Guide to the Papers of James (Jim) Thomas Griffin

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MS 10462

National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record

Collection Summary

Creator
Griffin, James Thomas
Title
Papers of James (Jim) Thomas Griffin
Date Range
1936-2013
Collection Number
MS 10462
Extent
10.96 metres 52 ms boxes, 1 large folio box, 2 map folios
Language of Materials
English
Repository
Special Collections (Manuscripts)

Introduction

Scope and Contents

This collection comprises papers accumulated by Griffin over the course of his life and work. Much of the material relates to Papua New Guinea and reflects Griffin's interest in the history and political affairs of that country, particularly relating to Bougainville, and includes research files, writings by Griffin about a variety of issues, and files relating to prominent Papuans, created whilst undertaking research for a proposed Dictionary of Biography. There are research files relating to books Griffin wrote on John Wren and Daniel Mannix, and a large group of drafts of writings by Griffin that include articles, speeches, seminar and conference papers, book and theatre reviews, and letters to the editor. Other papers relate to Griffin's work at the Townsville College of Advanced Education and his involvement in the publication of The Catholic Worker, including a large run of copies of the journal from 1964-1972.

Conditions Governing Access

Please refer to the collection's catalogue record for the access conditions (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn7890057).

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Copying and publishing of unpublished manuscript material is subject to copyright restrictions.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 Copying of unpublished material for research purposes is permissible 50 years after the death of the creator of the material.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], Papers of James (Jim) Thomas Griffin, National Library of Australia, MS 10462, [class/series/file/item number(s)]'.

Provenance

The papers were acquired from Griffin's widow, Helga Griffin, in 2018.

The National Library of Australia, Oral History Collection holds two interviews of Griffin by Edgar Waters, one in 1999 and one in 2006.

Biographical note

Academic and author. Griffin was born in Warrnambool in 1929. After undertaking study at the University of Melbourne, he spent time in Italy as an interpreter during from 1955 to 1956 after which he returned to Australia and took up a position with Xavier College, Melbourne, as Senior History Master. In 1968, Griffin commenced his long association with the University of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby firstly as a lecturer in History and later as Senior Lecturer (1970-1975), as a visiting Professor/Director of Extension Studies (1981-1983), as a Senior Research Fellow in History (1986-1987), as Professor of History (1988-1990) and finally as Professor Emeritus (appointed 1991). Other positions Griffin held were Foundation Head of the Department of General Studies at the Townsville College of Advanced Education (1976-1979); Senior Research Fellow, Research School of Pacific and South East Asian Studies, Australian National University, Canberra (1980, 1984-1985); and Principal Analyst, North Solomons, with the Office of National Assessments, Department of Prime Minister, Canberra (1991-1994). Griffin wrote extensively over many years about issues relating to Papua New Guinea. He was also a book and theatre reviewer and at one time was on the Editorial Board of The Catholic Worker. Griffin's major publications include John Wren: a life reconsidered and Daniel Mannix: beyond the myths. Griffin died in Canberra in 2010.

Item Descriptions

Series 1. Diaries and notebooks, 1974-2010

Diaries and notebooks, many containing detailed diary entries by Griffin, and a group of notebooks with jottings, some dated.

Eleven diaries and notebooks, 1974-1987 (File) - Box 1

Diaries: 1974,1976, 1977, 1981-1983, 1985. notebooks: May 1986-April 1987, August 1986-Dec 1987.

Ten diaries and notebooks, 1988-1993 (File) - Box 2

Diaries: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993. Journal: 1991, 1993

Six diaries and notebooks, 1994-1998 (File) - Box 3

Diaries: 1994, 1996-1998

Five diaries and notebooks, 1999-2001 (File) - Box 4

Diaries: 1999-2001

Six diaries and notebooks, 2002-2006 (File) - Box 5

Diaries: 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006

Six diaries and notebooks, 2007-2010 (File) - Box 6

Diaries: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

One notebook, 2006-2009 (File) - Box 6

Sparsely filled journal with the title 'Moribund memoirs and a terminal testament'

Eight diaries and notebooks, 1979-1995 (File) - Box 7

1979, 1980, 1983-1984(?), 1984, 1986, 1995

Loose diary pages (File) - Box 7

Fifteen notebooks, c1980-1992 (File) - Box 8

A group of mostly undated notebooks containing jottings.

