Becke, Louis: - "Lewis Becke (18 June 1855 - 18 February 1913) was the most prolific, important, and widely famous Australian-born writer from the South Pacific. Becke spent about twenty years living and working on the Pacific Islands as a trader, ship's supercargo, and villager. He learned languages and observed natural and cultural life. J. F. Archibald of The Bulletin encouraged him to write about his experiences, and he went on to become a well-known and respected author of short stories, novellas, novels, and historical and ethnographic works. Fred Becke was Clerk of Petty Sessions, and Caroline Matilda, née Beilby, was his wife. Becke was born in Port Macquarie, New South Wales. They were both born in England. Becke was the ninth of twelve children. As a child, he liked walking along the beaches and rocky outcroppings in his area, often with Aboriginal Australians, and sailing in the nearby seas much more than going to school. But in 1867, the family moved to Hunters Hill, Sydney. Becke went to Fort Street High School to learn more, but he still liked to fish more."