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Harrop family on the deck of the FAIRSKY

Publisher Fairfax Publications, Sydney Morning Herald

Date1968

Object numberANMS1453[140]

NamePhotograph

Mediumphotographic print on paper

DimensionsOverall: 165 × 221 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection

Terms

DescriptionBlack and white image of the Harrop family with their ten children packed and ready to disembark the FAIRSKY on its arrival from Britain to Fremantle. HistoryA newspaper clipping attached to the back of the photograph reads ‘2 Ships Bring 541 Migrants to W.A. The arrival of two ships at Fremantle yesterday increased Western Australia’s population by 541. The liner FAIRSKY, with 1464 passengers on board, landed 238 at Fremantle and the ELLININS, with 1756 passengers, landed 303. Above: The biggest individual contribution to the population increase was provided by 12 members of the Harrop family which migrated from Manchester. The ten children’s ages range from 19 months to 19 years. The family had to be split into two groups because if its size. Mr and Mrs Eric Harrop and four of their children were taken to the Graylands hostel and the other children were sent to the Fairbridge farm school. Mr Harrop (42) said it was the first time the family had been split up but he believed it was worth it because there was a better future for them in Australia. In England, he had found it increasingly difficult to support them in their four-bed room rented house. Though the family had received a child allowance from the British government the high income tax rate had eaten deeply into their wages.'SignificanceThis image is one of a series produced by Fairfax newspapers that provides a unique window into how immigrants were viewed and immigration policy articulated in the popular press. The images in this selection are significant in representing the personal face to Australia's massive post-war immigration push that saw aggressive immigration programs orchestrated by the Australian Government that was promoting a 'populate or perish' philosophy.