NRS-12363 | Inquiry into the general working of the Education Department

The Public Service Board initiated this Inquiry on 12 April 1953, "into the efficiency, economy, and general working of the Department of Education, with particular reference to- The procedure followed in entering into contracts with Perficut Pty. Ltd. The circumstances in which the contact, dated 2nd November in 1951, purporting to be made with that company was entered into before the registration of that company. Whether Walter Hamlyn Clout or Hugh Herbert Smith or any other officer of the Department of Education has been guilty of any misconduct or any improper conduct in or in connection with any association or dealings with Perficut Pty. Ltd. or Reginald Douglas Vitnell." The Inquiry was the result of a number of articles in the "Truth" newspaper from 29 March 1953 in which serious allegations were made concerning a contract between the Department of Education and Perficut Pty. Ltd. for the supply of material and the construction of schools. The Inquiry was held in public and is also known as the "Vitnell Inquiry". A full list is available. (8/1190A-1193B). 8 boxes. Note: This description is extracted from Concise Guide to the State Archives of New South Wales, 3rd Edition 2000.