Efficient communications were vital to the rapid development of Port Phillip but had to be created in a virtual wilderness. Volume 4 brings together all official documents which could be located in the important areas of communications, shipping, trade and transport, during the founding years. It contains information on early shipping, charting and Customs activities, Government-controlled immigration schemes (including passenger lists where available) and the growth in control of the liquor trade. Government licensing of the first newspapers, and the organisation of satisfactory postal services are also dealt with.