Correspondence, Auckland Branch

The correspondence files were received in different forms. A set of ring binders in chronological order was found, together with a number of manila folders containing loose letters, etc., and dated in such a way as to fit into the sequence of binders. Combined, folders and binders ran from 1937 to 1952. They contained, similarly, letters inwards and outwards, copies of minutes of National Council and other bodies, reports, notes concerning agreements, etc., all interfiled. There was no obvious distinction between the material in the binders and that in the folders, and their dates overlapped.

Beyond 1952, correspondence was loose in boxes, 1966-1972, or in bull-dog clips, 1972-1975, with a small quantity dated 1977 also loose.

The chronological sequence has been maintained from 1937 to 1977, but there is a gap between 1952 and 1966; fewer papers than would be expected for the years 1966 to 1972; none at all dated 1976; and only a very few for 1977. Four specially labelled files have been placed at the end of the sequence. Presumably the missing correspondence files once existed, and may in fact still be retained in the Union to which the Engine Drivers have been affiliated since 1990.