Guide to the Family Papers of Robert Garran

Searching...

MS 2001

National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record

Collection Summary

Creator
Garran Family
Title
Family papers of Robert Garran
Date Range
1842 - 1957
Collection Number
MS 2001
Extent
6.08 metres (2 ms boxes + 17 archive boxes + 2 small folio boxes + 2 medium folio boxes + 1 large folio box + 2 small phase boxes + 2 map folios)
Language of Materials
English
Repository
Special Collections (Manuscripts)

Introduction

Scope and Content

The collection comprises diaries, notebooks, correspondence, opinion books, newspaper cuttings, notes, photographs and printed material.

The diaries and other papers of Andrew Garran were used by Sir Robert in his autobiography, Prosper the Commonwealth, which he completed just before his death.

Sir Robert Garran's papers relate to the Federation movement, the drafting and development of the Australian Constitution, the work of the Attorney-General's Department, the 1919 and 1929 Imperial Conferences, the League of Nations, the 1919 Paris Peace Conference and the 1932 Indian Military Defence Tribunal. There are also papers documenting Garran's various interests and activities, such as the Rotary Foundation, together with family correspondence and papers. The collection also includes Garran's official GCMG regalia, medals and other awards.

Conditions Governing Access

Please refer to the collection's catalogue record for the access conditions (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn554456).

Conditions Governing Use

Copying and publishing of unpublished manuscript material is subject to copyright restrictions.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 Copying of unpublished material for research purposes is permissible 50 years after the death of the creator of the material.

Preferred Citation

Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Family papers of Robert Garran, National Library of Australia, MS 2001, [series and/or file number]'.

Provenance

The bulk of the Garran Papers were obtained shortly before and immediately after Sir Robert Garran's death in 1957, from Garran's son, John Garran. Further papers were located in 1968 in the possession of another son, Richard Garran.

Further papers of Sir Robert Garran are held at MS 400, MS 471, MS 616, MS 2102 and MS 3666. Papers relating to the Federal Convention, 1891-1898 (MS 2001/8/268) are also available on microfilm, at mfm G24757-G24758.

Arrangement

The papers of Andrew Garran are featured in Series 1, 2 and 19, while the remainder of the collection largely concerns Sir Robert Garran's life and career, together with some family papers.

List of Correspondents

A list of correspondents can be found in the online finding aid under the heading Related Documentation.

Collection Retrieval Advice

Please note: each class in this collection has a separate box number sequence (i.e. there are multiple Box 1's). Please cite the relevant Class number as well as the Box number when requesting retrieval of material from the collection.

Finding Aid Source (s)

Please note: This finding aid may comprise or contain descriptive information provided by donors, researchers and/or volunteers.

Biographical Note

Andrew Garran: A journalist and politician, Garran was born in London in 1825. He left for Australia in 1850, and in 1856 became assistant editor of the Sydney Morning Herald. Between 1873 and 1885 he was the paper's editor, but in 1885 resigned because of ill health. Garran was nominated to the New South Wales Legislative Council in 1887, and in 1892 was appointed president of the Council of Arbitration. In 1894 he returned to the Legislative Council, until his retirement in 1898. Garran remained Sydney correspondent for The Times (London) until his death in 1901. Sir Robert Garran was Andrew Garran's only son.

Sir Robert Randolph Garran: Born in Sydney in 1867, Garran studied law at Sydney University and was called to the New South Wales Bar in 1890. Taking an active role in the campaign for federation, he published The Coming Commonwealth in 1897 and collaborated with Sir John Quick in producing The Annotated Constitution of the Australian Commonwealth in 1901. At this time he was made secretary to the Federal Attorney-General and Parliamentary Draftsman. From 1916 to 1932 he was also the Solicitor General to the Commonwealth. Garran accompanied W. M. Hughes to the Peace Conference of 1918-1919 and S.M. Bruce to the Imperial Conference of 1923. After his retirement from office in 1932, he headed a tribunal established in England to determine the United Kingdom's relative expenditure on the defence of India. Garran also played an important role in the Rotary International movement, and was Chancellor of the Diocese of Goulburn from 1939 to 1947. He was knighted in 1917, and died in January 1957.

