VPRS 1186 Register of Inward Correspondence I

This series consists of registers of inward correspondence received by the Colonial/Chief Secretary's Department. These registers were used to allocate unique identification numbers (registration numbers) to each letter received and to record summary details regarding the management of the correspondence. Each inward letter was, on receipt, allocated an annual single number from the register, that is, a sequential number prefixed by the last two digits of the year, with the numbering sequence recommencing at 1 at the start of each year. e.g. the one hundred and twenty-third letter received in 1851 was given the number 51/123. The registers record in a column format: the registration number, with the registration number of any related previous correspondence. the day and month received the name/position and address of sender the date sent precis of letter (sometimes) date answered the registration number of related outward correspondence the last two columns on the right-hand side of the folio record how dealt with i.e. to which official the letter was referred for action, date referred to official and when returned. The right-hand columns which were subsequently headed see later letter record the registration number of any related subsequent correspondence. After 1853 this column is titled Result of Application and after 1858 How Disposed Of. A later registration number written in the right-hand column indicates that the letter was top-numbered. Items of correspondence regarding the same business were placed together in registration number order with the most recent item being placed on top of items received previously. The file thus created was put away under the number of the most recent item of correspondence. With the introduction of subject classifications for filing of correspondence, the subject classification was written in this column indicating where the letter had been filed. After 1852 all letters received an abbreviated subject classification. Such abbreviations include: CA = Colonial Architect CAG = Colonial Agent-General ELECT = Electoral MC = Municipal Corps MED = Medical MISC = Miscellaneous MISC.E = Miscellaneous Emigration OC = Other Colonies PMG = Post Master General POLICE = Police PP/PRIV PERS = Persons SHER = Sheriff STORES = Stores Each register was identified by the year of use. Alternate registers were introduced in 1852 and identified within a year by an alphabetical symbol.