Summary

Folder containing a typed document (approximately 55 pages) entitled 'Smoke Night' for retirement of A.W. Smart, Collector of Customs, Melbourne, 1909.

This is one of a collection of four items relating to the customs law, regulations and employees in Australia which had been in the possession of John Joseph Fleming who worked for the Customs Dept in Melbourne from about 1950 until he retired as Assistant Collector for Customs Victoria in about 1986. There are official photographs of John with John Button (Victorian Senator 1974-1983 and Federal Minister for Industry & Commerce 1983-93) and Minister Barry Jones (Vic state MP 1972-77 & federal MP 1977-1998) taken during his employment. His brother William Robert (Bob) commenced his customs employment about 1949 and retired early (to play more golf!). Their father William Joseph Fleming lived from 1893-1969 and during that time he too worked for the Customs Dept in Victoria.

Physical Description

Folder containing a typed document, approximately 55 pages

Significance

Statement of Historical Significance:
These documents provide valuable original records of the workings of customs in Victoria and Australia and would have been essential reference tools for customs employees, including those based at Customs House Melbourne. H.N.P. Wollaston, author of 'Customs Law & Regulations' is listed in the book as Permanent Head of the Dept of Trade & Customs & Controller General of Customs, author of Trade Customs & Marine Law of Victoria and the Customs Handbook - consequently a key figure in Australian customs history. Their provenance back to a long term customs employee demonstrates the active use of these books as resources and connects them directly to customs work and the Customs House Melbourne.

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