VPRS 8191 General Correspondence Files, Annual Single Number System, Ports and Harbours Branch

This series consists of correspondence files relating to Ports and Harbours functions which were evidently created by the General Correspondence Branch of the Public Works Department (VA 669), but which were maintained within the Ports and Harbours Branch of that Department.Although the Ports and Harbours Branch had previously had its own correspondence registration system (see VPRS 8192), these files were evidently allocated file numbers from an annual single number filing system used throughout the wider Department. Nevertheless they were distinguished from general departmental files by the prefix P and H preceding the file number. New files were created from at least 1941 until 1963, after which the annual single number filing system was superseded by a single number filing system and hence the subsequent series is VPRS 8193. While there is evidence that many files were top-numbered into the subsequent system, there is also evidence that papers were added to the annual single number files up to circa 1980.The files in custody (i.e. in the P1 consignment) have file numbers ranging from 1941/538 to 1963/1079. Because these files were part of a larger filing system the range of file numbers is not complete.The files comprise: inward letters; copies of outgoing letters; internal memoranda; notes; plans and related papers.Control RecordsOther elements of the annual single number filing system included: a series of registration and movement cards (see VPRS 8190), which provide details of the top-numbering of files by referring to 'original papers'; and an accumulation of indexes which were evidently not contemporaneous with the files, but which nevertheless provide access to the files by subject, location and correspondent (see VPRS 8189). It is hoped that further clarification of the relationship between these files and the wider Department filing system may be possible if general Departmental files for the same period can be located.