Correspondence with St John Greer Ervine [John Greer Irvine] (1883-1971), playwright and novelist, relating to the offer by Ervine of the first three chapters of a novel for use as sketches for the back pages of the Manchester Guardian, two of which are accepted [entitled 'Alfered' and 'Alfered's Mother']. There is discussion of a request by Ervine to be considered for employment at the Manchester Guardian, which is refused as there is no current vacancy available. Also included is correspondence relating to a request by Ervine to include sketches published in the Manchester Guardian in a proposed book of studies by Ervine.
There is correspondence relating to discussion of a complaint by Ervine over the remuneration received as a contributor to the Manchester Guardian, and a further discussion of Ervine's proposed payment for articles, which is refused. There is a letter to the editor on the proposals for banning football during the [First World War], and recruitment speeches at football matches, written by Ervine in a humorous format, which is not accepted. Also included is discussion of Ervine as a potential contributor of Saturday articles to the Manchester Guardian.