Guide to the Papers of Lord Novar
MS 696
National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record
Created: October 2025
Collection Summary
- Creator
- Munro-Ferguson, Ronald Craufurd, Sir
- Title
- Papers of Ronald Craufurd Munro Ferguson (Lord Novar)
- Date Range
- 1874-1935; c. 1962-1979
- Collection Number
- MS 696
- Extent
- 4.1 metres (18 ms boxes + 1 small folio box + 4 map folios)
- Language of Materials
- English
- Repository
- Special Collections (Manuscripts)
Introduction
Cultural Sensitivity Advisory Notice
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other First Nations peoples are advised that this collection may contain names and images of deceased persons and other content that may be culturally sensitive. Please also be aware that you may see certain words or descriptions within these works which reflect the author's attitude, or that of the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive.
Scope and Contents
The bulk of the collection falls within the period 1914-1920 when Lord Novar of Raith (Sir Ronald Craufurd Munro-Ferguson) was Governor-General. It includes official despatches from Novar to the King; private letters from Novar to the King's Private Secretaries and their replies; both personal and official despatches to the Secretaries of State for the Colonies and their replies; and correspondence relating to Novar's official duties as Governor-General. Voluminous personal correspondence includes letters with W.M. (BIlly) Hughes, G.F. Pearce and leading military and political figures in Australia and England.
The subject matter of both personal and official files includes the war, including recruiting and conscription; Australian political events at State and Commonwealth levels; the Australian economy; and Australian, Japanese, and British interests in the Pacific region. Correspondents include L.S. Amery, Sir James W. Barrett, Sir Edmund Barton, General W.R. Birdwood, Sir William Bridges, Sir James Burns, Bede Clifford, Sir Joseph Cook, Andrew Fisher, Lord Forrest, Sir Samuel Walker Griffith, L.V. Harcourt, A. Bonar Law, Walter Long, Sir Alfred Milner, Lord Stamfordham, Sir George Steward, Sir Gerald Strickland, Sir Henry MacMahon, Sir John Maxwell, J.G. Legge, Sir George Houston Reid, W. Watt, and E.D. Millen.
The collection also includes six diaries, kept by Lord Novar while he was Governor General of Australia between 1915 and 1920.
Conditions Governing Access
Access conditions may apply to this collection, please refer to the collection's catalogue record for further information (https://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn723209).
Conditions Governing Use
Conditions for copying and publishing of this collection may apply, please refer to the collection's catalogue record for further information (https://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn723209).
Preferred Citation
Items from this collection should be cited as 'Papers of Ronald Craufurd Munro Ferguson (Lord Novar), National Library of Australia, MS 696 [class/series/file/item number(s)]'.
Provenance
The papers were received in 1961 from Mr A.B.L. Munro Ferguson and the Trustees of the late Viscount Novar. Thirty photographs copied from the Novar albums in the possession of Mr Munro Ferguson were added to the collection in 1985. Subsequent additions include five illuminated manuscripts purchased from a dealer in 1990 and transcripts of extracts from Novar's diaries donated by Professor John Poynter in 1997.
Six volumes of diaries, on long-term loan from Mr Ronald Munro Ferguson (great nephew of Lord Novar), were added to the collection on 12 January 2004. The diaries were kept by Lord Novar while he was Governor General of Australia between 1915 and 1920.
Related Materials
For related material held by the National Library see the following: Ronald Craufurd Munro Ferguson (Lord Novar) collection of photographs
Arrangement
This collection was orginally only numbered at the item level. The collection has since recieved additional processing and file numbers have been implemented. The original item numbers have been retained in each components' scope and contents note.
The official despatches from Novar to the King, his personal letters to the King's Private Secretaries, and their replies, have been filed together, as have the three types of official despatches to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, these being in ascending order of importance, despatches giving details of the general political and economic position of Australia, despatches giving an inside picture of Federal and State politics, and Novar's personal despatches to the Secretary of State alone giving confidential information about Australian politics and politicians. The replies from the Secretaries of State have also been filed together.
Official papers relating to Novar's general duties as Governor-General have been collected into bundles in no particular order, probably by a later hand. Of his personal correspondence, that with W.M. (Billy) Hughes and G.F. Pearce has been filed separately, but the remainder has mostly been filed indiscriminately, although a portion is in alphabetical order, and some military and political correspondence has been grouped together. Most of the official correspondence and despatches are in typescript, or include typescript copies and duplicates and typescript copies have been made of some of the more important personal letters, notably from W.M. (Billy) Hughes. The final bundle, received from Lady Scott in 1955 and formerly part of the papers of Sir Ernest Scott, duplicates material in earlier files.
Correspondence Index
All correspondence in the collection has been indexed by name of correspondent, and by year. Refer to the attached PDFs (see 'Related Documentation' links).
Biographical Note
Born Kircaldy, Scotland. Member of Parliament for Ross and Cromarty, 1884-1885; Lord of the Treasury 1894-1895; Privy Councillor 1910; Governor-General of Australia 1914-1920; Secretary of State for Scotland, 1922-1924.
Item Descriptions
Class. Papers of Lord Novar
Series 1. Despatches to the King, 1914 - 1920
Copies of 29 secret despatches and official communications with King George V from Lord Novar, 1914-1920. Sent at irregular intervals, sometimes monthly, but usually at longer intervals. The despatches appear to be complete; their subject matter duplicates, in less detail, the information given to Novar in material in Series 4-5 and Series 7-8.
Subjects covered include Australian political events and conditions in general; the conduct of the War; Australia's economic conditions and policies; and the visit of the Prince of Wales to Australia in 1920. Cables between Novar and the King are concerned with the War in general; the Gallipoli campaign; and the Prince of Wales' visit. Comprises items 1-159.
Despatches to the King, 1914 - 1918 (File 1) - Box 1
Typescript letters from Lord Novar to King George V, covering World War I and the Gallipoli campaign, visits of Japanese naval vessels to Australia, and Australian political events. Original item range 1-107.
Despatches to the King, 1919 - 1920 (File 2) - Box 1
Typescript letters from Lord Novar to King George V covering Australian political events and a visit to Australia by the Prince of Wales; folder from the Governor-General's Office: Messages to and from his Majesty the King; list of retiring Australian senators. Original item range 108-159.
Series 2. Letters to the King's Private Secretary, 1914 - 1920
Copies of Lord Novar's "personal" letters to Major Clive Wigram, 1914-1915, and Lord Stamfordham, 1915-1920, Private Secretaries to the King. The letters appear to be a complete series and the bundle incorporates some duplicate copies and drafts of final letters. There are only two letters to Wigram, the other 36 being sent regularly, most often monthly, to Stamfordham. Occasional enclosures relevant to the correspondence are included.
Subjects covered include general survey of Australian politics; the policies of W.A. Holman and the New South Wales Government and their resultant friction with the Federal Government; the general conduct of the War; recruiting; miscellaneous official matters dealt with by Novar; the conscription referendum of 1916; the granting of honours; Novar's relations with State Governors; the visit of Lord Jellicoe to Australia in 1919; and the Prince of Wales's visit in 1920. Comprises items 162-372.
Letters to the King's Private Secretary, 1914 - 1916 (File 3) - Box 1
Handwritten summaries of correspondence between Lord Novar and the King's Private Secretary, Lord Stamfordham; typescript and handwritten letters from Novar to Stamfordham, mostly concerned with World War I, conscription, and Australian political events; newspaper clipping from the Sydney Daily Telegraph on the first ANZAC Day, 25 April 1916. Original item range 162-210. Item numbers 160-161 not used.
Letters to the King's Private Secretary, 1916 - 1918 (File 4) - Box 1
Handwritten and typescript correspondence from Lord Novar to the King's Private Secretary, Lord Stamfordham, mainly concerned with Australian political events, conscription and the travels of dignitaries; documents from the Governor-General's Office, and typescript letter from Lord Novar to Walter Long, M.P. Original item range 211-324.
Series 3. Letters from Lord Stamfordham, 1914 - 1920
"Private" letters dated September 1914 - January 1920 from Lord Stamfordham, Private Secretary to the King, replying to Lord Novar's letters in Series 1-2 to himself and the King. The series appears to be complete and includes relevant enclosures.
