Special collections relating to John Curtin in the National Library of Australia


National Library of Australia

Manuscript Section
National Library of Australia
Parkes, ACT 2600
Phone: +61 2 6262 1250
Fax: +61 2 6262 1516
Email: manuscripts@nla.gov.au
URL: http://www.nla.gov.au/ms/

Date completed: November 2003

This guide was created in association with the National Archives of Australia for the Australia's Prime Ministers website.


Scope and Content

The Library holds manuscripts, oral history recordings and pictures relating to John Curtin. The manuscripts comprise several small collections of John Curtin papers that were received from various sources. In addition there are a number of other manuscript collections that contain letters or other materials relating to Curtin.




Manuscripts

Curtin, John. Letters, 1907-1910.
Catalogue Record: MS 889

This collection contains 15 letters to Miss Jessie Gunn from Curtin.

Curtin, John. Address to Cambridge University, 1944.
Catalogue Record: MS 1258

In May 1944 Curtin received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Cambridge University. This collection consists of a copy of his oration, which was delivered in Latin. A translation of the oration is also included.

Curtin, John. Papers, 1942.
Catalogue Record: MS 5213

Items in this collection consist of minutes from the City Council of Melbourne as well as the Municipal Council of Sydney relating to the 100th Anniversary celebrations of both cities. Also included are letters and clippings concerning Curtin and his wife Elsie.

Curtin, John. Document, 1938.
Catalogue Record: MS 1257

A broadcast speech, given by Curtin, on Australia's Defence. It is dated 21 October 1938.

Aviation Records, 1928-1953.
Catalogue Record: MS 220

This collection consists of an array of items relating to the aviation industry. Included are letters from Prime Minister Menzies to R.G. Casey in Washington, sent by the first regular airmail between Australia, New Zealand and the United States; and a letter from the Directors and staff of A. V. Roe and Company to John Curtin. A Lancaster Bomber carried Curtin's letter to Australia on 21 May 1943.

Australia. Parliament. Papers, 1943-1944.
Catalogue Record: MS 6923

In 1943 President and Mrs Roosevelt visited Australia. This collection consists of a number of items relating to their visit including documents, photographs and printed speeches. Two photographs were taken from a luncheon held at Parliament House on 4 September 1943, where Mrs Roosevelt was presented with a photostat copy of the Cook journal as a present from the Australian Government to the people of the United States. Also included in this collection is a bound copy of speeches made at the luncheon by Curtin, W. M. Hughes and Mrs Roosevelt, a press release and a letter of appreciation from President Roosevelt. In addition, there are two letters signed by President Roosevelt and Curtin respectively.

Bale, William Henry. Papers, 1915-1973.
Catalogue Record: MS 4842

Private Secretary to Scullin (1929-1932). The collection includes photographs, newspaper cuttings and an autograph album containing signatures of J. H. Scullin, Curtin and others.

Boote, Henry Ernest. Papers, 1894-1949.
Catalogue Record: MS 2070

Boote was a journalist and editor of publications such as the Queensland Worker and The Australian Worker (1911-1949). Boote's papers include articles, illustrations and correspondence (c. 1916-1949). Correspondence is mainly concerned with The Australian Worker but also includes four letters from Curtin.

Brady, Edwin John. Papers, 1890-1952.
Catalogue Record: MS 206

Edwin Brady was a journalist, author and editor. The papers include literary manuscripts, notes, cuttings, business documents and correspondence. Included in the correspondence are 17 letters to and two letters from Curtin.

'Brief Winter's End', 1945.
Catalogue Record: MS 625

This typescript article, 'Brief Writer's End', appeared in the Canberra Times the day after Curtin's death (6 July, 1945).

Brookes, Herbert and Ivy. Papers, 1869-1970.
Catalogue Record: MS 1924

Herbert Brookes was a businessman and political activist and his wife, Ivy, was Alfred Deakin's daughter. The papers include notes, diaries, minute books, photographs and cuttings, covering every phase of the careers of Herbert and Ivy Brookes. Correspondence with many political figures exist in the collection including Alfred Deakin, W. M. Hughes, S.M. Bruce, J. A. Lyons, R. G. Menzies and four letters to and one letter from Curtin (c. 1942).

