Guide to the Papers of Sir Josiah Symon
MS 1736
National Library of Australia
| Date completed: | April 2008 |
| Last updated: | April 2008 |
This finding aid was created by the Manuscripts Branch of the National Library of Australia with the assistance of the Nora Heysen Bequest.
Table of Contents
Collection Summary
Introduction
Scope and Content
Arrangement
Access
Copying and Publishing
Preferred Citation
Provenance
Other Forms Available
Digitised Material
Related Material
Biographical Note
Series List and Descriptions
Series 1 General correspondence, 1858-1938
Series 2 Diaries and notebooks, 1861-1916
Series 3 Press cuttings, 1850-1942
Series 4 Printed material, 1845-1951
Series 5 Legal practice, 1855-1928
Series 6 Member of the House of Assembly, South Australia, 1875-1928
Series 7 House of Assembly election, South Australia, 1887
Series 8 Political activities, 1889-1897
Series 9 Federation, 1820-1939
Series 10 Senator for South Australia, 1901-1927
Series 11 Attorney-General, 1903-1906
Series 12 1913 general election, 1911-1913
Series 13 Oaths Abolition Bill, 1882-1932
Series 14 HMS Commonwealth, 1906-1927
Series 15 Royal Commission on the Constitution, 1927-1928
Series 16 Seccession Movement, Western Australia, 1895-1933
Series 17 Governor-General's appointment, 1925-1932
Series 18 Gladstone centenary celebrations, 1877-1933
Series 19 Certificates, 1863-1904
Series 20 Cards, invitation and programs, 1895-1954
Series 21 Family papers, 1878-1959
Series 22 Knight Commander of St Michael and St George (KCMG), 1891-1934
Series 23 Australian War Memorial, 1915-1930
Series 24 University of Sydney, 1902-1931
Series 25 University of Adelaide, 1923-1932
Series 26 State Library of South Australia, 1918-1930
Series 27 Gifts to other South Australian institutions, 1923-1932
Series 28 Gifts to Scottish institutions, 1915-1931
Series 29 Writings and speeches, 1864-1933
Series 30 Shakespeare studies, 1901-1933
Series 31 Miscellaneous manuscripts, 1865-1933
Series 32 Tributes following Symon's death, March-November 1934
Container List
Collection Summary
| Creator: | Sir Josiah Symon |
| Title: | Papers of Sir Josiah Symon |
| Date Range: | 1820-1959 (bulk 1860s-1930s) |
| Collection Number: | MS 1736 |
| Extent: | 23.05 m (53 boxes) + 10 folio boxes and 10 elephant folio items |
| Repository: | National Library of Australia |
| Abstract: | Correspondence, memoranda, notes, speeches, press cuttings, ephemera and publications covering every phase of Symon's life: his legal practice, political career in South Australia and his involvement in the Federal Conventions and Federation. The papers also reflect his literary, educational, social and philanthropic interests and his association with the Universities of Sydney and Adelaide and the South Australian State Library. |
Introduction
Scope and Content
Correspondence, memoranda, notes, speeches, press cuttings, ephemera and publications covering every phase of Symon's life: his legal practice, political career in South Australia and his involvement in the Federal Conventions and Federation. The papers also reflect his literary, educational, social and philanthropic interests and his association with the Universities of Sydney and Adelaide and the South Australian State Library.
Correspondents include Richard Baker, Edmund Barton, J. Langdon Bonython, James Boucaut, Lord Bruce, Joseph Chamberlain, J. C. Clemons, Joseph Cook, William Cullen, Alfred Deakin, Hugh Denison, John Downer, Andrew Fisher, John Forrest, Simon Fraser, Henry L. Galway, Robert Garran, Thomas Glassey, David Gordon, John Gordon, Lord Gowrie, Albert J. Gould, Samuel Griffith, Henry Gilbert, Ernest Holme, W. M. Hughes, William Irvine, Isaac Isaacs, C. C. Kingston, John Latham, Sidney Lee, Charles Lucas, P. J. Lynch, Mungo MacCallum, Edward Mitchell, George Murray, J. C. Neild, Alice Northcote, Lord Novar, R. E. O'Connor, George Pearce, George Pitt, Grenfell Price, E. Pulsford, H. R. Purnell, George Reid, William Sowden and Samuel Way.
Much of Symon's correspondence is contained in letterbooks. Press cuttings have often been placed in commonplace books.
Arrangement
The Library has arranged the Symon Papers into 32 series, each of which has been described in this finding aid.
A name index to correspondence has also been produced.
During the 2008 revision of the finding aid a small instalment received in 1980 was added to Series 21.
Provenance
The papers were received by the Library between 1966 and 1968 from Sir Josiah Symon's literary executor and daughter, Miss L. K. (Kilmeny) Symon.
In December 1980 Sir Josiah’s Commonwealth railway life pass was donated to the Library by the State Library of South Australia on behalf of a donor who was living in the house previously owned by Kilmeny Symon and had found the pass in a crack in the flooring.
Copying and Publishing
Copying and publishing of unpublished manuscript material is subject to copyright restrictions. For such material, written permission to publish must be obtained from the copyright holder(s). Copying of unpublished material for research purposes is permissible 50 years after the death of the creator of the material.