Subjects covered include the political scene in Great Britain; the conduct of the War; the King's view of Australian events and personalities; Australia's efforts in the War; personal and family matters; the Easter Uprising in Ireland in 1916; the Russian Revolution of 1917; and the Prince of Wales' personality and visit to Australia. Comprises items 373-523.
Series 4. Personal despatches to Secretaries of State for the Colonies, 1914 - 1917
Copies of "Personal and Secret" or "Personal and Confidential" despatches to Secretaries of State for the Colonies, May 1914 - December 1917. The Secretaries of State were L. V. Harcourt (1914-May 1915), A. Bonar Law (May 1915-December 1916) and Walter Long (December 1916-December 1918). These despatches were sent weekly, but some despatches have been filed in other bundles in this series under subject headings. Some sections of the letters dealing with Australian politicians have been erased and pages have occasionally been removed from the letters; some letters are incomplete and files also include some drafts, duplicates and extracts duplicating portions of the despatches. These "Personal" despatches were compiled by Lord Novar himself for the Secretary of State alone, and give comments and details of politics only found in these despatches and the personal letters held in Series 5-6. The comments are supplementary to the official despatches seen by other departmental officers held in Series 7-8. Enclosures are included.
Subjects covered include Australian Federal politics generally and W. M. (Billy) Hughes, in particular; details of Novar's personal life and his relations with leading politicians; defence and the War; the 1914 double dissolution; the Pacific and Australia's relations with Japan; control of former German colonies post-war; wartime finance; New South Wales politics and W. M. Holman; Federal-State relations; recruiting and conscription; the character of State Governors; Novar's reflections on his role as Governor General; wartime security and the Industrial Workers of the World (I.W.W.); Archbishop Mannix; and government shipping. Comprises items 524-998.
Personal despatches to Secretaries of State for the Colonies, 1914 - 1915 (File 8) - Box 1
Typescript letters and despatches from Lord Novar to Lewis Vernon Harcourt, Secretary of State for the Colonies. Concerned with Australian political events, the 1914 double dissolution, and the management of Australian troops and material in the early stages of World War I. Original item range 524-653.
Personal despatches to Secretaries of State for the Colonies, 1915 - 1916 (File 9) - Box 1
Typescript letters and despatches from Lord Novar to Lewis Vernon Harcourt and Andrew Bonar Law, Secretaries of State for the Colonies, concerned with World War I, Australian political events, Prime Minister Billy Hughes, the White Australia Policy and immigration, and the establishment of Canberra. Original item range 654-812.
Personal despatches to Secretaries of State for the Colonies, 1916 - 1917 (File 10) - Box 2
Typescript letters and despatches from Lord Novar to Andrew Bonar Law and Walter Long, Secretaries of State for the Colonies, concerned with World War I, Australian political events including the public's response to the war and the Conscription referendum, Billy Hughes, unionism and industrial actions. Original item range 813-898.
Personal despatches to Secretaries of State for the Colonies, 1917 (File 11) - Box 2
Typescript letters and despatches from Lord Novar to Walter Long, Secretary of State for the Colonies, concerned with Australian naval and political personages, World War I, relations with Japan and, unionism and industrial actions. Original item range 899-998.
Series 5. Personal despatches to Secretaries of State for the Colonies, 1918 - 1920
Copies of personal despatches to the Secretaries of State for the Colonies, January 1918-July 1920. The Secretaries of State were Walter Long until December 1918 and Lord Milner from January 1919-August 1920, with Colonel L. S. Amery acting as Secretary from January to March 1920. This material continues on from items held in Series 4 with weekly despatches, some drafts or incomplete letters and some duplicates of despatches. Sections of a few despatches have been erased. Some files have been placed elsewhere in the collection. Enclosures are incorporated into the file.
Subjects covered include general Federal political events with much detail about W. M. (Billy) Hughes; the government shipping line; recruiting; purchase of 1918 wheat crop; Japan and the Pacific; the Peace Conference; former German colonies in the Pacific; Lord Novar's general work as Governor General; the honours system; and the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1920. Comprises items 999-1294.
Personal despatches to Secretaries of State for the Colonies, 1918 (File 12) - Box 2
Typescript letters from Lord Novar to Walter Long, Secretary of State for the Colonies. Topics include Australian political events, discussion of Billy Hughes, industry and industrial actions, discussion of William Watt and two of Watt's speeches, Japanese shipping in the Pacific, Australian-US diplomacy, and former German colonies in the Pacific. Also includes newspaper clippings. Original item range 999-1124.
Personal despatches to Secretaries of State for the Colonies, 1919 - 1920 (File 13) - Box 2
Handwritten and typescript letters from Lord Novar to Walter Long and Lord Alfred Milner, Secretaries of State for the Colonies, and acting Secretary L. S. Amery. Concerned with the Prince of Wales' visit to Australia, honours and awards, visits to Australia of American military units, Australian political events, and industrial relations in Queensland. Original item range 1125-1294.
Series 6. Replies from Secretaries of State to Lord Novar, 1914 - 1920
Cultural Sensitivity Advisory Notice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this item may contain distressing content including accounts of colonisation and violence. Please also be aware that you may see certain words or descriptions within these works which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive.
Scope and Contents: These are "private" and "personal" replies to Lord Novar's personal despatches held in Series 4-5 and his official despatches held in Series 7-8. Usually only brief, the letters note and approve Novar's actions and reply to points raised. The series appears complete.
Subjects covered include conduct and progress of the War; personal matters; Australia's relations with Japan; the Pacific region and German colonies; Australian and British politics generally; the status of Governor-General and State Governors; Billy Hughes' visits to England; the Peace Conference; and the visit of Prince of Wales to Australia. Comprises items 1295-1572.
Replies from Secretaries of State to Lord Novar, 1914 - 1916 (File 14) - Box 2
Handwritten and typescript letters from Viscount Harcourt. Concerned with the conduct and progress of World War I, personal matters, Australia's relations with Japan, the Pacific region and German colonies, Australian and British politics, and Australian mining and agriculture. These letters are in reply to some of the correspondence in Files 8-13. Original item range 1295-1386.
Replies from Secretaries of State to Lord Novar, 1916 - 1918 (File 15) - Box 2
Cultural Sensitivity Advisory Notice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this file may contain distressing content including accounts of colonisation and violence. Please also be aware that you may see certain words or descriptions within these works which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive.
Scope and Contents: Handwritten and typescript letters to Lord Novar from Walter Long. Concerned with conscription and World War I, personal matters, Australian and British politics, and the influence of the Irish independence movement in Australia. Items 1496-1497 contain a discussion of the 1918 massacre of First Nations people at Auvergne Station in the Northern Territory. These letters are in reply to some of the correspondence in Files 8-13. Original item range 1387-1504.
Replies from Secretaries of State to Lord Novar, 1918 - 1920 (File 16) - Box 2
Handwritten and typescript letters to Lord Novar from Walter Long. Concerned with conscription and World War I, personal matters, Australian and British politics, honours and awards, the state of the Australian Navy, and the visit of the Prince of Wales to Australia. Original item range 1505-1572.
Series 7. Official despatches to Secretaries of State, 1914 - 1916
Marked "Secret Personal Confidential", these weekly despatches to the Secretary of State for the Colonies cover the period July 1914 to November 1916. These despatches were drafted by Lord Novar's staff duplicating much of the information given in items in Series 4-5. Enclosures are included. The file is incomplete, some despatches being filed elsewhere in the collection.
Subjects covered include Novar's relation with Sir Gerald Strickland (Governor of New South Wales); Commonwealth and State relations; wartime preparations by the Commonwealth Government and its conduct of the War; Australian economy; Federal politics in general; British Possessions in the Pacific; honours system; 1916 Conscription referendum; and the International Workers of the World (I.W.W). Comprises items 1573-1761.
Official despatches to Secretaries of State, 1914 (File 17) - Box 2
Typescript despatches and some handwritten letters. Concerned with wartime preparations by the Commonwealth Government and the conduct of World War I, the Australian economy, Federal politics, and honours and awards. Original item range 1573-1637.
Official despatches to Secretaries of State, 1915 - 1916 (File 18) - Box 2
Typescript despatches and some handwritten letters. Concerned with management of Australian concentration camps and the mistreatment of German prisoners, Commonwealth and State relations and the Australian economy, an "outbreak" by military personnel in Sydney and the restriction of pub opening hours, and Federal politics. Original item range 1638-1700.
