Migrantweb.com Hostels Forum

[Len]

While we were at the Hostel in 1967-1970 there was a German family and one of family members owned an horse. I think they had been on the Hostel for quite some time.
Anyone know who they where?

[Roy]

Len

I remember the family but cant think of the name. They had been on the hostel for about 10 years I think. The father had not workrd since he had an accident at the steelworks , he was sueing for compo I think. He used to go fishing everyday and took a briefcase with his legal papers and his fishing tackle so that he could call in at his soliciter on the way to Port Kembla wharf.

I seem to remember he wasnt held in any regard by the other residents , they thought he was a bludger, but the kids seemed to fit in .

[Len]

I think the man / boy, who owned the horse was called Ralf Marler or something like that, excuse the spell as I'm a bit thick and I also think they stayed on B block facing C block, or visa versa. I don't know how old he was only he was a lot older than us. The horse was brown and white if I remember correctly. I think he also had an older brother but not sure.

If any one else knows about the man with the horse, then feel free to join in.
You never know. One day maybe one of their family members might stumble across these forums and see the thread and join in.

It must be good for the people like this that can be remembered after all these years due to having an horse or what ever.

I remember a friend of my parents that lived on B block telling them that one day their young daughter was messing around near the horse and for some reason the horse attempted to kick the child. So like a flash the mother of the child leaped over the veranda rail 'which was about 1m high' as to rescue her child from the danger and what really surprised her was the fact that she had never jump over anything that high before.

It just goes to show, 'when pushed' you're capable of doing anything.

[Roy]

I think your right with the lads name and spelling aside, the christian name seems familiar. But I thought they lived F block.

[Len]

[Tony]

Rolf/Ralf Marler was the first person we saw when we arrived, Easter 1967, he alway had a wild look about him.I certainly remember the horse. But does any one remember his brother George?I belive he was slightly older than you Len so 1n 1967 he was about 12 or 13ish. he went to school in Berkley and often walked home over the hills. He was more of the thinking type than his older brother.

[Len]

I seamed to think he had a brother but wasn�t sure. Now you�ve mentioned George, it now rings a bell.

I turned10 years old in October 67 and for some reason I thought they were much, much older than me. But then, when you�re a kid of that age two or three years difference does seem a life time.

[June & Sue]

Hello
We (June & Susan Thompson) were on Unanderra Hostel in 1968 and remember Jullian, Rolf and George Muller well. As far as we can recall, George owned the horse.

The family moved to Warilla (think in 1969). Sadly, Rolf was killed in a motorbike accident in 1971.

Nice to hear all your memories - it is almost 40 years since we arrived in Australia, guess that is why we have suddenly discovered your website.

Cheers
June & Sue

[Len]

Thanks for the info Sue.
Very sad to here what had happened to Rolf.

[JACQUELINE]

[Jill]

The little girl who got kicked by the horse if I remember rightly was little Wendy Kelly - her dad was called Brian but the mum's name escapes me - could be June. They lived 2 doors down from us - or was is next door ???
_________________
Jill Armstead (formerly Brown)