VPRS 13295 Register of Licensees, Ararat, Section 49 Land Act 1869

Section 49 of the Land Act 1869 allowed the granting of a license for the occupation of auriferous (gold-bearing) land for a period of one year at a time. The amount of land was to be no more than 20 acres with an individual being permitted to hold one licence only. The fees were to be set by regulation.Records of rent payments were kept in Registers of Licensees which gave the date of the license, the name of the licensee, the location (parish, section and allotment) and the extent of the land. Financial details included were the rate per annum for the occupation of the land, any fees and charges other than for the occupation and details of rent instalments paid. In the column for remarks are notations regarding such matters as forfeiture, revocation and transfers of licenses or leases and any relevant references to correspondence, later purchase of the land or entries in the Government Gazette regarding Ministerial approval of the license and gazette notices for renewal. For Registers such as this maintained by local officers or Receivers of Revenue there may be a signature by the licensee for the receipt of the license.