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Series VPRS
23
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Index to Inquest Deposition Files
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| Date Range: |
Series |
1862 - 1988 |
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Series in Custody |
1862 - 1987 |
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Contents |
1840 - 1987 |
| Public Access: |
Part Open |
| Location: |
North Melbourne |
| Format of Records: |
Physical |
  | Agency which created this SeriesAgency which created this Series |
| Agency currently responsible for this SeriesAgency currently responsible for this Series |
| Description of this SeriesDescription of this Series |
- How to use the Records
For inquests between 1840 to 1985 researchers should consult the CD-ROM Inquest Index and note the year and file number.
The records in VPRS 24 Inquest Deposition Files were arranged in annual single number order. Using the year and file number, researchers may identify the file they wish to retrieve from this series.
Researchers wishing to consult the actual indexes, however, should follow the procedure below.
For inquests held from 1840 to 1959, other than inquests which utilised juries, were held on more than one person or were heard by a Justice of the Peace (known as Magisterial Inquiries): consult VPRS 1920 M/F: Index to inquest deposition files. This microfiche index is directly available in the search rooms.
- Function / Content
This series was created by VA 2889 Registrar-General's Department and VA 862 Office of the Registrar General to control all inquest deposition files held in custody. Although the files, VPRS 24 Inquest Deposition Files, were created by the various Coroners courts, registration and storage was the responsibility of the Registrar-General from 1856 to 1988. Files dating back to 1840 were covered by this arrangement.
- Recordkeeping System
Files were controlled by means of an annual single number system allocated by the Office of the Registrar General, available evidence suggesting that until at least 1974 numbers were allocated after a batch of files had accumulated.
There are two sequences of indexes. These two sequences are:
CONSOLIDATED INDEXES Units 1 to 4 of the P000 consignment, controlling files for the period 1840 to 1903.
Entries in these volumes were made in lexicographical (ie strict alphabetical) order by deceased's surname, with separate sequences for males and females for the period 1840 to 1880. This suggests that these volumes were created some time after the files had been originally registered. It is possible that the volumes were compiled by the Office of the Registrar-General during a major indexing program during 1908 to 1910 although this cannot be proven.
Entries in these indexes detail, at least, the inquest number, name of deceased and the inquest finding. Volumes to 1892 (units 1 to 3) also include the place of death and the age and profession of the deceased. Unit 4, however, covering the years 1893 to 1903, details only the name of the deceased and the inquest number.
REMAINING INDEXES all remaining units, spanning the period from 1862 to 1987
All of the volumes created during this period have a number of common features. These are that: individual volumes usually spanned 1 or 2 years; each volume appears to have functioned as the source record for the allocation of file numbers; and that entries were made during the year in which the file was originally created. There are differences, however, in terms of arrangement and entry detail. These differences include, for the following periods:-
1862 to 1880
This period is covered by four volumes (units 41 to 44 of the P000 consignment), which, with VPRS 138 Registers of Inquest Depositions 1840 to 1861, appear to be the source from which the consolidated indexes were created.
Entries in these volumes are arranged in numerical (ie inquest number) order within alphabetical sections. Occasionally the pages in these volumes have the words "compared with rough index" written over them in pencil, indicating that these entries were checked against a rough index made during creation of the consolidated indexes.
Entries in these volumes detail the name of the deceased, inquest finding and file number.
1881 to 1903
No volumes are extant.
1904 to 1974
Entries in these volumes are also arranged in numerical (ie inquest number) order within alphabetical sections. Annual volumes were created for the years 1901 to 1918 and two-year volumes between 1919 to 1974 (with exceptions).
These indexes appear to have acted as both rough and final index. Markings on the inside cover of almost all volumes refer to "last numbers". This seemingly marks the process whereby the last inquest number allocated in a batch was noted so as to provide the next number for subsequent allocations.
Many of the volumes between 1911 and 1974 contain additional information on the first page. This information serves to identify inquests which utilised juries, were held on more than one person or were heard by a Justice of the Peace (these were known as Magisterial Inquiries). These pages are not included on the microfilm copy of the indexes, VPRS 1920.
Entries detail the name of deceased, file number, inquest finding and, from 1915, date of the inquest.
1974 to 1987
Entries are arranged in lexicographical (ie strict alphabetical) order. From 1974 entries ceased to be created in bound volumes but were typed in index strips which were subsequently arranged to form pages which were later photocopied and stapled together to create a composite volume. The original strips were then destroyed.
The information for each entry includes the name of the deceased, the date of death and the inquest number. Inquest findings were not included. Each entry also includes a number essential to the creation of the indexes which became obsolete once the final index was established. From 1978 entries also contain the cost of photocopying the entire file (a sum to be ignored by Public Record Office Victoria researchers) and, if applicable, the number of photographs to be found in the file.
Entries for the second half of 1974 can be found in two volumes.
Inquest Findings
Some abbreviations appear in the cause of death/inquest findings column. These initials or phrases and their meanings are:
NSE -- not sufficient evidence; coroner is unable to determine from the evidence submitted whether the cause of death was accidental or the result of an alleged criminal act (c1910 to 1974).
(W)SA -- (wilfully) self administered (1967 to 1974).
(W)SA -- (wilfully) self inflicted (1967 to 1974).
ASI -- accidentally self inflicted (1967 to 1974).
OD -- overdose.
MC -- motor car.
ACC -- accidental.
Dep with Cn Sol -- depositions with Crown Solicitor. Inquest leading to a criminal charge. File forwarded to Crown Solicitor (1840 to c1895).
Visitation of God -- death of a highly unusual and sudden nature such as being struck by lightning (1840 to c1900).
Some causes of death in these indexes are not complete. This applies especially to accidental deaths or suicides where the manner of death (e.g. gunshot wound) is given without the accidental or suicide reference. Similarly, a rather vague term of "death by natural causes" is occasionally given. The inquest file in such instances will reveal the exact medical cause of death.
VPRS 23 was succeeded in 1988 by a computerised case management system, VPRS 11901 Database for the Management and Control of Coronial Investigations.
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