Writes to neighbour ‘Jack’ Barlow, who lives at 15 Jarrad Street, on his forthcoming marriage to Mary Flynn:
‘Dear Jack
For you this is a New Year in much more than usual significance. May I then on Mrs Curtin’s behalf and also because of the deep regard I have for you personally wish that for you and your soon-to-be wife it will be a year not only of great happiness but in addition the dawn of a new era in which the purpose and expression of your manhood will have many and distinguished opportunities for fulfilment. Life is a very short experience for each human being and the philosophers are wise in counselling us to put it to good use. This I am certain you and your bride will do abundantly. There are many things to do: pay your [?] measure of devotion to your home, but do not make it the sole interest of your nature; civilisation is a community of families and therefore have due regard for your neighbours, your home town, the State, the Nation. In the ten commandments you will find a solemn [?] in this direction. Do not give up the cricket teams, the benefit society, and the other activities which were part of your bachelorhood – they are links with your fellow men and strengthen rather than weaken them. It will do you good to help to make your home one of the great arsenals fortifying the best things in their eternal war with those that are not so good.
I know you will be proud of your wife and that she will share your cares as well as the joys that come to you. But make her the partner of all your interests and a sharer in all you dream about and the things you contemplate particularly those which concern your livelihood which old chap, is hers also – never forget that.
I enclose a cheque in the hope that you will select some little gift for your home and you can do this much better than we can – which will serve to remind you that on entering married life you had the sincere good wishes of the household at no. 14 Jarrad Street.
Yours faithfully
John Curtin 1
JCPML. Records of John Curtin. Silver cigarette box presented to John Curtin by Staff of the Westralian Worker, 7 December 1928. JCPML00287/3
Evening Attends farewell from staff of the Westralian Worker.
‘The hall was nicely decorated with mauve and yellow streamers in the centre, while a rainbow-hued string of colours hung round the walls. The function took the form of a sit-down supper… Three tables placed lengthways to the presiding table were laden with good things and radiant with beautiful flowers and palms.
The first event of the evening was a presentation on behalf of the Company of a framed photo group of the "Worker" staff to Mr Curtin by Mr Watts, who eulogised the recipient for his many good qualities. A little later Mr Watts presented a fountain pen and his remarks were supported by Mr Mackenzie. Mr Curtin responded on both occasions expressing his deep appreciation of the gifts. Still later on Mr Curtin was called upon to accept a silver cigarette casket, a gift of the staff themselves. This was presented by Mr S B Nielson, and in accepting it Mr Curtin expressed his pleasure at receiving it and spoke feelingly of the great co-operation which had existed between himself and all members of the "Worker" staff. "Many changes," he said, "had taken place but two of those with whom he had first been associated with on the paper were still there. Messrs Kelsall and Taylor, and his earliest recollections of his associations with the "Worker" were ones of gratitude to those two members who had assisted him willingly in those early days.
Going back, however, in the proceedings, one of the most pleasing items was a presentation of a gold wristlet watch to Mrs Curtin by the Hon J C Willcock, who, in making the presentation said it was but a small acknowledgement of the assistance Mrs Curtin had given through having been deprived of her husband's company so often while he was carrying on the work of the movement. Mrs Curtin expressed her thanks in a neat and happy little speech. Referring to it later, Mr H Millington said that they had heard "Jack" Curtin speak plenty of times but it had taken them twelve years to discover that Mrs Curtin could also make a speech.
During the evening Mr R Wray gave an inimitable imitation of various birds, insects and animals, including fowls, chickens, roosters, turkeys, ducks, blowflies, and goats. A fine musical programme was also rendered.’ 3
Afternoon
Attends Labor Women’s Central Executive ‘At Home’ to ‘bid goodbye, for the time being,’ to Mr and Mrs Curtin
.‘In the unavoidable absence of the President (Miss May Holman, MLA), Mrs E Mannion (Vice-President) occupied the chair, and there was an over-crowded attendance of women. … Mrs Holmes very kindly presided at the tea pot with the help of others.
Mrs Mannion …said that she was proud to preside over such an important gathering. They all knew that it was not really good-bye, because their guests intended to reside in the State … and would be with them again from time to time. The presence of Mr and Mrs Curtin gave the Labor Women an opportunity to express their appreciation of the work done by the new member for Fremantle and his wife, and to promise even closer co-operation on the part of WA Labor Women in the future. They all hoped sincerely that Mrs Curtin, after her 12 years' residence in the State without a change would return much refreshed and ready for work.
