Document information

Physical location:

No. 2952, unit 23, p. 116-17, VPRS 1187/P outward correspondence, VA 475 Chief Secretary's Department, Public Record Office,Victoria. 70.10.24

Preferred Citation:

William Odgers to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1870-10-24. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id/70-10-24>, accessed September 11, 2025

Chief Secretary's Office
Melbourne 24th October 1870
Sir
The Chief Secretary directs me to inform you that on visiting the Botanic Gardens on Friday last he was greatly surprised at observing their neglected state. He observed the boys lately sent from the Industrial Schools apparently doing what they thought fit, not working as they should have been under the eye of an overseer, and in fact there was no appearance of control of any kind being exercised over their movements
The conservatories were not in the condition which he should have expected to find them and the whole Department bore in his opinion unmistakeable evidences of a want of proper supervision and systematic management
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most obedient servant
W. H. Odgers
1
M replied in M to W. Odgers, 26 October 1870.