VPRS 12271 Powers of Attorney

According to the Victorian Government Stock Act, attorneys appointed to administer Victorian Government Stock on behalf of a proprietor were required to submit written authorisation in the form of a power of attorney. This form - which was signed by the attorney, the proprietor, and two witnesses, acts as an instrument authorising the attorney to administer the stock on behalf of the proprietor in accordance with his/her instructions, and in accordance with the Act. In the case where the stock was owned by a municipality or company, the highest ranking officer in the organisation was required to authorise the power of attorney with their signature.If a power of attorney was executed outside of Victoria, additional statements were required from a British Minister, Consul, Vice Consul, or other British Authority, or from a Notary Public, attesting to the authenticity of the signatures therein.This series consists of such forms, occasionally accompanied by statements for those executed outside Victoria. They were maintained by the Department of the Treasurer as evidence that an attorney had been authorised to act on behalf of a proprietor of Victorian Government Stock.