Hi Eric, Thanks for the tip about Clifton Hill. It all makes sense. The registration you found could be Clarkin though I first read the name as Ch... I am also dubious as his wife had four chilren after this time (the last 3 in Bunyip). I know that was not a unique event but often the registrar picked up that small anomaly of an absent 'father' and the registration reflected that. I will just have to get to the PRO soon. A curse on school holidays! I will have to wait til next week! Jenny