Calwell, Arthur Augustus. Papers, 1905-1973.
Catalogue Record: MS 4738

Federal parliamentarian and leader of the Australian Labor Party (1960-1967). The papers cover Calwell's entire career, including his early involvement in the Victorian branch of the Australian Labor Party, the Australian Public Service Association and the Melbourne City Council. The collection includes correspondence, reports, personal documents, minutes, cuttings, family documents, photographs, subject files, biographical files, invitations, speeches and publications, with extensive papers relating to the Curtin and Chifley ministries, particularly the Information and Immigration portfolios. .

Clarey, Percy James. Papers, 1923-1959.
Catalogue Record: MS 2186

Percy James Clarey was ACTU President (1943-1949) and Labor MHR for Bendigo (1949-1960). As well as general correspondence (1923-1959), Clarey's papers consist of subject files, most of which deal with federal politics and trade unionism, including periods when J. H. Scullin, J. B. Chifley and Curtin were Prime Ministers.

Clark, Joseph James. Papers, 1930-1998 (bulk 1930-1969).
Catalogue Record: MS 2708

Federal politician. Clark was Deputy Chairman of the Australian Meat Industry Commission (1942-1943), Member of the Federal Meat Advisory Committee (1943-1946) and Chairman of Committees and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (1946-1949). The majority of the papers comprise correspondence, circulars, speeches and clippings concerning elections and the Australian Labor Party. Series 2 focuses on the Australian Labor Party (1931-1968) and includes a folder on Curtin.

Coombs, Herbert Cole. Papers, 1918-1996.
Catalogue Record: MS 802

Economist, public servant and human rights worker, Coombs was Chairman of the Australian Council for Aboriginal Affairs (1968-1976), Consultant to the Prime Minister (1972-75) and Governor of the Commonwealth Bank and the Reserve Bank of Australia (1968). The papers include correspondence, personal papers, newspaper clippings, reports, photographs, files of biographical material, conference papers, research material, newspaper and journal articles which relate mainly to Coombs' involvement with the Aboriginal community. Box 52 contains an article by Coombs entitled John Curtin - a consensus Prime Minister, given as part of the 14th annual John Curtin Memorial Lecture at the Australian National University (1984).

Conelan, William. Correspondence and Scrapbook, 1940-1953.
Catalogue Record: MS 2029

William Patrick Conelan held the Brisbane federal seat of Griffith (1939-1949), as well as the position of Government Whip in the Curtin Government.

Copland, Sir Douglas Berry. Papers, 1920-1970.
Catalogue Record: MS 3800

Sir Douglas Copland was Economic Consultant to Prime Minister Curtin, first Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University and Australian Minister to China. The collection includes photographs, press cuttings, diaries, research notes, articles lectures and correspondence and important material on the economic and political situation in Australia between 1920-1965.

Cox, Harold. Papers, 1944-1964.
Catalogue Record: MS 4554

Harold Cox was the Canberra representative of the Melbourne Sun (1940-1944) and the Melbourne Herald (1944-1969). Cox's reports were designed to provide descriptions of the Canberra Parliamentary scene, including information on the Curtin, Chifley and Menzies Governments, World War II and the Cold War.

Crisp, Leslie Finlay. Papers, 1878-1984.
Catalogue Record: MS 5243

Crisp was an academic, Commonwealth public servant, author of numerous publications on federation and Australian politics and biographer of J. B. Chifley. The collection comprises correspondence, diaries, journal articles, lectures, leaflets, manuscripts, memoranda, minutes, notes, newscuttings, reports, conference papers, speeches, talks, photographs, postcards, posters, menus and other ephemera. The bulk of the collection consists of subject files on a wide range of topics compiled mainly from newspaper cuttings and journal articles. There are files on all Australian Prime Ministers from Sir Edmund Barton to Malcolm Fraser. The papers include drafts of speeches written for Curtin (1944-1949).

Crowle, Pigeon. Papers, 1822-1962.
Catalogue Record: MS 2785

Illustrator. Crowle's papers contain publications, photographs, newspaper clippings, pamphlet, and a letter from Curtin's widow, Elsie (1954).