Official despatches to Secretaries of State, 1916 (File 19) - Box 3
Typescript despatches and some handwritten letters. Concerned with the progress of World War I, industry and commerce, the Conscription referendum, Japanese military and diplomatic visits to Australia, and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) in Australia. Original item range 1701-1761.
Series 8. Official despatches to Secretaries of State, 1917 - 1920
Marked "Secret", "Personal and Secret", "Personal and Confidential" or after May 1919 "Secret P", these official despatches cover January 1917-August 1920. The despatches are drafted by Lord Novar's staff. Some despatches are filed elsewhere in the collection, while others included in this Series have portions erased or pages missing. Details about politics duplicate much of the information given in items in Series 4-5. Enclosures are included.
Subjects covered include Federal and State finances; Australian economy in general; Federal politics; W. M. (Billy) Hughes and W.M. Holman; recruiting and 1917 Conscription referendum; conduct of the War; shipping; role of Governor General in relation to Executive Council and other Constitutional matters; industrial matters and arbitration; communications channels between State and Federal Governments and British Government; security; German colonies in Pacific; Japanese-Australia relations; trade; and honours system. Comprises items 1762-2332.
Official despatches to Secretaries of State, 1917 (File 20) - Box 3
Typescript despatches. Concerned with State and Federal politics, Japan in the Pacific, recruiting and World War I, honours and awards, unions, industrial action and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) in Australia. Original item range 1762-1831.
Official despatches to Secretaries of State, 1917 - 1918 (File 21) - Box 3
Typescript despatches. Concerned with shipping and industrial action, mining and wheat, recruiting and the Conscription referendum, the role of the Governor General and communications channels between State and Federal governments and the British government. Original item range 1832-1916.
Official despatches to Secretaries of State, 1918 (File 22) - Box 3
Typescript despatches. Concerned with immigration, Japan in the Pacific, recruitment and World War I, Irish unrest in Australia, a detailed report on Australian industry, and Australian political events. Original item range 1917-2001.
Official despatches to Secretaries of State, 1918 (File 23) - Box 3
Typescript despatches. Concerned with naval facilities, communication between the Governor-General and the Australian and British Prime Ministers, Australian state and federal relations, diplomacy with France, and conscription of Italian Australians by Italy. Includes newspaper clippings, copy of a petition from the Catholic Archbishops of Australia, and letters in French. Original item range 2002-2116.
Official despatches to Secretaries of State, 1919 (File 24) - Box 3
Typescript despatches. Concerned with sheep farming, industrial action, the exclusion of Japanese immigrants and Australia-Japan relations, Italian Australians conscripted by Italy, ship-building and industry, honours and awards and a report on trade with Britain. Includes newspaper clippings. Original item range 2117-2202.
Official despatches to Secretaries of State, 1919 (File 25) - Box 3
Typescript despatches. Concerned with the future abolishment of State Governors, Australia-Japan relations, industrial relations, administration of Pacific territories, Australian politics and Billy Hughes, and Irish Australian unrest. Includes newspaper clippings. Original item range 2203-2304.
Typescript despatches. Concerned with Australian and British trade and debt, and general Australian politics., 1920 (File 26) - Box 3
Typescript despatches. Concerned with Australian and British trade and debt, and general Australian politics. Includes newspaper clippings. Original item range 2305-2331. Item number 2332 not used.
Series 9. Correspondence between Lord Novar and Billy Hughes, 1915 - 1920
Copies of letters between Lord Novar and Billy Hughes. Enclosures are included and copies of letters and memoranda relating to this correspondence. Typed copies have been made of some of Hughes's letters and from other correspondents.
Subjects covered include formation of Hughes' National Labour Government in November 1916; Federal politics 1914-1920; dissolution of March 1917; Hughes' resignation in January 1917 and re-appointment; personal relations between Novar and Hughes; recruiting and conscription; Australia-Japan relations; wartime policy; Federal-New South Wales relations; Hughes and W. M. Holman; Hughes' visits to Britain; Australian economy and financial policy; 1917 election; government shipping line; allocation of honours; Hughes' views on Peace Process; Sir Edmund Barton's desire to be Chief Justice; Pacific mandates; visit of Prince of Wales; German influence in Australian metal manufacture in early part of the War; and channels of communication with Britain for State Governors. Some correspondence and despatches with the Secretary of State relating to Hughes's correspondence are also included. Comprises items 2333-2967
.
Correspondence between Lord Novar and Billy Hughes, 1916 - 1918 (File 27) - Box 4
Handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and Prime Minister W. M. (Billy) Hughes, mainly concerned with the 1918 dissolution of the Hughes government. Includes a letter to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Bonar Law, regarding Hughes' resignation from the Labor party in 1916. Original item range 2333-2409.
Correspondence between Lord Novar and Billy Hughes, 1915 - 1916 (File 28) - Box 4
Handwritten and typescript correspondence (some annotated) and telegrams between Lord Novar and Prime Minister W. M. (Billy) Hughes. Concerned with Hughes' movements while visiting the UK, USA and Canada, honours and awards, trade, and the state of affairs in Britain. Original item range 2410-2501.
Correspondence between Lord Novar and Billy Hughes, 1916 (File 29) - Box 4
Handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and Prime Minister W. M. (Billy) Hughes. Concerned with personal matters, Hughes' resignation from the Labor party in 1916, note on finance conference written by Hughes on the back of a menu card, Australia's contribution of troops in World War I, and Hughes's proposed visit to England. Original item range 2502-2577.
Correspondence between Lord Novar and Billy Hughes, 1916 - 1917 (File 30) - Box 4
Handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and Prime Minister W. M. (Billy) Hughes. Concerned with personal matters, Australian politics, letters accompanying telegrams (not present) from the British Secretary of State and the Viceroy of India, and Australia's contribution of troops in World War I. Original item range 2578-2689.
Correspondence between Lord Novar and Billy Hughes, 1918 (File 31) - Box 4
Handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and Prime Minister W. M. (Billy) Hughes. Concerned with personal matters, ANZAC Day parade in Melbourne, Hughes' trip to England and the conduct of World War I. Original item range 2690-2753.
Correspondence between Lord Novar and Billy Hughes, 1919 (File 32) - Box 4
Handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and Prime Minister W. M. (Billy) Hughes. Concerned with personal matters, the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, Australian possession of former German Pacific colonies, and Sir Edmund Barton. Original item range 2755-2836.
Correspondence between Lord Novar and Billy Hughes, 1920 (File 33) - Box 4
Handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and Prime Minister W. M. (Billy) Hughes. Concerned with personal matters, the Prince of Wales' visit to Australia, the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, Australian possession of former German Pacific colonies, and Sir Edmund Barton. Original item range 2838-2892.
Correspondence between Lord Novar and Billy Hughes, 1915 (File 34) - Box 4
Handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and Attorney General (later Prime Minister) W. M. (Billy) Hughes. Concerned with German involvement in Australian metal industries, Australian supply of troops in World War I, personal matters, and Australian politics. Original item range 2893-2966.
Series 10. Correspondence between Lord Novar and G. F. Pearce, 1915 - 1919
Enclosures relating to correspondence between Lord Novar and George Pearce are included, notably letters from General Sir William Birdwood.
Subjects covered include recruiting and training; Novar's visits to army camps; shipping; war policy and administration of troops; general political matters; censorship; Novar-Pearce relationship; medical services for troops; Federal-New South Wales relations; wartime economic planning; demobilisation of Australian troops; and Pearce's work in London in 1919. Comprises items 2968-3327.
Correspondence between Lord Novar and G. F. Pearce, 1915 - 1919 (File 35) - Box 4
Handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and Defence Minister and later Acting Prime Minister G. F. (George Foster) Pearce. Concerned with reporting of casualties, ANZAC Day parades, censorship; personal matters, mistreatment of German prisoners in Australian camps, account of military "outbreak" in Sydney. Includes newspaper clippings and translated letters from Germany. Original item range 2968-3115.
