Mum is 96 years old and her memory does match her age, but she does remember well her father and his Sydney-based work on the coastal freighters.

Her father was Alfred George Selmes, who was born in 1886 in Gunning. His father was Henry Selmes, born at 'Springfield' in Wheeo in 1844, and his mother, Christina Fraser of Bungonia.

Her great grandparents were James Selmes and Maria Cook, and great great grandparents Jesse Selmes and Ann Gurr.

It seems that Alfred's family struck hard times during depression and the diphtheria outbreak, and records show that his mother and a sister died from diphtheria.

He was one of nine children, and at the age of eight was sent to the Sobraon, a training ship for boys moored in Sydney Harbour at Cockatoo Island.

From there, at age 11, he was moved to a farm on the Hawkesbury River, and later became an engineer on coastal freighters.

Apparently his ship was one to bring the first load of granite to the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

All of Alfred's four children stayed in Sydney.

Mum is the only remaining child of Alfred and his wife Matilda (Tilly). She was named after her aunt Ellen and grandmother Christina, who sadly both died from diphtheria in 1893, just before Alfred was sent to the Sobraon, a terrible time for all.

It would be wonderful to make contact with family members, given such a strong connection and history in the Goulburn and Wheeo areas, and especially so for Mum to hear about some of her father's relatives. She is unable to travel now, but as Alfred's granddaughter I would like to meet anyone who is interested in this family history, and to involve her in any way possible.

I can be contacted by email (shazmac@aapt.net.au) or mobile phone   (0417 454 618) and am very hopeful that this letter will result in some new family connections for me and for Ellen, especially as it seems that she is the last of her generation and will turn 97 next week.

Sharyn McGuire, Sydney.