Cusack, Dymphna. Papers, 1937-1983.
Catalogue Record: MS 4621

Dymphna Cusack was one of Australia's most prolific and translated writers. Her papers include drafts of novels, plays, poems, broadcasts, travel books, an autobiography and short stories, press cuttings, diaries, photographs, invitations, programmes, notes and posters. Correspondence covers 1936-1974 and includes three letters from and one letter to Curtin.

Daly, Fred. Papers, 1938-1995.
Catalogue Record: MS 9300

Federal ALP politician (1943-1975), author and public speaker. A large part of this collection consists of Daly's original chronological files and includes a number of press cuttings, press releases, reports, campaign material, Hansard extracts, correspondence, notes and diaries. Series 5 consists of files on personalities, including Curtin (Box 96). Series 10 contains drafts, correspondence, reviews and cuttings on Daly's books, including From Curtin to Kerr and From Curtin to Hawke.

Dedman, John Johnson. Papers, 1930-1954.
Catalogue Record: MS 987

Labor MHR for Corio (1940-1949), Minister for War Organisation and Industry (1941-1945) and Post War Reconstruction (1945-1949). Dedman's papers include official and semi-official correspondence, minutes, reports, speeches, pamphlets and press cuttings relating to his various Cabinet portfolios in the Governments of Curtin and J. B. Chifley.

Downs, Ian. Papers, 1935-1994.
Catalogue Record: MS 8254

Downs was a prominent figure in Papua New Guinea in the last years of the Australian trusteeship and was a politician, planter and historian. As well as being Assistant Director of Native Affairs (1951), he served as President of the Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association (1957-1968), and wrote an official history of the Australian administration entitled The Australian Trusteeship: Papua New Guinea, 1945-1975 (1980). The collection includes correspondence, diaries, reports, research notes and original source material used in preparation for his publication. The papers also include copies of policy documents from the Curtin era.

Dumas, Sir Lloyd. Papers, 1929-1971.
Catalogue Record: MS 4849

Lloyd Dumas was a journalist, managing editor (1929-1938) and managing director (1938-1961) of the Adelaide Advertiser. Series 2 of the collection contains correspondence on political subjects (1929-1948). Correspondents consist of prominent public figures, academics, Federal and State Ministers and politicians, with Curtin being one of Sir Lloyd's correspondents (1942-1943).

Eggleston, Sir Frederic. Papers, 1911-1954.
Catalogue Record: MS 423

These papers are concerned mainly with the official career and writings of Sir Frederic Eggleston. They relate to his activities as Minister in the Victorian Government (1924-1927), Australian Minister to China (1941-1944) and Advisor to the Department of External Affairs (1946-1949). The collection consists of memoranda, notes, diaries, cuttings and correspondence. Correspondence includes one letter from and eight letters to Curtin.

Federal Parliamentary Labor Party (Caucus). Records, 1906-1990.
Catalogue Record: MS 6852

These ALP records include Caucus minutes (1906-1989) and cover Curtin's term as an ALP Federal parliamentarian.

Fisher, Andrew. Papers, 1855-1983.
Catalogue Record: MS 2919

This is the main collection of Fisher papers. It includes correspondence on family and official matters. Much of this material documents Fisher's political career, especially his terms as Prime Minister and his work as High Commissioner in London. Included in the correspondence are one letter from Curtin and one letter from Curtin's wife, Elsie.

Fitzpatrick, Brian. Papers, 1925-1965.
Catalogue Record: MS 4965

Author, historian, journalist and one of the founders of the Australian Council for Civil Liberties (1936). The papers consist of newscuttings, records, minutes (1935-1937) and correspondence relating to the Australian Council for Civil Liberties. Correspondence with Curtin is also included in the collection and consists of eleven letters to and one letter from Curtin.

Fricke, Graham L. Papers relating to Profiles of power: the prime ministers of Australia, [198-]-1990.
Catalogue Record: MS 8248

Judge, Queen's Counsel, lecturer in law and author. The collection comprises notes, manuscript and typescript drafts and the final version (with editorial alterations and directions to the printer) of Profiles of power: the prime ministers of Australia. Ferntree Gully, Vic.: Houghton Mifflin, 1990.

