MS 7842 Papers of Sir George Reid (1845-1918)
Scope and Content Note
Papers
1855-1989
1.16 metres (4 boxes and 2 folio boxes)
Available for reference
The initial instalment of this collection was donated by Mrs Anne
Fairbairn, grand-daughter of Sir George Reid, under the Taxation Incentive for
the Arts Scheme in October 1989, with additional donations being made in
November 1991, July 1996 and April 1998.
The first two instalments of material were relatively small and were
consequently listed at item level in some detail. However, due to the size and
diverse contents of the larger 1996 and 1998 additions, it was impossible to
continue this level of description. As a consequence, the 1996 and 1998
additions have been arranged into groups such as pre-1880 material, Australian
politics, Australian High Commissioner, and retirement. The headings reflect
the main aspects of Sir George Reids life and work and accommodate
material in the collection pertaining to the wider Reid Family and Dame Flora
Reids own awards and public engagements. The numbering of folders has
been continued from the earlier part of the collection.
Related Material
In addition to the Reid Papers the Library holds a video and other manuscript collections (including microfilm copies) which contain letters or other materials relating to Reid. These are described in Special collections relating to Sir George Reid in the National Library of Australia
Biographical Note
Sir George Houston Reid was born in Scotland on the 25th of
February 1845, the fifth son of the Reverend John Reid and Marion Crybbace. The
family emigrated to Australia in 1852. Reids first public position was as
an official of the New South Wales Treasury, during which time he studied part
time for the Bar to which he was appointed in 1879. Reid was a member of the
New South Wales Parliament for twenty years, succeeding Sir Henry Parkes as
leader of the Free Trade Party in 1891. From 1894 to 1899 he was Premier and
Treasurer of New South Wales, during which time he took part in the 1897-98
Australasian National Convention and the drafting of the Commonwealth
Constitution. Reid was a member of the first Federal Parliament and Prime
Minister of Australia in 1904-5. In 1909 he was appointed the first Australian
High Commissioner in London, a post he held until he retired in 1916. During
his retirement he stayed active in politics, standing for and winning the House
of Commons seat of St George, Hanover Square.
In 1909 Reid was made a Knight Commander of St Michael and St George in
recognition of his work in Australian politics. In 1911 he was promoted to
Grand Cross of the same Order and in 1916 was accorded the rare honour of
appointment as Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath without having held any
lower rank in the order.
In 1891 he married Flora Anne Brumby and they had three children,
Thelma, Douglas and Clive. Flora was a public figure in her own right and in
1917 was awarded a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in
recognition of her work with Australian servicemen in London during World War
I.
A large man with a walrus moustache, Reid was always a popular subject
for cartoonists. He was also an entertaining and witty speaker and was a sought
after speaker for official functions, a role which is well represented by the
number of printed speeches and menus in the collection. A busy public figure
even in retirement, Reid died of a major stroke on the 12th of
September 1918.
Reference
McMinn, W.G. George Reid , Melbourne, Melbourne University Press,
1989.
Fred Johnss Annual for 1913, Adelaide, 1913.
First Instalment received October 1989
Folder 1
| Item 1 |
W. McMillan to Reid, 18
January 1889 (telegram) |
| 2 |
Sir Edmund Barton to Reid,
22 March 1895 |
| 3 |
Sir Saul Samuel to Reid,
March 1896 |
| 4 |
Memorandum from the Prime
Minister to the Governor-General requesting a dissolution of the House of
Representatives, Melbourne, 3 July 1905 |
| 5 |
Menu of Sydney Chamber of
Commerce Dinner given in honour of Sir George Reid, 19 November 1913 |
| 6 |
Cheque for £100,000
from the Australian Government payable to the Prime Minister of Britain for the
Belgian Relief Fund, 29 October 1914 (signed by Reid and H.H. Asquith) |
| 7-8 |
Sir Edmund Barton to Reid, 7
January 1916 |
| 9-10 |
David Lloyd George to Reid,
11 December 1916 (circular) |
| 11 |
David Lloyd George to Reid, 6
July 1917 |
| 12-14 |
Cassell & Company Ltd.
