VPRS 16 Outward Registered Correspondence

This series contains transcriptions of the outward correspondence of the Superintendent, Port Phillip District to both the Colonial Secretary and other officials in Sydney and to local officials and private persons. The first volume in the series (Oct 1839 to Nov 1840) contains all outward correspondence. From that time until the series ended (July 1851) volumes are divided into those containing outward correspondence to Sydney (S.B. = Sydney Branch) and Local. Thus, dates on the volumes overlap. Volumes have been given alphabetical designators:Unit 1 Sydney and Local A and BUnits 2 - 10 Local N to VUnits 11 to 20 S.B.(Sydney Branch) C to L (F is used for two volumes)This practice may have been to assist in the compilation and referencing of correspondence in a central index to all outward correspondence as was done later by the Chief Secretary's Office. (see VPRS 1187 Outwards Registered Correspondence). Alternatively, this designation of volumes by an alphabetical character may have been imposed after the creation of the records.All correspondence, including the transcription of minutes and memoranda on docketed letters, includes the name and location of the recipient, the outward registered number, the inward registered number of the piece of correspondence to which this was a response, the date of the correspondence, any reference number used by the correspondent, a transcription of the letter or memo and notes of any enclosures. The inclusion of the inwards correspondence reference number allows the inwards correspondence to be consulted in VPRS 19 Correspondence Inwards.The correspondence in the Sydney Branch volumes is directed to the Colonial Secretary and other officials such as the Attorney General, the Auditor General and the Colonial Treasurer. Matters dealt with are reports on the administration of the colony and other matters relating to administration, finance and the maintenance of the official and military establishments.Local correspondence is directed to officials and government servants as well as to private persons. Copies of circulars sent to specific groups of officials such as local Commissioners of Crown Lands or the Bench of Magistrates are included. Matters dealt with include instructions regarding the interpretation and application of regulations, responses to petitions, seekers of appointments to office, responses to complaints about local provision of government services, the granting of permits and the arbitration of disputes in relation to all the functions of the office. (see VA 473 Superintendent, Port Phillip District)