JCPML. Records of the Curtin Family. Elsie Curtin with Elsie and John at Cottesloe Beach, 1930. JCPML00004/15
Leaves Fremantle by the Westralia en route to Canberra to attend the sittings of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Works, and tours Tasmania with colleagues. Also participates in the deliberations of the Special Industrial Committee for the Labor Party, appointed to assist Ministers to prepare for the forthcoming session.1
JCPML. Records of the J S Battye Library of West Australian History. Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, Launceston, 1930. JCPML00139/14.
Courtesy Battye Library BA499/14, 53428P.
Attends welcome to Senator and Mrs Daly held by Labor Women of WA. Sits next to Mrs Mannion, the vice-president of the Labor Women’s Central Executive, who was in the chair.
‘Miss Kelly played an overture’, after which guests were welcomed by the presiding officer. After addresses to the meeting ‘Miss W Campbell and little Vera Mason obliged with several pretty songs. Miss Kenneally played a pianoforte solo, and Miss Mooney recited. After a dainty supper, those present joined in a ring round the visitors and joined in the singing of “They are Jolly Good Fellows” and “Auld Lang Syne.”’ 5
JCPML. Records of Bobbie Oliver. Philip Collier, 1924-1930, 1933-1936. JCPML00568/4/3.
Courtesy Australian Labor Party, W.A. Branch.
Evening
Attends fortnightly meeting of the Fremantle District Council of the ALP, presenting ‘a framed certificate of service of handsome design to Mr Bert Hughes in recognition of services rendered as president for two successive terms 1928-1929. There was an enthusiastic endorsement of Mr Curtin’s eulogy.’ 73 pm – 10.30 pm
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Meeting adjourned until Thursday 6 March. 11
11 am – 11.56 pm
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party.
“The Prime Minister (J H Scullin) explained to members the proposed provisions of the Constitutional Amendment Bill. … Moved Mr Curtin, seconded Mr Keane: ’That only the Question of Industrial Powers be put to the Referendum.’ Motion defeated on Voices. … Moved Mr Curtin, seconded Mr Keane, ‘That if within 3 months 20% of the Electors in each State requires the submission of the proposed law to a referendum the same shall be heard, and if the proposed law is disallowed by a majority of Electors, in the majority of States, shall not be effective.’ Motion Lost.” Meeting adjourned until 7 March. 12
11 am – 3.30 pm
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party.13
11 am – 1.10 pm
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 14
Returned to Western Australia in response to a request by Prime Minister Scullin to assist in the election campaign. [There was West Australian State Election on 12 April 1930 and an election for the West Australian Legislative Council on 10 May 1930].
‘He is also having a busy time in attending to requirements of his own electors, finding that intimate touch with them is productive of the best results.’ 1511 am – 1.15 pm
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 19
11 am
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Meeting adjourned until 7.15 pm.
7.15 pm
Attends resumed meeting resumed. Meeting adjourned until Wednesday 14 May. 20
11 am – 1.10 pm
Attends ‘Special Adjourned Meeting’ of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Meeting adjourned until 7.15 pm. 21
7.15 pm
Attends resumed meeting of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Meeting adjourned until Thursday 15 May. 22
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Meeting adjourned until 7.15 pm.
7.15 pm – 8 pm
Attends resumed meeting of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 23
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 24
JCPML. Records of Lloyd Ross. Delegates at ALP Federal Conference, Canberra, 26 May 1930. JCPML00617/66/32.
Courtesy National Library of Australia MS 3939, Series 11, Folder 66.
Attends Federal Labour Conference of the ALP as State representative.
‘One of the most significant political documents ever penned in this country is the description applied by the Eastern Press to the report presented by the Special Unemployment Committee to the recent Federal Labor Conference. The membership of the committee comprised by W J Duggan (Vi.), chairman: Mr John Curtin, MHR (WA); Mr J Kilburn (NSW); Mr H Kneebone (SA); Mr E J Ogilvie (Tas); and Mr W J Riordan (Qld).' 26
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 27
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 29
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party.
JCPML. Records of the J S Battye Library of West Australian History. Gold Bonus delegation, Canberra 25/6/1930. JCPML00139/78.
Courtesy J.S Battye Library 2035P.
‘… although others are claiming, and being given credit, for the gold bonus and the wheat guarantee of 3/- a bushel there were none who worked so hard for both as Mr Curtin. In fact we have reason to believe that it was chiefly owing to his persistent advocacy that both of those welcome forces of assistance were obtained.’ 32
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party.
Attends ‘Special Meeting’ of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Meeting adjourned.