Other Forms Available
Commonplace book No 14 covering political and general matters, 1904-1905 is available on microfilm (mfm G 28374).
Digitised Material
Two reprints of articles by Symon on the Commonwealth Bill (1900) which are housed in the Deakin Papers (MS 1540) have been digitised. They can be accessed through the Library catalogue.
Related Material
Photographic material and objects held in the NLA collection are listed in the Library's catalogue and on Picture Australia.
Preferred Citation
Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of Sir Josiah Symon, National Library of Australia, MS 1736, [series and/or folder number]'.
Biographical Note
Josiah Henry Symon, son of James and Elizabeth Symon, was born in Wick, Scotland, on 27 September, 1846. He received his early education at Stirling High School and at Moray Training College, Edinburgh.
After emigrating to South Australia in 1866 Symon commenced employment at his cousin’s law practice in Mt Gambier, and completed his studies in the employment of Way and Brook, in Adelaide, being called to the Bar in 1871. Upon the death of Brook he joined S. J. Way in partnership, eventually purchasing the business in 1876 when Samuel Way was elevated to the Bench. Symon was widely accepted as the leader of the Adelaide Bar until his retirement in 1923.
In March 1881 he was appointed Attorney-General in South Australia's short-lived Morgan Government. He was elected as the member for Sturt in the House of Assembly a few weeks later and retained that position until 1887, when he unsuccessfully contested the constituency of Victoria.
On 8 December, 1881, Symon married Mary Eleanor Cowle. They had five sons and seven daughters, two of whom died in infancy.
After leaving State politics, Symon devoted himself to the growing movement for Federation, becoming President of both the South Australian Federation League and the Commonwealth League. He was elected a member of the South Australian delegation to the Australasian Federal Convention, 1897-1898, and served as Chairman of its Judiciary Committee. In recognition of his work towards Federation he received a knighthood (KCMG) in 1901.
Elected to the Senate in 1901 to represent South Australia, Symon was soon recognised as free trade leader on tariff matters. He held the portfolio of Attorney-General in the Free Trade - Protectionist Reid - McLean Coalition Government, 1904-1905. In 1909 he stood out from the arrangement under which the Protectionists and Free Traders came together to become what was known for a time as the Fusion and later as the Liberal Party. Refusing to sign the Liberal Movement manifesto he contested the 1913 Senate elections as an independent and was defeated. He then returned to his legal practice which he had maintained while in politics.
Symon is also remembered as a philanthropist. He was a member of the Council of the University of Adelaide, 1897-1901, and in 1926 gave the University £10,000 to establish the Lady Symon Building for Women students. His law library was given to the University of Adelaide Law School, and in addition he established scholarships at the University of Sydney, Scotch College, Adelaide and the High School at Stirling, Scotland. In 1927 Sir Josiah gave £1,500 to the Australian Inland Mission to build the Eleanor Symon Hospital at Innamincka, and later he helped establish the Northcote Rest Home for Mothers and Babies.
His personal library of over 10,000 volumes was bequeathed to the State Library of South Australia on condition it was kept intact as it had been at 'Manoah', his home in the Adelaide Hills.
Shakespeare the Englishman, which was published in 1929, incorporated addresses given by Sir Josiah, who was held in high regard as a Shakespearean scholar.
'Manoah', his stately home, was surrounded by grazing lands which were worked as a stock property. 'Auldana', a vineyard at Magill, was another Symon property.
Sir Josiah Symon died on 29th March, 1934, and was accorded a State funeral. His wife, five sons and five daughters survived him.
Series List and Descriptions
Series 1 General correspondence, 1858-1938
Personal correspondence and letter books arranged chronologically. Correspondents include J. Charles Genders, Thomas Glassey, Fred Johns, Sir Everard im Thurn, Sir Sidney Lee, E. M. Lister, Sir Charles Lucas, Lady Helen Novar, Rev. F. Slaney-Poole, William Sowden and Sir Edward Wallington. Further correspondence relating to particular periods of Symon's career, or particular topics, is to be found in later series.
Folder 11 General correspondence, 1891-1892
Mainly an account of a visit to India by Symon in 1892
Comprises Items 614-719
Folder 33 General correspondence, July-September 1909
Includes undated correspondence
Comprises Items 1325-1472
Folder 59 General correspondence, January-August 1921
Includes a copy of the summary of proceedings and documents from the Conference of Prime Ministers and Representatives of the United Kingdom, the Dominions and India (June-August 1921)
Comprises Items 2357-2426
Folder 63 General correspondence, January-June 1923
Includes an article by Symon 'Australia and the Privy Council' in the Journal of Comparative Legislation and International Law, November 1922
Comprises Items 2597-2634
Series 2 Diaries and notebooks, 1861-1916
Diaries and notebooks kept by Symon including the diary of his voyage to Australia in 1866.
Folder 1 Diary, 1866
Original diary and transcript of Symon's voyage to Australia on the St Vincent
Comprises Items 1-56
Series 3 Press cuttings, 1850-1942
Press cuttings for the period 1850-1942 (bulk 1860s-1930s) in book form or loose. Other cuttings appear throughout the collection in their relevant series.