Mrs P Ryan said she knew they were all proud of their new member. Fremantle Labor Women were only letting Mrs Curtin away for a holiday, as they needed her help, and they knew that she would help them to fight for the peace and plenty with security for the future
Mrs Curtin (who has a keen sense of humor) said that she did not know whether to be pleased or jealous at the nice things which had been said of her husband by so many women. However, it was good to know that people thought that he could be of service to the country. If, after all, they found he was not as useful as they expected, it might be as well to put him out again and give her a chance. She knew of a Tasmanian lady who, in addressing an audience, suddenly came to a full-stop saying, "You needn't think I'm stuck: I'm only waiting to find out what to say next." She felt like that lady, and would stand there till she found out what she wanted to say. She thanked all the kind friends who believed in them both, and hoped they would not be disappointed.
MrJ Curtin, MHR, said he had never spoken anywhere without finding out that he could have made a much better speech – afterwards. He would seize upon every opportunity to serve the homes of the people, not in order to make the women love him, but because he was not only serving them but truly representing the men also, when, by any public action he could enhance the comfort, security or happiness of their homes. … They had given him a wonderful opportunity, and if he failed, they could take it from him, that it would be because of the sheer incapacity of the man. He thanked all for their good wishes.
Afternoon tea was served and the party sang "They are Jolly Good Fellows" and "Auld Lang Syne" in their best style.’ 4
JCPML. Records of the Curtin Family. Elsie and John Curtin in Melbourne, January 1929. JCPML00004/13
Left by the Katoomba
.…to ‘enter his new sphere. There was a large gathering of Fremantle and metropolitan Laborites to give their representative a hearty send-off. … Mrs Curtin accompanied her husband.
’‘The last that could be seen was Mr Curtin holding aloft a lovely bouquet of flowers presented by the Fremantle Labor Women’s organisation, and Mrs Curtin grabbed a handful of everybody’s streamers with which to wave a final farewell.’
The family stayed at the Wellington Hotel in Canberra and the children attended Telopea Park School for one term.5
JCPML. Records of the Curtin Family. Elsie and John Curtin in Melbourne, January 1929. JCPML00004/13
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party and is elected to the executive, ‘a rare distinction for a new member’. 7
JCPML. Records of the Curtin Family. Joseph Benedict Chifley, n.d. JCPML00376/125
Attends official opening of the Eleventh Parliament by the Governor-General, Lord Stonehaven.
Is sworn in together with J B Chifley and J A Beasley. 8
Evening
Lectures to the Economic and Historical Society on the reports of the Child Endowment Commission, Professor Shann presiding. 19Evening
With Mrs Curtin attends the 'first social of the season' with Harold Millington MLA (Minister for Agriculture).
‘The Metropolitan Council has advised all Councils to begin early and organise socially to get Labor folks together and ready for the great event of next year – the State elections. The Metropolitan Council has followed up that advice by setting the example.
There was a large attendance of Labor people who all appeared to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. Mr P J Mooney (Secretary of the Metropolitan Council) acted as MC and Mr Longmore was the chairman. An excellent orchestra rendered enlivening music. Mr Peter Roxby's beautiful voice was heard in several songs. Mr H Smith, whose songs are always welcomed at Labor functions, was also a contributor to the evening's pleasure, as likewise was Mr Shock. Mr McGuinness sang a delightful song, and Misses Saunders and M Green greatly pleased, each with an attractive recitation.
Mr John Curtin, MHR said that … he thought it would be a crime if he took up more than five minutes of their time. He considered that time spent in the promotion of happiness would yield rich return. … He was glad the socials had started, and he believed that if they were promoted in the different districts and the friends of Labor were invited and continued to meet each other, that good fellowship would be the solid basis of a common endeavor when the time arrived to work for the Movement. With an air of mystery Mr Curtin explained that he was going to make a "political revelation." The Federal Labor Party had found that nothing made team work more effective than singing. So they made a selection of songs, weird and wild, triumphant and dirge-like, to fit the result of their different experiences in the fight and had them printed. These they sang on every possible occasion, and some of them were really wonderful singers. As for Texas Green's voice, it was the only thing of its kind on this earth. If they heard it they would be astounded, especially when he sang an anthem about the initiative, referendum and recall to please Dr Maloney
At 10.15 a dainty supper was handed around.' 21
‘A special train was comfortably filled with the workers and their families and was thoroughly enjoyed. Brilliant sunshine, with sufficient nip in the air to make the youngsters boisterous and buck up their more sedate elders, presaged a top notch holiday where every minute was used to the utmost. Nothing flagged from the time of arrival to the departure. Dignity and decorum went by the board. The time seemed to literally fly, and it was a surprised but hugely merry crowd that heard the signal to prepare for home and hasten to the train. A combination of holiday circumstances, ideal weather, and a good management, was responsible for what was voted to be the very best picnic organised at the port.
…
A short halt was made at Midland Junction, where a bag of fruit and a packet of lollies were given to each child. This was a good idea, and it was a quick and efficient method of distribution, ensuring that no one was overlooked.
