Person: Michel Asmar

Residential Address

Spouse

Story

In common with many Lebanese immigrants, Michel Asmar was keen to gain citizenship. He arrived in Australia with his wife Annie and their three daughters in 1924 and came to live in south Brisbane where his wife Annie had relatives. Michel applied for naturalization in January 1929 but was told he was not eligible until 25 December of that year. At the time of this application, Michel was working as a master tailor and the family included two Australian born children.
Michel made a second application in September 1930. His family included another child and they lived at 125 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane. Described as ‘ certainly a hard-working man and of good character’, Michel’s application was refused because he could not speak English fluently enough.
In June 1931, Michel asked for his application to be reconsidered explaining that his English had improved because he spoke it as much as possible. The Inspector from the Investigation Branch agreed. He reported that since he was last assessed, Michel has ‘been speaking English only, and he has improved wonderfully, and can now speak the English language fluently’. Naturalization was granted 14 August 1931.
Michel and his family established a very successful business manufacturing women’s clothing in West End. Their factory provided employment for at least twenty machinists and their frocks were sold to retailers all over Australia

References

NAA: A1, 1930/10515, Michael ASMAR – Naturalisation certificate
Bill Asmar, Conversation with Anne Monsour, 1998.
Maree Joseph and Helen Mahoney, interview with Anne Monsour, Brisbane, 2019.