7 pm – 8 pm
Attends resumed meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 35
11 am – 12.55 pm
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party, and moves a motion, seconded by Mr Makin:
‘That we concur in the principles of a new draft for the Arbitration Bill, outlined by the Leader, and that a sub-Committee comprising the representatives from the original Industrial Committee, and two Cabinet one Senate Ministers be deputed to act in conjunction with the Attorney General in the formation of the amendments to be made in the Bill. Carried.
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Returns to Canberra.
‘I came back on Monday night. Theodore was on the train & beyond the ordinary salutations of courtesy no word was spoken.’ 39
Attends ‘Special Meeting’ called to deal with the Budget.
‘The budget is a shocker. Taxes galore to meet the deficit. If we are forced to the country within a year we are gone - that is the common belief. No matter. But for the failure to attack the financial system & to deal constructively with the problem of unemployment boldly I could justify all we have done. But on these two points I am hopelessly outvoted by a combination of fear & folly. And Theodore has been the chief figure in defeating me in the party. Yet I do hope he is cleared at the finish.’
[Discussion on the Budget was adjourned ‘owing to the unfortunate circumstances which had arisen.’ The Treasurer, Mr Theodore, had resigned ‘after the report of the royal commission in Queensland on the Mungana mining leases had suggested that, as premier, he had improperly used his influence to favour mining interests. The Prime Minister J H Scullin, decided to take the portfolio of Treasurer’.] 40
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 41
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 42
I send all my love & look forward to the day when I can see you again. It is as cold as the North Pole at night.
Your loving husband
John
XXXXX 43
Defends the Government's latest Tariff Schedules in a resumed debate in the Committee of Ways and Means. Provides a brief summary of the federal tariff since federation and challenges Opposition claims that the Labor Government's current Tariff policy has caused huge increases in unemployment. While agreeing that some States (for example Western Australia) are disadvantaged by tariffs and deserve special compensation, points out that protection to Australian industry has always been a fundamental feature of federal policy. 44
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Meeting adjourned until 7.15 pm.
7.15 pm
Attends resumed meeting. Adjourned until 31 July. 46
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Meeting adjourned until Tuesday 5 August.
JCPML. Records of the Government Photographic Service. Rt Hon James Henry Scullin (1876-1953) Prime Minister 1929-1932. JCPML00036/8.
Courtesy Government Photographic Service.
Goes for walk with James Scullin. [James Henry Scullin (1876 – 1953), ALP, was Prime Minister from 1929 to 1932. Two days after he was sworn in the Wall Street Crash occurred, marking the beginning of the Great Depression.]
‘…No news since yesterday. In the afternoon I walked for an hour with Scullin. He has troubles enough. Sir Otto Niemeyer is proving difficult; Theodore wants a Federal Royal Commission; the revenue from Customs for July was 1/2 a million below the expectation-& so on!
And yet the obvious thing - an attack on the banking control, a reduction in the interest rate & the credit of the nation being made the monopoly of the nation, he will not face. So I argued with him fruitlessly. The capitalist system is breaking down….’
‘There was a great ball at the Kurrajong … all evening dresses, bright lights, gentlemen of the civil service & fair ladies! It was to say farewell to members of the Parliament. … I went to bed & read two novels as it was three AM before the music ceased.’ 47
Attends resumed meeting of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 50
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party and moves motion, seconded Mr Rae:
‘That when Parliament meets this afternoon that the Prime Minister take steps to move that the House at its rising adjourns until 2.30 pm tomorrow, with a view that a Party meeting take place on Thursday 7th August 1930, 10 am, so that the Treasurer may have an opportunity of presenting to members before we leave for our various electorates, a full and frank statement of the Financial Position of Australia, and that the Party have a full discussion. Motion put and Lost.’ 51
‘Mr John Curtin, MHR, was present and delivered a masterly address upon the present Federal situation and financial crisis. The Federal member for Fremantle possesses the heaven-sent gift of being able to explain in simple but eloquent language the intricate complex question of public finance which is featured in every newspaper talked of by thousands but understood by very few. Indeed, many pronouncements by self-styled financial experts and business men too often intensify the confusion of the public mind. What is abundantly clear to the workers is that a determined effort is being made to make them carry the major portion of the load in the repayment of the Commonwealth's colossal interest and public debt and to square the finances by increasing hours of labor and reducing wages.
Mr Curtin's address was closely followed by delegates who evinced the keenest interest in his clever and convincing exposition. At the instance of Mr J W Burgess, Mr Curtin was accorded a vote of thanks, which was carried by enthusiastic acclamation.’ 55
‘It is many a long day since such a large audience has turned up to listen to any public speaker. Mr Curtin was in splendid form and spoke for two hours on the Federal and State financial position, and the prevailing depression. A rapt audience followed his clear and eloquent exposition with close attention’. 57
8 pm
Address a public meeting and deals with the financial policy of the Commonwealth and other problems arising from the economic crisis. 62
Noted in Westralian Worker.
