AGY-4996 | Out-port Branch, Newcastle

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As part of a general move to place all colonial customs services under the direct control of the Commissioners of Customs in London Michael Cullin Cotton and Burman Langa were appointed by the British Treasury to be Collector, and Comptroller of Customs in July 1828. These men took up duty from 2 February 1829. These officers were not only responsible for the collection of local revenues and the regulation of local trades but were also charged with the important duty of enforcing the laws relating to navigation and trade throughout the British Empire. In 1852 the control of all revenues of the Colony of New South Wales was transferred to the local Legislature, however, the Customs continued to be a kind of semi-Imperial institution. The Tide Surveyors carried out a general supervision of everything connected with Customs afloat, measured vessels under the Merchant Ships Acts, and even carried out provisions of the Chinese Immigration Act of 1861. A Tidewaiter was approved to be appointed at Newcastle harbour 1 July, 1835 (1) In June 1846 the Colonial Secretary appointed Charles Bolton Esq. as Sub-collector of customs and warehouse-keeper at Newcastle.(2) The Commonwealth of Australia Act, 1901 transferred of the Customs Department to the Federal jurisdiction. The collections of customs and excise by the New South Wales Government ceased on 31 December 1900. References: Golder, Hilary. Politics, Patronage and Public Works. The Administration of New South Wales 1842-1900 UNSW Press. 2005 McMartin, Arthur. Public Servants and Patronage. Sydney University Press. 1983 NSW Government Notices [Blue Books] 1862 - 1869. NSW Government Printer. NSW Government Gazette. 1834 - 1900. NSW Government Printer. Endnotes: (1) Letters received from the Board of Commissioners of Customs, London NRS 3638, 4/5059 p.333 (2) NSW Government Gazette 19 June, 1846 p.749