A book about the experiences of Maltese immigrants in Australia has just been published in Melbourne.

Its author is the correspondent of The Times in Australia, Albert W. Agius.

Maltese High Commissioner Ivan Fsadni presided over the book launch held at Centru Malti in Parkville. Dr Fsadni is a strong believer in having "a sound understanding of the history and present realities of the Maltese diaspora".

Maurice Cauchi, president of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria, who has penned a number of books on migration, delivered a detailed review of the book which is a history of the hopes, vicissitudes and happy experiences of the Maltese down under.

The launch was held under the auspices of the Maltese Literature Group whose secretary, Rosemary Attard, introduced the various speakers.

Manuel Casha (guitar) and Laurie Amato (mandolin) provided an enjoyable musical interlude.

Maltese Settlement In Australia II: Fears, Tears And Cheers is the second in a series. It consists of 450 pages and has more than 60 photographs.

It quotes extensively from official documents about the possibilities and the problems associated with establishing early Maltese colonies in Australia and a wide variety of relevant topics.

In his welcoming address, the Maltese Literature Group's new president, Victor Sammut, read a short poem he wrote for the occasion.

Dr Fsadni noted in his speech that this was one of the best-attended and most successful book launches he had witnessed. All those present echoed the sentiment.