p181

. . . one of the fishing-camps close to the early convict settlement, Ned Gillot occupied a small hut, one of a group of sheds held precariously together with sheets of rusty iron . . .

The ‘early convict settlement’ is clearly a reference to David Collins’ short lived 1803 Settlement at Sullivan Bay, between the Eastern and Western Sister.

John Watson

John Watson (1831 – 1906) came to Portsea from Banff, Scotland, where his family had fished for generations, some time in the 1860’s. He married Dennis Sullivan’s granddaughter Annie Maria Sullivan (1843 -1928) in March 1868.

John Watson originally fished from Point Franklin, but was ‘bought out’ by the Government in 1880 in order to build Fort Franklin. He moved a house from Point Franklin to land he purchased on the corner of St. Pauls road (now known as Franklin House) and moved his fishing operations to where the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club is now located. His lookout was on the Western Sister.

p183

. . . “Got a bit more stake-fixing to do yet,” said one of the three brothers — Jack, Harry and Bill Watsey — who were sons of the original camp lessee . . .

John and Annie Watson had eleven children.

Their first son was Henry “Harry” Watson (1871-1922) next was David Watson (1876 -1925) the third son was John Thomas “Jack” Watson (1877- 1953) all these were fishermen. Finally came William James “Willie” Watson (1881 -1948).

p185

. . . Wopper turned to Ned and was alarmed to observe that there was evidence of fatigue in both his face and slackened body.

“You are too old to be struggling with that net. I advise you to take things easy in the future and, if you are agreeable, I will have a comfortable bungalow erected in the grounds of my house where you can rest . . .

Here is a possible clue to the basis for both Wopper and Ned Gillot.

p186

. . . I have pleasure in announcing that Coppin called on me with the information that your old soaks will be received at a pioneers’ hostel next Saturday . . .

See Chapter 11 for information on the Colonists Homes HERE.

We have been unable to find a record of any ‘Old Colonists Homes’ going to residents of Sorrento.