Gowrie, Alexander Gore Arkwright Hore-Ruthven, Earl of. Papers, 1835-1987.
Catalogue Record: MS 2852

Governor of South Australia (1928-1934), Governor of New South Wales (1935-1936), and Governor-General of Australia (1936-1944). Gowrie's papers comprise official and private correspondence, cables, genealogical and biographical papers, speeches, broadcasts, photographs, newspaper cuttings and memorabilia relating to his life as well as his military and public career. Gowrie was a close friend of Curtin, which is reflected in the extensive correspondence with Curtin and Curtin's wife, Elsie. Series 5 includes a record of an interview as well as correspondence with Curtin (c. 1942-1944). Sub-series 7/3 consists of Lady Gowrie's correspondence with Elsie Curtin and Series 15 contains correspondence with Curtin's daughter, Elsie MacLeod. .

Great Britain. Foreign Office. Private Secretaries' Papers, 1941-1945.
Catalogue Record: Mfm PRO 6333-6338

Papers of private secretaries of various Foreign Secretaries. Among the papers is a letter from W. S. Churchill to Curtin thanking him for congratulations on victory in Africa (1943), a letter from Churchill to Curtin concerning a visit by Mrs Roosevelt to Australia (1943) and a letter from Curtin to W. S. Churchill regarding the appointment of R. G. Casey as Governor of Bengal (1943). Microfilmed by the Australian Joint Copying Project from originals held at the Public Record Office, London (FO 800/410-418).

Hall, Cecil Riley. Papers, 1909-1972.
Catalogue Record: MS 8686

Director of the New South Wales Chamber of Manufactures (1936-1960), Acting Secretary of the Associated Chamber of Manufactures (1939) and author of The Manufacturers: Australian manufacturing achievements to 1960 (1971), Hall's papers include correspondence, papers relating to the New South Wales Chamber of Manufactures, minutes, reports, speeches, research notes, scrapbooks, photographs and biographical files. Folder 17 of Subseries 3 contains biographical information on Curtin. .

Harrison, Hector, Reverend. Papers, 1915-1978.
Catalogue Record: MS 6277

Hector Harrison was Minister at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Forrest, ACT (1940-1978), Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of New South Wales (1950-1951) and Moderator-General of Presbyterian Church of Australia (1962-1964). Harrison's papers record his career and include personal and business correspondence, circulars, journal articles, brochures, leaflets, newscuttings, newsletters, notes, pamphlets, sermons and service sheets. Harrison was a close friend of John and Elsie Curtin. Series 1 Folder 6 contains correspondence between Harrison and Elsie Curtin (1945-1960). The file also includes biographical notes on Curtin, a note containing instructions from Curtin relating to his funeral service, newscuttings and other miscellaneous memorabilia. Series 4 also contains newscuttings (1920-1976), including cuttings on Curtin's death. Harrison conducted the Memorial Service for Curtin that was held at Parliament House on 6 July 1945 and the burial service on the 8 July 1945 in WA.

Hughes, Colin. Papers, 1966.
Catalogue Record: MS 5963

This collection consists of research papers compiled by Professor Colin Hughes. Hughes was an adviser and co-ordinator of the Australian Broadcasting Commission's television series, Mr Prime Minister (1966) and includes material relating to Curtin.

Hughes, William Morris. Papers, c.1875-1979.
Catalogue Record: MS 1538

William Morris ('Billy') Hughes' papers include correspondence, diaries and notebooks, newspaper cuttings, photographs, and family and political papers. The political papers comprise official and personal records dating from his time as Prime Minister from 1915 to 1923. Hughes' collection includes extensive correspondence with Curtin including a significant amount of correspondence while Curtin was Prime Minister. It includes 23 letters from and 27 letters to Curtin. Two letters from John Curtin's wife, Elsie, are also included in the collection.

Industrial Workers of the World. Correspondence, 1897-1919.
Catalogue Record: MS 3516

The Industrial Workers of the World was a socialist industrial group originating in Chicago in 1905 that aimed to unite all workers into one industrial union. The correspondence consists of reports from Australian unions and other labor organizations and includes letters from Curtin.

