Left my job at the Heidemaatschappij and the grey skies of Holland, after my eye fell on a newspaper ad, with the invitation to come to sunny Australia.
A little insight regards my earning capacity then, my monthly salary was 168 guilders.
Anyway I received also a testimonial of the head of Administration and Personnel, Mr.C.Reenalda, who declared that 'I performed my duties to their full satisfaction, being a diligent and meticulous worker who cheerfully accomplished his tasks'.
The personal qualities mentioned were that 'I was honest and reliable and my behaviour to superiors and colleagues was always correct'.
No one ever asked me for this testimony, when I turned up for a job at the other side of the world.
The Aussies had empty factories to man and didn't care I had two left hands into the bargain.