NRS-8453 | Petitions [Department of Lands]

The series consists of petitions, requests and applications lodged with the Department of Lands.The system of Local Land Boards was established by the Crown Lands Act of 1884 (48 Vic. No.18, 1884). Local Land Boards were established as community based tribunals for the purpose of resolving disputes in relation to land settlement in New South Wales, with their role broadening over successive years.Individuals and groups could submit petitions and other correspondence to their local Land Boards in regard to the appointment of public officers to the Board, the reduction of rental of leases, alterations to land Acts, the reappraisal of boundaries, and requests for information on proposed land use.The records include a range of diverse topics, including the extension of mining areas and the proclamations of gold fields, queries about timber regulations and land surveying methods, the construction of water supply schemes and the employment of individuals in local Land Board offices.There are a small number of records preceding 1884 which were submitted to government officials regarding declarations of gold discoveries, measures to mitigate the spread of agricultural diseases and letters of support for individuals in office.The correspondence is numbered by year followed by a unique number.