Correspondence between Lord Novar and G. F. Pearce, 1916 (File 36) - Box 5
Handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and Defence Minister and later Acting Prime Minister G. F. (George Foster) Pearce. Concerned with reporting of casualties, communication channels between the Governor General, state Governors and the British government, and the establishment of a returned soldiers' repatriation fund. Original item range 3116-3234.
Correspondence between Lord Novar and G. F. Pearce, 1916 - 1919 (File 37) - Box 5
Handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and Defence Minister and later Acting Prime Minister G. F. (George Foster) Pearce. Concerned with casualties and illness outbreaks, military appointments and recruitment, the conduct of World War I, Defence Ministry correspondence, visits to concentration camps in Australia, and repatriation of returned soldiers. Includes a telegram. Original item range 3235-3327.
Series 11. Correspondence concerning the War, 1914 - 1917
Personal and Private correspondence for 1914-1916. Much is not in chronological order or is in reverse order. Some enclosures are included.
Lord Novar's correspondence with George Pearce covers administration of the Army and defence planning; medical services for troops; recruiting; Novar's visits to Army camps; and Novar-Pearce relationship. Correspondence with General Sir William Bridges covers Australian forces in Egypt and at Gallipoli. Letter to Sir Henry McMahon, September 1915, concerns reinforcements. Correspondence with General Sir John Maxwell (September 1915- March 1916) deals with Australian soldiers at war. Correspondence with Major-General J. G. Legge (March 1915- October 1915) concerns soldiers at war; Gallipoli; and General Bridges. Correspondence with Colonel F. D. Bird (July 1915- May 1916) is on soldiers in Egypt and Gallipoli. Letters from Sir Ian Hamilton (October 1914- October 1915) refer to the command of Australian troops; and top-level British and Australian conduct of the War. Comprises items 3328-2675.
Correspondence concerning the War, 1914 - 1915 (File 38) - Box 5
Handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and Defence Minister and later Acting Prime Minister G. F. (George Foster) Pearce. Concerned with World War I and the Defence Ministry. Includes a telegram, typescript letter to Pearce from General John Monash and journal extracts. Original item range 3328-3482.
Correspondence concerning the War, 1914 - 1915 (File 39) - Box 5
Handwritten and typescript letters from General William Bridges to Lord Novar. Concerned with logistics of Australian troops in Egypt, progress and conduct of the Gallipoli campaign, and the sinking of the Emden. Includes extracts of letters from General Bridges to Lady Bridges. Original item range 3483-3574.
Correspondence concerning the War, 1914 - 1917 (File 40) - Box 5
Handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and Australian and British military officers and generals. Concerned with the conduct of the Gallipoli campaign, Egypt, and high level military appointments and command. Original item range 3575-3675.
Series 12. Correspondence with leading Australian politicians and judges, 1914 - 1920
These letters covering the period 1914-1920 are often not in chronological order or are in reverse order. Typed copies have been made of some of the letters Lord Novar received.
Subjects covered include personal matters; arbitration and strikes; the double dissolution request of August 1914; general political events, the honours system; Novar's official duties; World War I including recruitment, conscription, conduct, and finances; relations with New Zealand; and British-Australian relations. Comprises items 3676-4130.
Correspondence with leading Australian politicians and judges, 1914 - 1920 (File 41) - Box 5
Telegrams, handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and Sir Samuel Griffith, Chief Justice of the High Court. Concerned with punishments for striking workers, legal and philosophical discussions, advice on constitutional matters, and the dissolution of government. Includes newspaper clippings. Original item ranged 3676 to 3794.
Correspondence with leading Australian politicians and judges, 1917 - 1920 (File 42) - Box 5
Telegrams, handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and William Watt, Acting Prime Minister. Concerned with honours and awards, the organisation of peace celebrations, parliament, shipping and quarantine, railways, ceremonies, commissioning of the Governor General's portrait, and personal matters. Original item range 3795-3835.
Correspondence with leading Australian politicians and judges, 1914 - 1918 (File 43) - Box 5
Telegrams, handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and Prime Minister (later High Commissioner to the United Kingdom) Andrew Fisher. Concerned with communication and espionage, compensation for widows, Novar's visits to military camps, the sinking of the Emden, and personal matters. Original item range 3836-3976.
Correspondence with leading Australian politicians and judges, 1914 - 1916 (File 44) - Box 6
Handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and High Commissioner George Reid. Concerned with Reid's appointment, the double dissolution of parliament, Australian troops overseas and personal matters. Also includes correspondence between Lord Novar and the Minister for the Navy, and newspaper extracts from The Auckland Weekly News, 20 August 1914. Original item range 3977-4032.
Correspondence with leading Australian politicians and judges, 1914 - 1920 (File 45) - Box 6
Handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and Justice of the High Court Edmund Barton. Concerned with personal matters, relations between British and Australian courts, Barton's advice on government, and Novar's tours of Australia. Original item range 4033-4130.
Series 13. Correspondence about 1920 visit of Prince of Wales, 1919 - 1920
Correspondence from 1919-1920 with those planning the tour and details of the tour itself. Not in chronological order. Subjects covered include arrangements for the tour; its conduct and success; strain on the Prince's health due to tour; problems of procedure; Sydney's request that the Prince land in Sydney first rather than Melbourne. Includes two letters from the Prince to Lord Novar about the tour. Comprises items 4131-4427.
Correspondence about 1920 visit of Prince of Wales, 1919 - 1920 (File 46) - Box 6
Telegrams, handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and others, planning the Australian tour of the Prince of Wales. Concerned with the planning of the tour and the tour itself, including strain on the Prince's health, conflict between Sydney and Melbourne over the Prince's arrival, itineraries and diagrams of the Royal procession. Original item range 4131-4257.
Correspondence about 1920 visit of Prince of Wales, 1919 - 1920 (File 47) - Box 6
Handwritten and typescript correspondence (and some telegrams) between Lord Novar and others, concerning the Prince of Wales's visit. Includes letters between Novar and the Prince of Wales; correspondence between Novar and Prime Minister Billy Hughes concerning press leaks; draft itineraries; and information for the Prince regarding Tasmania. Original item range 4258-4375.
Correspondence about 1920 visit of Prince of Wales, 1919 - 1920 (File 48) - Box 6
Telegrams, handwritten and typescript correspondence between Lord Novar and others, planning the Australian tour of the Prince of Wales. Concerned with the Prince and Governor General's visit to Rabaul, cancellation of Rabaul trip, and logistics of the Prince's visit. Original item range 4376-4427.
Series 14. Correspondence and memoranda about Constitutional matters, 1912 - 1920
Subjects include the double dissolution of 1914 with advice from Sir Samuel Griffith and Government; referendum proposals of 1914; A. Berriedale Keith's memorandum on double dissolution and other Constitutional matters; Sir Edmund Barton's advice about the need for a King's speech at the opening of Parliament after 1917 election; memorandum on power to dismiss individual Ministers; Sir Samuel Griffith's memorandum on the prerogative and discretionary powers of the Crown; memoranda (1915-1918) on the conduct of the Executive Council; the Constitutional relations between the Executive Government and the Judiciary as affected by W. M. (Billy) Hughes's proposed judicial enquiry (1918) into the internment of enemy agents; representation of Dominion judges on Judicial Committee of the Privy Council; invoking the Dormant Commission in 1920. Comprises items 4428-4824.
Correspondence and memoranda about Constitutional matters, 1914 (File 49) - Box 6
Handwritten and typescript papers concerning the 1914 double dissolution between Lord Novar and ex-Prime Minister Joseph Cook; newspaper clippings; memoranda concerned with the dissolution and circumstances leading up to it. Original item range 4428-4509.
Correspondence and memoranda about Constitutional matters, 1912 - 1914 (File 50) - Box 6
Handwritten and typescript papers, including Lord Novar's personal notes on the double dissolution; Prime Minister Joseph Cook's request for a dissolution of parliament and Novar's replies; Senate's request for publication of correspondence; some Acts of Parliament 1912-1913; newspaper clippings, and memorandum on industrial matters. Original item range 4510-4592.
Correspondence and memoranda about Constitutional matters, 1914 (File 51) - Box 6
Handwritten and typescript correspondence from the Military Secretary to the Governor General, to the editor of The Age, repudiating a statement in the press; handwritten and typescript despatches from Lord Novar to Secretary of State for the Colonies Lewis Vernon Harcourt; Arthur Berriedale Keith's memorandum on the double dissolution and other Constitutional matters. Original item range 4593-4681.
