MHA Newsletter No. 5/2016 www.mha.org.au June 2016

Merħba! Welcome, members and friends of the membership or $15 for a family. Payments can be June 2014 MHA. How quickly winter has set in! made at the next lecture or by cheque to: June 2014 Last month on Tuesday 17th May the MHA and Mario Bonnici 59 Binnak Drive, MCCV hosted the Melbourne book launch of Professor Claudia Sagona’s latest book, The Watsonia 3087 Archaeology of from the Neolithic through Keep warm! Hoping to see you on the 21st, to the Roman Period. About 55 people attended an Charles Gatt excellent evening. A summary of Prof Sagona’s Phone: 0425 708 830 talk can be found on page 2. Email: [email protected] Our president, Joe Borg will give our next talk on Tuesday 21 June about Earthquakes and Tsunamis JUNE EVENT in Malta. Our little rock may not be as solid as we The President of the MHA would like to believe! The recent earthquake was not an isolated event. Earthquakes and Tsunamis Joseph Borg have happened in the past and will no doubt will speak on the topic: happen again. I hope you can brave the mid winter st Earthquakes and Tsunamis night on 21 June for an excellent talk and some in Malta warm company. For more information, see page 3. 7:30 pm Tuesday 21 June Apart from Rita Camilleri’s delightful reflections, Maltese Community Centre which were printed with permission in last month’s Royal Parade, Parkville, newsletter, we have received little information on (Enter from Ievers St) the Maltese involvement in the early days with Star Free. All welcome. of the Sea, West Melbourne. It would seem that Bring family and friends. the early involvement of Maltese with Star of the Sea will soon be forgotten ... forever. Please, if you have anything you would like to share, send COMING EVENTS me an email or even give me a phone call, so I can 21 June: MHA Lecture: Earthquakes and record it for posterity and pass it on to the authors Tsunamis in Malta by Joseph Borg 7:30 pm. of the book. 10 July: Midyear Dinner Dance – 6:00 pm I did have a long phone conversation with Paul Maltese Assoc. Northern Suburbs, Inc @ Paris, who informed me that when the Scouts Hadfield Hall division started by Benny Soler’s father closed, its property was donated to Star of the Sea. Paul has 17 July: Christmas in July Diner 6:00pm been a long-time supporter of the MHA, MCCV, Newport Seniors and a number of other groups. Talking with him, I 19 July: MHA Lecture 7:30 pm Maltese realised how little I know about the Maltese in Community Centre, Parkville Melbourne, especially in the early days. Am I 23 July: The Malta Community Chest Fund alone in this? Would our readers be interested in Maltese Charity Dinner Dance: 6:30 -11:00 newsletter articles on Maltese citizens in pm Grand Star Receptions, Altona North. Melbourne? Let me know if you would like this. Bookings: See p4 As we approach the end of June, our membership Also, Please refer to the MCCV Calendar: subscriptions for the coming financial year become due. They remain unchanged at $10 for a single 160608_MHA_Newsletter_June_2016.docx Page 1 of 8 MHA in May Melbourne Book Launch of Dr Claudia Sagona’s latest book, The Archaeology of Malta from the Neolithic through the Roman Period.

Last month on Tuesday 17th May the MHA and Ancient Cisterns MCCV hosted the Melbourne book launch of Project little remote- Professor Claudia Sagona’s latest book, The controlled robotic Archaeology of Malta from the Neolithic through machines are placed the Roman Period. About 55 people attended an into wells and excellent lecture and social gathering afterwards. cisterns to perform laser scans and map underground water storages. Some date back to the Dr Sagona speaking at the MHA