Institute of Public Affairs (NSW). Records, 1943-1968.
Collection Number: MS 6590

The Institute of Public Affairs was officially formed in NSW on 18 February 1943 to act as a vehicle for informed public opinion on economic problems and the political and social welfare of Australia. As well as containing records relating to the early development and interests of the Institute, the collection includes subject files (mainly newspaper cuttings) on the proposed nationalisation of banks, State and Federal elections and communism in Australia. Biographical files (including some correspondence) on Curtin, A. W. Fadden, R. G. Menzies and J. B. Chifley are also included. .

Isaacs, Sir Isaac. Papers, 1883-1969.
Collection Number: MS 2755

Sir Isaac Issacs was a Federation Convention delegate, the Federal Attorney-General (1905-1906), Governor-General (1931-1936) and Justice of the High Court. The collection includes family papers, photographs, notebooks and correspondence. Correspondence includes one letter to Curtin.

Kelly, John Henry. Papers, 1924-1983.
Collection Number: MS 8083

John Kelly was an agricultural economist. As well as being active in promoting the Snowy Mountains Scheme, Kelly was involved in the War Service Land Settlement Scheme (1945-1947) and worked at the Bureau of Agricultural Economics (1948-1960). The papers cover all aspects of Kelly's career including photos, newspaper cuttings, articles, interviews and writings on his life. A copy of a letter dated 21 December 1944 from General Thomas Blamey to Curtin as Minister of Defence is also included in the collection.

Latham, Sir John. Papers, 1868-1964.
Collection Number: MS 1009

Latham was Deputy Prime Minister (1931-1934), Attorney-General (1925-1929, 1931-1934), Minister for External Affairs, Minister for Industry (1931-1934) and Chief Justice of the High Court (1935-1952). The papers include notes, speeches, diaries, minute books, account books, cuttings, photographs, pamphlets, official publications, invitations, menus and other material relating to his career. Correspondence with Curtin is also included in the collection, with four letters to and eleven letters from Curtin.

Mahon, Hugh. Papers, 1880-1936.
Collection Number: MS 937

Irish-born journalist and politician. The collection consists of correspondence (1880-1936) as well as press cuttings relating to Mahon's political career and his interest in Catholic and Irish affairs. Correspondents include Alfred Deakin, Andrew Fisher, and John and Elsie Curtin.

Melville, Sir Leslie Galfreid. Papers, 1932-1993.
Collection Number: MS 8671

Melville was Chairman of the Australian delegation at the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference, Bretton Woods (1944), Economic Advisor, Commonwealth Bank (1931-1949), Vice-Chancellor, Australian National University (1953-60). This collection consists of papers relating to the Bretton Woods Conference and other economic matters as well as articles and addresses given by Melville. Included are papers relating to the 1944 Bretton Woods Monetary Conference, such as letters and reports by Melville to Curtin (1944).

Menzies, Sir Robert Gordon. Papers, 1905-1978.
Collection Number: MS 4936

Robert Gordon (later Sir Robert) Menzies was MHR for Kooyong (1934-1966), Leader of the Federal Opposition (1943-1949) and Prime Minister of Australia (1939-1941 and 1949-1966). This extensive collection of personal papers includes correspondence, press cuttings, speeches, diaries and research material. The collection includes quite an extensive correspondence with Curtin, including seven letters from Curtin to Menzies and three letters to Curtin from Menzies (c. 1940-1945). Also included are correspondence concerning World War II, as well as eight letters to and four letters from Curtin (c. 1941-1944). Correspondence from 1974 consists of twelve letters about Curtin as well as a letter from Curtin's wife, Elsie.

Murdoch, Sir Keith Arthur. Papers, 1915-1952.
Collection Number: MS 2823

Journalist and newspaper executive. Sir Keith Murdoch began his journalistic career with the Melbourne Age, was war correspondent with the Australian forces during World War One, appointed Trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria (1933) and was Chairman of Directors, Herald and Weekly Times from 1942. The papers relate to the life and career of Sir Keith Murdoch and include correspondence, speeches, press clippings and photographs. Correspondents include Curtin.

O'Malley, King. Papers, 1888-1955.
Collection Number: MS 460

Member of House of Representatives (1901-1917), Minister for Home Affairs in the second Fisher (Labor) Ministry (1910-1913) and under W. M. Hughes (1915-1916). The O'Malley Papers include diaries, notes and drafts of speeches, photographs, newspaper cuttings and invitations. O'Malley corresponded with numerous prime ministers including Curtin.

