NRS-14496 | Rough assignation books

Full description

Similar in content to the Assignation books, these volumes give an outline of proceedings taken down by the Registrar of the Vice Admiralty Court (transcripts of evidence being taken down by a shorthand writer). The outlines vary in content but usually show such information as judge presiding, names of plaintiffs and defendants and their respective attorneys, the ship concerned, name of the master and date of hearing. Outlines may also note the procedure adopted, ie. names of witnesses examined, lists of documents tendered in evidence and motions submitted. Normally the nature of the action is included, together with the judge's orders including the final decree of the Court.

The dates the action was entered and the warrant of arrest was issued are also frequently noted. However, later volumes give a fuller account of proceedings including evidence tendered by witnesses, the amount of damages demanded, the costs awarded and fees due to the officers of the Court.

1861-70, 1872-74, 1876-78 (5/2888-92, 5/2894). 6 vols. 

Note:
This description is extracted from Concise Guide to the State Archives of New South Wales, 3rd Edition 2000.