An autograph letter signed by Alfred Deakin to Sir Langdon Bonython, dated 19 October 1906, written during his second prime ministership
Small octavo, 4 pages (a bifolium) on the crested notepaper headed 'Commonwealth of Australia | Prime Minister', in the original envelope addressed in Deakin's hand to 'The Honourable Sir Langdon Bonython M.P., Carclew, Adelaide' (with stamp and contemporary Melbourne postmark).
Letter folded in half for posting; some faint offsetting from the printed letterhead; in excellent condition; envelope slightly tanned and marked.
The letter reads in full: 'Oct 19.6. My Dear Sir Langdon, Was delighted to receive your letter with extract from Benson's letter to you, for which many thanks. It makes an extremely interesting memento of our joint enjoyment of his books & I am indebted to you for your kindness in conveying my part in that to him. The Courtney incident is very curious. Probably you represent Australia as well as South Australia in his mind - but who can hazard guesses on such a subject. Your charming speech at the luncheon has been put to many uses that you little suspected, the latest being its circulation broadcast over Ballarat in connection with my candidature. Can I return the compliment in any way by helping you in yours? With regards & thanks, yours very truly, Alfred Deakin. | The Honourable Sir Langdon Bonython, M.P.'. (Benson may be English novelist E.F. Benson; the Courtney incident remains a mystery; Bonython did not take up Deakin's offer of help in his electorate.) Sir John Langdon Bonython (1848-1939) was an important South Australian editor, newspaper proprietor, philanthropist and parliamentarian. 'He became a follower of Alfred Deakin, who wanted him to give his full time to politics; their friendship survived a sharp disagreement over the composition of Deakin's ministry of July 1905 and his disappointment that Deakin's recommendation of him for a K.C.M.G. in 1908 was not accepted. Bonython did not contest the 1906 election although the Labor Party proposed to grant him, and other Protectionists, immunity from opposition; he suspected that his party would soon be out of power and travelling to Melbourne for parliamentary sittings was becoming irksome' ('Australian Dictionary of Biography').
Item #137314
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