An enjoyable sports programme was provided, and keenly appreciated by participants and onlookers. In the hall Miss Unie Hammill's orchestra dispensed first-class music for those who wished to dance. At the conclusion of the sports programme everyone made for the hall where the prizes were distributed, and a few words of appreciation were spoken by Mr John Curtin, MHR.
It was just warm enough for ice cream, and plenty of that toothsome commodity was available for young and old.
At 5.30 the train left for home. As if made to order, there was a magnificent sunset. This as viewed from the train in the run from the hills in the cool of the evening was the "grand finale" of a tip-top day.’ 22
JCPML. Records of the Curtin Family. Letter from Pretoria Hitchcock to John Curtin 26 April 1929. JCPML00398/23
‘When Mr Curtin arrived there was "standing room only," and the Member for Fremantle stated that although he had attended hundreds of meetings in his time it was a new experience to find a hall so full that he found difficulty in getting in the door. He complimented the people of Mt Hawthorn on the active interest they displayed in public affairs, which no doubt was reflected in the substantial progress that the district was making.’ 23
Speaks at meeting for Fremantle Labor Women. 32
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Burt Memorial Hall, St Georges terrace. Perth
Gives address ‘The Industrial Problem, What Has Christianity to Say.’
‘Contenting himself with sketching, in brilliant fashion, the economic and industrial conditions prevailing in modern civilisation he left the answer to the assemblage. In the course of his address Mr Curtin said that the industrial problem was as real in Australia as anywhere in the world. The real problem was not production, but distribution. In 20 years the number of people employed in industry had receded from 1,795 to 1,585 per 10000 of population and unless the displaced ones could find work in connection with running motor cars in the city or in recreational enterprises there was no employment for them. He had estimated while on the Child Endowment Commission that 90 per cent of the dependent children of the Commonwealth belonged to families in receipt of less than £300 a year. Though one of the wealthiest countries the wastage of opportunity to Australian children was great. Thousands of boys and girls find themselves shut out from an equal partnership in the fruits of the earth, “and,” he concluded, “What have you to say about it?”’ 33
JCPML. Records of Alex McCallum. Hon. Alex McCallum addressing the crowd at the Proclamation of the City of Fremantle. Fremantle Town Hall, 3 June 1929. JCPML00830/40.
Courtesy Fremantle Library Local History Collection. Photo no. 226.
‘As befitting the occasion a dense crowd of citizens turned up to witness the proclamation ceremony. Wet weather marred the ceremony, but did not dampen the enthusiasm of the people.
The day's celebrations commenced with the planting of trees at the north-west corner of the Fremantle Park at 10 am. Members of Parliament, Councillors and representatives of public bodies participated in the work. Twenty-nine Moreton Bay trees were planted. It is the intention of the City Council to have inscribed plates with the name of the official planting the tree inserted on each tree in commemoration of the occasion. With commendable promptitude the city gardener and his men had carried out the necessary job by Tuesday evening of enclosing each tree with stout pickets and wire netting. The tree planting was carried out in brilliant sunshine but ominous clouds were gathering and by the time the proclamation ceremony was to be carried out at 11.30 am, outside the Town Hall, a steady rain had set in. The crowd, however, stood their ground and did not disperse. Proceedings were adjourned for 15 minutes. By this time the weather cleared a little and the Mayor of Fremantle introduced the Governor (Sir William Campion), who read the proclamation declaring Fremantle a city. Mr Alex McCallum, Minister for Works, was the next and only speaker. By this time a steady drizzle had set in. Mr McCallum commenced in his usual serious, vigorous, and eloquent style. He was nonplussed for the moment by the ripple of laughter that went over the great crowd. This was caused by the Mayor, who produced a gaudy Japanese sunshade to protect himself and the Minister from the rain, unseen by the latter. A guard of honor and the Naval Band enlivened the wet proceedings. The next function was a special meeting of the City Council in honor of the occasion, at which Mr Sanderson, Government head of Local Government Bodies read the proclamation.
…
At 12.30 the pioneers' banquet was held at the Town Hall. Over 250 persons participated in this function. This was "dry," in accordance with the decision of the committee, but like the land of prohibition, any amount of "moonshine" was available to those who knew the ropes. The catering was excellent in every way. The table preparations and the beautiful stage setting were a credit to the caterers, Mr and Mrs Smith, who have established a high reputation at the Fremantle Town Hall as caterers at public functions. The banquet was spoiled by the dry and dreary speeches of several people who should have known better. Exceptions to this condemnation were Mr John Curtin, MHR, Dr Battye, Crs George Shepherd and W J Sumpton, and Mr F W Samson whose brief and bright contributions revived a large audience bored stiff with the dreary diatribes of other speakers. Cold weather, ginger ale, and long-winded speeches are not a combination calculated to arouse the pioneers to enthusiasm. Sir William Campion was in excellent form, His Excellency delivering three addresses, which were interesting, short and full of meat. 34
There was a large attendance of women, ‘several of whom had past practical experience in the Labor Movement’.
