VPRS 16719 Register of Original Plans and Record Plans [use photocopy version VPRS 16719/C1 or microfiche copy VPRS 16719/C2]

This series was used to allocate the alpha numeric plan numbers allocated to the imperial measure original plans and record plans in VPRS 16306.  The register was not used to allocate plan numbers to the 412 metric plans and schedules in that series. (Refer to the series description for VPRS 16306 for details about the various types of plans included in that series). Due to the alphabetical nature of its internal arrangement, this register could also be used, and was often referred to within the creating agencies, as an index. This series was originally identified as such upon its original transfer to PROV but the title of this series was amended during 2024 to reflect its true function. This register probably dates from the late 1860’s/early 1870’s alongside the creation of the first record plans and the implementation of the alpha numeric plan numbering system to not just the record plans but also all original plans extending back to 1837. (For further information about original plans and record plans, refer to the description for VPRS 16306.) This register was also used to allocate alpha numeric numbers to original plans added to VPRS 16306 until 1942 when such plans ceased to be added to that series. This register originally consisted of a single volume, but at some point prior to its transfer to PROV, was split into two volumes with each of these bound separately. The first volume in this series was originally pages 1 – 264 (covering entries A – L) and the second volume pages 266-591 (entries M – Z) of the register. Entries are arranged alphabetically, generally by the name of parish, township or area (for instances in which a parish and township shared the same name), although there also are some general categories. The two subjects that account for the great majority of such plans in VPRS 16306 are ’Unknown parishes’ and ‘Mallee blocks’. Each locality name or category entry identifies all plans added to VPRS 16306 and the alpha numeric number allocated to the plan. The county in which each parish or township is located is also recorded. Each plan attributed to the entry records the plan number allocated, relevant survey field note annual single number and a description of each plan. The survey field note number, usually expressed in the form of a fraction, was used to identify original plans when first received by the recording agency and was effectively replaced by the alpha numeric plan number when added to VPRS 16306. Descriptive details can vary depending on the plan. Many of the plans are described by reference to Crown land sections/allotments/portions, (for example, Town Allotments Section 1, allotments 1-8 and Section 4, allotments, 1-13). These were often used in combination with the letters: T, for township (allotments), referring to all allotments within the boundaries of an area declared to be a township under the Lands Act S, for suburban (allotments), referring to all allotments which are within 5 miles of a township, C, for country (allotments), referring to the remaining allotments located in a parish, or Sp, for special survey. The register identifies record plans, some manuscript plans and plans created to document resurveys or for other purposes. Record plans were generally identified in the register by the use of the descriptive terms ’Fac-simile of Compilation‘ or ’Compilation‘. The term ’Record plan‘ as a descriptive term began to be commonly used in the register only from the 1960s in place of the term ‘fac-simile of compilation’. Each plan sheet of pre 1942 original plans is identified in the register by a single entry that lists the allotments (and survey field note annual single numbers) of the plans mounted on it within VPRS 16306. Original plans from 1942 are generally not identified in the register. It is unclear when the register ceased to be used to record the details of new plans added to VPRS 16306 but it is thought the last entries were made in circa 1985. The final imperial measure record plans created for some parishes or townships do not appear to have been recorded. It also appears the register was used to retrospectively add other imperial measure plans added to VPRS 16306 that were not allocated plan numbers at the time of creation.