Historical information

These letters are part of communication which took place between Sir Robert Menzies and Mr. G. R. Coulthard, President of the Australian Institute of Dairy Factory Managers and Secretaries Inc. (Victorian Branch) in 1965 and 1966.
The Butter Factories’ Managers Association was formed in the 1890s and held its first annual conference in 1893. This organisation became the Australian Dairy Institute and then was incorporated with the Australian Society of Dairy Technology on 24 March 1986 to become the Dairy Industry Association of Australia.

Ross Coulthard was a former manager of the Tallangatta dairy factory and later manager of the North Eastern Dairy Company at Kiewa. He had gained experience at several dairies across Victoria and was a qualified Butter Maker, Milk and Cream Grader and Tester and later a Cheesemaker. He took over as manager at Tallangatta in 1954 and later became Manager of the North Eastern Dairy Company at Kiewa after a merger with the Tallangatta Butter Company.
He served as Victorian President of the Dairy Industry Association in 1966 and 1976 and was the Australian National President in 1980.

Significance

These letters are significant because they are linked to Australia's longest serving Prime Minister and the Victorian Dairy Industry.

Physical description

2 letters from Robert G. Menzies and Private Secretary to Mr. G. R, Coulthard printed on Commonwealth of Australia Government letterhead.