Patricia Bates, Pat - I am replying on the List to your message because I feel that the subject could be of wide interest. I have not been able to locate a photograph of your ancestor John Bates, but there is a reference to him in "The Changing Years" - an excellent publication by Joiyce Erbs and Marie Nation (1972) - a History of the Hill End, Willow Grove & Fumina South Districts. You may have already seen the book. On page 2 is shown a sketch of the three early "runs" - Hill End, Tangil Hills and Red Grass Hills. On page 2-3, it is stated: "Throughout a period of 24 years, the three runs were leased by many different people, until Red Hills was abandoned in 1872 as being uneconomic. The other two continued (reduced in size) for some years after that - Tangil Hills being confined to the area bounded by the Tangil and Latrobe Rivers and the Tanjil Track (now River Connection Road. Some time before 1860 a homestead was built on Tangil Hills, on a rise overlooking the Tanjil River, at what is now Tanjil South . . . A hundred years ago, Hill End was occupioed by David O'Shea, and Tangil Hills by John Bates. Gold prospectors were very active all through the area, but mainly around Russell's Creek and Tanjil . . " Sadly, Joyce Erbs (my much-loved youngest sister) has since passed away, but Mrs Marie Nation or another member of the Centenary Committee might be able to locate a photo of John Bates or a member of his famil y.. Walter Savige, Melbourne