Personal papers of Migrant Welfare Superintendent Mr F Snape
Date1925
Object numberANMS1336
NameArchive series
MediumPaper based material
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Dorothy Farrell
DescriptionThis archive series consists of documents belonging to Mr F W Snape who worked as a Migrant Welfare Superintendent on voyages between England and Australia in 1925. It includes letters from the Orient Line concerning passage on the RMS ORMUZ, correspondence from the Migration and Settlement Office and New Settlers' League of Australia, official contract with the Australian Government, and Notes for Welfare Superintendents issued by Australia House.HistoryA vast number of non-government voluntary organisations were involved in immigration to Australia from 1901-1939, and particularly the 1920s. Many were supported by the British and Commonwealth governments under the Empire Settlement Act 1922, although this assistance was reduced or curtailed with the onset of the Depression. Passed by the Australian Parliament in 1922, the Act established immigration schemes between Britain and Australia to assist 'suitable persons' to immigrate to Australia. People were assisted with fares, living allowances, training, employment and grants of farmland. The schemes did not attract the anticipated numbers and, of those who did come, many returned home disappointed.
Such organisations included the Sydney-based Million Farms Club, the Salvation Army, the Big Brother Movement, the Dreadnought Trust, the Country Women’s Association, the Child Emigration Society (Fairbridge Farm Schools), Dr Barnardo’s homes, the British Women’s Overseas League, the Boy Scouts’ Association, the Young Men’s and Young Women’s Christian Associations (YMCA and YWCA), the British Empire Service League and the Young Australia League.SignificanceThe personal documents of Mr F W Snape provide a glimpse into the mechanics of government migration schemes from the perspective of those that administered them.