See also: Garran, Sir Robert. Prosper the Commonwealth. Sydney, Angus and Robertson, 1958.

Item Descriptions

Class 1. Original consignment received 1957

This consignment includes texts of speeches and essays; poetry; diaries; notes on federation and the drafting of the constitution; correspondence while at the Attorney-General's Office; memoranda, reports and correspondence regarding the Paris Peace Conference, 1919; material on the Imperial Conferences, Indian Military Dedence Tribunal, 1932-1933; Garran's various activities after retirement in 1932 and varous legal matters. Also includes Andrew Garran's diaries, 1860-1901, notebooks, thesis, and press editiorials as well as general family correspondence and some diaries of Mary Isham Garran, Andrew's daughter. Major correspondents include R. H. Alsop, C. E. W. Bean, Blake & Riggall Solicitors, E. J. Bowater, Sir Richard Boyer, J. R. Casboulte, C. S. Daley, John Garran, R. M. Johnson, D. Ohlfsen, John Reynolds, W. N. Rowse, Roy S. Smith, and Russell V. Williams.

Series 1. Diaries of Andrew Garran - Box 1 (MS 2001)

This series comprises typescript copies of Andrew Garran's diaries between 1860 and 1901, together with original diaries from the 1870 to 1901, with the exception of 1877 and January-July 1896. The diaries provide biographical information on Andrew Garran and his wife, and were used by their son, Sir Robert Garran, as research for his autobiography Prosper the Commonwealth (1958).

Items 1-164

Series 2. Notebooks and press clippings of Andrew Garran - Box 2-4 (MS 2001)

This series features a number of notebooks with articles by Andrew Garran on diverse subjects, such as literature, economics, religion, philosophy and law. Garran's LL.D. thesis of 1870 is also present, as are newspaper cuttings of his own editorials, and some early articles by his son, Sir Robert Garran. There are also cuttings of obituaries following Garran's death.

Items 1-50

News cuttings book (File 49) - Folio-Box 20 (MS 2001)

Series 3. Diaries of Sir Robert Garran and family - Box 5-6 (MS 2001)

The diaries of Sir Robert Garran date intermittently from 1880 till 1910, and thereafter regularly until 1951. The series also includes diaries of Garran's sister, Mary Isham Garran, together with an account of a trip made in 1890 by another sister, Mary Eppes Garran.

Items 1-64

Series 4. Press clippings - Box 7 (MS 2001)

This series comprises three books of press clippings, not individually sorted, relating to miscellaneous general subjects.

Series 5. General correspondence - Box 8 (MS 2001)

The correspondence relates to a large number of topics, and begins with typed copies of letters between Sir Robert Garran's great grandmother, Elizabeth Sabine, and her family. There are letters relating to Garran's contribution to the Cambridge History of the British Empire, his retirement, the memorial to Sir John Monash, the League of Nations Union and the Australian Book Society. The series includes letters from Garran to his family, many written during his trips overseas.

Items 1-1122

Correspondence from RR Garran, 1918-1919; 1923-1924 (File 179-693) - Box 21 (MS 2001)

Series 6. Speeches and essays - Box 8 (MS 2001)

In chronological order, these speeches and essays deal with miscellaneous subjects of interest to Sir Robert Garran. Most of the items are by Garran, although some are written by other individuals, such as Sir Robert Menzies. The series also features a book of Garran's own poetry.

Items 1-101a

Series 7. Federation and campaign - Box 9 (MS 2001)

This series contains papers relating to federation, including notes made by Sir Robert Garran, August-September 1898, together with speeches by Garran, three books and one folder of press cuttings relating to the campaign.

Items 1-81

Federation and campaign album, 1898 (File 81) - Folio-Box (Shared), Album 22 (MS 2001)

Series 8. Constitution - Box 10 (MS 2001)

This series concerns Sir Robert Garran's involvement with the development of the Australian Constitution. There are proposed amendments, the draft bill, speeches by Garran and a review of Garran's Annotated Constitution, together with a bound volume of papers (Item 268) from the Federal Convention, 1891, 1897-1898. Please note: Item 268 has been microfilmed and should be used in preference to the original. The microfilm reels are located in the Newspaper Reading Room (mfm G24 757-8).

