Anti-Conscription Campaign, 1916-1917

Component identifier:

Series 6

Content Summary:

Letters, circulars, press cuttings and publications relating to the Anti-Conscription Campaigns in 1916 and 1917. Many of the papers are those of the Australian Peace Alliance, of which Riley was secretary. Included are five summonses which he received during 1917 for his part in Street Assemblies and distribution of literature.

Immediate source of acquisition:

F. J. Riley presented his large collection of personal papers, records of the Manufacturing Grocers' Employees' Federation of Australia, the Australian Labor Party and the Trades Hall Council, scrap books, pamphlets, photographs and newspapers to the National Library from 1949 until 1969. After his death in 1970, the residue of Riley's personal library joined the collection in accordance with his will, and the wishes of his widow, Mrs Anne E. Riley. At that time Sir Harold White, National Librarian spoke of Riley's "diligent habit of assembling for us material relating to the history of the Australian Labor Party and of the Trade Union movement. Our collections have been enriched not only by his regular donations but also by his guidance in directing us to other sources. He made a further contribution through careful documentation of much that he sent us, adding significance to its research value. Many students have been and will continue to be grateful for his interest and work in the preservation of this aspect, of our history".

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