There are 27 bound scrapbooks or commonplace books in the series. They have been listed according to subjects. A number of the books also contain indexes.
In a foreword to the commonplace books Symon wrote: 'The scrap or commonplace books contain newspaper cuttings, pamphlets, memoranda, articles on political, legal, literary and personal subjects in twenty seven volumes of which three are early law reports and one the war. There are many speeches and addresses on Imperial subjects and in the Imperial Parliament and on Federation and the early history, both of South Australia and the Commonwealth.'
Bag 18 War and general, 1888-1942
Mainly cuttings 1888-1929. Loose material in front of the volume includes a copy of Separation for Federation: manifesto of Eastern Goldfields Reform League of Western Australia (1900)
Also included is correspondence between Kilmeny Symon (Symons' daughter) and the National Gallery of South Australia (1940)
Comprises Item 19
Folder 28 Press cuttings and notes, 1865-1926
Consists of an exercise book entitled 'Commonplace book by J. H. Symon' commenced in 1865 containing cuttings, notes and poetry
Item unnumbered
Folder 29 Press cuttings, 1850-1865
Pages from two books of press cuttings. Both books are missing their covers
Items unnumbered
Folder 33 Reprint from The Register, 18 June 1906
Includes a special supplement: a facsimile of the first issue of the South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register, 18 June 1836
Items unnumbered
Folder 34 Press cuttings, 1871-1942
Mainly cuttings on Charles Dickens, 1871-1909. Includes a miscellaneous 1942 cutting
Items unnumbered
Folder 41 Press cuttings, 1923-1939
Cuttings on Alfred Deakin including reviews of Alfred Deakin: a sketch by Walter Murdoch
Items unnumbered
Folder 46 Press cuttings, February-May 1927
Includes visit of Duke and Duchess of York for the opening of Parliament House, Canberra
Series 4 Printed material, 1845-1951
A miscellaneous collection of parliamentary papers, reports, pamphlets, periodicals and newspapers, on a wide variety of subjects. Other printed items have been placed in their relevant subject series.
Symon's personal library from his home at 'Manoah' was donated to the State Library of South Australia.
Comprises Folders 1-43 (Items 1-745).
Series 5 Legal practice, 1855-1928
Symon practised law in South Australia from 1867 until he retired in 1923. He was called to the Bar in 1871 and became a QC in 1881. This series is arranged chronologically and contains partnership agreements, accounts, correspondence with J. S. Way, L. W. Blakewell, E. E. Cleland, H. V. Rounsevell, William Symon, and others, briefs and legal opinions. Also included are papers concerning the cases of Bonney (1889), Shippan (1902), Joseph Vardon (1907) and Gillett (1923).
Folder 17 Correspondence, drafts, notes and legal papers, 1919-1923
Includes drafts of an article 'Australia and the Privy Council'
Comprises Items 750-821
Folder 18 Correspondence, receipts for certificate to practice, notes and other legal papers, 1917-1928
Comprises Items 822-851
Folder 20 Notes, 1881-1889
Includes a copy of past and present land systems of South Australia (1881)
Comprises Items 925-943
Folder 41 Legal papers relating to arbitration between the Port Adelaide Corporation and the South Australian Company, 1913-1914
Comprises Items 2045-2115
Folder 42 Legal papers relating to arbitration between the South Australian Company and the South Australian Harbors Board, 1915-1919
Comprises Items 2116-2309
Folder 43 Legal papers relating to arbitration between the South Australian Company and the South Australian Harbors Board, 1920-1921
Comprises Items 2310-2417
Folder 44 Legal papers relating to arbitration between the South Australian Company and the South Australian Harbors Board, 1905-1919
Comprises Items 2418-2515
Folder 45 Legal papers relating to arbitration between the South Australian Company and the South Australian Harbors Board, 1918
Comprises Items 2516-2617
Folder 46 Legal papers relating to arbitration between the South Australian Company and the South Australian Harbors Board, 1920-1921
Comprises Items 2618-2758
Folder 47 Legal papers relating to arbitration between the South Australian Company and the South Australian Harbors Board, 1921?
Comprises Items 2759-2849
Folder 48 Correspondence, notes and legal papers, 1886-1919
Bulk of material 1918-1919. Includes a copy of a Bill to amend the provision for the future Government of Ireland (1866)
Comprises Items 2850-2893
Folder 49 Legal papers relating to a disputed boundary case between the South Australian and Victorian Governments, 1913
Comprises Items 2894-2942
Folder 50 Legal papers relating to a disputed boundary case between the South Australian and Victorian Governments, 1913?
Mainly notes from previous cases involving boundary disputes
Comprises Items 2943-3019
Folder 51 Legal papers relating to a disputed boundary case between the South Australian and Victorian Governments, 1877-1913?