Correspondence and memoranda about Constitutional matters, 1914 - 1919 (File 52) - Box 6
Handwritten and typescript papers including Sir Edmund Barton's advice about the need for a King's speech at the opening of Parliament; memorandum on power to dismiss individual ministers; memorandum concerning the Executive Council, and memorandum on Billy Hughes' proposed enquiry into the internment of enemy agents. Original item range 4682-4774.
Correspondence and memoranda about Constitutional matters, 1916 - 1920 (File 53) - Box 7
Handwritten and typescript papers, including documents on the internment of hostile subjects; documents on representation of Dominions on the Judicial Committee; material on a dormant commission; and a calendar of Novar's engagements for June 1920. Original item range 4775-4824. Item number 4825 was not used.
Series 15. Miscellaneous correspondence, 1911-1920; c. 1962-1979
Not in chronological order. Includes material relating to 1920 visit of Prince of Wales; League of Nations; official relations between W. M. (Billy) Hughes and Novar; extension of Novar's term; replacement by Lord Forster; dismissal of J. A. Jenson as Minister of Trade and Customs; the War; double dissolution; salaries of State Governors; French attempts to secure Australian wool clip; cables with Secretary of State about Hughes' attacks on British Government over Australia's interests. Comprises items 4826-5134.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1911 - 1920 (File 54) - Box 7
Handwritten and typescript papers, including a request for the Prince of Wales to open the New South Wales Parliament; correspondence concerning the Prince of Wales' visit and the Prince's ceremonial preferences. Original item range 4826-4962.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1914 - 1920 (File 55) - Box 7
Handwritten and typescript papers, including letter to Lord Novar from previous Governor General Lord Thomas Denman; correspondence with Theodore Roosevelt; material relating to the League of Nations; material relating to the extension of Novar's term of office; papers on the Prince of Wales' tour of Australia; travel itineraries and a cablegram. Original item range 4963-5063.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1914-1919; c. 1962-1979 (File 56) - Box 7
Handwritten and typescript papers, including documents on dismissal of Minister of Trade and Customs; correspondence with A. Berriedale Keith and Professor Harrison Moore; material on trade with France, and memorandum on Prime Minister Billy Hughes's accusation against the British government. Original item range 5064-5134.
Items 5066a and 5067a are Canberra Children's Theatre tickets, circa 1962-1979. The provenance of these items is unknown and they may not have been part of the original transferred collection.
Series 16. Correspondence about channels of communication, 1915 - 1920
Documents about the proper channels of communication between State Governors and the British Government and between the Prime Minister and the British Government. Comprises items 5137-5343.
Correspondence about channels of communication, 1915 - 1919 (File 57) - Box 7
Handwritten and typescript papers, including correspondence between Lord Novar and the Duke of Devonshire, Governor General of Canada; material regarding the channels of communication with State Governors; correspondence between Novar and Governor General of South Africa, Sydney Buxton; and correspondence between Novar and Governor General of New Zealand, Lord Liverpool. Original item range 5137-5244. Item numbers 5135-5136 were not used.
Correspondence about channels of communication, 1918 - 1920 (File 58) - Box 7
Handwritten and typescript memoranda on channels of communication, including despatches on direct communication between British Prime Ministers and Prime Ministers of other dominions; and drafts from the official Secretary. Original item range 5245-5343. Item number 5344 was not used.
Series 17. Wartime speeches, 1914 - 1920
Notes for Lord Novar's speeches: to Australian troops ; for recruiting drives; Anzac Days; French National Day; American National Day; America's entry into war in June 1917; at Royal Military College Duntroon; presentations of colours and medals; public welcomes to soldiers; at military hospitals (Christmas 1918); Annual Congress of Returned Servicemen's League (1918); Armistice messages; and peace celebrations in 1919.Comprises items 5345-5652.
Wartime speeches, 1914 - 1919 (File 59) - Box 7
Handwritten and typescript notes for Lord Novar's wartime speeches including: addresses to troops, officers and men at Liverpool Camp, New South Wales, return of the West Australian Cadets from the USA; miscellaneous rough notes and speech given in Melbourne at the Review of Returned Soldiers and Sailors in Melbourne. Original item range 5345-5401.
Wartime speeches, 1917 - 1918 (File 60) - Box 7
Handwritten and typescript notes for Lord Novar's wartime speeches including recruiting meeting speeches; note purporting to be a translated extract from one of Kaiser Wilhelm II's speeches; ANZAC Day speeches; newspaper clippings and notes for speeches; and speeches given at Royal Military College Duntroon. Original item range 5402-5495.
Wartime speeches, 1914 - 1920 (File 61) - Box 8
Handwritten and typescript notes for Lord Novar's wartime speeches including: presentation of regimental colours, presentation of medals; program for presentation to recipients of the Victoria Cross; and newspaper clippings. Original item range 5496-5615.
Wartime speeches, 1916 - 1919 (File 62) - Box 8
Handwritten and typescript notes for Lord Novar's wartime speeches including: armistice celebrations, speeches to returned soldiers and sailors. Also includes Manifesto and Constitution of the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia. Original item range 5616-5652.
Series 18. General speeches, 1914 - 1920
Notes for speeches including Agricultural Shows; town planning; social and Parliamentary luncheons for Sydney Chamber of Commerce (1920); presentation of medals and colours; naval functions; visit of Admiral Viscount Jellicoe (1919). Comprises items 5652a-6231.
General speeches, 1914 - 1918 (File 63) - Box 8
Handwritten and typescript notes for Lord Novar's speeches given at agricultural and pastoral shows. Original item range 5652a-5787.
General speeches, 1917 - 1920 (File 64) - Box 8
Handwritten and typescript notes for Lord Novar's speeches on town planning; correspondence on planning and architecture, and leaflet advertising the Australian Town Planning Conference and Exhibition. Original item range 5788-5868.
General speeches, 1914 - 1920 (File 65) - Box 8
Handwritten and typescript papers, including notes for speeches given by Lord Novar at social and Parliamentary functions. Original item range 5869-5986.
General speeches, 1914 - 1920 (File 66) - Box 8
Includes speeches given at local councils and chambers of commerce; as well as farewell messages to Lord Novar on his final tour of Australia. Also includes military speeches given in Adelaide and Perth, and speeches given to the Royal Australian Navy. Original item range 5987-6128.
Series 19. Miscellaneous internal and external matters, 1910 - 1920
Comprises items 6232-6615.
Miscellaneous internal and external matters, 1915 - 1920 (File 68) - Box 8
Subjects include wildlife preservation on Macquarie Island, Antarctica, with memorandum from Douglas Mawson, release of shipping tonnage, shipping of wheat, and the declaration and celebration of peace. Original item range 6232-6303.
Miscellaneous internal and external matters, 1914 - 1919 (File 69) - Box 9
Subjects include Woodrow Wilson and German reparations, Dr G. E. 'Chinese' Morrison's report on Sino-Japanese relations, congratulations to and correspondence with the Queen of Tonga, the repayment of debts to Britain, and loans for the States. Also includes newspaper clippings. Original item range 6304-6401.
Miscellaneous internal and external matters, 1910 - 1920 (File 70) - Box 9
Subjects include Australian Trade Commissioners, appointment of William Lennon as Lieutenant governor of Queensland; extracts from publications, including magazines, newspaper clippings and some correspondence; orders of precedence at official functions, and Red Cross presentation to Lady Novar. Original item range 6402-6504.
Series 20. Correspondence and memoranda on Pacific, 1914 - 1921
Content Advisory Notice: Please be advised that this series contains language, terms and descriptions which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive.
Scope and Contents: Subjects include the British purchase of Nauru; Australian-Japanese relations in the Pacific; 1916 enquiry into British and Australian trade in South Pacific; and Australian and British policy in Pacific and New Guinea. Comprises items 6616-6822.
Correspondence and memoranda on Pacific, 1914 - 1921 (File 73) - Box 9
Typescript and handwritten papers on the purchase of Nauru, Australian and Japanese spheres of influence in the Pacific, Interstate Commission on Trade in the Pacific; and reports from the Administrator of Rabaul. Includes newspaper clippings. Original item range 6616-6720.
