Correspondence between R.A.A. Robertson, journalist, and W.P. Crozier, relating to an application by Robertson for a vacancy on the reporting staff of the Manchester Guardian, with details of previous experience, which is successful, and accompanied by related internal memoranda. Also included are internal memoranda discussing the return of Robertson to employment at the paper, owing to a shortage of staff [during the Second World War], with the proviso that his work improves in quality.
There are correspondence and internal memoranda relating to a leave of absence from work for Robertson owing to the need for treatment following a nervous breakdown. There is discussion of Robertson's continued employment by the paper, his voluntary application for war service, and of his treatment and recovery, with a report confirming his fitness to return to work, and an expression of thanks for the support of the paper. Also included is discussion of an incident in which Robertson did not come to work for successive days, owing to a relapse in his health, a summary of the events of the incident, and the provision of a letter from W.A. Kerr, physician, on Robertson's condition. There is a suggestion made by Crozier that Robertson might find the work of writing a novel an absorbing occupation.
There is discussion with H.R. Davies of the Newspaper Society, on the nomination by the Manchester Guardian of Robertson as a local war correspondent. Also included is correspondence relating to a complaint made by Arthur Deakin, trade unionist, over an article by Robertson which implied a lack of leadership by the Transport and General Workers Union, and regarding Robertson's sobriety when attempting to gain a statement from the Union on the [dock workers strike in Birkenhead]. Also included are internal memoranda discussing the subject, and containing a defence of his position from Robertson. There is correspondence relating to Robertson's decision to undertake work on a farm as part of the war effort [during the Second World War], with related internal memoranda.
Also included is correspondence between Robertson and A.P. Wadsworth, relating to a request by Robertson to be sent as a correspondent for the paper to Northern Ireland, [which is declined]. There are requests by Robertson for small loans from the paper, owing to debts, which are granted, with discussion of repayment, and of the provision of receipts. There is correspondence and internal memoranda relating to discussion of Robertson's suitability as a reporter, and suggestions made by Robertson for other work he might carry out for the paper.
There is a notice of the termination of Robertson's employment by the paper, and discussion of its terms. There is also a request for a character reference for Robertson from the Carl Rautledge, the British Copyright Protection Company Ltd, which is provided. Also included is a letter to the staff controller at the London Telecommunications Region, discussing the potential employment of Robertson.
GDN/A/R41/4 is an article on Robertson's appointment to the Manchester Guardian, entitled 'Lancashire' in the World's Press News, 1937.
GDN/A/R40/34 is an article by Robertson entitled 'Dock Strike; Soldiers at Work' in the Manchester Guardian, 1942.