NRS-619 | Letters and blank cover memoranda received by the Secretary from the Chief Inspector (1862-63) Blank cover memoranda submitted to the Board by the Secretary (1864-66)

Volumes 1/357-58 (1862-63) contain letters and blank cover memoranda received by the Secretary of the Board, W.C. Wills, from the Chief Inspector, William Wilkins. These concern applications for the establishment of vested and non-vested schools, the qualifications and classifications of teachers and pupil-teachers, applications for positions, applications by teachers and Local Patrons for increases in teachers' salaries, complaints against teachers, the division of the Colony into inspectorial districts, and teaching standards. In his capacity as an Examiner to the Board Wilkins also reported on the suitability of candidates for teaching positions (normally in collaboration with the Headmaster of the Model Training School, Mr Harris). The blank cover memoranda summeries and collate school inspection reports. For each report Wilkins notes whether the inspection was primary, secondary, incidental or annual, and summarises the Inspector's suggestions and recommendations. In some cases Wilkins suggests additional or alternative courses of action which may be pursued by the Board. In some instances the original communications received by Wilkins or referred for his attention. Volumes 1/360-64 (1864-66) contain blank cover memoranda submitted to the Board for its consideration by the Secretary of the Board, William Wilkins. The system of enclosing relevant correspondence was discontinued, and the subject matter of memoranda becomes more restricted, relating mainly to Inspectors' reports, Examiners' reports on teachers and pupil-teachers, and reports on rival candidates for teaching positions. Prior to 1862 Wilkins' letters and memoranda to the Secretary of the Board may be located in the series Miscellaneous letters received. A more convenient method of locating correspondence during the years 1859-62, however, is through the Press copies of letters sent by the Inspector and Superintendent of National Schools and Chief Inspector. (1/357-58, 1/360 part, 1/361 part, 1/362 part, 1/363A part, 1/364 part). 7 vols (part). Note:This description is extracted from Concise Guide to the State Archives of New South Wales, 3rd Edition 2000.