Summary

Long metal document file. File hangs lengthways, with spaces between where dockets would have been inserted between each hinged leaf. Used at Newmarket Saleyards.

Possibly used by the Melbourne City Council 'checker' for 'stock passouts'. Drovers would herd the cattle or sheep into holding yards and would then leave a ticket or 'pass' in the box allocated to the agent they were working for. This pass indicated the number of animals delivered to the pens. Drafters worked throughout the night to sort the animals, ready for the start of sales. After the sale, drovers collected their passes which stated the number of animals to be taken out of the saleyards. This number was required to tally with the number counted by the Melbourne City Council employee as the livestock passed through the gates at the Epsom Road underpass, the Main Lane, or any other delivery outlet. The numbers on the pass were used to calculate the yard dues and charges which had to be paid by the agents.

Physical Description

Long, metal document tray designed to hang lengthways, to which is attached 31 leaves, hinged from the tray. The leaves appear to have been made from venetian blind offcuts, although it was professionally manufactured. Several names still remain on the staggered edges, typed onto plastic tape.

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