The 31 files in this series consist of copies of replies to correspondence maintained in the Prime Minister’s Office during the Prime Ministership of Joseph Benedict (Ben) Chifley by his Private Secretary (E W Tonkin). The period covered is primarily the last year of Chifley’s term of office (1949), although three files relate to the previous year. The copies were kept in separate files for each Ministerial portfolio (Air and Civil Aviation to Works and Housing), with those for Health and Social Security and Immigration and Information being the largest. Some files for other government offices (eg Commonwealth Actuary, Public Service Board) and particular subjects (eg prices, rationing) are also included in the series.

The contents of each file relate to matters referred to a Minister or official for advice or comment, and are arranged alphabetically within each file by name of the original correspondent. The correspondent (or organisation)’s name is typed on the top right hand corner of the copies and the portfolio to which the matter was referred is typed on the top left hand corner. The correspondents were mostly individuals, but local government bodies, Australian Labor Party branches, unions, professional and business organisations, returned service and other community associations are also represented. The original correspondence as received in the Prime Minister’s Office, and the replies from the different Ministers and government officials, will be found in the related series (especially M1455).

The Prime Minister’s Department transferred the records to archival custody in February 1950. For many years they were controlled as part of an accession (CP62/2, Bundles 3 and 4) until converted to series M1456 and allocated individual file numbers in May 1984. The series description was revised as part of the Prime Ministers Papers’ Project in January 2004.