Includes 1877 South Australian parliamentary paper outlining the original terms of reference and petition
Comprises Items 3020-3067
Folder 52 Legal papers relating to the estate of R. Barr Smith and an opinion for a case involving the Chateau Tanunda Company, 1916
Comprises Items 3068-3115
Folder 53 Miscellaneous legal papers, 1919-1922
Includes the will of Charles Ernest Cowle and an income tax case for Colton, Palmer and Preston Limited
Comprises Items 3116-3186
Folder 54 Correspondence and opinions relating to a case between News Limited and Mr J. E. Davidson, 1923
Comprises Items 3187-3223
Folder 55 Correspondence and legal papers relating to the estate of J. E. Gillett, 1923-1924
Comprises Items 3224-3301
Folder 57 Miscellaneous correspondence, legal papers, notes and press clippings, 1924-1927
Comprises Items 3319-3359
Series 6 Member of the House of Assembly, South Australia, 1875-1928
Symon was a member of the South Australian House of Assembly from 1881-1887. The series contains a small amount of correspondence with C. C. Kingston, William Morgan and John Colton. It also includes printed matter and press cuttings from this period, when Symon was member for Sturt and Attorney-General in the Morgan Ministry of 1881.
There is a folder of correspondence concerning Bagot’s election in 1884 for the Seat of Victoria. A copy of the letter of 1884 in which Symon declines a seat on the Bench of the Supreme Court is also included here.
Series 7 House of Assembly election, South Australia, 1887
In 1887 Symon unsuccessfully contested the election for the district of Victoria on the platform of free trade, and opposition to the payment of members. Correspondence with Robert Homburg, John Riddoch, Richard Allen and others, printed material and press cuttings relating to his election campaign are included in the series.
Series 8 Political activities, 1889-1897
During the period 1887-1987 Symon resisted many requests to re-enter State Parliament. He was chosen in 1894 as President of the Australasian Federation League of South Australia, and afterwards President of the Commonwealth League. His correspondents include C. C. Kingston, John Downer, Thomas Playford, Edmund Barton and William B. Rounsevell.
Folder 2 Correspondence, 1893
Also includes an address by Symon to the Young South Australian Patriotic Association, 7 September 1893
Comprises Items 52-86
Folder 5 Newscuttings relating to the Crown Lands Amendment Bill and matters between Symon and Charles Kingston (Attorney-General), 1893
Comprises Items 164-212
Folder 6 Correspondence and notes, 1895-1896
Includes a copy of Rules of the Australasian Federation League (1885)
Comprises Items 213-285
Folder 7 Miscellaneous papers and printed material, 1890-1897
Includes petitions from electors asking Symons to stand for the Legislative Council and material relating to the Australasian Federation League
Also includes minutes of meetings relating to the organisation of a banquet in honour of Sir Henry Parkes and associated epehemera
Comprises Items 286-337
Folder 8 Roll of the National Australasian Convention which met in Sydney, 2 March 1891
Roll was presented to Symon by John Gordon, one of the South Australian delegates, in 1914
Comprises Item 338
Series 9 Federation, 1820-1939
Correspondence with Kingston, Barton, Deakin and others during Symon’s membership of the Federal Convention of 1897-1898, when he was elected Chairman of its Judiciary Committee. In 1899 Symon visited London to confer with the Colonial Office on the new constitution, before the official delegates arrived in 1900 to see the Commonwealth Bill pass through the Imperial Parliament. Drafts of the constitution, convention debates, speeches by Symon and press cuttings complete the series.
Folder 5 Correspondence, May 1900
Includes a leaflet entitled May an Australian be loyal and yet a supporter of clause 74 of the Commonwealth Bill? (1900)
Comprises Items 307-403
Folder 6 Correspondence, June-July 1900
Includes a pamphlet entitled Speech by the Right Honourable Sir John Forrest recommending the people of Western Australia to join the Australian Commonwealth
Comprises Items 404-469
Folder 8 Printed material, 1897
Roll of members of the Australasian Federal Convention: charged with the duty of framing a Federal Constitution for Australasia, Adelaide, March 22nd, 1897
Comprises Item 518
Folder 9 Printed material, 1897-1898
Includes an address by Symon at the Adelaide Town Hall, 8 February 1897
Comprises Items 519-526
Folder 11 Printed material, 1897-1898
Includes some issues of the Official Record of the Australasian Federal Convention Debates (1897-1898) and newspaper articles by Symon on the Australian Commonwealth Bill
Comprises Items 534-541
Folder 15 Printed material, 1898-1907
Leaflets relating to the Federal Convention and miscellaneous parliamentary papers
Also includes an issue of United Australia, April 1900, containing an article by Symon 'The Privy Council appeal'
Comprises Items 613-640
Folder 16 Printed material, 1820-1897
Draft bills for the Constitution Act and a copy of an Act for the union of Great Britain and Ireland (1820)
Comprises Items 641-643
Folder 19 Printed material, 1897-1898
Includes drafts of a bill for the Constitution Act and other papers relating to the Federal Convention
Comprises Items 650-663
Folder 20 Printed material, 1898-1901
Draft bills for the Constitution Act and press cuttings
Comprises Items 650-689
Folder 21 Printed material and notes, 1898-1900
Includes draft bills and a copy of the Constitution Act
Comprises Items 690-703
Folder 22 Printed material, 1897-1899
Includes leaflets for the June 1898 referendum, drafts bills and notes on the Federal Convention
Comprises Items 704-724
Series 10 Senator for South Australia, 1901-1927
Symon entered the first Parliament as a Senator for South Australia in 1901. Material from this election and that of 1906 are included, together with correspondence from George H. Reid, John S. Clemons, John H. Keating, Henry Dobson, Edward Puleford, Simon Fraser, James T. Walker, Albert Gould, John C. Neild, Norman K. Ewing and Alexander P. Matheson.
