Chapter 16: Australia Rugby

In the first decade of the twenty-first century the problem of economic migration to the developed countries from the Third World became acute. Countries everywhere were tightening their immigration rules and none more so than Australia. It had become virtually impossible to migrate to Australia unless one had either a great deal of wealth or a great deal of talent to offer. Naturally a world-class brain surgeon or a multi-millionaire could get in, but for those who had no useful skills yet needed to move because they were starving to death in their own countries, it was impossible.

The Emir arranged to visit at the same time as the British Lions were on a rugby tour, and to go to some of the matches. Once again, the visit was to be unofficial and he would travel round the country as David Ransome. Then he remembered that Davina, an English concubine of his grandfather's, had retired to Sydney shortly after his accession, so a visit to her was also arranged. She was told, in confidence, why he was visiting and she promised to arrange for him to meet some suitable candidates.

When he arrived at her house he was impressed. She had certainly made the most of her pension, and had a pleasant small wooden house in a leafy suburb. He rang the bell and waited. When she came to the door she was flustered.