Letter from John Curtin to Elsie Curtin, 1930
Letter from John Curtin to Elsie Curtin, 1930[On letterhead marked: The Parliament of the Commonwealth, House of Representatives, Canberra]
Saturday, Aug 2, 30
My Beloved,
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 - and so on!
And yet the obvious thing - an attack on the banking control, a reduction in the interest rate and 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. Percy Stewart told me last night that he realised that the social system was wrong at bedrock and that whatever the remedy it was the system that was responsible for all our ills.
There was a great ball at the Kurrajong last night - all evening dresses, bright lights, gentlemen of the civil service and fair ladies! It was to say farewell to members of the Parliament. Those of the latter in attendance were Blakeley (guest of honour) Makin, Prowse, Cooper (of the Senate) Francis and Gardiner, and the Minister for Defence! No others.
I went to bed and read two novels as it was three AM before the music ceased.
Today rain, wind, and winter in full blast. I think we shall have snow tonight.
I have agreed to speak in the Rex Theatre Bourke St, Melb, next Sunday night on the 'Banks and the People'. And come what may I leave Melb. next day for Perth having advice this morning that the booking is fixed.
And now I go to buy a pair of shoes if someone will give me a lift to the shopping centre.
All my love. I am really better and feel fine. Cheerio, my sweetheart.
Your loving husband John
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