Bronze Age and Photo: Lewis Zammit

may have had multiple uses over time. After the talk, Mr Joseph Borg, MHA President, officially launched Dr Sagona’s Audience at Dr Sagona’s talk Photo: Lewis Zammit book. She then Dr Sagona spoke on current and future directions presented a copy to of Maltese Archaeology. She outlined the vast Mr Victor Borg, number of ancient archaeological sites in Malta. MCCV President who For example, 8 megalithic temples are well known donated it to the but 34 megalithic sites have been identified on the Council’s Library. Maltese islands! New archaeological finds are Dr Sagona’s book, The Archaeology of Malta from continually being discovered but many are the Neolithic through threatened by urban growth and developments. the Roman Period The archaeology of Malta is being re-interpreted in describes the initial the light of recent findings. Rather than the sudden settlers, the megalithic collapse of different civilisations, as previously period, the Bronze thought, evidence suggests a gradual assimilation Age, Phoenician of new arrivals into the existing culture. Stone settlements, and the objects not found on the island have been matched Romans. Available to those in other countries, indicating trade and through Cambridge interaction with neighbours, not only Sicily but as University Press, it is a far away as the Levant. The megalithic ‘temples’ thorough and unique may have interpretation of the been used for vast archaeological everyday evidence from the early activities, later days of human settlement in the Maltese islands. as burial sites. Light refreshments were then served. The pastizzi Some were in particular were enjoyed by our visitors from the deliberately University. The MHA thanks the MCCV and all filled in or those individuals who provided food and drink, Mnajdra interior room demolished. especially Desiree Blythe (Laurie Spiteri’s Photo: Dr Sagona daughter and Robert’s mother) for her excellent Dr Sagona sandwiches. An extra special thank you goes to mentioned two projects. FRAGSUS examines Frances Bonnici and those who took time out to fragility and sustainability of human societies serve our guests. It was a most interesting and within the restricted environment of Malta. In the informative evening and thoroughly enjoyed by all. 160608_MHA_Newsletter_June_2016.docx Page 2 of 8

MHA JUNE EVENT Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Malta By

Joseph Borg 7.30pm Tuesday, 21st June Maltese Community Centre, Parkville

Over the last thousand years, there are records These phenomena are as a direct result of plate indicating that Malta has had a considerable tectonic movements. number of earthquakes, including some very severe Our next speaker, Joseph Borg will discuss these ones that have resulted in loss of life and topics via a power-point presentation. He will also destruction of buildings. These quakes are touch on the subject of possible damage to new frequently associated with those that occur on the construction that is taking place in Malta at the east coast of Sicily, but others that take place in present time, especially high rise buildings, as well areas such as the Greek peninsula have also as damage to building that are over three-hundred affected the island. years old (which includes large tracts of the Apart from earthquakes there are also records of island.) tsunamis hitting Malta, some in recent times, but The speaker will also touch on the subject of sea others may have also hit the island in much earlier rise and its effect on Malta due to global warming. times based on geological studies carried out by an English University. We invite all members and friends to attend.

160608_MHA_Newsletter_June_2016.docx Page 3 of 8 All things Wignacourt A roundabout with a fountain was built on the site, with some arches of the demolished to

widen the road. The original marble plaques were retained. The surviving arches of the were restored between 2004 and 2005. An exact replica of the original arch was constructed in 2015 and inaugurated on 28 April 2016 by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and the mayor of Joanne Debono Grech. The cost of €280,000 was donated by the Birkirkara Local Council, the Bank of , and the Good

Causes Fund.

