FLAG 1 LAVE SINGH 1915
2020
Screen Print, Giclée Print, Acrylic Paint, Sewn Nylon Flag on board
94 x 184cm
This photograph ofLAVE SINGH was included in his application for Certificate Exempting from Dictation Test (CEDT)
Series number - MT19/4
Item barcode - 4117575
Location - Melbourne
FLAG 2 WIZAREE KHALIK 1923
2020
Screen Print, Giclée Print, Acrylic Paint, Sewn Nylon Flag on board
94 x 184cm
Born in 1908 at Broken Hill, Wizaree Khalik was traveling to Karachi with her brother Abdullah (FLAG 4) and her father Abdul Khalik, a successful cameleer. Despite being born in NSW, Wizaree’s nationality is recorded as ‘British Indian’ following that of her father Abdul.
FLAG 3 BALCOO BALOOCH 1924
2020
Screen Print, Giclée Print, Acrylic Paint, Sewn Nylon Flag on board
94 x 184cm
Born in Karachi in 1870, Balcoo (Ballkhoo) Balooch arrived in South Australia in 1901 were he worked as a Cameleer.
In 1910 he sued a policeman in Hergott Springs for damagers after his camels were removed from common land and taken to the pound (Advertiser, 21 Dec, p.7)
In 1912 Balcoo was a witness in a murder trial involving an outback love triangle. The relevant article is Titled ‘A Tragedy of The Bush’ (Advertiser, Nov 14, p.12) These photos of Balcoo were taken in Adelaide in 1924.
FLAG 4 ABDULLAH KHALIK 1923
2020
Screen Print, Giclée Print, Acrylic Paint, Sewn Nylon Flag on board
94 x 184cm
Abdullah Khalik was born at Broken Hill in 1912. This photo was taken so that Abdullah and his sister Wizaree (FLAG 2) could travel to Karachi with their father Abdul, to visit family and purchase camels. In this photo Abdullah is eleven years old. He is wearing a suit, a pocket watch and is standing on crutched. He died five years after this photo was taken.
FLAG 5 SHAH MAHOMED KHAN
2020
Screen Print, Giclée Print, Acrylic Paint, Sewn Nylon Flag on board
94 x 184cm
The following article appeared in the Gippsland Standard on Friday, 10 May 1918 and was included as a character reference in Shah Mahomed Khan’s application for exemption to the dictation test.
SHAH MAHOMED KHAN
FAREWELL AT STACEY’S BRIDGE
Shah Mahomed Khan, well-known throughout this district, and whose popularity and generosity appear to by unbounded, has after what we might term “a twenty year’s travelling residence,” decided to pay a visit to his native home – India, and will shortly leave for that country. The many years he has been in South Gippsland has made him widely know, and the kindly disposition of which he is possessed has gained for him widespread recognition as a man of worth, even though a native of foreign birth. He has gained this acknowledgment by many generous acts, and it was to show appreciation of this that a large gathering assembled at Stacey’s Bridge hall on Monday night, where a farewell social took place, many coming from long distances to express their goodwill to the departing citizen prior to his leave-taking.
The function commenced with dancing for about an hour, when after the National Anthem, vocal items were introduced, and Cr. Buckley took the chair. The Misses Maisie and Mona Rossiter opened with a humorous duet “Come under the Umbrella,” which was splendidly sung and acted. P. O J. Kirkham was introduced to the audience and soon made his hearers merry with laughter-provoking items. His first contribution was “In these hard time” and a storm of applause greeted his performance. He again appeared and gave “the School Teacher” gratifying the audience to such an extent that they demanded more, and he was compelled to return. He then gave a description of the mannerisms of elocutionist in reciting “the Charge of the Light Brigade.”
The Chairman then took the floor and stated that he had been asked to present their guest with a gift, as a taken of esteem. It gave him pleasure to do so, and in handing the presentation to Mr Khan, said he hoped he would not value it for its intrinsic worth but for the goodwill and spirit in which it was given, and that it would be a reminder from his friends in the district. He then handed to the guest a gold medal, together with a sum of money.
