Immigrants

 I have just finished reading a book called The Ten Pound Fare.

It is full of interviews and analysis of the British people who took advantage of this offer to emigrate to Australia after World War Two. While some saw it as the opportunity to take a 2 year working holiday, many stayed and made a life for themselves in Australia. Yet some were desperately unhappy and returned home as soon as the two years were up, others even sooner as they could not fit into the relaxed way of life in their new country. One theme which ran through the book was the number of women who failed to settle as they missed their Mum. I have always been quite bemused by the way British women cling to their mothers, often ringing or visiting them several times daily. Perhaps they have never understood the 'leave and cleave' scenario. While of course family is important somehow the British take it to extreme lengths. Many of the men in this story were very happy in Australia and had good jobs but were persuaded to go home by their spouse.                                           

I think the fact they were treated well on the ships out and then ended up in either hostels or rental accommodation until they found employment made it much harder for many of them. One has to wonder if they truly understood the advantages of living in a country desperate for new citizens following the war. 

My father emigrated from Manchester to New Zealand in the 1930's. I imagine he had to pay his own fare but as he left without telling anyone where he was going it must have taken some great courage to travel to the other end of the world not knowing what the outcome would be.                                                              

I highly recommend this short book for a look into a part of history many have forgotten.