‘Mr J Curtin, MHR, congratulated members of the new branch on the splendid new Infant Health Centre, which they had been mainly responsible for in their district, and asked them to bear in mind that Labor inherits and has to administer the capitalist state and to deal with capitalist mentality even in its own ranks very often. A Federal Government was now more needed than ever to co-operate with the British Labor Government and so co-ordinate Labor's activities throughout the British Empire and the world.
At the close of the meeting a delightful dance was held during which the new secretary's orchestra provided the music. Subsequently a dainty supper prepared by a ladies' committee was handed around. 35
Hangs photograph of Mr E H. Gray MLC in recognition of Gray’s work in connection with the successful organising of the 1928, ₤2 000 appeal 36
Delivers ‘interesting and instructive address’ on Child Endowment and matters of Federal interest. 38
Supports a vote of thanks to the Minister for Health (Mr S W Munsie) who ‘turned the key in the door’ of the Melville, North and East Fremantle Infant Health Centre, situated in the Town Hall building.
‘After inspection an adjournment was made to the main hall of the building when an interesting programme of speeches, interspersed with songs by Miss Marjorie Payne, Miss G McKee and Mr Savage, and selections by an orchestra led by Mr Arblaster, was carried out. … At the conclusion of the function, the Mayor and Mayoress of East Fremantle (Mr and Mrs H J Locke) entertained the large audience to afternoon tea.’ 40
Attends fortnightly meeting of Fremantle District Council of the ALP. 41
JCPML. Records of the Curtin Family. John Curtin holding a lump of snow, Canberra, September 1929. JCPML00450/2
JCPML. Records of Alex McCallum. Trans Australian train, JCPML00830/175/43
Evening
Opens the official campagn for Fremantle.
‘Steady rain set in about 7.30 and hopes of a large meeting evaporated. A pleasant surprise, however, was in store as a huge audience crowded the Town Hall. … Mr Curtin addressed an attentive audience for exactly two hours and everyone was surprised that the time had passed so quickly. The Fremantle champion delivered a forceful and eloquent exposition on the present Federal situation and was vigorously applauded when he concluded. … Three cheers for Labor terminated the most enthusiastic Labor meeting held at the port for many a day.’ 52
Speaks at election meeting, where he takes an ‘interesting peep at history.’ 54
Probably Leederville, Western Australia
Attends election meeting. 57
Attends meeting of the Metropolitan Council. 58
Speaks at election meetings, together with the Minister for Works (A McCallum) and the Hon. Minister W H Kitson. 59
JCPML. Records of the Australian Labor Party WA Branch. Westralian Worker, 11 October 1929, page 4, 'Help this woman to keep the wolf of low wages from the door'. ALP election advertisement. JCPML01035/57.
Courtesy Australian Labor Party, WA Branch.
8pm
At the Fremantle rally ‘short addresses dealing with the various phases of Federal interest will be given by the local Labor representatives. … Mr Curtin’s speech will be broadcasted from 6WF Perth, and he will arrive at Fremantle about 9 pm. The meeting will be of additional interest, as each supporting speaker will deal with a special subject, thus there will be no wearisome repetition’ 64
JCPML. Records of the Government Photographic Service. Rt Hon James Henry Scullin (1876-1953) Prime Minister 1929-1932. JCPML00036/8.
Courtesy Government Photographic Service.
‘A poll will accordingly be taken for the Division on Saturday, the 12th day of October, 1929, in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth for the regulation of Parliamentary Election. The Poll will open at 8 o’clock in the morning and will not close until all electors in the Polling Booth at 8 o’clock in the evening, and desiring to vote, have voted.
The football final between Easts and Souths will draw a huge gate. Many football fans may be tempted to postpone voting until after the match. This is unwise and if carried out extensively will cause serious congestion at the polling booths.’
The Scullin Labor Government was elected and Curtin was returned with an even bigger majority of 6000 votes. 65
JCPML. Records of the Curtin Family. Elsie M Curtin, 3 November 1929. JCPML00382/28
‘…proposed the usual vote of thanks to the Returning Officer, which was seconded by Mr Watson, the defeated candidate. Both speakers thanked their respective supporters. Mr Watson created a good impression by the sportsmanlike way he took his crushing defeat. After the formal proceedings an adjournment was made to the Council Chamber where the Mayor of Fremantle extended the hospitality of the city to the victor and vanquished.’ 72
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 75
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Meeting adjourned until 7 pm.
7 pm – 11.59pm
Attends resumed meeting. 78
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. 79
Attends meeting of Federal Parliamentary Labor Party, and is elected to the Industrial Committee. 81
Returns to Fremantle from Canberra. 83
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