Summary

This Certificate of Honour was issued to employees of Australian Glass Manufacturers, ACI Engineering, ACI Plastics, Bruntons Bright Steel and Hytex Axe & Tool by the Treasurer of Australia. The employees of the above companies had purchased bonds in the Second Security Loan, Oct. - Nov. 1946.

The Second Security Loan, valued at £90,000,000 was issued by the federal government of Australia as a means to raise revenue to finance 'continuing war commitments, important national public works, and the continued rehabilitation of ex-service men and women.' (Sydney Morning Herald, 21 Oct 1946) It was also, to quote Prime Minister Ben Chifley, a means to 'safeguard against a recurrence of the depression and national stagnation which occurred after the first world war.' (The Canberra Times, 13 Nov 1946) The Second Security Loan was promoted heavily in newspapers in October 1946. Bonds of 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 pounds could be purchased, and investors were promised better rates of interest than banks: 3 1/4 % per annum over a 12-year term.

Physical Description

Cream coloured, stiff paper card, printed in full colour. Printed text framed by a border of warratah, wattle and flannel flowers. The Australian Coat of Arms is printed at the top of the certificate, and the stamp of the Australian Treasury at the bottom.

Significance

The museum holds a few Certificates from the World War I period, but none from the World War II period. This example, which is in excellent condition, will add nicely to the small group already in the collection. The fact it was purchased by workers at a number of significant manufacturing industries adds to its interest.

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