Person:Alfred Robinson (6)

In "The Robinson Saga, Notes for an Exhibition in the State Library of Tasmania", 30 June 1978, Sir William Crowther writes:

"Alfred Bingley Robinson, who was born in Hobart on September 12th 1851, was the second son of James William Robinson. As in the case of his father, his maritime career began early, when he voyaged twice to California and other parts of the world with his parents, before reaching school age. He was educated at the State School at Battery Point under Inspector James Rule, and also at the schools of Messrs Ireland and Carraway.

"In 1865 James W. Robinson and his family proceeded in the barque "Isabella" to Lady Elliott Island where Captain Robinson was to superintend the guano workings. On April 27th 1865, the ship "Golden City", Houlder Brothers and Co. of London, arrived to load guano for England. A. B. Robinson was to join as an ordinary seaman, but the plan was abandoned when the "Golden City" drove ashore on July 10th 1865, and was totally wrecked. Captain J. W. Robinson, with encouragement from the Queensland Government erected a light on the island for the benefit of shipping entering the Capricorn Channel. On August 14th 1866 the light was exhibited on Lady Elliott Island for the first time under Lighthouse Regulations, and Alfred Robinson was the first keeper. He was in charge of the light and maintained it until he left for Hobart with his family on the "Isabella" in September 1867.

"Between 1868 and 1871 Alfred Robinson sailed with his father and brothers on successful whaling voyages in the barque "Othello". He served first as a seaman and boatsteerer and by 1872 had qualified as a navigating officer and sailing master, in which capacity he sailed on a whaling voyage in the barque "Emily Downing", Captain McGregor. In May 1875 he became master of the brig "Velocity" and sailed for Dr W. L. Crowther on an unlucky whaling voyage to the northern grounds.

"Alfred Robinson then gave up whaling, and for the next decade worked for Mr Alexander McGregor on the Intercolonial Merchant Service. During this time he served in many vessels including the barques "Island City", "Nautilus", "Lady Emma", "Kassa" and "Ethel"; the brigs "Maid of Erin" and "Fairy Rock", and the schooner "Malcolm". His work included acting as storeman, shipping and tally clerk and temporary master and occasionally overlooking the fitting out and shipping the firm's vessels.

"After A. B. Robinson was discharged from Mr McGregor's employ, he joined the Lighthouse Service in October 1898. He became a superintendent, first of the Eddystone Lighthouse, and later of those at Goose Island, Kent Group, Mersey Bluff, and Low Head. Captain Alfred Robinson retired at the end of World War 1, and afterwards lived quietly with his wife and family in Launceston. He died in 1834 aged 83."

Crowther lists his references as:

• Mercury, October 13th 1934.
• Ms. letter from Captain A. B. Robinson to W. E. L. Crowther dated 15th October 1928.