[I have taken the liberty of editing what Google Translate has done to an article which Karolis Prašmutas wrote for Mūsų Pastogė in December 1972, to commemorate 25 years since the Lithuanians on the First Transport reached Australia. I trust that the Prašmutai and anyone else who understands the Lithuanian language either forgives me or quietly provides corrections.
Did Karolis write a commemoration? He finished with an important question, but it seems that subsequent generations and new arrivals from the old country have answered it positively for him. The same applies to the continuation of the Latvian and Estonian communities in Australia.
What I find particularly interesting about this article is that it starts with Karolis acknowledging that the First Transport was an experiment. The composition of future migration intakes depended very much on how Australians greeted the first group. We are blessed that the welcome was warm, changing the face of Australia in the 78 years since. Ann]
WE LITHUANIANS ARE STILL ALIVE
A group of Lithuanians left the shores of old Europe from Bremerhaven 25 years ago. The then Australian government admitted the first immigrants (political refugees) exclusively as a pilot group for the implementation of a further immigration program.
Since Australia, like other countries, had many economic difficulties after the War, and there was a particularly large shortage of residences, the first group of Lithuanians (and all Baltics) was selected from unmarried people. It was easier to deal with residential issues for this group.
In the Lithuanian group, the number of women was very irrational in relation to men, but the Lithuanian men remained Lithuanian men and the majority created Lithuanian families, which still speak Lithuanian today. The shores of Australia were reached on 28 November 1947.
After visiting Western Australia, we had to sail further east to Melbourne on the semi-invalid Australian ship Kanimbla. In the port of Melbourne we were personally met by the then Minister of Immigration, Mr. Arthur Calwell.
Although Mr. Calwell welcomed us quite warmly and the sun was scorching hot, the Australian land was cold for every Lithuanian and held an uncertain future, even more so since the leftist working class of Australia opposed the “Balts”.
In military terms, the First Transport group was supposed to create a bridgehead for further and more numerous compatriots to move to Australia. The aforementioned bridgehead of the First Transport was successfully completed, as a result of which a considerable number of Lithuanians settled in Australia. Is this how it was all supposed to end?
No, just as an army unit, having moved across a river or other natural barriers, having accomplished its task, never withdraws from the battle, but even more actively joins the main group for further campaigns.
Also in this case, the first Lithuanian group, even after 25 years, has not been melted by the merciless environment, but has remained distinct and unique. Undoubtedly, some of them have gone to the Other Side, some have become indifferent to everything, closing themselves like chickens in an egg, but a large percentage today are still steadfast in Lithuanian work.
They understand their task, what was required of them 25 years ago, when our national leaders sending them overseas repeated, remember that you were born Lithuanians and remain so, even if cruel winds blow you about, do not rest, work for the Freedom of the Nation, because you have lost that freedom and no one will give it to you as a gift.
Those words still ring in our ears today, although they touched our eardrums long, long ago. Here we recall only the participants of the First Transport of Victoria (because I do not know about other States), whose names are always mentioned in Lithuanian activities, or in preparations.
Today passengers on the First Transport belong to or lead several national activities boards and organizations. Here they are: Mrs Viltis Kružienė, Kazys Mieldažys, Povilas Baltutis, Vytautas Šalkūnas, Napoleonas Butkūnas, Karolis Prašmutas, Romas Ragauskas, Juozas Keblys and Petras Morkūnas.
Although they are not tired after 25 years and do not complain about their heavy contribution to national activities, for how long? And where are the others? First Transport colleagues themselves should answer that question.
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| Click on the original article to read a more legible version Source: Mūsų Pastogė |
