An Anglo-Indian ….. a short history.

 What do Defense Minister ROBERT RAY, Senator CHRISTABEL HAMARETTE, the hockey-playing PEARCE brothers, researcher SHARON LA FONTAINE and cricketer MARK LAVENDER have in common?

 They are all Australian however, either they or their ancestors have migrated from the land of the tongawallah (one who drives a horse and carriage), boxwallah (an itinerant peddler), chaiwallah (one who sells tea) and the rickshawwallah (one who pulls a rickshaw).

 It is also the land of the majestic Himalayas, the Taj Mahal, countless palaces and forts, houseboats, god-men and the snake charmer - in short, a land of breathtaking beauty and charm, but also a land of poverty and plenty - India. And it is the country that has nurtured a cosmopolitan community which came to be known as Anglo-Indian. This unique heritage has stood them in good stead wherever they have gone.

 Mark Lavender says: " It means a lot to me. The feelings are mainly through the stories my father has told me. The community has a particular sense of humour. The Anglo-Indians fit in very well wherever they go. We've got the best of English and Indian heritage." And Senator Chamarette says: " I think it's helped me see myself as a global citizen rather than with one distinct nationality. It helps me in Australia to identify with Aboriginal Australians as well as the multicultural community."

 After India's independence from Britain in 1947, there was an exodus of Anglo-Indians to England and Canada. In the 60's it was an exodus to Australia. Most of the Anglo-Indians melded into the society of their adopted country.

 This week marks a watershed in the history of the community. After reunions in London and Canada, Anglo-Indians from four continents have gathered in Perth for Reunion E. Organized by the Australian Anglo-Indian Association in Perth, the occasion allows old friends and relatives the chance to get together.

 Anglo-Indians have made a great impact on all walks of life. Among entertainers who have enthralled audiences worldwide and topped the pop charts are TONY BRENT (real name Reginald Brentagne), who was born and educated in Bombay; CLIFF RICHARD (real name Harry Roger Webb), a boy from Lucknow and ENGLEBERT HUMPERDINCK (real name Arnold George Dorsey, born in Madras).

 WILSON JONES won the world amateur billiards title twice, boosting India's image on the international sporting scene.

 Anglo-Indian women have proved to be dedicated and skilful nurses, teachers and secretaries. Even today there is a great demand for them in these professions in India.

 The achievements of the Anglo-Indians, particularly in Western Australia have been out of proportion with their relatively small numbers.

 WA's remarkable hockey progress began with the arrival of top coaches and players in the late 1940's and '50s. Among them was FRED BROWNE, (Australia's first Olympic coach in hockey), IVAN MEADE, RAY WHITESIDE, GORDON TAYLOR, CYRIL CARTON, RALPH BLAZEY, PAT JANSEN, and the gifted MERV ADAMS. Perhaps the greatest contribution was by the PEARCE brothers - Cecil, Melville, Eric, Gordon, and Julian. They migrated to Perth in 1947-48.

 Born in Jubbulpore, the brothers had their early education in Nagpur. They played for Australia from 1950-1970. Mel, Eric and Gordon took part in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne; Eric, Gordon and Julian, the 1960 Olympics in Rome; Eric and Julian, the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo; Eric, Gordon and Julian, the 1968 Mexico Olympics.

 Eric was the flag-bearer at the closing ceremony in Mexico. But the greatest honour came when he was inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame. Julian has been inducted into the WA Hall of Fame.

 On the professional side, Gordon joined the public service in WA as a junior clerk in 1951. In 1975 he was seconded to the Premier's Department. In 1983 he rose to Director, Cabinet Secretariat, Premier's Department and in 1987 he was appointed Chief Executive to the WA Inc. Royal Commission. He retired at age 59. His outstanding leadership and service were recognized when he was appointed a member in the general division of the Order of Australia at the Australian Day Awards.

 KEVIN CARTON migrated to Australia with his parents in 1948. He learned hockey in India and perfected his skills in Australia. He was selected for Australia in 1955 and played in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956. He was vice-captain of the team at the Rome Olympics. From 1953-58 he worked with the Australian National Airways and from 1962 to '70 was the Area Sales Manager Western and South Australia for Air-India. He then turned his attention to the hotel industry. He became senior vice president and Director of Operations of the Sheraton Hotels for the Pacific Region.

 CHARLES GAUDOIN left Bangalore for Perth in 1970. He has three sons Jason, Paul, and Bradley - who have benefited from his hockey coaching. Paul played for the WA senior team when he was 15 and has played for the past five years. He was a member of the Australian squad at the World Cup tournament in November '94. Charles coaches the renowned Harlequin Club in Perth.

(Above, an excerpt from the "West Australian," dated March 11, 1996).