WHERE WAS WILLIAM DREIER BORN?
William (Peter) Dreier was born in Barth, north of Hamburg in 1841. He realises his father’s dream for his life differs dramatically from his own. His fixation on sailing the world thrusts him into a new world at the age of 13. Leaving behind soirees for the sea, he endures mutiny and misadventure until the Dilkoosh calls at Adelaide, where he finds love, and gold at Ballarat. His restless heart finds a home in Tasmania where the Derwent satisfies his thirst for salt water, until he finds his haven in The Huon with Catherine Ellen Ashe.
WAS THOMAS ASHE A CONVICT?
Irishman and soldier, Thomas Ashe loves an audience and whiskey, and is part of the Rutland 58th Regiment guarding convict ships between England and Sydney. When sent to fight in the Māori Wars in 1847, Tom’s weaknesses collided, resulting in his becoming a convict himself, sentenced to 7 years hard labour in Hobarton (now Hobart). He navigates through the shoals of prudence, debauchery, chains, and timber-cutting, and earns an early pardon. He meets and marries Mary Madigan, and after years as a compositor and unreliable husband, gradually finds freedom from his addiction. Mary learns more than reading and writing, and the family flourish as they build a better future in the land of opportunity
WHERE DID JOHN HINCKS COME FROM?
Born in a Leicester workhouse in 1845, John Hincks finds constant poverty gruelling. Corah & Sons, the city’s almost exclusive employer navigates rising costs and industrialisation, resulting in terrible conditions for those ‘lucky’ enough to keep their jobs. Music helps to lift this family above daily struggles, especially the purchase of a flutina. Finally as a father of six sons and in a hopeless situation, John decides to replant the family in Australia, and departs on the Aberdeen in 1884. Settling in Stoney Steps in South Hobart, he finds unexpected friends and talents, helping him through the tragedies that follow him.
DID ERNEST HINCKS SETTLE IN HOBART?
Ernest is the youngest son of John and Selina Hincks, and arrives at Constitution Dock on the Arawa in 1891, resentful and damaged. Given the opportunity to build on latent talent, he becomes a master cabinet-maker.
He shares a joyous six months with brother Edmund travelling to Hill End looking for gold, and possibly, himself. Back home, his talents are recognised when he is offered a senior role in Coogans Furniture where he is able to apply his skills, innovation and sense of justice.
WHO WAS REG HINCKS?
When Reg was 8, his father carves him a model of the Steamer Cartela, cementing his love of the sea and attachment to boats generally. Born in 1914, at the beginning of the Great War, Reg grows up in a child’s paradise of freedom and plenty. As a youth, his favourite pastime is a run up Mount Wellington (Kunanyi). Playing the French Horn in a brass band, and teenage years spent at the local youth Guild provides lifelong friendships.
However tragedy strikes in his late teens, causing Reg to reassess. A WW2 looms, the band becomes an army band in 1939, and Reg joins the AMF. Expecting to serve in Rabaul, life takes another twist, and in 1942 Reg studies radar at Georges Heights as a Lieutenant in the AIF. There he meets Peggy Blanks who seems to love music as much as he does and they marry before the year is out.
DID REG HINCKS RETURN TO TASMANIA?
In October 1943, Reg takes the 207 Troop to Horn Island in the Torres Straits, considered the first point of defence of Australia. By war’s end, Reg is father to Barbara and Phillip, and after de-mobbing, lands a sales job in the electrical engineering company, H.G. Thornthwaite Pty Ltd. In Sydney. Laying down his life as a Tasmanian comes at huge personal cost.
The family embraces life on the Blue Mountains until they build a small home at Balgowlah Heights in 1953. As their children grow up, Reg copes with post-war pressures as well as great opportunities. Eventually he starts his own company, Tempress Controls, importing electrical industrial equipment.
When their children marry, (Barb and John Watt producing four children, and Phil and Sue Hincks, two,) Reg remembers the joy of carving children’s toys. He also rediscovers his faith, and love of tall ships. Singing, particularly The Messiah, distracts him from the growing difficulties of his marriage.
From outside, life looks increasingly successful, however Reg is lonely and unappreciated until a moment of restoration that recalibrates the family. The end of his life is as eventful as earlier years, and he remains strong and resourceful to his last days. Even his memorial service is uniquely ‘Reg’.
for each of the grandchildren. Regatta, January 2008