Correspondence and memoranda on Pacific, 1915 - 1916 (File 74) - Box 9
Content Advisory Notice: Please be advised that items in this file contain language, terms and descriptions which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive, including terms relating to people from Pacific Nations and China.
Scope and Contents: Handwritten and typescript papers, including: correspondence from Sir James Burns of Burns Philp and Co. on Japanese Pacific expansion; memoranda on the administration of Pacific colonies; administration of Samoa and indenture of Samoan and Chinese labourers. Original item range 6721-6822. Item numbers 6792-6798 were not used.
Series 21. Correspondence and memoranda on Pacific, 1914 - 1920
Content Advisory Notice: Please be advised that this Series contain language, terms and descriptions which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive.
Scope and Contents: Subjects include a Pacific Commission (1916), administration of Samoa and other Pacific Islands that were part of the British Empire; conditions in Papua and Dutch New Guinea; reorganisation and administration of British Pacific dependencies; Pacific shipping trade; and Australian-Japanese relations. Comprises items 6823-7301.
Correspondence and memoranda on Pacific, 1916 (File 75) - Box 9
Content Advisory Notice: Please be advised that items in this file contain language, terms and descriptions which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive, including terms relating to people from Pacific Nations and China.
Scope and Contents: Typescript and handwritten papers on a suggested Pacific Commission, administration and trade in the Pacific, Samoa; memorandum on expansion of Japan in the Pacific. Original item range 6823-6903. Item number 6888 was not used.
Correspondence and memoranda on Pacific, 1915 - 1919 (File 76) - Box 9
Typescript and handwritten papers on administration of British Pacific colonies; reports on former German colonies; letter from Burns Philp and Co. to Japanese officials; correspondence on Papua and Dutch New Guinea and correspondence with the Governor of Fiji. Original item range 6904-6994. Item numbers 6906-6908 were not used.
Correspondence and memoranda on Pacific, 1914 - 1920 (File 77) - Box 9
Typescript and handwritten papers, and telegram, including correspondence with the Governors of Fiji and New Caledonia, and William McGregor; papers sent by Sir James Burns of Burns Philp and Co. on Japan and trade in the Pacific. Original item range 6995-7151.
Series 22. Miscellaneous correspondence, 1914 - 1920
Correspondents include Sir John (later Lord) Forrest; Lord Denman; and Earl Grey. Subjects include personal matters; Federal politics, the War; political events in England. Comprises items 7302-7761.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1914 - 1920 (File 79) - Box 10
Handwritten and typescript personal correspondence, including material relating to Lord Forrest's resignation with newspaper clippings; letters from various friends discussing World War I, Lord Novar's mineral collection and travel. Original item range 7303-7390. Item numbers 7302 and 7355 were not used.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1914 - 1920 (File 80) - Box 10
Handwritten and typescript personal correspondence, including Lord Denman's letter to Lord Novar on constitutional matters; memorandum on examinations for the civil service; and newspaper clipping on Lord Forrest's funeral. Original item range 7391-7411.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1915 - 1919 (File 81) - Box 10
Handwritten and typescript personal correspondence and telegrams, including discussion of Lord Forrest's illness and his elevation to the peerage; and correspondence with General Foster on military matters. Original item range 7412-7524.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1914 - 1920 (File 82)
Handwritten and typescript personal correspondence with various persons, including Earl Grey. Original item range 7525-7600. Item numbers 7555-7581 not used.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1914 - 1917 (Items 7525-7553) - Box 10
Handwritten and typescript personal correspondence with various persons, including Earl Grey. Original item range 7525-7553.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1916 - 1920 (File 83) - Box 10
Handwritten and typescript personal correspondence with various persons, concerned with land settlement, Lord Novar's collections of wood and fossils, condolence letters and telegrams. Original item range 7601-7684.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1915 - 1920 (File 84) - Box 10
Handwritten and typescript correspondence with various persons, concerned with marriage settlements, purchases, personal matters; copy of telegram on quarantining of New South Wales for influenza; and newspaper clipping. Original item range 7685-7723.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1914 - 1920 (File 85) - Box 10
Handwritten and typescript correspondence with various persons, concerned with purchases, personal matters, gift of a tiger to Australia from India, and letters from the Agent General of New South Wales regarding World War I. Original item range 7724-7761.
Series 23. Correspondence with Sir Gerald Strickland, 1914 - 1917
Subjects include channels of communication for State Governors with British Government and the interference of the New South Wales Government in Federal politics; Strickland's attempt to arrange a conference of Governors; cyphers; personal and official matters; and arrangements for tours and special functions. Comprises items 7763-7955.
Correspondence with Sir Gerald Strickland, 1914 - 1916 (File 86) - Box 10
Handwritten and typescript papers. Subjects include channels of communication, adoption of irregular channels of communication by Sir Gerald Strickland, attempt by Strickland to arrange a meeting of Governors at Tocumwal. Original item range 7763-7870. Item number 7762 was not used.
Series 24. Miscellaneous correspondence, 1911 - 1920
Cultural Sensitivity Advisory Notice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that material within this Series contains certain words or descriptions which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive.
Scope and Contents: General personal correspondence regarding subjects of the War, W. M. (Billy) Hughes' opinions of British action against German trade; and Billy Hughes' visit to England. Comprises items 7956-8558.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1914 - 1919 (File 88) - Box 11
Cultural Sensitivity Advisory Notice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that items within this file contain certain words or descriptions which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive.
Scope and Contents: Handwritten and typescript personal correspondence, concerned with honours and awards, forestry, shipping. Includes lecture on foreign policy by Sir James Barrett and newspaper clipping on a European woman's experiences living among First Nations people. Original item range 7956-8031. Item number 7996 was not used.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1914 - 1920 (File 89) - Box 11
Handwritten and typescript correspondence with various persons, concerned with fundraising, Mawson's expedition to Antarctica, and World War I. Original item range 8032-8098.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1914 - 1920 (File 90) - Box 11
Contains handwritten and typescript correspondence, newspaper clippings and a photograph, relating to World War I, arrangement of Lord Novar's portrait, forestry, and appointments. Original item range 8099-8185.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1915 - 1918 (File 91) - Box 11
Handwritten and typescript correspondence and telegrams, concerned with personal matters, requests from the public, World War I; report, League of Loyal Women of Australia; and a newspaper clipping. Original item range 8186-8305. Item number 8273 was not used.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1914 - 1920 (File 92) - Box 11
Handwritten and typescript correspondence and telegrams, concerned with World War I and personal matters. Original item range 8306-8412. Item number 8329 was not used.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1911 - 1919 (File 93) - Box 11
Handwritten and typescript correspondence and telegrams, concerned with news from abroad, World War I, and letter on the living wage. Original item range 8413-8464.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1915 - 1919 (File 94) - Box 11
Handwritten and typescript correspondence and telegrams concerned with personal matters, Lord Novar's collection of minerals, hunger relief aid sent to Britain; correspondence with churches and schools; and letters of condolence to friends. Original item range 8465-8558.
Series 25. Correspondence on taking office as Governor-General, 1908 - 1920
Comprises items 8559-8583.
Series 26. Miscellaneous correspondence, mainly official, 1874 - 1920
Subjects covered: dispute between Novar and Sir Gerald Strickland; Novar's visit to Sydney (1916); personal matters; the War; Billy Hughes' visit to Canada (1916); military decorations; visit of Prince of Wales (1920); Japanese naval visit to Australia (1916); Australian-Japanese trade; discipline within and government interference in the Australian Navy. Comprises items 8585-9050.
Miscellaneous correspondence, mainly official, 1874 - 1916 (File 96) - Box 12
Includes typescript and handwritten papers concerning Lord Novar's dispute with Sir Gerald Strickland regarding precedence at Levées and arrangement of Levées; correspondence with Lord Richard Neville, including newspaper clippings, concerned with Billy Hughes, Canada and World War I. Original item range 8585-8672b. Item numbers 8584, 8618 and 8591 were not used.
Miscellaneous correspondence, mainly official, 1914 - 1920 (File 97) - Box 12
Includes typescript and handwritten papers concerning precedence and protocol at official events, the visit of the Prince of Wales to Australia; correspondence with Charles Douglas; care of Lord Novar's art collection; and correspondence with the Governor-General of Canada. Original item range 8674-8762. Item numbers 8673, 8702 and 8747 were not used.