Royalty statements for Reid's book My reminiscences, 31 December 1917
and 31 December 1918 |
| 15 |
Copy of a resolution of the
Committee of St George's Hanover Square Conservative Association acknowledging
Reid's withdrawal from the General Election, 5 June 1918 |
| 16 |
Last Will and Testament of
Reid, 8 January 1918 |
| 17-32 |
Letters of regret concerning
farewell dinner given by the High Commissioner, December 1915 |
Addition November 1991
Letters to Sir George Reid
Folder 2
| Item 1 |
Acceptance as Honorary Member of the Cobden Club, 20 February
1876 |
| Item 2 |
Joseph Chamberlain, Colonial Office, 15 June 1897 |
| Item 3 |
Edward Poynten, 29 April 1910 |
| Item 4 |
Arthur Balfour, 24 June 1910 |
| Item 5 |
H.H. Asquith, 6 July 1910 |
| Item 6 |
Lady Brassey, 11 April 1910 |
| Item 7 |
Lord Carrington, 22 September 1911 |
| Item 8 |
Sir Samuel Way, Adelaide, 22 May 1912 |
| Item 9-10 |
Lord Stamfordham, 26 February 1913 |
| Item 11-12 |
Sir Samuel Way, Adelaide, 6 March 1913 |
| Item 13 |
Louis Harcourt, 24 July 1913 (telegram) |
| Item 14 |
Prince Alexander of Teck, 18 July 1913 |
| Item 15 |
Hall Caine, 31 October 1914 |
| Item 16 |
Floyd B. Nielson, 21 May 1914 |
| Item 17 |
Lord Roberts, 27 August 1914 |
| Item 18 |
Lord Roberts, 29 August 1914 |
| Item 19 |
Lord Tennyson, 25 February 1915 |
| Item 20 |
R. M. Richard, Sydney, 19 November 1915 |
| Item 21 |
Lord Stamfordham, 20 December 1915 |
| Item 22 |
Sir Ronald Munro-Ferguson, Melbourne, 20 December 1915 |
| Item 23 |
Lady Helen Munro-Ferguson, Melbourne, 22 December 1915 |
| Item 24 |
Sir Samuel Way, Adelaide, 16 December 1915 |
| Item 25 |
Lady Helen Munro-Ferguson, Melbourne, 29 December 1915 |
| Item 26 |
Lord Fisher, 12 January 1916 |
| Item 27-28 |
General Birdwood, Dardanelles, 13 January 1916 |
| Item 29 |
George Dewar, London, 19 January 1916 |
| Item 30 |
Lady Helen Munro-Ferguson, Melbourne, 26 January 1916 |
| Item 31-32 |
Sir Edward Hutton, 15 February 1916 |
| Item 33 |
Walter H. Page, 24 June 1916 |
| Item 34 |
Lord Stamfordham, 16 February 1917 |
| Item 35 |
Sir Alan Anderson, 8 August 1917 |
| Item 36 |
T. Griffiths, 15 September 1917 |
| Item 37-38 |
Dinner menu and guest list signed by Lord Blyth, 8 October
1917 |
| Item 39 |
Arthur Balfour, 6 October 1917 |
| Item 40 |
Lord Stamfordham, 24 September 1917 |
| Item 41 |
Breed, Abbott & Morgan, New York, 1 November 1917 |
| Item 42 |
Sir George Sydenham Clark, 7 April 1918 |
| Item 43 |
Walter Long, 16 May 1918 |
| Item 44 |
George L. Houstoun, Cyprus, 11 June 1918 |
| Item 45 |
E. W. Wallington, 10 September 1918 |
| Item 46 |
Walter Long, 6 June 1918 |
| Item 47 |
Margot Asquith, [n.d.] |
Letters from Sir George Reid
Folder 3
| Item 1 |
Lady Warwick, 25 June [19 ?] |
| Item 2 |
Lady Warwick, 29 June [19 ?] |
Family letters
Folder 4
| Item 1 |
Clive Reid, to parents, 24 February 1911 |
| Item 2 |
Douglas Reid, to parents, [ n.d.] |
| Item 3 |
Clive Reid to parents, 24 May [n.d.] |
| Item 4 |
Clive Reid to parents, 1 July [n.d.] |
| Item 5 |
Clive Reid to mother, 16 July [n.d.] |
| Item 6 |
George Reid to Clive, 13 September 1915 |
| Item 7-8 |
Douglas Reid to father, 18 June 1917 |
| Item 9-10 |
Douglas Reid to Clive, 29 May 1917 |
| Item 11 |
Douglas Reid to mother, 2 May 1917 |
Letters to Lady Reid
Folder 5
| Item 1 |
T. Griffiths, 14 September 1918 |
| Item 2-3 |
A.V. Jayne, 15 September 1918 |
| Item 4 |
Leslie Charlick, 19 September 1918 |
Copies of letters and miscellaneous papers
Folder 6
| Item 1 |
