Related series unregistered

Folder containing copy of register ("File Index") by number and file title, relating to correspondence files, single (subject) number system with year prefix series, together with copy of schedules detailing files destroyed, by 1971 [Contents: 1950-1971]

Function and purpose

This series consists of correspondence files, single subject number with year prefix, created and maintained by the Migrant Reception and Training Centre at Bonegilla, Victoria, between 1950 to 1971.  In 1971, in preparing for the impending closure of the Bonegilla Centre, approximately 7 metres of material belonging to the series was destroyed, however, according to a Department of Immigration memo dated 10 December 1971, “the destruction of the records was decided upon the basis that they were considered to contain no historical information of any importance. All files were examined before destruction…all correspondence contained in the records is duplicated in Central Office…[and] it would appear that no real loss of historical material has occurred”.

 

Details of the files destroyed were supplied to National Archives by the then Department of Immigration as was a copy of the ‘file index’, which showed the number and corresponding title of the files that comprise the series. 

The file index lists 18 headings: 

1.      Administration;

2.      Instructions;

3.      Reports;

4.      Returns;

5.      Religious Institutions;

6.      Communications;

7.      Publications;

8.      Medical;

9.      Shipping;

10.  Accommodation;

11.  Canteen;

12.  Documents;

13.  Movements;

14.  Baggage;

15.  Accounts;

16.  Supply;

17.  Transport;

18.  Works

Content of the files deal with administration of the Centre such as routine staffing matters- holidays, sick leave, duty statements, overtime, protective clothing, as well as works, rations, and amenities agenda and minutes.  Case files and issues relating to the administration and care of migrants and refugees are also included, including Maltese, Armenian, Dutch, Hungarian and Russian migrants.  Case files also address medical and health matters including ‘mental cases’, ‘deaths’, ‘trachoma’ and ‘X rays’; and problem cases such as ‘stowaways’.  Also included are press statements from Minister for Immigration in 1967. 

Additional administrative ‘unnumbered files’ were also included in this series, listed as “additional unnumbered files following on in drawer after file no. 169”.  These files include:

·        Training documents

·        Map of Centre

·        Take over from Bonegilla Centre from Department of the Army

·        Figures relating to Migrant intake Bonegilla Centre

·        Extra copies of Board of Enquiry

·        Long weekend visitors

Related legislation

 

Using the series

A copy of the file index and a list of the files destroyed exists on the series file.  The original’s whereabouts is unknown, and is listed as an unregistered series.

Language of material

 

Physical characteristics

 

System of arrangement and control

 

Relationships with other records

 

Finding aids

Consignment lists exist for this series in the form of the ‘file index’. As at November 1, 2002, 28 items out of approximately 620 items have been registered in RecordSearch, or 4% of the series.

Access conditions

 

Series history

 

Provenance

 

Immediate source of acquisition

 

Custodial history

 

Quantity in agency custody

 

Disposal history

 

Publication note

 

Additional information

 

End notes

 

Sources