VPRS 11485 "Country Boys" Register

Full description

The register was created to provide information on boys who were sent to work in the country, usually on farms. This work was carried out by an unknown charity, in conjunction with the Education Department.

Each boys entry covers two folios, on facing pages. The first folio details the boys work history, the second folio details the boys wage account.

The work history lists the boys name and age, a record number, names of living relatives (parents), boys address, religion, and the wage payable to the boy. Then there follows a work history compiled under a number of headings:
1. Date (that the boy started job)
2. Employer (name of employer or company)
3. Address (of employer)
4. Letters from Employer (details of correspondence received)
5. Letters to Employer (dates of correspondence only)
6. Letters from Boy (dates only)
7. Letters to Boy (dates only)
8. Papers Sent to Boy (dates only)

The second folio, Wage Account, also lists details under a number of headings:
1. Employer (name of employer)
2. Period of Service, From & To (dates)
3. Rate per Week (salary)
4. Date Left Employ
5. Amount of Wages Due
6. Cash Paid to Boy and Amount Spent on Clothing by Employer
7. Amount Received at Office
8. Balance of Wages Banked
9. Amount Paid to Parents or Guardian of Boy by Society
10. Amounts Withdrawn from Bank
11. Bank Balance