This paper examines the origins of the “Australasian” method of
recording share issues, and the method's adoption and institutionalisation
by practitioners into accepted accounting practice in Australia and New Zealand. It
includes an investigation of late nineteenth century and early twentieth century
company records (journals, ledgers and balance sheet disclosures); examination
papers set by early accounting bodies in Australia and New Zealand; and a review of
the accounting literature in Australia, New Zealand, United States, Britain, France
and Germany. Possible factors leading to the adoption of the method in Australia and
New Zealand are considered. No evidence substantiating the origin of the method in
Australia and New Zealand was found, but a number of possible origins are suggested.
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