VPRS 12680 Register of Financial Returns and Estimates, Local Government

The Department of Railways and Roads (VA 2875) succeeded the Department of Roads and Bridges (VA 2694) in 1872 when the Secretary of the Department of the Railways also became the Secretary of the Department of Roads and Bridges.Under the Local Government Act 1863 the Board of Land and Works (VA 744) through he Department of Roads and Bridges and the Department of Railways and roads was responsible for the administration of the Act. This Act gave the responsibility for the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges to the municipalities within which they were situated, but under the direction and supervision of the Board. The Board was able to reimburse the municipalities for portion of the costs of them fulfilling this obligation under a number of specific sections of the relevant Acts.This series consists of the returns and estimates prepared for the Commissioner of Audit under the Local Government Act, the Shires Statute and the Boroughs Statute. These accounting records were maintained separately to those pertaining to the Departments own administration and activities.This series was formerly registered as Unit 1 of VPRS 4658 Register of Financial Returns and Estimates. It was reserialised in 2001 as part of the ARAD Project.