Arrived in Melbourne aged 7 (approx 1881) His father (David Ballantyne) was sent out to take part in an exhibition in the Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne on behalf of a soft furnishings firm with whom he was employed in Scotland. This is probably the Exhibition which opened 1st October 1880 in the new, purpose built buildings in Carlton. It is worth noting that Melbourne was only 46 years old at that time. On the boat a freindship developed between Albert and fellow passenger James McEwan of the Hardware store fame. This freindship was maintained over many years.