Folder 10 Correspondence, 1906
Includes some news clippings and leaflets relating to the 1906 elections
Comprises Items 430-468
Folder 15 Printed material,
Drafts of a Bill to make provision for the exercise of the judicial power of the Commonwealth of Australia
Comprises Items 650-653
Folder 16 Printed material,
Includes reports on the trans-Australian railway
Comprises Items 654-659
Folder 17 General papers index to Commonwealth parliamentary papers (1901-1909), 1910
Comprises Item 660
Folder 18 Printed material, 1902-1905
Includes various bills and an opinion by Symon as to whether a layman can hold the Office of Attorney-General (1905)
Comprises Items 661-670
Folder 19 Printed material, 1905-1907
Speeches, reports and extracts from Parliamentary Debates
Comprises Items 671-677
Folder 21 Printed material, 1906-1911
Miscellaneous parliamentary papers. Includes recommendations by Admiral Henderson on the Commonwealth naval forces (1911)
Comprises Items 682-684
Folder 23 Printed material, 1901-1915
Includes a report on the Murray River and its tributaries (1913)
Comprsies Items 687-692
Folder 24 Press cuttings, 1901-1904
Mainly 1901 cuttings. Also includes a section of the Town and Country Journal, January 1904
Comprises Items 693-741
Folder 26 Press cuttings and other miscellaneous material, 1906-1907
Includes an opinion on the rights of South Australia in relation to other states to the waters of the Murray River
Also includes a Senate report on the Joseph Vardon case
Comprises Items 796-856
Series 11 Attorney-General, 1903-1906
Symon was Attorney-General in the Reid-McLean Ministry from 17 August 1904-5 July 1905. Much of this series consists of correspondence with George H. Reid, Samuel Griffith and Robert Garran relating to expenditure and circuits of the High Court. Parliamentary papers and press cuttings complete this series.
Folder 8 Correspondence, notes and lists, August 1904-May 1905
Includes an undated memorandum on the High Court organisation and expenditure
Comprises Items 417-498
Series 12 1913 general election, 1911-1913
In 1912 Symon refused to sign the Liberal movement’s manifesto and was defeated at the general election of 1913 which he contested as an independent. This series contains correspondence, details of election expenses, printed material and press cuttings.
Folder 1 Correspondence, 1911-1913
Includes a copy of the constitution, rules and political platform of the Liberal Union and election material
Comprises Items 1-50
Folder 2 Correspondence and notes, 1912-1913
Mainly correspondence April-June 1912. Includes papers nominating Symon for a Senate seat (July 1913)
Comprises Items 51-102
Folder 7 Correspondence and election material, April-June 1913
Includes election leaflets and speeches by Symon
Comprises Items 362-412
Folder 9 'Letters to the editor' relating to Symon and the Senate election, May 1913
Comprises Items 466-491
Series 13 Oaths Abolition Bill, 1882-1932
Whilst in the South Australian House of Assembly, Symon introduced and carried the Oaths Abolition Bill, which aimed to put an end to the administration of oaths in the courts of Justice and to substitute a declaration. This was lost in the Legislative Council. In 1929 interest was again aroused and Symon supported the cause. A letter of 1883 from Cardinal Manning is amongst correspondence in this series. Press cuttings are also included.
Series 14 HMS Commonwealth, 1906-1927
Symon represented the Commonwealth Government at the Coronation naval review at Spithead in England in 1911 and made a presentation from the people of Australia to HMS Commonwealth at Portsmouth. The gift consisted of a silver challenge shield and a silver plate table piece of a model of Captain Cook's ship, the Endeavour. When the Commonwealth was withdrawn from service in 1921 there was much correspondence with the Admiralty and with the Australian Naval Board concerning the future of the gift.
Series 15 Royal Commission on the Constitution, 1927-1928
Symon was invited to give evidence before the Royal Commission set up in 1927 to enquire into and report upon the powers of the Commonwealth under the Constitution and the working of the Constitution since Federation. The series includes correspondence with J. B. Peden, J. Sincock, Sir Henry Barwell and J. G. Hardman, terms of reference for the Commission, notes and press cuttings.
Comprises Folder 1 (Items 1-117).
Series 16 Seccession Movement, Western Australia, 1895-1933
In 1930 a movement had grown in Western Australia to secede from the Commonwealth. Symon was a staunch opponent and wrote vigorously against it. There are many press cuttings and some correspondence with Braddon Saunders, W. Ogden, F. Gates, W. H. Gee, Sir John Latham and Sir Alexander Hore-Ruthven (later Lord Gowrie).
