Frank Neilson to James Devaney. Autograph Letters. 62pp.

Component identifier:

Item 75

Content Summary:

These letters, written between 1935-1948, complement James Devaney's biography of Shaw Neilson, for although portion of their contents was included in the book, much which has biographical value, remains unpublished.

Frank Neilson was an aspirant for literary recognition. Some of his poetry was published. He was not successful with his essays and short stories. A novel he wrote was rejected by a Sydney publisher, after which he wrote to Devaney: "They returned it with one or two belittling remarks. I think the style of it (which ridicules editors and critics) offended their reader...No fault was found with the technique I rejoice to say. It is all ready...for a printer, if such can be found." On a further effort: "...I am trying to write a play to fill in my spare time. I find the time drag, being idle, and I have always been used to a hard working life."

James Devaney allocated the royalties from his Neilson bigraphy to Frank Neilson, who wrote to him: "I hardly know how to comment upon your generous stipulation that all the royalties from the book go to me...You have had quite an enormous job in gathering, composing, and typing all this work. I never expected any money for the information I supplied to you."

Of the late J.K. Moir, O.B.E. he wrote: "If ever I am grateful to anyone it is to J.K. Moir, our very valued friend, who secured the extra pension for John."

These letters are tipped into album, together with: Frank Neilson to J.K. Moir. Autograph letters, 1938-1952. 18pp. In one letter Frank Neilson explains his reluctance to allow James Devaney full access to his brother's Notebooks, for which purpose Devaney had made a special trip from Brisbane to Melbourne. Later, however, difficulties were resolved and Devaney was able to complete his task. There are references to Shaw Neilson's pension. In a letter to J.K. Moir, 14 May 1939, Shaw Neilson had written: "I hear that Jimmy Scullin [The Hon. J.T. Scullin, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth] and some others are making a move to improve literary pensions. Since the debate on the allowance to Mrs Lyons [widow of the former Prime Minister] pensioners are becoming rather dissatisfied with their doles." When Neilson's case was introduced to Scullin, he replied that he had not read any of Neilson's poetry but would like to do so. Mrs B.M. Fowler has written that a great round-up of the bookshops followed but none of Neilson's books could be found. Eventually Mrs Louise B.M. Dyer loaned one of her own copies. Some letters refer to the Memorial to Shaw Neilson and the ceremonies attendant upon its unveiling at the Footscray Cemetery. Frank Neilson wished J.K. Moir to perform the ceremony, but he declined in favour of Sir John Latham. Bernard O'Dowd delivered an oration. The unveiling took place on 24 October 1943 and for the occasion the Bread and Cheese Club issued a special printed invitation featuring a portrait of the poet.

Names:

John Shaw Neilson

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