Function and purpose

This series consists of correspondence files created by the Secondary Industries Commission. This is indicated by handwritten “IC” (Industries Commission) prefix associated with most file numbers. As a variation, often there is a registry stamp with the initials “SI” (Secondary Industries) before the file number and many files contain both prefix variations. Files from a previous series (A9816) registered in 1943 by the Department of Post War Reconstruction were top-numbered into this series, indicated by red file numbers in the margin of the register (MP215/2).

All files in the series were registered in 1944 and 1945, but papers were added to some files in 1946 and as late as 1947. After 1945 many files were top-numbered into the subsequent multiple number series (A2669) maintained by the Division of Industrial Development. The Commission and the Division worked together very closely.

Correspondence covers subjects dealt with by the Industry Advisory Panels set up by the Commission in various industries, including textiles, mining, stoves and ovens, leather, furniture, radio and telecommunication, optical, electric motors and refrigeration. Other subjects covered include:

-         Manpower and employment

-         Wool industry

-         Chemical industry

-         Mining Industry

-         Shipping and Shipbuilding

-         Rural reconstruction

-         Electricity supplies

-         Fuel production

-         Optical industry

-         Machine tools

-         Tariffs

-         International economic negotiations

-         Coordination of imports and exports

-         Additions and amendments to, and relaxation of wartime controls

-         Disposal of army camps and stores

-         Conversion of wartime factories

-         Post war car manufacture

Some files have multiple sub-files, indicated by a further consecutive number after a slash following the file number. In some cases several sub-files have been enclosed in a file cover and given an “A” suffix, e.g. IC1944/74A, which includes a range of sub-files from IC1944/74/1 to IC1944/74/41.

Relationships with other records

The register is held as MP215/2 and the index as MP220/3; previous and subsequent series as noted above.

Series converted from

MT42/1 (part)

MT105/11

MT105/12

The following files were interfiled in B6571, having been removed from their original consignments:

IC1944/106                 – ex MP394/1

SI1944/108/33             – ex MP394/1

IC1944/558                 – ex MT105/8/1

SI1945/27/1                 – ex MT105/8/1

SI1945/111                  – ex MT105/8/1

SI1944/32/1                 – ex MT105/9

SI1944/32/2                 – ex MT105/9

SI1944/32/5                 – ex MT105/9

SI1944/32/6                 – ex MT105/9

SI1944/32/7                 – ex MT105/9

IC1945/36 PART 1     – ex B6410

SI1945/36 PART 2      – ex B6410

IC1944/195 PART 1   – ex B6410

IC1944/195 PART 2   – ex B6410

IC1944/353/5 [2 files] – ex B6410