The Monte Di Pietà in Malta : an account and a criticism

Abstract

In writing this paper on the Monte di Pietà in these Islands which, as far as I am aware, is the only detailed and up-to-date account of the work of' this Institution, I encountered some difficulty in the research involved and in its compilation. Very few people seem to be conversant with the history of the Institution; moreover, material on the subject is very scarce. On this account, I had all the time to ransack the various ‘dusty’ manuscripts existing at the local Office. The bigger part of this research work had necessarily to be carried out at the Monte di Pietà, and in this connection, I have to thank Mr. O. Calleja Mangion, who in his former capacity as Acting C. I. R. had given me permission to conduct this research and tor lending me some material on the subject. My thanks go also to Mr. C. Naudi, Chief Examiner at the Audit Office who was always willing to discuss with me various points arising out of' my research and for his suggestions in connection thereof. Then I have to acknowledge my thanks to Dr. W.Ph. Gulia B.A. ,LL.D., Ph. C., M.A.Admin. (Manch.) D.P.A. (Lond.) who read the draft and favoured me with many helpful suggestions and to the Rev. Prof. R. Cirille B.A., D.D., S.Sc.Pol., MS.c. Econ. (Lond.) for his interest in the compilation of this work. I am likewise indebted to Mr. J. B. Mallia, who is the Officer in Charge Monte, tor his help and valuable suggestions, for making available to me all documents and other records kept at the Monte and for his unwavering moral encouragement. My thanks go also to various friends, to the Monte Staff and to Mr. Co Galea, the custodian, for favouring me with the various forms used in the administration of the Institution.