WAHP-Social-Environment
However the majority of the people who settled in Walsall have had positive experiences with the host community. Today we see many successful Asians in business and a professional capacity who have contributed greatly to Walsall's economic and social life.
Q. How did you feel the host community received you?
“ In the early days as I said to look going into the business and try to sell something to the host community was a difficult thing anywhere. In those days even the rule and regulation of this country was not as hard as it is now today if you just go and report to somebody this condition etc.
It could be looked very seriously but in those days even thinking of discrimination was something different though we were discriminated and yes it was quite difficult in those days. “
Q. How did the host community receive you?
“ Host community welcome us with open heart and they did not grumble when we arrived but because in second world war many of able body were killed and there was lot of shortage of workforce.
In a old and outdated industries out moded industries and there was demands for labour so they welcome us and they did not, but when the great number of people were coming in and so the race relation became bit of tense but early the condition were very good, cordial and they treated us fairly and rather encourage and supported us.
In many ways you know give us advice, direction and to do thing so I think I will say they were very tolerant and hospitable. “
The full transcriptions are available from Walsall Archives.