Prince Alexander of Teck to Reid, July 1911 (telegram) |
| Item 2 |
T. McClintock Bunbury from Murray N. O'Brien, 8 June [19
?] |
| Item 3 |
Invitation to the memorial service for King Edward VII, 20 May
1910 |
| Item 4-5 |
Sir George Reid to the Chairman of the Committee, St George's
Conservative Association, 1918 (draft unsigned) |
| Item 6-12 |
Copy of a letter from General Sir William Birdwood, Dardanelles,
20 December 1915, to Lord Kitchener (7 foolscap pp, typed and initialled in
pencil), reporting Anzac evacuation of the Dardanelles. |
| Item 12 |
Australian Banquet, London, index of seating, 10 March
1910 |
| Item 13 |
Royal Academy of Arts. Dinner table plan, 30 April 1910 |
| Item 14 |
Invitation from John Brown Co. Ltd, to the launch of HMAS
Australia, 25 October 1911 |
| Item 15 |
Souvenir menu, British Press Luncheon, 8 September 1913 |
| Item 16-60 |
File of copy correspondence relating to dinner given by Lord
Blyth in honour of Reid before his departure for America, October 1917 (38
letters) and 4 pages of thanks for St Louis letter, January
1918 |
| Item 61 |
Passport, 1915 |
| Item 62 |
Portrait photograph inscribed My darling wife your ever
devoted George, New York, 15 March 1918 |
| Item 63 |
Photograph of Reid by R. Boake of Sydney |
Objects
| 1 |
Fob Watch, Zenith 1/2 Hunter, inscribed on back J.A.F., John
Arbuthnot Fisher, Baron Fisher of Kilberstone (1841-1920), (aide to Queen
Victoria, 1st Sea Lord), also inside inscribed "till Hell freezes", G.H.R.
& J.A.F. |
Addition July 1996
Australian Politics, 1880 November 1909
Folder 7:
The papers include a letter to Reid from Fannie Speer (22 August 1888),
menu and seating plan for banquet given in 1897 by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales
to the Premiers of the Colonies, and minute from Government House, Sydney,
concerning the dissolution of the NSW State Parliament (11September 1899). [9
items]
Australian High Commissioner, London, December 1909 December
1915
Folder 8:
The papers include a letter to Reid from Theodore Roosevelt (25 May
1910), an invitation to the Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, letters
and telegrams regarding an motor vehicle accident involving Reid and his
children in 1911, and a letter to Reid from the Colonial Office on the occasion
of his retirement from the position of Australian High Commissioner in January
1916. [25 items]
Retirement, January 1916 September 1918.
Folder 9:
Letters relating to Reids investiture in 1917 as a member of the
Order of the British Empire and as a Knight Grand Cross (Civil Division) of the
Order of the Bath. [7 items]
Folders 10-11:
Papers relating to the illness and death of Sir George Reid on 12
September 1918. They mainly comprise letters and telegrams of condolence
received by Dame Flora but there are also drafts of her replies, a copy of the
funeral service and copies of the in memoriam resolutions passed in the NSW and
Federal Parliaments. The letters of condolence include letters from Queen
Alexandra, Arthur Balfour, Lloyd George, Lord Tennyson, Andrew Fisher (the High
Commissioner in London), Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson (the Australian Governor
General), William Morris Hughes, and Ada Holman. [Folder 10: 91 items, Folder
11: 25 items]
Letters Patent or similar documents relating to Reids
appointments, 1883 1910
Folio 1:
16 letters patent or similar documents relating to Reids official
appointments or to honours bestowed on him, 1883-1910.
