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Arthur Calwell on board HMAS KANIMBLA with Lithuanian migrants
Arthur Calwell on board HMAS KANIMBLA with Lithuanian migrants

Arthur Calwell on board HMAS KANIMBLA with Lithuanian migrants

Date1947
Object number00003844
NamePhotograph
MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper.
DimensionsOverall: 60 x 85 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the Australian Lithuanian Community
DescriptionImmigration minister Arthur Calwell on the deck of HMAS KANIMBLA in Melbourne accepting a gift from Jonas Motiejunas and Konstancija Brundzaite on behalf of the Lithuanian migrants on board. HistoryKonstancija (Kastute) Kunigunda Jurskis (née Brundzaite) was among the first Lithuanian migrants who came to Australia in December 1947 onboard USAT GENERAL STUART HEINZELMAN. After a few days in Fremantle, they boarded the HMAS KANIMBLA and came to Melbourne on 7 December 1947. On their arrival, they were greeted by the then Minister for Immigration, the Hon. Arthur A. Calwell, and other dignitaries. In the photograph we see Konstancija and Jonas Motiejunas handing over a small gift, a book and a typical Lithuanian bookmark, to the Minister from the Lithuanian contingent on the ship.