The cards, which measure 20.5 x 13cm, are indexed under headings,  arranged in alphabetical order, (Aborigines to Year Book). Subject headings are allocated from a typed 'List of Indexable Headings. (This is to be transferred to Archives with the index cards). A sample of headings, selected at random, read as follows: Brokers; chemicals; lBRD; Lend Lease; Newspapers; Overseas Posts; Taxation; Wheat. There are no corresponding entries under certain headings, eg. Astronomy; Arts; Asia and Asian.

The cards, which are in reasonable condition, are held in five type 10 Archives boxes. Although the majority of the cards are handwritten, a number have been typed, sometimes a complete section eg. 'Insurance' and 'Records Management'. The originals of these cards were evidently destroyed.

The top section of the card is divided into three parts, the left hand side allowing for 'Side number'; the right hand, 'Code number'; the centre being used to record the index heading and sub-heading eg. 'Aborigines - Missions'. The file numbers are recorded on the right hand side with the file titles opposite. Both sides of the card are utilized and a new card commenced for each sub-heading eg. Agriculture Code Number 9; Agriculture - General 9/1; Agriculture - Standing Committee 9/2; Agriculture - Agricultural Council 9/3; Agriculture - Gardens 9/4. It appears, too, as it became necessary to add new subject headings* nearest alphabetical neighbour - hence 'Aid - General' 9A/1and 'Aides-de-Camp - General' 9b/1.

The cards here described were typed - onto A4 paper by the Department prior to being committed to microfiche. It may be worth noting that no attempt was made to reproduce the cards as they, in fact, are - eg. spelling errors have been corrected (file 61/2160 appearing on the cards as "Aboriginal Affairs and Subsides to Missions, NT" was typed "Aboriginal Affairs and Subsidies to Missions, NT") and the number was typed on the left hand side then the file title, whereas on the cards the opposite is the case.

*An alphabetical suffix was given to the number of the subject heading.