Historical information

Letters hand written by Jack, concerning primarily his observations of steam locomotives and trains in the Ballarat area, with some references to his health, trams, replacement of steam locomotives by diesels (which he did not like). John Southern lived in NSW and was a well known collector of information and photographer on Australian steam locomotives; wrote articles for the ARHS Bulletin and other publications. On first letter, Wal notes he was involved in an industrial accident at the Ballarat Gun Cotton factory in 1943 which severely affected his health. Photocopied from original letters held by Dave Macartney.

Significance

Has a strong association with Wal Jack and yields information about steam locomotives and trains in the Ballarat district and VR during the 1950's.

Physical description

Set of 36 pages - stapled in top left hand corner, photocopies of letters from Wal Jack to John Southern from 7-2-1950 to 6-5-1961.