Should have done this with my first post, just in case you have had no success with TROVE.
Zhis is a synopsis of James Ballard death notice, published in the Launceston Examiner Thurs, 17 June 1897.
"Yesterday morning, Mr. James Ballard, a resident of this city for over 50 years expired at his residence, George Street, at the ripe old age of 82. Mr Ballard when a young man served in her Majesty's navy and came to Hobart in a man-of-war vessel, which he left at that port, and immediately moved to Launceston.
Deceased started a business as a basket manufacturer in York Street, He was one of the first members of St. John's Friendly Society.. Deceased married 47 years ago and leaves a widow and family of eight. There are five daughters and three sons, all of whom are married some reiding in the other colonies."
Incidentally his Will is available on line at the AoT Name Indexes data base. It is also of great interest.