A disagreement between the Birkirkara and Santa Photo: Benny Scerri (facebook) Venera Local Councils regarding its name led to the This photograph of a newly renovated rather cumbersome official title mentioned above. ornamental arch prompted quite an investigation. The Wignacourt Aqueduct had been constructed to Located on the boundary between Fleur-de-Lys (a secure Valletta’s water supply and functioned into suburb of Birkirkara) and , Malta, it is the twentieth century. After a couple of false starts, called The Wignacourt Arch known as the Fleur- dating back to 1596, Grandmaster Wignacourt De-Lys Gate or, in Maltese, L-Arkata ta' funded it, and it was built between 1610 and 1615. Wignacourt magħrufa bħala l-Bieb ta' Fleur-De- Lys. The arch was originally built in 1615 as part of the Wignacourt Aqueduct, where it crossed the road between Mdina and Valletta. It was decorated with the Fleur-de-Lys from Grandmaster Wignacourt’s coat of arms and two marble plaques with Latin inscriptions. The plaque facing Birkirkara translates to: Fra , Grand Master. Valletta city and citadel, the sweetest waters revive eternal salvation. Renovated in 1739. The inscription facing Santa Venera means: So far Valletta lay as a corpse. Today the spirit of water has brought life to Wignacourt_Aqueduct_Birkirkara her. The primordial spirit floated on water. Now Photo: JialiangGao water has been drawn to her and that spirit reappears. The Bolognese hydraulic expert, Bontadino de Bontadini, designed the system so water would The arch was badly damaged when hit by an RAF flow downhill, from springs in and Rabat all truck in 1943. Partly dismantled, it was finally the way to Valletta. He was assisted by a Maltese destroyed by an army truck in 1944. capomastro, Giovanni , several other engineers, and 600 local workers. The first section was underground but when the water pressure in the lower lying ground could not be contained, stone arches were built to carry the water over the valley. The first arches started at present-day Peter Paul Rubens Street (Triq Peter Paul Rubens) in Attard. The arches crossed the road at Fleur-de Lys and continued to the small Tower of St Joseph in Santa Venera, known as it-Turretta (the Turret). The water then travelled underground through Ħamrun, Blata l-Bajda and to Valletta with two The old arch before it was demolished 160608_MHA_Newsletter_June_2016.docx Page 4 of 8 more water inspection towers at Ħamrun and stone work was repaired inside and out, the spiral Floriana. stairs were strengthened with steel rods, and the Built on the hill of St. emblems on the facade were carefully restored. Nicholas, the tower in Once the water reached Valletta, it supplied the Ħamrun is known as Il- Wignacourt Fountain, which was originally in St. Monument tat-Tromba. George's Square, Now dilapidated and facing the surrounded by houses it Grandmaster's contains Wignacourt's Palace. It was coat of arms and a later relocated by commemorative the British inscription which reads: military to St. VT SPIRITVS IN Philip's Gardens AQVIS SIC SPIRITVS AB AQVIS. (As life is in in Floriana, where water, so life comes from water) it remains today. The aqueduct was upgraded under Grandmaster De The water then overflowed into Neptune’s Fountain Rohan. A commemorative obelisk nearby, now in at Valletta’s marina. It contained a bronze statue a private backyard, contains an inscription: of Neptune holding Wignacourt's coat of arms. In Emmanuel De Rohan 1861 the fountain was relocated to the Argotti made this aqueduct Gardens, and Neptune to the Grandmaster's palace. stronger for the A third fountain consisted of a lion's head, pouring collection of water, with out water into a stone basin, topped by the coat of a newer one better built arms of Wignacourt and the Order, and surrounded by the kind hearted by a garland of flowers and interlocking seashells. Prince for the health of Below the coats of arms was a radiating sun with his people in the year the inscription Omnibus Idem (meaning the same to 1780. A coat of arms on all), indicating that the water was freely available to the obelisk was damaged everyone. This fountain has been moved and in World War II by a modified so often as to be almost unrecognisable. bomb, which hit the house and killed the owner’s wife and fifteen year Pipes were then laid all over Valletta, supplying the old daughter. (Source: Alfie Guillaumier) palaces, churches, hospitals and other buildings. One of the first buildings to be supplied with The final inspection running water was The Slaves’ Prison. Apparently tower was in Floriana, a Turkish slave who had been a hydrologist in close to the Argotti Constantinople helped in the construction of the Botanical Gardens, and aqueduct. In recognition of his work he was given became known as the his freedom. Wignacourt Water Tower. It incorporated a For a detailed history and analysis of Malta’s water horse trough and supply, this 24 page chapter, The water supply of fountain, and was the Maltese islands, in Archivum Melitense is decorated with the coats fascinating reading. of arms of the Order of No mention of Wignacourt’s achievements would St John and Wignacourt, be complete without describing the man himself. with a fleur-de-lys on Alof de Wignacourt was a French nobleman, born top. The inscription in 1547. He joined the Order aged 17 and reads: Turricula ornatum liliis caput effero vt vrbe distinguished himself in the Great Siege the inspiciam fontem vivificantis aquæ. Bontadino de following year. He was elected the 54th Grand Bontadinis Bonom. Aquæ ductore MDCXV. I Master in 1601 and, to commemorate his accession, cannot find a good translation. Maybe one of our he declared the date of St Paul’s shipwreck in Malta readers can help? to be the 10th of February. A €20,000 renovation of the tower has just been When the artist arrived in Malta in completed by the Infrastructure Ministry. The 1607, Wignacourt commissioned a number of