Items 1-268

Draft of A Bill to Constitute the Commonwealth of Australia, 1897 (File 167) - Folio-Box 23 (MS 2001)
'Draft of a Bill to constitute the Commonwealth of Australia', 1897 (selectively digitised)
Draft of A Bill to Constitute the Commonwealth of Australia, 1897 (File 171-174) - Folio-Box 23 (MS 2001)
Draft of A Bill to Constitute the Commonwealth of Australia, 1897 (File 182) - Folio-Box 23 (MS 2001)
Draft of A Bill to Constitute the Commonwealth of Australia, 1897 (File 184-186) - Folio-Box 23 (MS 2001)
Draft of A Bill to Constitute the Commonwealth of Australia, 1897 (File 188) - Folio-Box 23 (MS 2001)
Papers relating to the Federal Convention, 1891 - 1898 (File 268) - Folio-Box 24 (MS 2001)
Empty leather binder Federal Convention, Adelaide, 1897 (File) - Folio-Box 20 (MS 2001)

Series 9. Attorney-General's Department, 1901-1932 - Box 11 (MS 2001)

This series contains correspondence and general papers relating to Sir Robert Garran's involvement with the Attorney-General's Department. The correspondence relates to such issues as land tax, the Victorian Committee of Council and item 174 of the Customs Tariff. Other papers relate to instructions for the Governor General, the governance of Norfolk Island, the enacting words in acts of Parliament and schemes for limiting the number of Members of Parliament. The series also features four volumes of observations, generally concerning the development of the Constitution.

Items 1-922

Series 10. South African Constitution - Box 12 (MS 2001)

The series contains correspondence, parliamentary papers and press cuttings relating to the constitution of the South African Union, and the effect of the Australian precedent on its development. An edition of Sir Robert Garran's book on the Australian Commonwealth was printed in South Africa because of this, and correspondence concerning the work is included among these papers.

Items 1-56

Series 11. Peace Conference and the League of Nations - Box 12 (MS 2001)

This series contains memoranda, reports and correspondence dealing with Sir Robert Garran's trip with W. M. Hughes to the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, together with papers relating to the 1925 and 1930 meetings of the League of Nations. There series includes reports on the tariff arrangements between France and Australia following the War, advice from Professor A. H. Charteris on the mandated territories of the League of Nations, and the report of the Australian delegation at the 11th Assembly of the League of Nations.

Items 1-65

Series 12. Transfer of residence to Canberra - Box 12 (MS 2001)

This series deals with the transfer of the Attorney-General's Department to Canberra, and plans for Sir Robert Garran's subsequent move to Canberra, including the design and construction of his Canberra residence.

Items 1-226

Housing plans for Roslyn Avenue, Sydney; Garden plan for Mugga Way residence, 1920s (File) - Map-Folio 25 (MS 2001)

Series 13. Imperial Conferences 1919, 1929 - Box 12 (MS 2001)

This series contains notes and memoranda relating to the dominions and their status, the prospects of Imperial Conferences, and a report of the 1929 Imperial Conference on dominion status and merchant shipping regulations.

Items 1-22

Series 14. Indian Military Defence Tribunal, 1932-1933 - Box 13 (MS 2001)

This series includes correspondence concerning the affairs of the Tribunal, its composition and operation, reports issued by the Tribunal and Garran's notes on these, together with press cuttings about the proceedings and arrangements for Garran's trip.

Items 1-78

Series 15. Activities after retirement - Box 13 (MS 2001)

Sir Robert Garran's personal interests are documented in this series, which includes correspondence, speeches, writings and press cuttings relating to the Canberra University College and Australian National University, 1929-1953, Anzac Day pageants, 1939-1953, Garran's role as Chancellor of the Diocese of Goulburn, 1940-1950, his trusteeship of the Gowrie Scholarship Trust Fund, 1944-1946, and his trusteeship of the Canberra Grammar School, 1946-1956.

Items 1-279

Series 16. Rotary - Box 13 (MS 2001)

This series features general correspondence concerning local Rotary clubs and the activities of Rotary in Australia. There are also papers dealing with Sir Robert Garran's trip to America, including speeches, pamphlets and press cuttings.

