NRS-979 | Copies of letters to the Master Attendant, masters of ships, the Harbour Master and the Port Master

Full description

Continued from NRS 984, this series includes copies of letters addressed to the Master Attendant, from 1833 to the Harbour Master also, and from 1843 the Port Master only. There are also letters to the masters of ships engaged on government business up to about 1834, the supervision of these ships being one of his most important duties.

The Master Attendant was charged with constant attendance in the Dock Yard, muster of convicts employed, custody of the store, equipment of vessels, building of boats, account of the cargoes received and of fittings and materials from convict ships and inspection of the accounts of the masters of colonial vessels for provisions embarked for crews and convicts. He also had the duties of a harbourmaster and control of the boats used to guard against the escape of convicts.

The office of Master Attendant was instituted by Macquarie on Bigge's recommendation in January 1821. The object was to relieve the Chief Engineer, a military officer, of duties that Bigge believed were beyond his compass. John Nicholson, R.N., was appointed as Harbour Master, he took over most of the port duties formerly performed by the Naval Officer, who became essentially a customs officer only. His office received statutory recognition by the Shipping Act of 1825.

See also NRS 997 for letters to the Master Attendant re quarantine.

(4/3778-85; microfilm copy SR Reels 2862-2864). 8 vols.

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