Miscellaneous diary notes, 1980-1991 (File) - Box 9

A file of loose pages containing diary entries and reflections.

Three notebooks (File) - Box 9

One titled 'Random reminiscences' and one titled 'Notes on projects'.

Series 2. Bougainville, 1940s-1999

Papers relating to Bougainville. Much comprises research for a proposed book by Griffin on the history of Bougainville. Includes notes, correspondence, cuttings, transcripts of interviews, press releases, writings by others, newsletters and journals; ephemera; and press releases.

Files, c1970s-1990s (File) - Box 10

Includes correspondence, research notes, background notes, newspaper cuttings, papers relating to early conflicts, elections, transcripts of interviews, newsletters, and extracts of writings by Leo Hannett.

Files, Late 1960s-1990s (File) - Box 11

Includes Bougainville conflict - press cuttings - background to Griffin's critiques (1969-1975); miscellaneous papers on Bougainville (1972-1993), writings by Leo Hannett; cuttings and papers by and about John Momic, priest and politician from Bougainville (1971-2005); political statements; notes about Don Vernon and; notes about significant people.

Files, 1975-1976; 1991-1994 (File) - Box 12, Box 13

Includes cuttings and papers relating to the Bougainville crisis; notes on provincial history; notes about Jack Read and Paul Mason. Also a card index of notes.

Files, 1940s-1974 (File) - Box 14

Includes papers on the Marist Mission; population figures; patrol reports (1940s-1960s) ; 'Black separation'; typescript of an address by Griffin to the Munkas Association (1972) entitled 'The viability of Bougainville a an independent nation', press releases relating to "The Rorovana Affair' (1969) and 'Arawa' (1970-1974); and provincial government.

Files, 1968-1978 (File) - Box 15

Includes papers on Bougainville secession (1968-1971); the mine; and Napidakoe Navitu; and a seminar 'Background to Bougainville - a factual analysis' held at La Trobe University (1969)

Files, 1972-1989 (File) - Box 16

Includes files of miscellaneous papers grouped by date; issues of the Araw Bulletin, 1975, nos.: 77,78,80,80,83-86, 88, 89, 94, 95; copy of an essay by B.A. Hoverd entitled 'The Bougainville enigma: a Melanesian island in transition' (1977); and a copy of a thesis by Paul Mason entitled 'Search for identity: Bougainville Separatism, 1962-1976' (1978).

Files, 1989-1993 (File) - Box 17

A group of files with the title 'Development in Bougainville' containing miscellaneous papers grouped by date (1989-1993); and a file on the Catholic Church (1991-1992).

Files, 1994-1999 (File) - Box 18

A group of files entitled 'Bougainville Crisis' containing miscellaneous papers grouped by date (1994-1999). Includes typescript of a two-part radio documentary on the women of Bougainville entitled 'Women speak', broadcast in 1995; a copy of a report entitled 'Compilation of human rights abuses against the people of Bougainville, 1989-1995, complied by Marilyn Havini; and a copy of an analysis by P.F. Howley entitled 'Bougainville Update' (1995).

Files, 1969-1978; 1991 (File) - Box 19

Papers relating to copper mining in Bougainville. Includes photographs of mining operations; a typescript entitled 'Memorandum of River of Tears'; and a copy of a report entitled 'Mine start to Mine stop: a Manager's perspective of 20 years on Bougainville' by Paul Quodling; (c1991); and a copy of a journal article entitled 'The great god technology. The other aspect: from behind brown eyes' by Moukunu Kokare.