‘There was a large attendance … an enjoyable musical programme was presented, items being rendered by Miss Hazel Collett, Messrs Newman and Smith, Mr Alex and Miss Dolores Waddell and Mrs Truran. …
At the conclusion of the programme a dainty supper was served, afterwards the floor was cleared for dancing. The arrangements were splendidly carried out by a ladies' committee, … led by Mrs M. Smith, secretary of the organisation. Mrs Smith is to be heartily congratulated on the very great success of the function and the capable way it was organised.’ 63
Addresses a meeting on ‘The Depression: Its Causes and the Remedy.’ 64
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Meeting adjourned until 7.30 pm.
7.30 pm
Attends resumed meeting, which is adjourned until 28 October. 66
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Meeting adjourned until 2.30 pm.
2.30 pm – 6 pm
Attends resumed meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Adjourned until 7.30 pm.
7.30 pm – 10 pm
Attends resumed meeting. Adjourned until Wednesday 29 October. 67
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Meeting adjourned until 2.30 pm.
2.30 pm – 10 pm
Attends resumed meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Adjourned until Thursday 30 October. 68
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Meeting. Adjourned until 3.30 pm.
3.30 pm – 6.20 pm
Attends resumed meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 69
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Meeting adjourned until 7.00 pm.
7 pm – 7.55 pm
Attends resumed meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party, and moves motion:
‘That the Cabinet as a whole meet the Directors of the Commonwealth Bank prior to the meeting of the Loan council, and require the Directors to meet the loan due on 15th December 1930, and in anticipation of the Directors failing to do this, That a bill be at once prepared, and presented to Parliament, renewing for a period of twelve months the £27,000,000 loans falling due between this and the end of December.” A Division was called and the motion was carried.
[Weller says that ‘the meeting was bitter and angry, with Lyons announcing amid the noise that he would not be prepared to accept such a proposal. He then cabled Scullin to say that he would not carry out the decision of caucus and that, if Scullin wanted the action taken, he must find another treasurer.’] 71
JCPML. Records of Tom Fitzgerald. Frank Anstey, ca. 1930. JCPML00653/8/84
Writes to Mrs Curtin:
‘My Beloved,
I have just spent the morning with Anstey working out the situation. The press is in uproar. But I do not fear that. They always yell when a new course is planned. And the old road has led us to thousands unemployed, traders unable to pay their way, farmers unable to buy bags to store their wheat; & the rest of the misery the nation faces. If I am to go down & out then it will not be in the company of the rich, cheered by the applause of the Tories, but, supported or not, by the hope that we who have come here to alter things, shall at least have endeavoured to make the effort.
…
Keep your heart up, my dearest dear. And whatever else happens remember I love you best in all the world.
Your loving husband
John 72
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party.
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party.
Adjourned until 7.15 pm.
7.15 pm – 8 pm
Attends resumed meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 74
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 75
Reminds members of the Act's original provisions for redeeming both the post office debt and the war debt, and points out that the Bill seeks to provide relief in the revenue for the current year only, and does not threaten the solvency of the fund. 76
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party, and moves motion, seconded Mr Keane:
‘That the Acting Prime Minister take steps to adjourn the House at a convenient hour this evening, and that the Party immediately meet, and hear the Ministers’ reports on the recent Bank Conference. Carried.’
Meeting adjourned until 10.27 pm
10.27 pm – 12.05 am
Attends resumed meeting at which Ministers gave their reports and impressions of the Cabinet’s recent Conference with the Bank Board. Meeting adjourned until Wednesday 10 December. 77
Attends ‘Special Meeting’ of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Meeting adjourned until 9 December. 78
Attends ‘Special Meeting’ of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 79
Attends ‘Special Meeting’ of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party and moves motion, seconded by Mr Chifley:
‘That the Leader of the Party formulate a statement to the Country indicating the lines of monetary reform, and internal price stabilisation involving the reasons for, and the immediate steps incidental to providing employment, relief for the Wheat Industry, the Five year plan for budget equilibrium, the attitude of Latham’s proposals for a Non Party Council, and the Credit Policy of the party generally, with definite reference to the negotiations with the Bank Board, and that this statement be prepared by Messrs Fenton, Lyons, Anstey, Theodore and Curtin. Carried.
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party.
7.15 pm – 8 pm
Attends resumed meeting. Adjourned until Friday 12 December. 81
Attends resumed meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 82
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Meeting adjourned.
4 pm – 5 pm
Attends resumed meeting. 83
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