Items 1-291

Rotary Code of Ethics (File) - Map-Folio 25 (MS 2001)

Series 17. Legal advisor after 1932 - Box 14 (MS 2001)

This series consists chiefly of correspondence between Sir Robert Garran and the Vestey group in connection with meat and shipping interests in Australia, including related newspaper clippings and research material. There are also opinions regarding various legal cases and matters, written by Garran after his retirement.

Items 1-265

Series 18. Death - Box 14 (MS 2001)

This series comprises correspondence and papers relating to Sir Robert Garran's death, including copies of the funeral service. The letters of condolence date from January to March 1957, and are arranged chronologically and alphabetically.

Items 1-259

Class 2. Consignment received 1982

This consignment includes further family papers, correspondence, photographs and other items including a notebook of Andrew Garran's sermons, 1842-1864, and a manuscript draft of a play by Mary Isham Garran entitled 'Who is who?'.

Series 19. General - Box 14-19 (MS 2001)

This series contains documents concerning Sir Robert Garran's four sons, together with photographs, sheet music, Garran's passport and other personal effects. Further family papers, correspondence, photographs and other items were added to this series in 1982, including a notebook of Andrew Garran's sermons, 1842-1864, and a manuscript draft of a play by Mary Isham Garran entitled 'Who is who?'.

Items 1-123

Watercolour of the Hawkesbury by Ernest Stocks, 1917 (File) - Map-Folio 25 (MS 2001)
Maps of the Federal Capital Territory, 1920s (File) - Map-Folio 25 (MS 2001)
Barristers' wig and two cotton collars in a case, belonging to Sir Robert Garran (File A4000161x) - Box 26 (MS 2001)
R R Garran university testamurs, 1880s (File) - Map-Folio 27 (MS 2001)

Class 3. Consignment received 2019

This consignment includes the Knight Grand Cross (GCMG) regalia of Sir Robert Garran, specifically Collar, Badge and Star, in two jewellery cases; prize medals and books awarded to Sir Robert and so inscribed from the University of Sydney, other medals and the medallion issued to Andrew Garran as Commissioner of the Sydney International Exhibition in 1879 and lapel badge.

Series. Medals, awards and Regalia

GCMG Regalia Case 1, 1937 (File 1) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)

Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George: Awarded 11 May 1937

Badge of the Grand Cross, 1937 (File 2) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)
Star of the Grand Cross, 1937 (File 3) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)
Fabric suspension, 1937 (File 4) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)
Letter of Thanks from Sir William Slim to John C Garran, 1957-05-01 (File 5) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)

Goes to provenance of regalia

GCMG Regalia Case 2, 1937 (File 6) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)
Gold Collar, 1937 (File 7) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)
Sydney University Prize Medal, 1883 (File 8) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)

Senior Public Exam - Greek

Sydney University Prize Medal (File 9) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)

M A Examination - School of Philosophy

Sydney University Prize Medal, 1887 (File 10) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)

University Gold Medal - English Verse

King George V Silver Jubilee Commemorative Medal, 1910-1935 (File 11) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal, 1953 (File 12) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)
Set of four miniature medals (File 13) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)

GCMG Star; George V silver Jubilee: George VI Coronation: Elizabeth II Coronation.

Commissioner's Silver Medal - Sydney International Exhibition, 1879 (File 14) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)

Andrew Garran, Commissioner

Commissioner's Silver Medal - Sydney International Exhibition (File 15) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)
Case - Commissioner's Badge - Sydney International Exhibition, 1879 (File 16) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)

Andrew Garran, Commissioner

Poems by Matthew Arnold - Early Poems, Narrative Poems and Sonnets, 1885; 1887 (File 17) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)

Published by Macmillan and Co London. Leather bound with gold Sydney University crest. Book Plate: University of Sydney, Awarded to R R Garran for Proficiency in Mathematics. Second Year examination, 1887

Poems by Matthew Arnold - Dramatic and Later Poems, 1885 (File 18) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)

Published by Macmillan and Co London. Covers as above

Poems by Matthew Arnold - Lyric and Elegiac Poems, 1885 (File 19) - Folio-Box 28 (MS 2001)

Published by Macmillan and Co London. Covers as above


Top