Folder 1 Correspondence, notes, press cuttings, reports and speeches, 1895-1930
Comprises Items 1-68
Folder 2 Correspondence, notes, press cuttings, drafts of speeches or articles, 1930-1933
Comprises Items 69-126
Series 17 Governor-General's appointment, 1925-1932
Sir Isaac Isaacs was appointed Governor-General in 1931. Symon and others disagreed violently with the way this was brought about. Correspondence with Sir Edward Mitchell, Sir John Latham, Sir William Irvine, E. P. Auld and Sir Edward Wallington is included in this series, together with copies of Symon’s letters to the press.
Folder 4 Correspondence, March-August 1931
Includes pamphlet Governor-Generalship of Australia: appointment of Sir Isaac Isaacs. Consists of reprints of articles by Symon on the appointment appearing in the Adelaide Advertiser (1931)
Comprises Items 184-222
Series 18 Gladstone centenary celebrations, 1877-1933
The town of Gladstone (South Australia) celebrated its centenary in 1933. On this occasion Symon wrote to its Mayor, F. C. Grubb, telling of his association with W. E. Gladstone after whom the town was named. He offered the town an autographed letter from Gladstone, dated 1877, which he had received while acting for Gladstone in proceedings to restrain the unauthorised publication of his pamphlet entitled 'The Bulgarian horrors and the question of the East'. A copy of this letter appears in the file. Correspondence, printed matter and press cuttings (1930-1933) relating to the centenary are also included.
Comprises Folder 1 (Items 1-36).
Series 19 Certificates, 1863-1904
Certificates and commissions received by Symon. Included are school certificates and certificates relating to his appointment as Attorney-General for South Australia (1881) and the Commonwealth (1904-1905), Queens Counsel (1881), and his knighthood in 1901.
Comprises Folder 1 (Items 1-29 ).
Series 20 Cards, invitation and programs, 1895-1954
Cards, invitations, menus, programs and other items of ephemera relating to the many ceremonies, dinners, receptions, royal visits and official functions that Symon attended in Australia and overseas during his careeer.
The series also includes tickets, railway passes and meal vouchers for Symon and Lady Symon to attend the opening of Parliament House in Canberra on 9 May 1927. These items are accompanied by a small black wallet holder specially made for the occasion.
Folder 1 Tickets, passes and other ephemera, 1907-1927
Includes tickets, railway passes and a booklet of commemorative stamps relating to the opening of Parliament House, May 1927
Also includes a souvenir booklet entitled Visit of the colonial premiers and the Houses of Parliament to Portsmouth (3 May 1907)
Comprises Items 1-2k
Series 21 Family papers, 1878-1959
The series comprises a copy of Symon’s will and codicil, trust deeds, miscellaneous accounts, invoices and receipts, correspondence concerning the purchase of a car in England in 1909, notes made for staff concerning the daily running of his residence 'Manoah', a Commonwealth life rail pass, photographs and a folder of press cuttings.
Also includes some miscellaneous papers belonging to Lady Symon and her daughter, Kilmeny Symon.
Folder 3 Notes and miscellaneous papers, 1924-1935
Includes notes relating to the running of 'Manoah' and a cellar book
Comprises Items 113-169
Folder 4 Notes and legal papers, 1896-1928
Includes a copy of Symon's will and property deeds
Comprises Items 170-254
Folder 5 Correspondence, biographical notes and press cuttings, 1908-1959
Mainly papers 1908-1936. Includes correspondence to Lady Symon (1933-1935) and a letter belonging to Symon's daughter Kilmeny dated 1959
Comprises Items 255-290
Series 22 Knight Commander of St Michael and St George (KCMG), 1891-1934
Joseph Chamberlain’s letter informing Symon of his appointment as a Knight Commander of St Michael and St George (KCMG), together with Symon’s reply. Many letters and telegrams of congratulations are to be found in the letter book for this period in Series 1. In 1917 Symon became eligible by seniority for a seat in the Chapel of the Order, and correspondence concerning this, and the coat of arms affixed to the seat, also appears in this series.
Series 23 Australian War Memorial, 1915-1930
Correspondence with W. L. Stuart, J. Dillon, J. L. Treloar and R. L. Dick, and several press cuttings relating to Symon’s gift of an Aldershot service bugle to the Australian War Memorial in 1929.
Series 24 University of Sydney, 1902-1931
Symon’s association with the University began in 1902 on the occasion of its golden jubilee, when he was invited by C. Clive Teece to address the Union. A draft of the address is included in this series. In 1922 Symon gave £1,000 for a scholarship to be set up for first year students of English, and in 1924 donated a bell to the carillon appeal. Correspondents in this series include C. C. Teece, Sir William Cullen, E. R. Holme, Iven G. Mackay, R. W. Teece, M. W. MacCallum and W. A. Selle.
Comprises Folder 1 (Items 1-172).
Series 25 University of Adelaide, 1923-1932
From 1897 to 1901 Symon was a member of the Council of the University of Adelaide. In 1924 he gave his considerable law library to the Law School of the University, and in 1926 he donated £10,000 for the establishment of the Lady Symon Building for women students. Correspondence with Dr Helen Mayo, Sir George Murray, F. W. Eardley, R. R. Stucky and others, together with press cuttings, form this series.
