Summary

Miniature Cole's English Dictionary in a magnifying case, published by David Bryce & Son, circa 1900. It belonged to Setsutaro Hasegawa. Setsutaro migrated to Australia from Japan in 1897 at the age of 26, just four years before the introduction of the Immigration Restriction Act which severely limited migration to Australia from countries in Asia. He established a laundry business in Geelong and by 1911 he had married an Australian-born woman and had three children. This tiny book has 884 pages and it is likely that Setsutaro purchased it at Melbourne's iconic Coles' Book Arcade.

In 1941 Setsutaro was arrested as an enemy alien and sent to Tatura internment camp in northern Victoria. Released early in 1943 due to his age and poor health, unlike most Japanese interns he was not deported to Japan after the War. Setsutaro remained in Geelong for the rest of his life and died in 1952.

Physical Description

Small metal case, hinged at one side, with decorative engraving and a magnifying glass window at front centre. The box opens to reveal tiny red miniature A-Z English dictionary, with the title printed in gold print. Published by David Bryce & Son, Glasgow, it has 884 pages.

Significance

The Hasegawa collection enables the exploration of a number of important historical themes relating to migration, working life, and wartime internment in Victoria. Late nineteenth century and early to mid twentieth century Japanese migration and settlement experiences are little represented in the museum's collections and this collection of clothing, documents, personal items and photographs helps to redress.

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