Correspondence files, annual single number series [Main correspondence files series of the agency]

From NAA Records Search:
"This series was the general filing system of the agencies shown above. Originally each letter received was registered (and top-numbered when later correspondence on the same subject was received). From the mid to late 1920's, the system gradually became one of file registration rather than letter registration, with only important letters or those raising new business being registered. The subject matter on the files includes administrative and personnel matters as well as the following functions administered by the agencies from time to time: Immigration and emigration Aliens registration Naturalization Passports (except 1916-1918) Influx of criminals Indentured coloured labour People of races for whom special laws were thought necessary External affairs ) (1903-1916) Pacific islands ) Governor-General and Federal Executive Council ) (1903-1911) Officers of the Parliament ) Northern Territory administration (1911-1938) Seat of Government administration (1916-1938) Island territories administration (?1903-1928) Papua (and, from 1921, New Guinea) administration (1905-1928) Fisheries (extra-territorial) Forestry and forestry education Geodesy Astronomy and solar observatory Meteorology (1916-1938) Oil and mineral prospecting - encouragement of Elections and Franchise (1916-1938) Australian War Memorial Commonwealth Literary Fund National Museum of Australian Zoology Lands and surveys (1916-1928) Properties (acquisition, disposal, rental) (1916-1928) Transport ) Railways ) (1932-1938) Shipping ) All items in this series in the custody of Australian Archives as at October 1997 have been entered onto the item level database ANGAM II"