Family Papers
Folder 12:
Family photographs, including two undated photographs of Sir George
Reid, photographs of his children, Thelma and Douglas, dating from 1930s and
1940s, and two photographs of his grand daughter Anne Reid. [12 items]
Folder 13:
Papers relating to Reids immediate family, including a birth
certificate and school report for Clive Reid, letter addressed to Mrs Cleaver,
Reids daughter, newspaper clipping of notice of her wedding, Douglas
Reids Bank of NSW bank book (1916-18) and copy of address given at the
funeral of Douglas Reid. [14 items]
Folder 14:
Group of letters (1871-74) addressed to Mary Eliza Reid Syme, Sir George
Reids younger sister, or to her husband David Syme. Includes letters from
her mother Marion Reid, sister Marion Reid Ewen, brothers Mark, Hugh and George
Reid, and Hughs wife Lizzie. Also includes one letter to George Reid from
his mother Marion. [60 items]
Folder 15:
Handwritten copy of an address given to Reverend John Reid (father of
Reid) at the Mariners Church, n.d., letter of administration relating to the
estate of Mark Reid (18 March 1873), newspaper clipping relating to the
demolition of two historic houses to be demolished to provide the approach to
the Sydney Harbour Bridge. One house was once occupied by the Rev. John Reid.
[3 items]
Dame Flora Reid Papers, 1877 1950
Folder 16:
Personal papers of Dame Flora Reid, including her British passport and
letters pertaining to her appointment as a Dame Grand Cross of the British
Empire. Also an invitation to and souvenir material from the opening of
Parliament House, Canberra in 1927. [15 items]
Folder 17:
Dame Flora Reids will and material relating to her death and
burial. Also correspondence and statements relating to her financial assets
between 1927 and 1952.
Papers of Anne Fairbairn (née Reid) relating to family
history.
Folder 18:
Research notes belonging to Anne Fairbairn (née Reid) relating to
the history of the Reid Family.
Objects
| 2 |
Small navy blue leather case belonging to Dame Flora Reid,
stamped with initials F.A.R. It has two keys inside on piece of black
ribbon. |
| 3 |
Holy Bible presented to Sir George Reid at the opening of
Federal Parliament on 21 May 1901 signed George by George,
Prince of Wales, later King George V. |
| 4 |
Dame Flora Reids Book of Common Prayer, containing a
number of notes and newspaper clippings including a letter from Sir George Reid
(1917) dedicating his recently published reminiscences to her. |
| 5 |
Chain evening bag, gold in colour with blue glass detail on
clasp. |
| 6 |
Chain coin purse 9ct gold. |
| 7 |
Dame Grand Cross of Order of the British Empire (1917). Cross
only, no ribbon. |
| 8 |
Enamelled souvenir badge marking the opening of Parliament House,
Canberra, 1927. |
| 9 |
Sir George Reids medal to mark the International Exhibition
in 1911. |
| 10 |
Copper printers plate for printing business cards, engraved
Lady Reid. Plate is in its original envelope from W.C Penfold &
Co Ltd, Pitt Street Sydney. |
Addition April 1998
Pre 1880 material relating to Reids work in the Civil Service and
as a Lawyer.
Folder 19:
Four letters to Reid dating from 1870s relating to essays written by
Reid.
Australian Politics, 1880 November 1909
Folder 20:
Papers including copy of oath taken by Reid on his appointment to the
Privy Council (1897), letter of appointment to position of NSW Attorney-General
(1899) and letters of congratulations addressed to Reid on his appointment as
High Commissioner to London (1909). [10 items]
Australian High Commissioner, London, December 1909 December
1915
Folder 21:
Copies of speeches given by Reid at functions and related letters of
appreciation, report on a visit to Canada and the USA as Australian High
Commissioner, itinerary for a motor tour and a note dated June 1913 from
Buckingham Palace requesting Reids company on an inspection of HMS
Australia by the Prince of Wales. There is a photograph of this event in
Folder 12. [34 items]
Retirement, January 1916 September 1918.
