Many thanks for all the responses. Looks like I will start over and try again!.
Rather not say which supplier because it may well be me at fault and not their seeds and so it wouldn't be fair to mention their name.
I understand fully that Auto's can be 'picky' with the whole outside growing thing. Have a friend who has given me some photoperiod seeds and so will try with them along with some more auto's from same supplier but different brand.
I didn't realize the type of soil could be an issue!. First off I used 'ordinary' off the shelf stuff (photo attached). My mistake here....I think....is I should have added a decent amount of Perlite to this soil?. I realize also that last time I grew I had access to bags of soil that were specifically designed for cannabis. Seems I have to be a little more inventive now!. Yesterday I got a bag of 'Rose soil' from the local agri to try. From what I gather after reading these forum suggestions is that this 'rose' soil would probably be way too rich in nutrients?.
When I propergated my first 6 auto's they went straight into the big pots as I knew they don't like to be transplanted. They popped no problem then a day after we had a rain storm and the soil was drenched even though there is drainage the soil remained wet in my pots for too long!.
I have some photoperiods germinating now. The weather has stabilized. Will use normal potting soil with perlite mixed in (+/-35%). Will start photoperiods in small containers and try auto's again straight into finishing pot.
Happy days,.....live and learn.....never give up, OR , there's always the rasta on a corner somewhere.
Will post an update on progress OR lack of.