New South Wales Department of Mines (1874 - 1891)

Summary

The New South Wales Department of Mines was established under an Act of 1874 which transferred to the new Department administrative functions that had been exercised by the Department of Lands. These functions centred on the regulation of mining on crown land. The Act created a new system of mining districts, provided for the appointment mining wardens, and authorised the establishment of a School of Mines and a mineralogical museum. A Mining Board of up to 11 members was established with responsibility for drafting regulations. Over the next few years the Department established Branches for, inter alia, Mining Surveyors, Occupation of Lands, and Sheep Inspectors. In 1891 the Department was replaced by the Department of Mines and Agriculture.

Related entries

Timeline

 1856 - 1859 New South Wales Department of Lands and Public Works
       1859 - 1981 New South Wales Department of Lands
             1874 - 1891 New South Wales Department of Mines
                   1891 - 1908 New South Wales Department of Mines and Agriculture
                         1908 - 1978 New South Wales Mines Department
                         1908 - 2004 New South Wales Department of Agriculture

Published resources

Resource Sections

• State Records Authority of New South Wales, 'Agency AGY-76: Department of Mines, 01-05-1874 to 23-10-1891', Sydney. https://search.records.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=ORGANISATIONS1000198&context=L&vid=61SRA. Details