Series 26 State Library of South Australia, 1918-1930
In 1918 G. H. Pitt began the catalogue of Symon’s personal library which was later bequeathed to the State Library of South Australia. Correspondence with Pitt and W. H. Marshall of the State Library is included, together with press cuttings.
Comprises Folder 1 (Items 1-141).
Series 27 Gifts to other South Australian institutions, 1923-1932
Correspondence concerning Symon’s gift in 1927 of £1,500 to the Australian Inland Mission towards the establishment of the Eleanor Symon Nursing Home at Innamincka, the setting up of the Northcote Rest Home for Mothers and Babies in 1928, and with Scotch College, Adelaide, concerning Symon’s gift of £1,000 to establish a scholarship in English literature (1930-1931).
Folder 1 Correspondence relating to the establishment of the Eleanor Symon Nursing Home, Innamincka, 1923-1932
Comprises Items 1-21
Series 28 Gifts to Scottish institutions, 1915-1931
In 1927 Symon had a stained glass window erected at the Baptist Church, Stirling, in memory of his father, James, and later contributed to the church’s funds. As well, he endowed a cot in the Stirling Infirmary and set up a benevolent fund for the poor of Wick and Stirling called the Sir Josiah H. Symon Stirling Poor Fund. A scholarship from the High School at Stirling tenable at a Scottish university to be called the Sir Josiah Symon Scholarship was also established. Correspondence concerning these gifts (1926-1931), together with press cuttings and a Stirling High School prospectus (1915) form this series.
Comprises Folder 1 (Items 1-88).
Series 29 Writings and speeches, 1864-1933
This series consists of published and unpublished writings and speeches by Symon. It includes the manuscripts of an article 'Tis sixty years since', notes and drafts for an unpublished work 'Dawn of Federation', manuscript and printed copies of 'Canberra revisited', a biographical sketch of David Sutherland and speeches and articles for many occasions.
Folder 2 Speech on the Federal Council Bill, 27 February 1884
Speech delivered in the South Australian House of Assembly
Comprises Items 164-184
Folder 3 Proofs and notes for 'Poetry and its claims', 1910
An address delivered by Symon at the inaugural meeting of the Poetry Recital Society, Adelaide Branch, 4 May 1910
Comprises Items 185-206
Folder 5 Reprints of addresses and speeches by Symon and miscellaneous press cuttings, c.1916-1931
Comprises Items 228-236
Folder 6 Typescript article 'Tis Sixty years since', 21 May 1897
Address delivered by Symon in the Adelaide Town Hall under the auspices of the Australian Chamber of Manufacturers
Comprises Items 237-312
Folder 7 Writings and speeches, 1880-1931
Includes an 1880 essay by Eleanor Cowle (later Eleanor Symon)
Comprises Items 313-411
Folder 9 Notes and writings, 1889-c.1932
Inlcudes notes and writings relating to Walter Murdoch's biography of Alfred Deakin (1923)
Comprises Items 492-579
Series 30 Shakespeare studies, 1901-1933
Shakespeare the Englishman, published in 1929, contains three addresses given by Symon, namely 'Shakespeare at home', 'Shakespeare the Englishman', and 'Shakespeare quotation'. Correspondence, drafts, notes and reviews make up this series.
Folder 2 Correspondence, June 1920-June 1929
Includes typescript of an introductory note to Shakespeare the Englishman
Comprises Items 70-174
Series 31 Miscellaneous manuscripts, 1865-1933
Miscellaneous notes on a wide variety of subjects. They include manuscript notes by Symon (mostly undated) and typed extracts from books, journals and newspapers (usually dated). Some of the notes also appear to be drafts for articles and speeches.
The date ranges assigned to most of the folders in this series have been based on the dates of the typed extracts and dates appearing in notes and in some cases may not accurately reflect the period that Symon was creating these records.
Folder 3 Manuscript journals, 1899-1901
Series of handwritten journals entitled 'The Walking and Rockwall Home Journal'
Comprises Items 191-200
Folder 6 Typed extracts from unidentified memoirs of Winston Churchill, n.d.
Comprises Items 322-418
Series 32 Tributes following Symon's death, March-November 1934
Letters and telegrams of condolence received by Lady Symon following her husband’s death on 29 March 1934. The series also includes a bound volume containing the tributes, paid to Sir Josiah in the Federal Parliament, tributes by others and press cuttings.
Comprises Folder 1 (Items 1-116).
