The mass migration of the Maltese people during the late 19th to mid 20th century has been both a significant and major phase towards Malta's layered past. As a consequence of increased population, unemployment and political unrest, the Maltese islands experienced the exodus of thousands of families and individuals. Many travelled to distant lands such as Australia which, like America, Canada and the United Kingdom had opened its doors to migrants who were in search of a better life. As a result of this mass departure, a strong affiliation between Malta and Australia was established. Australia looked towards Malta for skilled labour in agriculture and construction whilst Malta saw an opportunity to relieve the Islands of over population and unemployment.

To assist inform prospective migrants of the living standards, conditions and employment opportunities within Australia, an Emigration Committee was established in Malta on the 21st January 1919. The Committee had been inactive since the outbreak of WWI however the demand saw this organisation re-establish itself in an attempt to assist potential migrants. In the same year, the Emigration Bureau in Malta was also established and ran parallel to the Committee. The Bureau provided literacy tests, health certificates and examination for Maltese migrants wanting to visit other countries. In an attempt to assist these migrants enter into these countries, the Emigration Committee commenced free evening classes. Two levels of education were introduced. The first level, was for people who were illiterate and the second was for those who knew how to read and write but wanted to improve their English. By March 31st 1920, the evening classes were being controlled under the direction of the Elementary Schools Department instead of the Emigration Committee. Although many at first took advantage of the free evening classes, numbers gradually decreased and by 1921 the courses had been discontinued (1).

A scheme, thought to have occurred between these two countries during the 1920s, was the transportation to Malta of an Australian prefabricated wooden bungalow. It was envisaged that this bungalow would greatly assist train potential migrants wishing to work in Australia in the techniques and methods used in building and construction. Situated within the grounds of the Migrants Training Centre, the bungalow was constructed at the private Bugeja Technical Institute (Insituto Tecnico Bugeja) in Hamrun. Opened in 1928, the Migrants Training Centre was established to train migrants in skills which were sought in countries like Australia such as: colloquial English, rough carpentry, basic bricklaying, reinforced concrete, construction of buildings, scaffolding, bush and garden fencing, and general knowledge (2) (3). By June 1929, 137 trainees had passed through the training centre, 39 of which went to Australia.

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By 1930 however, the Migrants Training Centre had been transferred to the Government Experimental Farm in Ghammieri. Although the Experimental Farm was not fully operational until 1938, the area delegated for the training centre was equipped to receive students. With the transfer of the Migrants Training Centre to Ghammieri, came the relocation of the Australian bungalow (4). The Acting Minister for Emigration, Hon. Robert. E. Hamilton mentioned in the Parliamentary Debates Official Reports for 1930; …"Since the opening of the Migrants Training Centre at Hamrun [Ghammieri] only one wooden bungalow was erected (still unfinished) as, the aim in training is not so much to build huts as to demonstrate how it should be done. Very often for economy's sake a hut which was half built during a course is again pulled down to be re-erected by the trainees at the next course with the very same material" (5).

In addition to this, the Minster for Agriculture Dr. Guiseppe Micallef stated in the Parliamentary Debates Official Reports 1932-33, the following about the Bungalow and surrounding grounds:
" When the Training Centre was transferred from the Instiuto Tecnico Bugeja to Tal Hammieri [Ghammieri] a portion of the land adjoining that of the Experimental Farm was allotted to the Centre… and when the Centre was moved to Tal Hammieri [Ghammieri] this house [bungalow] had to be erected in the open as there was no room for it indoors. This Australian building was used as a showroom for Australian photographs, implements, literature etc. and the trainees had full use of it. While the roof of the large classroom was being reconstructed and other repairs were being carried out last winter the officer who is in charge of the Training Centre moved temporarily into this Australian model house. …Around the Australian House a small garden was laid out; this was necessary on account of the way in which it is built, on piles driven in the ground, also in order to give a more complete idea of the Australian atmosphere…With the exception of a small plot of ground in front of the newly constructed wooden Bungalow, which is laid out as flower-beds, and of a small strip of land cultivated by the watchman, as vegetable garden, all the land has never been tilled" (6)

The first year of operation at the Ghammieri Government Experimental Farm, saw the Migrant Training Centre admit twenty hopeful migrants. The requirement for people to participate within the course included that "they had to be physically fit, of good character, and in all other respects suitable for the life they will lead in Australia". During the course students received approximately10s/- a week towards expenses, out of which, they forfeited 2s/- for each day of absence (7).

Over 70 years have past since the Australian prefabricated bungalow arrived in Malta. Although the structure is in a more fragile state and has undergone numerous alterations, the building still survives within the Government Experimental Farm in Ghammieri. At present, the bungalow is used as a main lecture room by the Agricultural Services and Rural Development Division Department in which students are taught biology and farming at secondary school level.

