VPRS 4691 Minute Book

The Central Roads Board created in 1853, the first agency concerned with the establishment of main roads and bridges, was abolished on 1 January 1858 and succeeded by the Department of Roads and Bridges (VA 2964) which operated under the statutory control of the Board of Land and Works (VA 744).This series contain the official Minutes of the Central Road Board (1853-1858) and the Board of Lands and Works Department of Roads and Bridges (1858-1871). The Central Road Board consisted of the President (commissioned by the Lieutenant Governor), a Member of the Board (appointed by the Colonial Secretary and a Member of the Legislative Council), the Secretary of the Lieutenant Governor and later, the Inspector General of Roads and the Surveyor General with two members constituting a quorum.Meetings of the Board of Land and Works (VA 744) concerned with Roads and Bridges also required two members only to be present. Membership of the Board for these matters consisted of the President or Vice-President, the Commissioner of Public Works, the Surveyor-General and the Commissioner of Roads and Bridges who, from April 1858, acted as the presiding officer.The main business of both Boards was to make decisions regarding works to be proceeded with, determining the award of tenders and matters pertaining to tolls and the approval of payments to contractors and arbitrating on disputes regarding payments.The P1 consignment of this series was previously registered as VPRS 3471 Roads and Bridges Branch Minute Book.