Hi Kellie,
Re... "EDIT. apart from the assumption that Joseph fathered William (which I do think the HOLMES birth may be incorrect) what makes us think Joseph was in England?"
That is a good question that you pose.
Without a certificate, to prove the birth place of Joseph HOLMES, it becomes just an assumption.
I have asked Jean if she has purchased the 1882, or 1884, NSW birth certs, of Joseph and Harriett HOLMES', children.
That should provide info, on the age of Joseph HOLMES and his birthplace, and occupation.
This marriage below, posted by Debra, (on RootsChat), on 6 March 1876, matched, for Joseph HOLMES, who we know had a father of Samuel HOLMES, as per the October 1884 Newcastle death notices in the paper.
https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NXY6-782So yes, you are correct, that we are just assuming, that Joseph HOLMES came from England.
The Kalgoorlie death, in Aug 1900, of Joseph HOLMES, I am assuming was registered by someone, not familiar with his background, as father is Unknown and mother is Unknown. Maybe, they just guessed his age, as 35yo.
Mary