Books of The Second Phase of Mankind's Journeys to the Stars. The Southern Cross Memorial, 1930-1989

Containers:

Folio-Box unnumbered (2 folio boxes), Folio 1-17

Component identifier:

Series 19

Content Summary:

Byrne perceived his work as being divided into definite phases and refers in some of his writings to a second and third phase. This second phase began upon his return to Australia from the United States in 1946 when he determined to finalise all sections of the existing Southern Cross Memorial and to design and erect a building in which to house it. He also referred to a third stage commencing after the Government accepted his gift of the "Southern Cross" Memorial in 1970 which entailed his creating a "record of thanks" to the United States and Holland, the countries he perceived as having contributed so much to the pioneering flights of the Southern Cross. This series includes four large ring binders and loose material, perhaps intended to be incorporated into further binders. These contain photocopies of newspaper articles concerning Kingsford Smith and Ulm. They also contain photocopies of newspaper clippings and letters concerning Byrne's work and his endeavours to have the government accept his gift and to see it properly housed and his further efforts to increase awareness, understanding and appreciation within Australia, particularly amongst children, of the significance of the achievements of early aviation pioneers particularly Kingsford Smith and Ulm.

(Files 1-17)

Immediate source of acquisition:

The first instalment of the Byrne Papers was presented to the Library by Austin Byrne in 1971. Further instalments were received in 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1981 1983 and 1987. The remainder of the Byrne Papers were bequeathed to the Library pursuant to Mr Byrne's will and were collected after his death in 1993.

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