New South Wales, Australia, Census, 1901

The 1901 Census for the state of New South Wales, Australia is contained in this database. Taken on the 31 of March, 1901 and organized alphabetically by district, the census records the surnames of each head of household and the number of people in the household. Gender is indicated by the column in which the number of householders is written along with columns indicating whether persons of either Chinese or Aboriginal ethnicity were found in the household. The State of New South Wales gives no warranty regarding the data's accuracy, completeness, currency or suitability for any particular purpose.

In New South Wales the first records akin to census records, called Musters, were taken by the colonial government to determine how much of the population needed food from the government stores and how many were self-supporting. Musters were also used as a means of control over the convict population. As the Governor could not compel free men to a Muster, censuses were conducted beginning in 1828 with the same purpose in mind, but taken by collectors. The collectors completed printed forms in their appointed districts, and then turned them over to the local Commissioner or Bench of Magistrates who in turn forwarded them to the Colonial Secretary’s Office. Although more information was recorded in the 1901 Census than householder names and numbers, these records have not survived.

Some of the above information was taken from:

• Short Guide 7 – NRS 685, 1901 Census Collectors’ Books (Kingswood, New South Wales, Australia: New South Wales Government State Records).

Information in this database:

• Surname of head of household
• Residence
• District & sub-district
• County
• Number of persons in household
• gender

Information that may be in this database:

• Type of dwelling
• Borough
• Municipal district or ward
• Township or village

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