Miscellaneous correspondence, mainly official, 1916 - 1920 (File 98) - Box 12
Includes typescript and handwritten papers, including correspondence with the Australia ambassador to Japan, Lord Novar's complaints against Governor of New South Wales; despatches to and from State Governors, and appointment of Novar's Military Secretary. Original item range 8674-8862. Item numbers 8673, 8787 and 8834 were not used.
Miscellaneous correspondence, mainly official, 1916 - 1920 (File 99) - Box 12
Includes typescript and handwritten papers, including correspondence with the Australian ambassador to China; with the Governor of Malta; material relating to the Royal Australian Navy; and material on honours for Governor's wives. Original item range 8864-8940. Item numbers 8863; 8873, 8882 and 8909 were not used.
Miscellaneous correspondence, mainly official, 1914 - 1920 (File 100) - Box 12
Includes typescript and handwritten papers, including documents compiled by Lord Novar for his successor detailing problems faced during his tenure; and material on organisation of the 1920 Naval Pageant. Original item range 8942-9050. Item numbers 8941, 9027 and 9040 were not used.
Series 27. Miscellaneous correspondence, 1918 - 1920
Subjects include personal matters; visit of Prince of Wales and diary of progress by J. D. Duncan-Hughes, Novar's Private Secretary; Australian Naval policy; and departure for England at end of term in office. Comprises items 9051-9185.
Series 28. Personal correspondence, 1914 - 1935
Subjects include Lord Novar's departure for England; award of the Vermillion Medal to Lady Helen Munro Ferguson by French Government (1918); Australian, Queensland and New South Wales politics. Also includes farewell letters and addresses to Novar and Lady Helen with their replies. Comprises items 9186-9499.
Personal correspondence, 1914 - 1920 (File 103) - Box 12
Typescript and handwritten personal correspondence concerning Lord Novar's portrait; material concerning the Prince of Wales and King George V, French government's award of the Vermillion Medal to Lady Novar; and telegrams, cards and letters of condolence to Lady Novar on the death of her brother. Original item range 9186-9319.
Personal correspondence, 1920 (File 104) - Box 13
Typescript and handwritten farewell letters to Lord and Lady Novar, and their replies. Also includes itinerary of Novar's trip to Cairns. Original item range 9320-9395.
Personal correspondence, 1914 - 1935 (File 105) - Box 13
Handwritten and typescript correspondence, newspaper clipping and telegrams concerning personal matters, World War I, Australian, Queensland and New South Wales politics, government acquisition of Queensland sugar and beef. Original item range 9396-9499.
Series 29. Miscellaneous correspondence, 1916 - 1935
Comprises items 9499a-9552.
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1916 - 1935 (File 106) - Box 13
Typescript and handwritten papers, telegrams and newspaper clippings concerning Lord Novar's complaints against Sir Gerald Strickland, farewell letters to military staff, Indian students studying in Australia, travel and the Prince of Wales' visit. Original item range 9499a-9552.
Series 30. Despatches to Secretary of State for the Colonies, 1914 - 1919
Content Advisory Notice: Please be advised that items in this Series contain material relating to World War I that may be distressing, as well as language, terms and descriptions which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive.
Scope and Contents: Copies of "Secret" despatches to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, most, if not all, despatches drafted by Novar's staff member, Major George Steward, and deal with financial and economic matters to give a general analysis of Australian affairs to the Colonial Office. Reverse date order and incomplete. Includes acknowledgement of receipt.
Other matters covered are finance and economics; Federal politics; Commonwealth-States relations; conduct of the War, recruiting, repatriation, trade shipping, Papua, wartime profits; Novar's comments on Parties and leading politicians; political crisis of 1917; Industrial Workers of the World; conscription referenda; German version of Emden-Sydney fight; and irregular recruiting of New Guinea locals. Special despatches cover removal of German influence from Australian metal industry; Frank Anstey's successful attempt to force the Government to release soldiers gaoled for looting material in New Guinea; and High Court decision on the New South Wales Wheat Acquisition Act. Comprises items 9553-10265.
Despatches to Secretary of State for the Colonies, 1914 - 1919 (File 107) - Box 13
Handwritten and typescript despatches concerning finance and the economy, internment, the military, wheat and dairy production. Original item range 9553-9629.
Despatches to Secretary of State for the Colonies, 1917 - 1918 (File 108) - Box 13
Typescript despatches and acknowledgements of receipts concerning general finance, the economy, industry, and production. Original item range 9630-9734.
Despatches to Secretary of State for the Colonies, 1916 - 1917 (File 109) - Box 13
Typescript despatches and acknowledgements of receipt concerning the Australian Federal and State politics, the economy, industry and production, trade, and taxation. Original item range 9735-9844.
Despatches to Secretary of State for the Colonies, 1914 - 1916 (File 110) - Box 13
Content Advisory Notice: Please be advised that items in this file contain material relating to World War I that may be distressing. This includes graphic first-hand accounts of naval warfare.
Scope and Contents: Typescript despatches and acknowledgements of receipt. Concerned with the conscription referendum and Billy Hughes, the economy and finance, the metal industry. Includes German account (in English) of the sinking of the Emden. Original item range 9845-9956.
Despatches to Secretary of State for the Colonies, 1915 - 1916 (File 111) - Box 13
Typescript despatches concerning foreign labour and the White Australia Policy, removal of German influence from the metal industry, recruitment, finances and state revenues. Original item range 9957-10067.
Despatches to Secretary of State for the Colonies, 1915 (File 112) - Box 13
Typescript despatches concerning Australian possessions in the Pacific, recruitment, finances and state revenues, and Frank Anstey's successful attempt to force the Government to release soldiers gaoled for looting in New Guinea. Original item range 10067a-10187.
Despatches to Secretary of State for the Colonies, 1914 - 1915 (File 113) - Box 14
Content Advisory Notice: Please be advised that items in this file contain language, terms and descriptions which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive. Including terms relating to people from Papua New Guinea.
Scope and Contents: Typescript despatches concerning railways, trade and primary production, recruitment and finance of World War I, and management of Papua. Original item range 10188-10265.
Series 31. Miscellaneous correspondence and duplicates, 1914 - 1920
Contains correspondence, memoranda and despatches which are mostly duplicates covering National Labor Government of 1916; Federal politics; Japan and Pacific Islands; W. M. (Billy) Hughes' resignation and re-appointment (1918); and copies of items from Series 9. Also complete set of copies of items from Series 1 & 2. Comprises items 10266-10650a.
Miscellaneous correspondence and duplicates, 1914 - 1919 (File 114) - Box 14
Typescript and handwritten papers, including some correspondence concerning Billy Hughes, the double dissolution and party politics, and conscription. Also contains loose handwritten notes on various topics. Original item range 10266-10397.
Miscellaneous correspondence and duplicates, 1914 - 1919 (File 115) - Box 14
Typescript and handwritten papers, including some correspondence concerning recruitment and World War I, ANZAC Day, Billy Hughes and conscription. Contains duplicates of letters to the King. Original item range 10397a-10515.
Miscellaneous correspondence and duplicates, 1914 - 1920 (File 116) - Box 14
Typescript papers, including correspondence concerning the navy, the Prince of Wales' visit, William Watt, and Lord Novar's letters to the King. Contains duplicates of items held in Series 1-2, and Series 9. Original item range 10516-10650a.
Series 32. Illustrated addresses, 1889 - 1894
Comprises items 10651-10655.
Illustrated address to Lord and Lady Novar, 6 November 1894 (Item 10651) - Map-Folio 20
Illuminated address given to Lord and Lady Novar by Novar's tenants at Dundonald colliery, thanking Lord Novar for his philanthropy and in particular for building a recreation hall and reading room for the community.
Illustrated address to Lord and Lady Novar, 7 September 1889 (Item 10652) - Folio-Box 19
Illuminated address given to Lord and Lady Novar by Novar's tenants on the occasion of their marriage.
Illustrated address to Lord and Lady Novar, 4 October 1889 (Item 10653) - Map-Folio 21
Illuminated address given to Lord and Lady Novar by the Inverness Burgh Liberal Association on the occasion of their marriage.
