This 1965 Encyclopedia Brittanica film CHANGING MATILDA shows the “new Australia” of the 1960s with its population at 8 million. It is narrated by Chet Huntley from NBC News, and shows the nation as it transformed due to a great deal of immigration from Europe. In fact the film begins with a naturalization ceremony, and then at 2 minutes shows new arrivals from Europe. “If Australia is not El Dorado,” says Huntley, “It is surely a vast improvement over the lives they leave behind.”
The film contains views of Melbourne (4:00), Canberra (4:23), and more. Various industries are seen including steel manufacture at 5:00. At 6:30 a HAM radio operator is seen. At 7:00, a flying doctor is seen providing medical care in New South Wales. Kids are seen getting an education via short wave radio at 10:00.
At 12:40 a rural rancher turned hunter is seen going through a dingo proof fence which runs 3000 miles across sheep country. His job is to hunt and kill the wild dogs before they kill sheep.
At 15:30, a discussion of New Guinea is made. At this point with Indonesia vying for power in the region, Australia is involved in supporting the New Guinea government. Asian immigration is discussed and the Australian National University is shown. The fledgling Chinese market for Australian goods is mentioned.
At 19:00 and following, various political movements are shown through a montage of speakers making speeches, including socialists.
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
