19.06.2013 Views

Download (14Mb) - VUIR - Victoria University

Download (14Mb) - VUIR - Victoria University

Download (14Mb) - VUIR - Victoria University

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

Ferdinando and Osvaldo departed for Australia aboard the Hohenzollem in<br />

1888.' Ferdinando was 24 years old and his brother eighteen. They travelled overiand<br />

from Melboume to Daylesford in a maimer more comfortable than the earlier<br />

immigrants, there being, by this time, both the Cobb and Co. coach with its regular<br />

routes between Melboume and Daylesford and a train to Bendigo; passengers could<br />

aUght at Malmsbury and walk the remaining 30 kilometres over roads maintained by<br />

the Glenylon Roads Board. This ease and convenience of travel might have reassured<br />

the Vanzettas of their decision to emigrate to the Colony, but also distanced them from<br />

the eariier stmggles of their compatriots. Arriving at Jim Crow, they sought the help<br />

of fellow Biascans, residing for a time whh the Vanina family in Hepbum. Writing<br />

home in June 1889, Ferdinando gave his address as:<br />

Ecce la direziene<br />

c/o Mis Vanini Hepburn<br />

via Daylesford <strong>Victoria</strong><br />

Australia.*<br />

It was a curious, somewhat clumsy, mixture of Italian and English, suggestive of the<br />

short time he had been in Australia, Since (it will be recalled) Carlo Vanina had died in<br />

1877, it was his wife Giuseppa, also from Bia.3ca, who welcomed the boys into her<br />

home. Bringing information, and possibly artefacts, from the homeland, the excitement<br />

surrounding their arrival is only to be imagined. After 30 years or more in Australia,<br />

many immigrants would have viewed the Vanzettas as a fresh link with the homeland ~<br />

hs language, way of life and values (despite the many changes which must have<br />

occurred). In exchange for their news, the young travellers received knowledge and<br />

experience of Australia, vital resources for their survival.<br />

394

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!