Files, 1969-1996 (File) - Box 20

Correspondence, mainly on the topic of Bougainville (1974-1996); photocopies of letters from Bryan Leak, Bougainville, (1990-1994).; copy of 'Solomon Islands bibliography to 1980', complied by Sally Edridge; 1980; Bougainville Census figures; and a file papers entitled 'Sense of neglect as stated by Bougainvilleans' (1969-1972).

Files, 1970-1975; 1992 (File) - Box 21

Cuttings, copies of articles, press releases, writings by others; and notes relating to Papuan separatism; industrial relations; Highlands liberation; and Public Order Bill, 1970. Includes an article by missionary Wally Fingleton relating to grievances in Bougainville, a typescript of an interview by Griffin with Peter Kenilorea (1974), and a copy of 'A bibliography of journal articles on Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya' compiled by Clive Moore, 1992.

Bougainville News, 1970-1973 (File) - Folio-Box 53 (MS 10462)

Issues of the Bougainville News: Vol 1, Nos. 2-12, Aug 1970-Jul 1971; Vol. 2, Nos. 1-6, Aug 1971-Dec 1973. Also Vol. 1, No. 1, Jul 1970, written in Pidgin English.

Maps of Bougainville, 1968 (File) - Map-Folio 54 (MS 10462), Map-Folio 55 (MS 10462)

One map 'Bougainville Island' nd; one map 'Bougainville and Buku Islands, 1968.

Series 3. Papua New Guinea Dictionary of Biography, 1980s

Papua New Guinea Dictionary of Biography, 1983-1987 (File) - Box 22

Papers relating to a proposed publication by the PNG Parliamentary Library and University of a dictionary of biography on prominent individuals who had shaped PNG. Includes research and correspondence about inclusions.

Papua New Guinea Dictionary of Biography, 1980s (File) - Box 23, Box 24

Research files relating to possible inclusions, grouped A-Z.

Papua New Guinea Dictionary of Biography, 1980s (File) - Box 25

Research files relating to specific individuals. Includes transcripts of interviews, articles and notes. Individuals include Ian Willis, Elton Brash, John Gunther, and Ray Whitrod.

Series 4. University of Papua New Guinea, 1967-1990s

In 1968, Griffin took up a position as lecturer in history with the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG). Papers in this series relate to a range of activities associated with Griffin's work at UPNG. Included is correspondence; papers relating to various university committees; course proposals, outlines and notes; conference and seminar programs and papers; reports relating to both the operations of UPNG and the wider community; programs for Conferring of Degree ceremonies; copies of the UPNG newsletter; copies of student newsletters; ephemera; and newspaper cuttings.

Files, 1967-1988 (File) - Box 26

Includes essays on UPNG's early days; guides; staff lists; conference programs; programs for Conferring of Degree ceremonies; course outlines; papers relating to the Staff Association, including Constitution and Rules, adopted 1967; miscellaneous papers on University matters, including Council; correspondence between Griffin and John Gunether, 1971; papers relating to the Literature Bureau, early 1970s; papers relating to a Committee of Enquiry into University Development, 1974; bound copies of Inaugural Lectures; and copies of the UPNG newsletter, 1967-1973 (incomplete).

Files, 1969-1974 (File) - Box 27

Includes papers relating to student political education tours, 1971 and 1972; a copy of a review of the University Extension Development Programme, 1975; copies of student newsletter 'Nilaidat', 1969-1971 (incomplete); and copies of a newsletter 'Students views and news', 1974.

Files, 1970s (File) - Box 28

Includes a copy of 'Report of Commission of Inquiry into unrest at the University of Papua New Guinea in April and May of 1978 and into other related matters', 1979; copies of miscellaneous political statements, 1970s; transcripts of speeches by Anthony Voutas, Leslie Johnson and David Hay, at a seminar 'Participants and observers', held at the Australian National University, 1975; copy of 'Another look back: a survey of graduate opinion of the UNPG', 1973; copy of 'Report of the Committee of Enquiry into University Development', 1974; and a copy of the report of the 'Working Party on the future of the University', 1973

Files, 1980s (File) - Box 29

Includes papers relating to a seminar on 'The internal and external security of PNG', 1982; and a copy of 'Colonial Intrusion: Papua New Guinea, 1884' by Clive Moore, James Griffin and Andrew Griffin, 1984.

