Liberal Party 1909-1914

Component identifier:

Series 18

Content Summary:

The Brookes played important roles in the formation of the Commonwealth Liberal Party which emerged in 1909 after the "fusion" of the Free Traders and ex Protectionist Tariff Reformers, with the Deakin Protectionists. In September 1911 the Commonwealth Liberal Party and the People's Party combined to form the People's Liberal Party.

The series contains the minute book dating from its first meeting on 8.2.1909 until 1914; the treasurer's cash book 1909-1913; the ledger books 1911-1914; two minute books of the Central Women's sub-committee of the C.L.P. and the Women's Provisional executive of the P.L.P. from 1909 until 1912; the minute book of the South Yarra branch of the P.L.P. from September 1911 until June 1915; a typescript copy of the Inter-State Conference of Liberal organisations held in Melbourne in November 1911; a report to the President of the Tasmanian Liberal League, as to differences between members of Leagues at the women's Conference in Hobart in January 1912, financial papers including receipts from 1911 until 1914.

The correspondence which is placed next dates from 1909 until 1916, and discusses the "fusion", the internal organization and finances of the Liberal parties, the referenda of 1911 and 1913, the elections of 1910, 1913 and 1914, the referendum, of 1916, and The Liberal (the official organ of the Party, it was financed largely by Brookes).

There are also many articles and press cuttings assembled by Brookes for use in The Liberal, together with cartoons by P. Huthrance and "Bep". Pamphlets, election material and press cuttings for this period have been placed at the end of the Series.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The papers of Herbert Brookes were presented to the National Library in April 1967 by his widow Ivy Deakin Brookes. In October 1967 she deposited her own extensive collection, and together they form the Brookes Papers.

Names:

Brookes, Ivy

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