Ovenden, Richard. Papers, 1925-1968.
Collection Number: MS 3792

Artist and caricaturist. Ovenden's papers contain newspaper cuttings (some of which include examples of his cartoons and political caricatures), photographs and exhibition catalogues. Also included in the collection are letters from Curtin (1941).

Page, Sir Earle. Papers, 1908-1961.
Collection Number: MS 1633

Dr (later Sir) Earle Page founded and led the Country Party, and became Prime Minister (briefly) upon Lyons' death. His papers include subject files of correspondence, cables, cuttings, personal documents, reports and speeches. They cover such topics as primary industry, taxation and banking, foreign affairs, national insurance, industrial relations, social services, immigration, trade, new state movements, the formation of the Bruce-Page Government, and the Country Party. The correspondence includes one letter to Curtin and two letters from Curtin.

Palmer, Vance and Nettie. Papers, 1889-1964.
Collection Number: MS 1174

Vance Palmer was a writer, editor and political commentator. His wife, Nettie, was also a writer, commentator and literary critic. The collection chiefly consists of correspondence, but also includes drafts, press cuttings, original manuscripts of other writers, photographs, material from various literary bodies such the Australian Society of Authors and the Fellowship of Australian Authors. Correspondence includes three letters from and two letters to Curtin.

Pearce, Sir George Foster. Papers, 1909-1952.
Collection Number: MS 213, MS 1827, MS 1927

George (later Sir George) Pearce was WA Senator (1901-1937) and a Minister in the Fisher, Hughes, Lyons and Bruce-Page Governments. Pearce's papers are in three collections and consist of press cuttings, drafts of articles, reports, minutes, photographs and correspondence. MS 1927 includes three letters from and one letter to Curtin.

Perkins, John Arthur. Papers, 1891-1954.
Collection Number: MS 936, Mfm G 28200-28206

MHR for Eden-Monaro (1926-1929 and 1931-1943), Minister for Trade and Customs (1938-1939) and Chairman of the Joint Committee on Social Security (1941-1943). The papers include diaries and political material consisting mainly of newspaper cuttings. Correspondence includes nine letters from Curtin.

Rischbieth, Bessie. Papers, 1900-1967.
Collection Number: MS 2004

Rischbieth was co-founder of the Women's Service Guild of Western Australia (1909) and co-founder and President of the Australian Federation of Women Voters (1921-1942). The collection includes press cuttings, pamphlets, articles and correspondence. Correspondence includes 15 letters from and 15 letters to Curtin.

Rodgers, Donald K. Papers, 1941-1949.
Collection Number: MS 1536

Rodgers was Curtin and J. B. Chifley's Press Secretary. The collection includes material relating to political figures of the 1930s and 1940s, most notably Curtin and Chifley. The papers consist of photographs, cuttings and pamphlets, correspondence, press passes and menus.

Ross, Lloyd Maxwell. Papers, 1854-1986.
Collection Number: MS 3939

Teacher, trade unionist, journalist, historian and John Curtin's biographer. Ross was the State Secretary of the NSW branch of the Australian Railways Union in 1935-1943 and 1952-1959 and, on the recommendation of Prime Minister Chifley, was employed in the Department of Post-War Reconstruction as Director of Public Relations (1943-1949). As Curtin's biographer, Ross began collecting material on Curtin soon after his death in 1945. Series 11 consists of material relating to Ross' publication John Curtin: a biography (1907-1985), and includes letters written by Curtin, telegrams received by and sent to Curtin (1941), correspondence with Curtin's daughter, Elsie MacLeod, original letters written by Curtin as well as photographs of Curtin depicting family and political life.

Scott, Sir Ernest and Lady Emily. Papers, c. 1906-1955.
Collection Number: MS 703

Sir Ernest Scott was an historian and writer and his wife, Lady Emily, was a pianist, teacher and accompanist. The collection consists of letters, newspaper cuttings, handwritten drafts of lectures and articles, journals, photographs and books. Included in the collection is a letter of condolence from Curtin, on behalf of the ALP, to Lady Scott on the death of Sir Ernest (1939).

