John Batman

I have finished reading the John Batman biography and how he started Melbourne by buying land from the locals with tools and a promise of yearly rent. This was never recognized by the authorities.  I never knew that this story spread wider than Melbourne. He landed at Indented Head and wandered all over the Bellarine Peninsula checking out Geelong as well.  I noted the references to Newcomb and Drysdale throughout this book.  He brought Miss Caroline Newcomb with him from Tasmania as governess to his 7 daughters.  She did not stay long. She formed a partnership with Miss Anne Drysdale and they went to Geelong and took over the whole Bellarine peninsula.  I have ordered a book which publishes Anne Drysdale'a diary. Four of the five volumes have survived and are edited by Bev Roberts.

Every one in Melbourne should know this story.