This is the main correspondence series of the Collector of Customs in Melbourne. The annual single number registration was prefixed, until 1962, by "C & E" (common to all regions) and since then by "V" (for Victoria)*. The series began, probably in 1902, after the Immigration Restriction Act was assented to on 23 Dec. 1901.

The variation in the subjects dealt with reflects the changing functions of the Departments of Trade & Customs, and Customs & Excise. In general, functions shown are immigration restrictions, tariff classifications, excise, prohibited literature, administration, smuggling, prosecutions, shipping, exports and imports. Because of extensive culling by the Department the extant files up to the 1930's relate almost exclusively to immigration restriction.

The Collector of Customs, in association with the Department of External Affairs and its successors, carried out this function. There is very little correspondence with the Central Office of Trade and Customs on this subject. No early control records have survived. The earliest date found in subject and name index cards held by the Department (formerly MP 923/1) is 9 April 1923.
* Sometimes a distinguishing letter: A for general, C for immigration, S for security was placed between the initial prefix and the number.

MP964/1 should have been converted to this series and has been listed as a previous accession system transfer.

Previous series unregistered

General (and classified?) correspondence files, annual single number series with T and C prefix

Summary heading

Previous accession system transfers

MP964/1