Description Ladies on tintype

Four women posing for photograph while holding signs.  Woman in back row on left holds sign that reads Mellish Darwin. Woman in back row right hold sign Fraser.  Woman front left hold sign McKay and woman in front on right holds sign reading Gammell.

Writing on large sign in centre has been scratched out. 

Appears to be part of a birch tree in right corner with a hat? with letters GENE-