NRS-13022 | Memoranda and articles of association, rules of societies, companies etc.

This series contains Memoranda and Articles of Association from bodies corporate, and Rules from unincorporated bodies, which were lodged with the Registrar General between the years 1880 and 1962.During this period, the Registrar General determined whether certain dealings in land held under Torrens Title were part of the normal and proper activities of corporate and unincorporated bodies. (1) The Registrar General therefore required unincorporated bodies to lodge their Rules, and bodies corporate to lodge their Memoranda and Articles of Association, to support these dealings.The series contains Memoranda and Articles of Association from a variety of bodies corporate throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, most of which were involved in banking and investment, land acquisition and development, life assurance, and mining. Additionally, Rules were received from the following types of bodies:- Building societies - Friendly societies- Industrial unions- Religious bodies- Charitable organisations- Clubs- Educational institutions- Ex-servicemen’s associations- Professional bodies. (2) The Memoranda and Articles of Association for bodies corporate were set out in the form prescribed by the Companies Act 1874, and include:- the company’s objectives- a list of the shareholders/directors of the company, their occupation at the time the company was formed, and in some cases, their home address- the date of incorporation;- the value of capital and distribution of shares;- details of limited liability;- the appointment and powers of directors/shareholders;- audit requirements;- procedures for General Meetings; and- account keeping requirements. (3) The documents are numbered in a series from 1 (lodged in 1880) to 3486 (lodged in January 1962). The series is comprised of booklets and documents in foolscap size as well as various smaller sizes. While the majority of documents are typeset in booklet form, there are also a number of documents that are handwritten and personally signed, such as statutory declarations which were required under s.95 of the Real Property Act 1862. (4). Some documents contain company seals in lieu of signatures, in accordance with s.93 of the Real Property Act 1862. (5) Endnotes1. The Archives Authority of New South Wales, “Disposal Recommendation (DR 971), 1970. 2. ibid.3. Companies Act, 1874 (37 Vic. No. 19), Second Schedule.4. ibid.5. Real Property Act, 1862 (26 Vic. No. 9)