Container List
| Series | Folders/Pieces | Items | Box |
| 1 | 1-8 | 1-565 | 1 |
| 1 | 9-14 | 566-884 | 2 |
| 1 | 15-19 | 885-921 | 3 |
| 1 | 20-26 | 922-1074 | 4 |
| 1 | 27-33 | 1075-1472 | 5 |
| 1 | 34-40 | 1473-1684 | 6 |
| 1 | 41 | 1685 | 7 |
| 1 | 42 | 1686 | Folio box 10 |
| 1 | 43-48 | 1687-1916 | 7 |
| 1 | 49-56 | 1917-2276a | 8 |
| 1 | 57-64 | 2277-2683 | 9 |
| 1 | 65-73 | 2684-3449 | 10 |
| 1 | 74-83 | 3450-4369 | 11 |
| 1 | 84-93 | 4370-5005 | 12 |
| 1 | 94-102 | 5006-5633 | 13 |
| 2 | 1 | 1-56 | 13 |
| 2 | 2-6 | 57-77 | 14 |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| 3 | 2 | 2 | Folio Box 1 |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | Folio Box 2 |
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 15 |
| 3 | 5 | 5 | Folio Box 3 |
| 3 | 6-8 | 6-8 | 15 |
| 3 | 9-12 | 9-12 | 16 |
| 3 | 13-14 | 13-14 | 17 |
| 3 | 15 | 15 | 18 |
| 3 | 16 | 16 | Folio Box 8 |
| 3 | 17 | 17 | Folio Box 4 |
| 3 | 18 | 18 | Folio Box 5 |
| 3 | 19-20 | 19-20 | 18 |
| 3 | 20a-21 | 20a-21 | 19 |
| 3 | 22-23 | 22-23 | Folio Box 6 |
| 3 | 24 | 24 | 19 |
| 3 | 25-26 | 25-26 | Folio Box 7 |
| 3 | 27 | 27 | 19 |
| 3 | 28-36 | Items unnumbered | 20 |
| 3 | 37-46 | Items unnumbered | 21 |
| 3 | 47-49 | Items unnumbered | 22 |
| 3 | 50 | Items unnumbered | Folio Box 5 |
| 3 | 51-57 | Items unnumbered | 22 |
| 3 | 58-60 | Items unnumbered | 23 |
| 3 | 61 | Items unnumbered | Folio Box 1 |
| 3 | 62 | Items unnumbered | Folio Box 9 |
| 4 | 1-5 | 1-28 | 23 |
| 4 | 6-12 | 29-63 | 24 |
| 4 | 13-14 | 64-95 | 25 |
| 4 | 15 | 96-98 | Folio Box 9 |
| 4 | 16-21 | 99-204 | 25 |
| 4 | 22-32 | 205-494 | 26 |
| 4 | 33-42 | 495-734 | 27 |
| 4 | 43 | 735 | Folio Box 9 |
| 5 | 1-10 | 1-489 | 28 |
| 5 | 11-20 | 490-943 | 29 |
| 5 | 21-29 | 943-1336 | 30 |
| 5 | 30-39 | 1337-2020 | 31 |
| 5 | 40-49 | 2021-2942 | 32 |
| 5 | 50-59 | 2943-3522 | 33 |
| 6 | 1-4 | 1-190 | 34 |
| 7 | 1-3 | 1-99 | 34 |
| 8 | 1-3 | 1-130 | 34 |
| 8 | 4-10 | 131-511 | 35 |
| 9 | 1-3 | 1-223 | 35 |
| 9 | 4-14 | 224-612 | 36 |
| 9 | 15-25 | 613-809 | 37 |
| 9 | 26-30 | 810-923 | 38 |
| 10 | 1-4 | 1-189 | 38 |
| 10 | 5-14 | 190-649 | 39 |
| 10 | 15-25 | 650-795 | 40 |
| 10 | 26-29 | 796-917 | 41 |
| 11 | 1-7 | 1-416 | 41 |
| 11 | 8-16 | 417-996 | 42 |
| 12 | 1-2 | 1-102 | 42 |
| 12 | 3-11 | 103-510 | 43 |
| 12 | 11a | Items unnumbered | Folio Box 9 |
| 12 | 12 | Items unnumbered | 43 |
| 12 | 13-15 | Items unnumbered | 44 |
| 13 | 1-3 | 1-122 | 44 |
| 14 | 1-3 | 1-126 | 44 |
| 14 | 4-7 | 127-268 | 45 |
| 14 | 8 | 269 | Folio Box 4 |
| 15 | 1 | 1-117 | 45 |
| 16 | 1-5 | 1-171 | 45 |
| 17 | 1-8 | 1-429 | 46 |
| 18 | 1 | 1-36 | 46 |
| 19 | 1 | 1-2,4-6,9,11,13-23,25 | 46 |
| 19 | 1 | 3,7-8,10,12,24,26-29 | HW Map Drawer 25 |
| 20 | 1 | 1-2 | 46 |
| 20 | 2-4 | 3-154 | 47 |
| 20 | 2-4 | 155 | Folio Box 9 |
| 21 | 1-7 | 1-312 | 47 |
| 21 | 8 | Items unnumbered | Folio Box 9 |
| 22 | 1-2 | 1-76 | 48 |
| 23 | 1-2 | 1-50 | 48 |
| 24 | 1 | 1-172 | 48 |
| 25 | 1-2 | 1-179 | 48 |
| 26 | 1 | 1-141 | 48 |
| 27 | 1-3 | 1-67 | 49 |
| 28 | 1 | 1-88 | 49 |
| 29 | 1-6 | 1-312 | 49 |
| 29 | 7-12 | 313-851 | 50 |
| 30 | 1-4 | 1-314 | 50 |
| 30 | 5-6 | 315-393 | 51 |
| 31 | 1-7 | 1-530 | 51 |
| 31 | 8-17 | 531-1135 | 52 |
| 31 | 18-19 | 1136-1206 | 52 |
| 32 | 1 | 1-116 | 53 |