Files, 1980s-early 1990s (File) - Box 30

Includes papers relating to Waigani seminar, 'The ethics of development' together with a VHS cassette of Griffin's summing up, 1986; personal papers relating to Griffin's continuity of service; copies of 'Uni Tavur', a newspaper about the University, produced for the University, 1987-1989 (incomplete); copies of the PNG 'Journal of education', Vol 23/1, Vol 24/1 and Vol 25/1, 1987-1989; draft typescript of 'South Pacific History Journal bibliography', complied by Clive Moore, 1990; and a typescript 'Bibliography of Politics in Papua New Guinea', nd

Series 5. Colonial Intrusion: Papua New Guinea, 1884, c1980-1984

Drafts, research material and notes, cuttings, copies from journals and book chapters, correspondence and illustrations relating to Colonial Intrusion: Papua New Guinea, 1884 by Clive Moore, James Griffin and Andrew Griffin, which was published by the Papua New Guinea Centennial Committee in 1984.

Files (File) - Box 31, Box 32

Series 6. Townsville College of Advanced Education, 1976-1993

In 1976 Griffin took up the position of Head of the newly established Division of General Studies at the Townsville College of Advanced Education (TCAE). Papers in this series relate to Griffin's work at TCAE and includes correspondence, course proposals, outlines and notes; TCAE newsletters; conference and seminar papers; papers relating to the Australian Institute of International Affairs; a group of files on the Torres Strait Island border issues; cuttings; and ephemera.

Files, 1976-1990 (File) - Box 33

Includes copies of 'Northern Campus', newsletter of TCAE, Nos. 1-2, 1977 and No. 1, 978); copies of 'JCU News', James Cook University newsletter, Vol 1, Nos 1-2, 1979; a submission by TCAE 'Seeking approval of a revision of the Associate Diploma in Community Welfare Program', 1977; and papers relating to the Australian Institute of International Affairs; a bound copy of 'The Torres Strait border issue: consolidation, conflict or compromise?', being the record of a seminar held in 1976, edited by Griffin, together with proof strips of photographs taken at the seminar; and Griffin's CV.

Files, 1970s-1993 (File) - Box 34, Box 35

Cuttings, articles, journals and notes relating to the Torres Strait Island border problem. Includes papers relating to interviews of PNG people by journalist Arthur Ethell, translated from Motu (1977); typescripts of papers written by Griffin on the subject; copies of Department of Foreign Affairs bulletin 'Backgrounder' containing articles of relevance (1978, 1982-1983); and copies of related Government reports.

Series 7. The Catholic Worker

Griffin was at one time on the Editorial Board of The Catholic Worker, and became one of its frequent reviewers of new books.

The Catholic Worker, 1959-2005 (File) - Box 36

An almost complete run of 'The Catholic Worker' from 1964-1972, together with miscellaneous copies from 1959-1963 and 1973-1976.. Articles by Griffin are flagged.

Thesis study (File) - Box 36

Typescript outlining proposed thesis study by Griffin, based on The Catholic Worker.

Files, 1980s, 2005 (File) - Box 37

Includes transcript of an interview with Sally Cooper (1986); a copy of a paper entitled 'The Church in springtime: remembering Catholic Action, 1940-1965', edited by Helen Praetz, the result of a project to record the voices of people who remembered the heyday of Catholic Action in Australia; copy of a thesis by J.W. McCulloch entitled 'Catholic ideology and the emergence of the D.L.P. 1931-1954'; papers relating to Fran Maher, Tom Butler and Gerard Heffey; and papers relating to an issue with Griffin's writing of the Australian Dictionary of Biography entry on Daniel Mannix.