The Chairman’s remarks were supported by Mr. Nowell, who said he had ridden twenty miles to attend the gathering to show his admiration of the guest, whom he had know for many years. There was some indescribably personality possessed by Shah which they would all acknowledge. He had had many conversations with their guest, and every time he felt it was an education to him, as he had learned a great deal about his native land, and the people. His periodical visits to the district were always welcome. He quoted the words of the poet, “Life is mostly froth and bubble, Tow things stand like stone; kindness in another’s trouble, Courage in your own” which were characteristic of their guest. Shah’s generosity and hospitality was conspicuous by the manner in which he contributed to worthy objects. That India was playing in the war, by contribution money and men, and he quoted the decision of the recent conference at Delhi where it was announced that 500,000 more men would be sent to assist Great Britain. He also mentioned the achievements of the Indian and Australian forces in Palestine where they had taken that wonderful city of Jerusalem which had been in the hands of other nations for 400 years. In conclusion he regretted the inability of – Sweeney being present owing to an accident. He hoped to see their guest back in Australia, and that he would have a pleasant trip. (Applause.)
Miss P. Summers sand “come Sing to Me,” in her usual capable manner. The item received loud applause. Shah Mahommed Khan replied briefly. He expressed his upmost gratitude and thanks for the manner in which they had entertained him and was especially thankful for the presentation. He wished to convey his appreciation for the kindness that had al all times been shown to him. He hoped to return again at a later date, and renew the acquaintance of friends he had in the district. (Applause.)
Supper was supplied by the ladies and after partaking the company resumed dancing. The music of an excellent character was supplied by Misses Crough, Connor and P. Summers, and Mr. Jas. Barry acted as M.C., the gathering being brought to a close at a late hour.
FLAG 6 MONGA KHAN 1916
2020
Screen Print, Giclée Print, Acrylic Paint, Sewn Nylon Flag on board
94 x 184cm
Monga Khan was born in India in the area of Batrohan in Punjab. He arrived in Australia in 1895 and worked as a hawker in rural Victoria. In 1930 he died in the Ararat Hospital, aged 86.
FLAG 7 BHUGWAN SINGH 1927
2020
Screen Print, Giclée Print, Acrylic Paint, Sewn Nylon Flag on board
94 x 184cm
Born in India in 1875, Bhugwan Singh arrived in Australia in 1900 where he worked as a Hawker out of Quambatook, Victoria. He returned to India in 1910, 1919 and 1927, for which these photographs were taken.
Included in his application is a character reference from Kornblums Limited which states; “The bearer, Mr. Bugwan Singh, of Quambatook, has been know to this Company for a number of years, during which time we have had considerable business transactions with him to our entire satisfaction. We regard him as a strictly honorable and trustworthy business man. We understand he contemplates a trip to India. Should he return and desire to do business with us we will be please to again accord him credit as formerly.”
FLAG 8 JIMMY AH CAN 1921
2020
Screen Print, Giclée Print, Acrylic Paint, Sewn Nylon Flag on board
94 x 184cm
If you’re wondering why Jimmy’s smiling, it might have something to do with his trial 13 years earlier…
In 1908 Jimmy was in court facing charges of being a prohibited immigrant, only to be released following a recommendation from Prime Minister Alfred Deakin himself. (The Argus (Melbourne) Tue 11, Aug, 1908, p.6)
FLAG 9 DOROTHY SYM CHOON circa 1920
2020
Screen Print, Giclée Print, Acrylic Paint, Sewn Nylon Flag on board
94 x 184cm
Born in Unley South Austrlia. Sister of Glady’Sym Choon. Married Leslie Young in Nov 1930.
FLAG 10 NARAN SINGH 1917
2020
Screen Print, Giclée Print, Acrylic Paint, Sewn Nylon Flag on board
94 x 184cm
Born 1875 in India, Naran Singh arrived in Australia in 1899 where he worked as a Hawker
In 1908 a Naran Singh was charged with having stolen a quantity of machinery, property of Frank Dawson, and valued at 17 pounds. He was ordered to be returned to Victoria in the custody of a Constable (The Daily News (Perth WA) Wed 4 Mar, 1908, p.5.)
FLAG 11 AH SAW 1914
2020
Screen Print, Giclée Print, Acrylic Paint, Sewn Nylon Flag on board
94 x 184cm
This photograph of AH SAW (Charlie CHOO) was included in his application for Certificate Exempting from Dictation Test (CEDT)
Series Number - MT19/4
Item barcode - 4117571
Location - Melbourne