Correspondence - General., 1900 - 1936

Inwards and outwards correspondence. Initially this was arranged in one continuous chronological sequence. However, from 1927 to 1936, a new system was devised and correspondence was arranged by a code system. Each correspondence cluster was given an alphabetical-numerical code number, e.g. correspondence relating to the Canadian Longshoremen's strike, 1936, was coded W.1. After the numerical sub-code had reached somewhere between 100 and 150, that sequence would be terminated and a new sequence would begin under a new letter of the alphabet. The reason for starting a new sequence is uncertain.

A quick glance at the inventory reveals that some of these files seem to have disappeared (Files A-G, for example). However, no chronological gap exists into which they could reasonably be inserted. It is clear also that correspondence from the early years is incomplete. However, some of these gaps may be related to the system whereby certain correspondence was filed separately in other sequences (Subseries 1b-1h).

This series includes correspondence with other branches of the Union (including the Sydney Office), with union members, legal advisers, government departments, ministers of the crown and shipping companies, i.e. material more properly belonging in the other correspondence series.