So you've heard of Government Gazettes ... but just what are they, and how can
they help you with your research?What is a Government Gazette?
This was an official publication of all Government notices, including the
operation dates of Acts of Parliament. Once the notice in the Gazette is
published, the public is deemed to have notice of it. Often produced once a
week, with occasional 'Extraordinary' released, the 1887 issues were released
once a week, and each is approx. 60 pages in length.
What will I find in a Victorian Government Gazette?
Tens of thousands of ordinary people and localities, small and large, are
mentioned every year in Government Gazettes. You will find details on land
transactions and leases, court notices, notice of acts, tenders and contracts,
auctions, licences, unclaimed property, impoundments of cattle and horses,
reward notices, and so much more ...
How can this information help me?
Government Gazettes contain a vast amount of historical and genealogical
information. Now that they are on CD you can search for any number of names or
places easily. But they offer researchers much more than simply names and
places. They will help you reconstruct events and circumstances in the life of
individuals and communities.
Example entry taken from the 14 October 1887 issue:
'The Factories and Shop Act 1885' (No. 862, Sec. 5) - Certifying Medical
Practitioner
It is hereby notified that I have appointed the undermentioned legally
qualified medical practitioner to be a Certifying Medical Practitioner for
the District hereunder specified, viz:-
No. 2 District - Ballarat and Geelong
James Bennett Hayes, Esq., L.R.C.P., Smythesdale,
vice Robert Stewart, Esq., L.R.C.P., deceased.
Alfred Deakin,
Chief Secretary,
Chief Secretary's Office,
Melbourne, 7th October 1887
High quality scanned images of the each of the original issues. This CD
has been bookmarked for easy navigation, and pages can be searched, browsed,
enlarged and printed out if required.