160608_MHA_Newsletter_June_2016.docx Page 5 of 8 paintings and even Federation of inducted him as a Australian Historical Societies knight. Caravaggio www.history.org.au was arrested the following year for No. 151, 25th May 2016 brawling and injuring Nominations for the FAHS Merit Award a knight. He escaped GLAM Peak Bodies win Digital Access Catalyst Grant but was expelled from the Order "as a foul New Premises for the Historical Society of the NT and rotten member”. Historical Aboriginal Lives in Sydney: NSW History As well as the Fellowship Exhibition and Tour Aqueduct, Wignacourt NSW History Week 2016: Neighbours is famous for the RWAHS: Community History Centre Project many watchtowers he Wignacourt and Page by built to guard Malta’s The Little Bottler: Syrian-born herbalist of Murray Caravaggio coast. In 1614 the Street Ottomans tried to land at Marsaxlokk Bay, but were Heritage Activation Grants: Heritage Near Me repelled by artillery from the newly-constructed St. Incentives Program Lucian Tower. They then landed over 5000 men at Access to Funding Workshop: Hawkesbury Regional St Thomas Bay in , and raided the Museum village of Zejtun. The Order’s cavalry was nearly $10,000 Fellowships for Creators to access Special defeated but a militia of over 6000 men drove them Collections in University Libraries back to their boats. There were a few injuries but no one was killed or taken into slavery. This was WW1 Commemorative Seminar: Caloundra Family the last major raid by the Ottomans on Malta; the History Research. many new coastal watchtowers that were being National Trust Festival: St John's Church Heritage, built would have played a significant deterrent role. Launceston Wignacourt died of apoplexy while out shooting on Launceston Historical Society: Talk on Charles St John 14 September 1622 at the age of 75. David, Surveyor and Engineer EOI: Two roles to deliver a Digital Access Project for BANK OF VALLETTA PLC GLAM Peak Bodies Australia Representative Office: No. 152, 16th June 2016 16 Watt Street Sunshine Vic 3020 FAHS Welcomes New Chair of Australian Heritage Tel 9311 3222 Fax 9311 3216 Council Open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from GLAM Peak Australia Digital Access 9.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm Inside History’s New ‘Look Dater’ Tool Uffiċċju Rappreżentattiv Convict Records of Western Australia Updated L-Ewwel Bank Rappreżentattiv Malti fl-Awstralja Green Museum Project, Conservation and Sustainability Practices, Victoria Featured Historical Society: Benalla and District Historical Society The Urban and Regional Landscape: Annual Heritage Partnership Symposium, ACT and Region

Opening of Denman and District Heritage Village Shed, Muswellbrook Talk at RAHS on the History of Lebanese Immigration Lecture on Dr Pugh's Journal, Launceston Historical Society Lecture on Cultural Materials Conservation, Melbourne

160608_MHA_Newsletter_June_2016.docx Page 6 of 8 Frank Scicluna’s Newsletter 123 parking area in the Tal-Istabal area of Qormi has uncovered archaeological remains. This area was As usual, Frank Scicluna’s newsletter contains heavily transformed in many interesting articles. Some highlights of the later period of the special relevance to the MHA include: Order of St John, by quarrying and field Dr George W. Vella addresses the Annual terracing, which Meeting of the Council for the Maltese Living damaged a number of Abroad: Councillors meet annually in Malta to archaeological remains. discuss and formulate proposals to the concerned Finds include Bronze local entity. Issues include: Age cart ruts, masonry - The Consul on the Move Project remains and a rock-cut - The impact of planning laws on Maltese Living tomb from the Roman Abroad Photo: Matthew Mirabelli period. - Methods to enhance the relationship between the Council for Maltese Living Abroad and the Rediffusion in Malta: In 1935, radio broadcasting Maltese Associations Abroad began in Malta by a company called Rediffusion - A digital platform for the teaching of the Maltese (Malta) Limited. In 1975, after decades of being a language in foreign countries monopoly in the hands of Rediffusion, broadcasting - The preservation of Maltese culture within services passed under the control of the State. Maltese communities overseas Public Broadcasting Services Limited (PBS) subsequently acquired a controlling interest in both Maltese-American Social Club: A Short History radio and television broadcasting in Malta. of the Maltese-American Social Club of San These articles and many more can be read in full Francisco here:

