MALTESE MIGRANTS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6543, 27 February 1928, Page 9

MALTESE MIGRANTS

XX AUSTRALIA. OFFICIAL REPORT. A vigour ous defence of tho Maltese as a desirable emigrant is made in the last annual report of the Superintcn--1 dent of Emigration In Malta (Profes- ■ sor Bartolo), says the Sydney ‘Morn--1 ing Herald.’ In outlining a scheme preparing ! young Maltest prior to emigrating ; overseas, the report states that, from 1 the point of view of physique, moral character, and trade ability, the Mai--1 teso was in every way the best emigration material that was at present 1 leaving any country, “It is the cream 1 of the land,” the report states, "each man being selected out of hundreds 1 of applicants anxiously. seeking well- ■ paid work, men comparable to the ■ pioneers of early emigration days.” Reference to tho difficulties en--1 countered by Maltese in Australia is 1 made in the report, the principal rea- ' son being attributed .to tho Maltese lack of knowledge of the English language. Is it strange, therefore," itho report continues, “that in spite of their British pass-ports and other firstclass credentials, they are' often mistaken for foreigners, and treated ; as such? For it is inconceivable to the ordinary-minded Australian that a Britisher, as tho Maltese undoubtedly is, can be Ignorant of the language ’iof tho Mother Country. The Maltese settlors in Australia, whose number is not Inconsiderable, are clamoring and have a right to claim that someone should, on the spot. look after their interests. Recent events have accentuated thair critical ■ position, any they go clearly to show-that .half-measures oan no longer meet the case, and that If wo are to maintain at all our foothold l in Australia and our prestige, and if our movement is [not to be entirely destroyed, the apIpointmont of Maltese representatives j and especially of Maltese priests, can no longer bo delayed. | As well as indicating tho precautions taken to ensure that only fit and able-bodied men are Allowed to emigrate, the report outlines the efforts that are being made by the Maltese Emigration Department to fit ml 'grants for settlement overseas, and emphasises the need for educating and training them in technical and artisan occupations.