Folder 22:
Letters of appreciation addressed to Reid on his retirement from the
position of High Commissioner for Australia. There is also material relating to
the 1916 parliamentary by-election for the House of Commons seat of St George,
Hanover Square which Reid stood for and won in 1916. [23 items]
Family Papers
Folder 23:
Family papers relating to Clive and Douglas Reid, sons of Sir George,
two photographs of Sir George and one of his immediate family (1906), a copy of
an 1855 leaflet entitled Testimonials in favor of the Rev John Reid and
a memorial card marking the death of Marion Reid, Sir Georges mother
(1885). [20 items]
Folder 24:
Papers and letters relating to the Syme Family including a set
photocopies of letters from Reid to his sister Mary Eliza (1892-1915). [22
items]
Papers of Anne Fairbairn (née Reid) relating to family
history.
Folder 25:
Research notes belonging to Anne Fairbairn (née Reid) relating to
history of Reid Family.
Folder 26:
Papers from the black box including:
- Draft of a Bill to Constitute the Commonwealth of Australia
1898 (as adopted by the Federal Convention 16 March 1898). Reids copy
(no annotations)
- Resolutions of meeting of Premiers to consider the Bill drafted by
the Australasian National Convention, 1897-98 (1899) with annotations by
Reid and signed by the six Premiers,
- Second copy of the above, also signed by the Premiers but with no
annotations.
- NSW Legislative Assembly, Votes and Proceedings, 20 August
1896.
- Silhouette of Reid, April 1907.
- A number of speeches by Reid, thank you note from Queen Alexandra (20
May 1910), menus and dinner cards.
Published Material
George. H. Reid, Five free trade essays (Gordon and Gotch,
Melbourne, 1875)
George. H. Reid, An Essay on New South Wales (Thomas Richards,
Sydney, 1876), inscribed to Edward Deas Thomson by Reid.
Opinions of the Press [ essay on New South Wales], n.d.
Free Trade Association of NSW, Speeches delivered by George Reid and
Sir Henry Parkes on the Second Reading of the Customs Duties Bill (Sydney,
1886)
Extract from Cosmos Magazine 29 December 1894 re George Reid by
Mrs Charles Bright.
Punch, 27 July 1897 (Special issue)
Punch, 30 May 1899 (special issue)
Free trade and tariff reform (Angus and Robertson, Sydney),
magazine, n.d.
Life, Vol 1, No 8, 15 August 1904.
King Alberts Book, Daily Telegraph n.d. (c1914)
L. F. Crisp, George Houston Reid: Federation father, federal
failure? (Canberra, 1979)
Folio 2:
Collection of newspaper clippings dating from between 1880 and 1989,
relating to the Reid Family. Many of the later clippings are of articles on
Reids political career or reviews of books relating to Reid or
Federation.
Objects
| 11 |
Black metal cash box with key, which contained a number of papers
which appeared to have been stored in the box for a number of years The
contents of the box now form Folder 26. |
| 12 |
Small commemorative medal showing Sir Robert Duff, GCMG, Governor
of New South Wales in 1893-95. |
Pictorial Items
Folio Box
Portrait of Rev John Reid (1800-1867) colour photocopy.
Signed photograph of Queen Alexandra.
Photograph of George Reid
Photographs of Clive Reids wedding in 1925, Pamela Armstrong in
1922 and Thelma in 1926
Newspaper clippings relating to Clive Reids wedding in 1925
Pen drawing of George Reid.
Photograph of Sir George Reid as Australian High Commissioner.
Box List
|
Box |
Folder |
|
1 |
1-10 |
|
2 |
11-18 |
|
3 |
19-26 |
|
4 |
Published
Material |
|
Folio Box 1 |
Folio 1-2 and Pictorial
Material |
|
Folio Box 2 |
Objects* |
* Objects 1, 7-10 and 12 stored separately, see Librarian.
February 2000
|