Slessor, Kenneth. Papers, 1908-1971.
Collection Number: MS 3020

Author, journalist, poet and editor. Slessor's papers include literary manuscripts, notebooks, autobiographical notes, newspaper reviews by Slessor, reviews by others of his work, photographs, and an extensive collection of correspondence, including two letters to Curtin.

Smith, Frederick T. Papers, 1942-1945.
Collection Number: MS 4675

Journalist and author. These papers consist of reports of confidential press conferences held by Prime Minister Curtin and covers the period 1942-1945. The papers were published by the National Library of Australia entitled Backroom Briefings: John Curtin's War (1997).

Souter, Gavin. Papers, 1959-1991.
Collection Number: MS 8604

Journalist with the Sydney Morning Herald (1948-1987), historian and author of a number of books including New Guinea: the last unknown (1963), The Lion and the Kangaroo (1976) and Acts of Parliament (1988). Series 4 of the collection consists of correspondence, photographs and research material for Acts of Parliament: a narrative history, and includes a file on Curtin.

Spender, Sir Percy Claude. Papers, 1937-1978.
Collection Number: MS 4875

M.H.R for Warringah, N.S.W. (1937-1951), Minister for External Affairs and External Territories (1949-1951), Australian Ambassador to United States (1951-1958) and President, International Court of Justice, The Hague (1964-1967). These papers document Spender's political, diplomatic and legal career including correspondence, speeches, press statements, cutting books, photographs of overseas trips and functions attended, itineraries, invitations, and printed material. Included in the correspondence are three letters from and two letters to Curtin.

Stephens, David. Papers, 1972.
Collection Number: MS 4625

As part of the research for his Maser of Arts thesis tentatively titled "Federal Labor in Government and Opposition, 1945-1951", Stephens conducted interviews with J. Dedman and A. Calwell. The interviews include references to Curtin and J. B. Chifley.

Street, Jessie. Papers, 1914-1968.
Collection Number: MS 2683

Feminist and social activist. Street was the founder of the NSW Social Hygiene Association (1915) and Co-founder (1928) and President of the United Associations of Women, which lobbied governments on equal pay and other women's issues. Her papers contain speeches, broadcasts, printed material, diaries, minutes of meetings, financial records, passports, photographs and correspondence, including four letters from Curtin.

Theodore, Edward Granville. Papers, 1906-1972.
Collection Number: MS 7222

Edward Granville Theodore was Premier and Treasurer in Queensland (1919-1925). After entering Federal Parliament, he became Treasurer in the Scullin Government (1929-1930 and 1931). His papers include 19 volumes of news cuttings, political pamphlets, and correspondence. Correspondence includes four letters to Theodore from Curtin (1931-1944).

Tonkin, Eric W. Papers, 1922-1958.
Collection Number: MS 3668

Eric Tonkin was private secretary to Prime Ministers Curtin and Chifley from 1941 until 1949, when he was appointed a Commonwealth Conciliation Commisioner. Subject files, consisting of newspaper cuttings (1939-1945), make up the bulk of the papers. The files cover such topics as primary and secondary industries, social services, defence, the Labor Party's attitude to conscription, Commonwealth powers of deportation (1925) and the regulation of banking. Also included are speeches, broadcasts, ALP newspapers and bulletins and ALP federal conference agendas (1940, 1943, 1945). The collection includes some letters from Curtin, as well as speeches given by Curtin (1939-1941).

Ward, Edward John. Papers, 1941-1963.
Collection Number: MS 2396

Ward was the Australian Labor Party MHR for East Sydney (1931-1963), Minister for Labour and National Service (1941-1943) and Transport and External Territories (1943-1949). Papers include miscellaneous and confidential papers on a variety of subjects, including the ALP Hobart Conference in 1955 and Ward's bid for party leadership in 1959 and deputy leadership in 1960. Included in the collection are 19 letters to and 22 letters from Curtin.

Whitington, Don. Papers, 1957-1976.
Collection Number: MS 3810

Journalist, as well as founder and Managing Director of Australian Press Services. Whitington's papers include book reviews, press cuttings, genealogical research material and correspondence. Included in the collection is an extract from the proofs of John Curtin - an atypical Labor leader by Kim Beazley.