior - possibly as a principal or senior civil engineer ? Charles was born in Melbourne 1846 to George James and Elizabeth Maria Beale. George James evidently came from England, was married in 1840 in Melbourne where he was successful in business, went to England in mid1850s and died there at his home overlooking Southampton in 1877. Charles' older siblings were Catherine Ann, Isabella & George and his younger siblings were John Hall, Henry, Edward, Elizabeth Maria, Edwin, Walter & Robert Young (my grandfather). He established a home "Ridgeway" overlooking Lady Bay of Lake Victoria several miles by water to the southwest of Paynesville (now owned by the Stringer family). Charles and his wife Catherine had children Catherine Annie (a talented painter in watercolour and oils), Charlotte Elizabeth (a competent painter), Helen Maude (Nellie), Charles Young (Buff), Madeline Isabella Ethel (Mal), George DeCourcey, John Stanley, Robert Henry (died of wounds in France WW1) and Edwin Halliburton. Many of both generations lived in the Paynesville - Forge Creek - Bairnsdale area and a number of them are buried in an isolated corner of the Paynesville Cemetery. I am interested to find out more about Charles James' involvement with the railway or any good clues on where best to search for that and will greatly appreciate any help. I have other info about this family which I am more than happy to share if you care to contact me by e-mail. Bryan James, born Eagle Point, lived there then Paynesville but Bairnsdale for last 30 years.