Series 8. Historical research about Bougainville

Research material relating to the history of Bougainville. Comprises notes, cuttings, reports, and copies of writings by others. A booklet by Griffin, Bougainville : a challenge for the churches, was published by Australian Catholic Social Justice Council, in 1995, as part of its "Catholic Social Justice' series.

Files (File) - Box 38, Box 39

Topics include culture and social organisation, whalers, traders, explorers, native police at Kieta, land sales, German settlement, punitive expeditions, patrol reports, Catholic missions, and World War II.

Series 9. John Wren: a life reconsidered

Research material for Griffin's book about entrepreneur, John Wren, which was published by Scribe Publications, 2004. Griffin also wrote the entry on Wren for the Australian Dictionary of Biography.Comprises correspondence, cuttings, notes, copies of writings about Wren; audio recording of an interview with John Wren (1976). There are also notes on research undertaken by Griffin's research assistant, Damien Cash.

Files (File) - Box 40, Box 41, Box 42, Box 43, Box 44

Interview John Wren Jnr (Cont'd) 25/11/1976, 25/11/1976 (Item NLA.MS-SAV017921) - Cassette-Box 850
1 Item, Emitape 60, Compact cassette tape

Frank Ifield , Frank Chacksfiedd

Law Report: Wren (The Crown) / Hardy (Item NLA.MS-SAV017922) - Cassette-Box 850
1 Item, BASF 90, Compact cassette tape
John Wren: Business Interests (Item NLA.MS-SAV017923) - Cassette-Box 850
1 Item, TDK D90, Compact cassette tape

Series 10. Daniel Mannix

Research material for a book by Griffin about Catholic Archbishop, Daniel Mannix, which remained uncompleted at the time of his death. The book was completed by Paul Ormonde and published as Daniel Mannix: beyond the myths, by Garratt Publishing in 2012. Griffin also wrote the entry on Mannix for the Australian Dictionary of Biography. Comprises correspondence, notes, cuttings, edited drafts, notes from tapes held by the Melbourne Diocesan Catholic Historical Commission, and copies of writings by others. Included is a photocopy of the book 'Reminiscences of a Maynooth Professor' by Walter McDonald, 1925, and the typescript of an address about the book given by Helga Griffin to the ISSA Group, 2013.

Files (File) - Box 45, Box 46

Series 11. Other writings, 1955-2013

Typescript and handwritten drafts of writings by Griffin, much of which relates to PNG. Includes articles, book reviews, speeches, theatre reviews, seminar and conference papers, cuttings of published writings, and letters to the editor. There are also files containing Griffin's responses to two articles, one by Eugene Ogan and one by Stuart Macintyre. Note: on receipt, many of the papers in this series were loose and in no apparent order. They have been grouped together, as received.

Miscellaneous manuscripts, 1955-2013 (File) - Box 47, Box 48, Box 49

Series 12. Correspondence, 1953-2007

General correspondence, including with publishers, letters from friends and colleagues, and personal correspondence including letters from Griffin's mother.

General correspondence, 1966-2007 (File) - Box 50, Box 51

Personal correspondence, 1953-1987 (bulk 1950s) (File) - Box 51

Series 13. Miscellaneous papers, 1936-2010

Italy, 1950s (File) - Box 52

A small group of papers relating to Griffin's time in Italy.

Xavier College, 1955-2008 (File) - Box 52

A small group of papers relating to Griffin's time as a staff member of Xavier College (1952-1968). Includes correspondence, cuttings, reminiscences and the transcript of an interview between Jim Provan and Griffin, Canberra, 1999 and a copy of 'The Xaverian', Dec 1968.

A man of many words' (File) - Box 52

Typescript of a bibliography of Griffin's writings, compiled by Helga Griffin.

Papers, 1936-2010 (File) - Box 52

Tribute to Griffin by Hank Nelson on his 70th birthday; Order of Service for Griffin's funeral, 2010; Proceedings of the first Catholic Education Conference, Melbourne, 1965; a copy of 'Augusta Perusia', 1955; and a copy of 'Letters from Rome' by H.M. Moran, 1936.


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