James Ferguson Galt Maitland

Story

James Ferguson Galt & Frances Magdalene Maitland (nee Chambers)

1913-1968 1914-1992

World War 11 had been over for a few years and life in Scotland was beginning to return to some degree of normality. At that time the Australian Government was advertising for skilled workers and put forward an immigration scheme, which allowed people to relocate to Australia for minimal cost.

The Maitland family enjoyed a fine Middle Class lifestyle in Penilee, Glasgow, Scotland close to family and friends. James was employed by Rolls Royce Ltd, Hillington, Glasgow as a skilled Metalworker in the job classification as a Capstan Setter Operator. Post war conditions and the cold climate had undoubtedly concerned James and his thoughts of a new life and better opportunities for his young family in another country was foremost in his mind. He considered the better climates and employment opportunities being advertised by both the Australian and Canadian Governments and following discussion with the family, he applied to migrate to Australia and so started a life far different from the one they had been used to.

James and Frances, with their two sons Denis and Ian, two daughters Rosina and Frances sailed from Tilbury England on the SS Otranto February 1951.

For the children it was an exciting adventure which was the beginning of a great experience. For the parents, especially Frances, who was the 3rd eldest of eleven children, it was very difficult for her leaving behind her Country, home, parent\’s, brothers and sisters as they were all very close.

James was one of four children. His father had died when he was very young and therefore he had been the one to help his mother and look after his brother\’s and sister. Leaving the family behind was also a difficult decision he had to make.

Their first sighting of Australia was the shores of WA. The Otranto docked at the Port of Freemantle on the 3rd April 1951. It was a beautiful day as most of the days had been in the 5 weeks of sailing.

While excitedly waiting to go ashore and explore this land of Australia, Frances noticed the children running around the docks were not wearing shoes. To her, this behavior was uncivilized and unacceptable. Her immediate reaction was to return home to Scotland. As far as she was concerned civilized people should wear shoes on their feet. Little was she aware of what cultural shocks were in store when the family would finally arrive in Sydney

The ship arrived in Sydney, April 1951 and they were met by an Australian Immigration delegate who advised them the hostel to which they were destined was not completed.They and 27 other British families were re-directed to a Migrant Camp at Kelso, near Bathurst. NSW.

The journey to Bathurst came as a culture shock, as they had left their homeland, spent six weeks on a luxurious ship and were then transported by an old steam train on a bitterly cold night, with no food or heating, to a remote place they knew nothing about. Arriving in Bathurst at 5 am, the families were bussed the 15 miles to the camp

Following 5 months of sufferance, living in the primitive and cold conditions presented at the Kelso camp, they were finally transported to the newly completed East Hills camp. For Frances and James, like many other immigrants at the Kelso Camp, the culture shock was great and the thoughts about their future in this country was of despair and not of the expectations as told to them by Australia House in London.

The nearest suburb to the hostel was Hammondville and the community of this suburb embraced the new migrants, organizing a ‘Welcome to Australia\’ party in their school hall. They provided transport, food, drink, music and friendship. It was one of the happiest memories for the Maitland family since their arrival in Australia. Due to the hospitality of the people of Hammondville, faith was restored in their expectations of a better life in Australia. Friendships formed on that day continue to affect their lives in one way or another.

Rosina , Ian, Denis and Frances, the children of James and Frances Maitland have no regrets in taking this journey. Scotland, the country from where they came will always be in their memories.

The lives of the Maitland children have taken different paths in this large country and together with their children and grand children proudly call Australia home.

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