Series 33. Plans, c. 1900-1920
Plans for the decoration of Custom House, Sydney, ahead of celebrations on New Years Day 1901. Comprises items 10656-10661.
Plan showing electric lighting, c. 1900 (Item 10656) - Map-Folio 23
Architectural plan showing the front of Custom House, Sydney, with instructions on the placement of electric lights.
Custom House Sydney, c. 1900 (Item 10657) - Map-Folio 23
Architectural plan showing the Circular Quay and Loftus Street entrances of Custom House, Sydney.
Custom House Sydney, c. 1900 (Item 10658) - Map-Folio 23
Architectural plan showing the Circular Quay and Loftus Street entrances of Custom House, Sydney, with bunting marked in watercolour.
Custom House Sydney, c. 1900 (Item 10659) - Map-Folio 23
Architectural plan showing the Circular Quay and Loftus Street entrances of Custom House, Sydney. The Circular Quay entrance is coloured with watercolours and displays state flags and the slogans "Advance Australia"; "Union is Strength"; "One God One People One Destiny" and "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars".
Series 34. Photographs, 1914 - 1920
Cultural Sensitivity Advisory Notice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this Series contains images of deceased persons, as well as certain words or descriptions which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive.
Scope and Contents: 31 Photographs, copies from Lord Novar's albums in London through the Australian Joint Copying Project. Comprises items 10662-10692.
Material marked as belonging to 'Album 1', 1914 - 1915 (File 117)
Cultural Sensitivity Advisory Notice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this file contains images of deceased persons, as well as certain words or descriptions which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive.
Government House, Adelaide, May 1914 (Item 10662) - Box 18
Photograph of a group of people at Government House in Adelaide, including the Munro-Fergusons and the Galways.
Official Group, Government House, Adelaide, May 1914 (Item 10666) - Box 18
Photograph includes Sir Ronald and Lady Munro-Ferguson and staff.
Official group, Government House, Hobart, n.d. (Item 10668) - Box 18
Includes the Munro-Fergusons and the Ellison Macartney's.
[Two women and a child, Lake Tyers Mission], n.d. (Item 10671) - Box 18
Cultural Sensitivity Advisory Notice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this item contains images of deceased persons, as well as certain words or descriptions which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive.
Scope and Contents:Photograph of two women and a baby at Lake Tyers Mission, Victoria. Original label and inscription on verso: "Native Settlement, Lake Tyers".
Material marked as belonging to 'Album 2', 1916 (File 118)
German Internment Camp, Berrima, n.d. (Item 10677) - Box 18
Photograph of the German internment camp at Berrima.
German Internment Camp, Berrima, n.d. (Item 10678) - Box 18
Photograph of people and structures along the Berrima River. Inscription: "Berrima River No. 4".
German Internment Camp, Berrima, n.d. (Item 10679) - Box 18
Photograph of people and structures along the Berrima River. Inscription: "[illegible]-heim Villa, Berrima Rive No. 14".
German Internment Camp, Berrima, n.d. (Item 10680) - Box 18
Photograph of people in boats on the Berrima River, part of the German internment camp. Inscription: "(No. 18) Boating Berrima River".
Lady Munro-Ferguson inspecting the Cootamundra Military Camp, 1916 (Item 10681) - Box 18
Photograph of Helen Munro-Ferguson (Lady Novar) inspecting a Guard of Honour at Cootamundra Military Camp.
Series 35. Transcripts of diaries, 1915 - 1920
Transcripts (incomplete) of Munro Ferguson's diaries. The diaries were transcribed by Merran Samuel and others and edited by Professor John Poynter (see Series 36). Comprises items 10693-10695.
The Australian diaries of Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson, 1915 - 1920 (File 121) - Box 14
Printed transcripts of Lord Novar's diaries from 1915-1920. The diaries were transcribed from microfilm between 1975 and 1997 by Merran Samuel and others, and edited by Professor John Poynter. Includes explanatory note by Poynter. Original item 10693.
Lord Novar Series 35 transcripts of diaries, 1915 - 1920 (Item NLA.DMA002007) - Digital-Carriers-Box DMA 39
1 item, imation CD-R 700MB, Data CD (any content on recordable CD-R)Transcripts of Lord Novar's diaries from 1915-1920. These transcripts were copied from the original disks [items] to this CD for reference by researchers. No original item number is present.
Munro Ferguson diaries 1915-18, 1915 - 1918 (Item NLA.DMA002008) - Digital-Carriers-Box DMA 39
1 item, Verbatim HD, Floppy diskFloppy disc containing the transcripts of Lord Novar's diaries between 1915 and 1918. Inscription: "Word for Macintosh 1915-16.doc [/ ] 1917.doc [/] 1918.doc [/] ME 1". Marked as Apple Format. Original item number 10694.
Munro Ferguson diaries 1919-20, 1919 - 1920 (Item NLA.DMA002009) - Digital-Carriers-Box DMA 39
1 item, Verbatim HD, Floppy diskFloppy disc containing the transcripts of Lord Novar's diaries between 1919 and 1920. Inscription: "Word for Macintosh 1915-16.doc [/ ] 1917.doc [/] 1918.doc [/] ME 1". Marked as Apple Format. Original item number 10695.
Series 36. Diaries, 1915 - 1920
These six original diaries kept by Munro Ferguson while he was Governor-General of Australia between 1914-1920 were added to the collection in January 2004. They are on long-term loan from Mr Munro Ferguson, great-nephew of Lord Novar. Transcripts of the diaries are in Series 35.
Diary, 1915 (Item 122) - Box 14
Entries consist mainly of notes Novar wrote to remind himself of details and plans, and are concerned with official, personal, political and social matters. A transcript of this diary is available in Series 35, File 121. No original item number is present.
Diary, 1916 (Item 123) - Box 14
A transcript of this diary is available in Series 35. No original item number is present.
Diary, 1917 (Item 124) - Box 15
Entries consist mainly of notes Novar wrote to remind himself of details and plans, and are concerned with official, personal, political and social matters. A transcript of this diary is available in Series 35, File 121. No original item number is present.
Diary, 1918 (Item 125) - Box 15
Entries consist mainly of notes Novar wrote to remind himself of details and plans, and are concerned with official, personal, political and social matters. A transcript of this diary is available in Series 35, File 121. No original item number is present.
Series 37. Correspondence, 1914 - 1920
Cultural Sensitivity Advisory Notice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this item may contain distressing content including accounts of colonisation and violence. Please also be aware that you may see certain words or descriptions within these works which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive.
Scope and Contents: Photocopies of material held in Series 4, 5 and 6. Comprises copies of items 524-544; 555-1504.
Correspondence, 1914 - 1915 (File 128) - Box 16
Photocopies of Lord Novar's correspondence. The contents of this file are copies of the pages contained in File 8 (original item range 524-544; 555-653).
Correspondence, 1915 - 1916 (File 129) - Box 17
Photocopies of Lord Novar's correspondence. The contents of this file are copies of the pages contained in File 9 (original item range 654-812).
Correspondence, 1916 - 1917 (File 130) - Box 17
Photocopies of Lord Novar's correspondence. The contents of this file are copies of the pages contained in File 10 (original item range 813-898.
Correspondence, 1917 (File 131) - Box 17
Photocopies of Lord Novar's correspondence. The contents of this file are copies of the pages contained in File 11 (original item range 899-998).
Correspondence, 1917 - 1918 (File 132) - Box 17
Photocopies of Lord Novar's correspondence. The contents of this file are copies of the pages contained in File 12 (original item range 999-1124).
Correspondence, 1918 - 1920 (File 133) - Box 17
Photocopies of Lord Novar's correspondence. The contents of this file are copies of the pages contained in File 13 (original item range 1125-1294).
Correspondence, 1914 - 1916 (File 134) - Box 17
Photocopies of Lord Novar's correspondence. The contents of this file are copies of the pages contained in File 14 (original item range 1295-1386).
Correspondence, 1916 - 1918 (File 135) - Box 18
Cultural Sensitivity Advisory Notice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this item may contain distressing content including accounts of colonisation and violence. Please also be aware that you may see certain words or descriptions within these works which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive.
Scope and Contents: Photocopies of Lord Novar's correspondence. The contents of this file are copies of the pages contained in File 15 (original item range 1387-1504).