Summary

A typewritten copy of the Memorandum of Agreement between H. V. McKay, machinery manufacturer of Ballarat, and Alexander Lawson, traveller and expert, dated 22nd September 1902, unsigned.

The agreement is for remuneration of £4 per week plus expenses in return for employment of Alexander Lawson to construct or assist to construct Sunshine harvesters in Argentina (Argentine Republic), as well as canvass and effect sales, start machines and carry out other instructions in representing the business of H. V. McKay in Argentina or elsewhere. The agreement is valid for three years and also allows for £2 to be deducted weekly and paid to Alexander Lawson's wife. Amendments noted in pencil and dated 28th May 1903.

Part of a collection of photographs, negatives, moving film, artefacts, documents and trade literature belonging to the H. V. McKay Sunshine Collection. The McKay collection is regarded as one of the most significant industrial heritage collections in Australia. The collection relates to the agricultural manufacturing firm, the Sunshine Harvester Works. The Australian operations of this company were originally founded by Hugh V. McKay in the 1890s in Ballarat. Between 1906 and 1907, McKay moved production to Sunshine where the firm became one of the largest industrial businesses in Australia. Change in ownership is a recurring theme in the company's history. In 1930, it merged with Massey-Harris to become H.V McKay Massey Harris. In the mid-1950s, the company was absorbed by Canadian agricultural firm Massey-Ferguson. Production in Sunshine ceased in the mid-1980s, following almost 100 years of manufacturing agricultural equipment.

Physical Description

Two sheets of off-white paper, embossed with Coat of Arms at top. Typewritten text in blue ink. Handwritten text in black ink and purple pencil.

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