I write in reply to the letter by Albert Cilia Vincenti, chairman of the Alliance Pensioner's Organisation (March 31), relating to the recent convention of Maltese living abroad held in Malta between March 15 and 20.

Mr Cilia Vincenti's view, that after 60 years living in Australia some Maltese may never have integrated into Australian society, is utter nonsense. If, in his view, media interpretation of nostalgia is considered as non- integration, then that is definitely wrong.

From personal experience, having lived and worked in Australia for over 30 years, from the early 1950s to the mid-1980s, I assure Mr Cilia Vincenti that statements made by various Australian politicians, be they federal or state, and also by council members, as well as by Maltese High Commissioners of all times and Maltese consular representatives in all the Australian states, have repeatedly testified to the smooth integration of Maltese migrants in Australia. So does the high esteem in which Maltese migrants are held by all Australians, who always valued their contribution to the Australian economy.

Immediately after World War II, when employment opportunities were mostly non-existent, Australia seemed to be a very attractive country to go to and many Maltese, including some illiterates, as Mr Cilia Vincenti calls them, took advantage of the opportunity the adopted country offered.

These so-called illiterates were not necessarily obstinate about opening up and making new friends. It is interesting to know that they were mostly the ones who took chances in their new environment and were to become somewhat business-wise. Most even became millionaires. So much for the illiterates, Mr Cilia Vincenti.

However, irrespective of all this, what definitely comes out of this particular convention is the positive report on the cultural, educational and social fronts, which is so gratifying.

Being nostalgic, especially in a faraway country like Australia during the late 1940s and the mid-1960s, when communication was not so easy and cheap as it is today, does not in any way prevent one from being integrated.

Yes, Mr Cilia Vincenti, integration depends on the mentality of the individual and I assure you that the Maltese in Australia integrated very well and have been accepted and welcomed by all Australians in all areas of the community.

This convention has been a success, and should Mr Cilia Vincenti care to update himself on its outcome, a comprehensive report will be published in book form in due course, so he may avail himself of its full content.

With regard to the shortcomings in the Maltese state's provision for pensioners, I assure him that today's means of communication being what they are, hardly any Maltese abroad is unaware of them.

Then again, this convention brought about a lot of understanding of one another's needs, and should there be room for greater sharing of services and efforts to help one another, so be it.