The Mind Creative OCT 2013
The social and political views about immigrants changed rapidly over
the years; specially after 1901. Indian immigrants were soon
considered to be products of inconsistent regulations of the past. In
fact, in 1911, the NSW minister for lands made the following
statement about Indians acquiring land in NSW:
“The Hindoo applicants are undesirable settlers in many
ways and in any community of white settlers are
regarded with much disfavour amounting almost to
complete aversion. The majority of Hindoos in this state
have started as small hawkers or peddlers and saved a
fair amount of money; they are naturally acquisitive.”
Otim Singh, even within
this prejudicial
environment, was still
held in high esteem
within the community
for many years; much of
which can be
contributed to his
generous nature and the
ability to provide
monetary help to the
community in times of
need. His store was
viewed as an asset
within the community
and much was written
and spoken about him;
with special emphasis
about his family’s
“loyalty to the British
empire and monarch”.
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