VPRS 957 Yearly Abstract of Cost and Register of Works and Buildings

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. Prior to the establishment of the Department (1855) these responsibilities were carried out by the Colonial Architect and, from 1854, the Colonial Engineer.This series consists of summaries of the works done and their cost each year. Some works extended over a number of years and it is thus possible to see their total cost over time. Details included whether the works involved construction or maintenance, some details of the works and their cost. Provision is made for references to other records such as the Expenditure Ledger (see VPRS 69 Ledgers), the Rent Book (see VPRS 978 Rent Book) and the reports regarding state of repair. Each page is headed with the location and nature of the work.