[Handwritten in red ink at top of page:] PP09/2917

C & E [Customs and Excise] '09/10059

[Stamped in purple ink ‘DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFFAIRS' with reference number 9/9952' handwritten inside stamp in red ink.]

Subject: -

Collector: Re Handprints taken in connection with the Immigration Restriction Acts 1901-5-8.

The Secretary to the

Department of External Affairs,

MELBOURNE.

1. The attention of the Secretary is directed to the Instruction on Form No. 24 (copy attached) relative to the taking of impressions of the hand under the Immigration Restriction Acts 1901-5-8.

2. In connection with the matter referred to by Mr. Clarke in his minute of 4.8.09 herein, it is submitted that a rolled print of the [the word ‘left’ inserted] thumb may be taken in addition to the impression of the hand.

3. The imprint of the thumb as at present taken is of no use as it is a side print which cannot be avoided when taken at the same time as the hand.

4. If at any time a doubt existed when comparing the prints the impress of the thumb would be of great assistance in helping to decide the question.

[Illegible handwritten signature.]

Collector of Customs, Vic.,

26^th August, 1909.

[Stamped: '27 AUG 1909'.]