VPRS 12686 Reports of Deputations

The Public Works Department (VA 669) had wide-ranging responsibilities for all public works and buildings, including construction, maintenance and fitting out of these buildings. Other major responsibilities included roads and bridges, ports and harbours, local government and water supply. Following the transfer of the responsibility for roads and bridges to the Roads and Bridges Branch in 1877, the Department assumed responsibility for the administration of the Local Government Act 1863.This series contains records of the deputations received by the Commissioner of Public Works or the Minister of Public Works from representatives of the community and interested groups. Deputations, introduced by local Members of Parliament, were often seeking provision of certain types of public buildings in their localities, the allocation of funds for the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges or the adjustment of municipal boundaries.Details at the head of the letterpress page give the names of the deputation members and their object as well as the details of the arrangements for the meeting. A Hansard style report is then given of the proceedings during the interview between the deputation and the Minister.VPRS 12686/P1 was previously registered as Units 10-15 of VPRS 986 Deputation Books. The records were reserialised in 2001 as part of the ARAD Project.