Member for Kooyong, 1921-1934

Component identifier:

Series 25

Content Summary:

This large series contains Latham's correspondence with his constituents and letters which he received in his capacity as a parliamentarian. Most of the papers date from the period when he was a backbencher (1923-1925). Papers which he wrote or received in his capacity as a Minister are contained in Series 27-42, 44, 52-58, and other political papers are in Series 24, 26, 43, 45-46, 48-51 and 59.

The letters and other papers are arranged chronologically, with replies and follow-up letters attached to the initial letters. Many of the letters are concerned with constituents' grievances, meetings and functions in the electorate, the distribution of Hansards, and the needs and views of a wide range of pressure groups. There is extensive correspondence on the following subjects: import duties on chemical apparatus and chemicals required by universities, tax assessment, repatriation benefits, defence, High Court salaries, industrial relations, payment of women in the Public Service, letter deliveries, the Victorian police strike of 1923, applications for War Service homes, the work of the Repatriation Commission, wireless regulations, the Budget, customs, cancer research, and the design of the National War Memorial. The final papers include invitations, notes and other souvenir material relating to the opening of Parliament House in Canberra in May 1927.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The bulk of the collection was presented to the National Library by Sir John Latham in December 1963, a few months before his death. In November 1974 the Library purchased some further papers from a secondhand book dealer. They comprised family letters and photographs, some diaries and papers relating to the High Court. These papers have been amalgamated into the original collection.

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