Externally the main wooden walls of the building appear to be structurally stable. However, wood rot is evident externally around the timber posts and lower boards along the rear of the building. Internally wood rot and water damage is evident in close proximity to the back door and along the back wall, floorboards, timber posts and joists. This damage within this area is largely due as a result of the verandah only surrounding three quarters of the building allowing the back to be exposed to the elements. The ceiling also shows signs of water damage. Water has penetrated through the rusted corrugated iron roof, guttering and down piping thus contributing towards the deterioration of the wooden ceiling. The verandah appears to have suffered the most from wood rot as all posts and decorative details have been replaced over time.

As the building was constantly pulled down and rebuilt again by training students, it is unclear when painting schemes, repairs or alterations to the building fabric were actually undertaken. An example of this is a markings of a doorway, sunroom and toilet block which was situated on the western side of the building. The doorway which has since been removed, possibly allowed people through into a side sunroom and further onto an external toilet.

The paint schemes on the bungalow vary both internally and externally. Paint layers in some areas appear quite old whilst other areas have been repainted as sections of the building fabric have been replaced over time as a result of wood rot and water damage. The front door to the bungalow appears to be original. The initials "LTC" have been stamped within a metal sign attached to the door. After further investigation these initials represent the "Labour Training Centre" assisting to confirm that at one point this building was used by the Migrant Training Centre.

The significance of the Australian bungalow remains at both local and international levels. On a local level, it continues to survive as an important example of a building used within a 20th century Migrant Training Centre and Government Experimental Farm. On an international level, the Australian bungalow survives as an example of a late 19th century to early 20th century example of a prefabricated wooden building. In addition to this, the structure survives as evidence of the strong migration links which were developed between Malta and Australia during the early to mid 20th century. It is through these existing links that the buildings condition was to be highlighted by the Australian High Commission during the mid 1980s. The result of which was the reawakening of the buildings existence and consequently resulted in advice being given from Australia on the restoration of a "typical Australian Cottage". However it was not until early 2002 the Vice President of ICOMOS Australia Sheridan Burke made contact with the President of ICOMOS Malta Dr Ray Bondin. Contacts were established with a view to further investigate the origins of the bungalow and the possibility of a project being established for its preservation. A joint project between ICOMOS Australia, ICOMOS Malta and the Rehabilitation Projects Office was commenced in an endeavor to further analysis and research the Australian bungalow.

Research was promptly commenced within Australia by the voluntary team of heritage professionals and contacts between Australia and Malta were established. Yet, it was soon realised that primary research and additional detailed investigation of the building was required. As a result of this, a team member travelled to Malta in November 2002, assisted by a grant from the Bank of Valletta Plc, in an attempt to further examine these areas. The information collected, from this investigation was sent back to Australia, for further analysis and revision.

Today, the bungalow is used as a main lecture room by the Agricultural Services and Rural Development Division Department in which students are taught biology and farming at secondary school level. How or why the bungalow was initially sent to Malta from Australia still remains a mystery. One suggestion has been that the building arrived from Queensland as an incentive to attract additional migrants to work within the cane fields of Mackay during the 1920s. Yet this is still to be clarified. One thing is clear however, further investigation and research must be undertaken both within Malta, Australia and within the United Kingdom to truly find the reason why this building was sent to Malta. Additionally, a detailed guideline of maintenance tasks as well as a Conservation Management Plan must be produced and strictly followed so that the Australian bungalow will continue to be preserved and conserved well into the future.

© Samantha Fabry 2003
Samf_work@hotmail.com

Notes:

1) Report on the Working of Government Departments during the financial year 1936-1937, Published by the Authority of Malta, 1938, pp. 134-135 BACK

2) Blue Book 1929, Malta, Section 17, p. 4. BACK

3) Other schools which were used for technical training included: the Salesian Industrial School, the Casa di S. Guieppe or Istituto Bonnici and the Oratorio San Luigi. These schools were also financially assisted by the Government, ibid BACK

4) ibid BACK

5) Parliamentary Debates Official Reports, 3rd Parliament of Malta, 18-19 George V. Legislative Assembly, Government Printing Office, Vol. 20, 1930, p. 839. BACK

6) Parliamentary Debates Official Reports, 3rd Parliament of Malta, 18-19 George V. Legislative Assembly, Government Printing Office, Vol. 28, 1932,pg. 422-423. BACK

7) Report on the working of Government Departments during the financial year 1937-38, Published by the Authority, Malta, 1939, pp. 162-163. BACK