1 May 1941: Heavy Increase in Night Raids on Malta: Air raid summary for April 1941 in World War 2

Malta, Gallipoli and an Australian Country Town Called Yass (NSW) 1915: Private Roy Denning landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. He was wounded on 16 June and sent to Malta to recuperate, where he wrote to his mother describing his experiences at the landing, “I was justified in being proud of being an Australian”. He kept a diary and survived the war. Maltese Down Under is a Melbourne based From Ghonnella to Hotpants: What would our community show catering for the Maltese ancestors say about the way we dress today? community, showcasing Maltese cultural heritage,

Meeting George Apap, a landscape artist: “In a featuring the arts, music, food, travel, cultural riot of colours of sun-drenched stone and rocks events and sport. George paints with certain effortlessness...” 25 minute programmes screen on Channel 31 The stuff that legends are made of: An interesting Melbourne or Channel 44 Geelong at 4:00 pm on analysis of myths and legends to introduce Joseph Sundays and are repeated on Tuesdays at 3:00 pm Camilleri’s book, Ġabra ta’ Leggendi, Wise Owl Publications, 2010, 64pp. €6.99 Channel 31 streams live at www.c31.org.au The Valletta Football Club: A brief history of

football in Malta, from the first match in 1886. Maltese Down Under is available on demand at Bronze Age structures found in Qormi: planning http://www.c31.org.au/series/1313 for a retirement complex, sports facilities, and

160608_MHA_Newsletter_June_2016.docx Page 7 of 8 INTERPRETER SERVICES Interesting links:

Grand Harbour from the British Hotel live cam of Your attention is being drawn that the Fort St. Angelo with the cities of Senglea, Cospicua Australian/ Maltese Community can make use and in the background of the services of the following official Maltese The three cities: describes some of the attractions Interpreter, should it be required: to be found in Senglea (L’Isla), Vittoriosa (Birgu) and Cospicua (Bormla). Mr Mark Bonello Mobile no: 0400 307 945 Book Review of The Lost Key, a 1901 novel by Lady Acland, set in Malta. Email: [email protected] Video: Malta in 1933 (2:27) showing the old Mr Mark Bonello has the NAATI Accreditation Valletta gate, many women wearing the għonnella, as a Para-Professional – Interpreter. He is and the milk distribution system. Must see! registered with a number of Agencies Views of Malta in the 1930's (10:11) a lovely including: VITS, OnCall, Ethnic, all Graduates slideshow by Edgar Vella of Malta before WW2 and Medico-Legal and is also available to do Princess Honours Malta's War Dead (1:17) - British private work. The NAATI - National Pathe (1949) a very young Princess Elizabeth Accreditation Authority for Translators & unveils the new Maltese War Memorial and visits Interpreters) website as one of the Maltese the new hospital. interpreters available. Link attached below. International Living on facebook hosts this https://www.naati.com.au/online/PDSearch/A beautiful slideshow of Malta (1:00) dvancedSearch Free ebook in Italian: Abela, Giovanni Francesco, Malta Illustrata (1792) Such interpreting services are often requested The Maltese of Woolloomooloo Wharf by Barry from: York describes life in Australia a century ago Health Care facilities (Hospitals, Rehab SBS Radio Maltese programmes on demand. Centres, retirement homes etc..) and Legal services (Power of Attorney, Wills, Maltese Down Under is a series of 25 minute Affidavits, Workers compensation etc.) Melbourne based community TV programme, catering for the Maltese community. It is worth noting that there is a significant Catch up on the latest programmes, news and radio misunderstanding of the services available, from TVM When booking through public hospitals,

interpreting services are generally available and are free to the patient; however, it is not often stated that Maltese is included. Most hospitals provide brochures, leaflets and wall signage in a number of languages. The information is presented in a handful of

languages which have the highest demand. It does not mean that Interpreting services in Maltese are not available. Private work covers Interpreting services, Translation services as well as Event planning. Old Map of Malta’s harbours, 1778 Interpretation service is also available to other States – over the phone.

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