Ferdinand von Mueller

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MS is a letterpress copy.

12/4/89.

From former communications you will be aw[are,] dear Mr Chalmers, how eager is the Vict. branch of the R.G.S.A., that the Owen Stanley's Ranges should be early ascended, and that a stay of a few weeks should be made at various camps on the summits. This drive is intensified by the Finisterre Ranges having been scal[ed] by a German party, which had help from the German War-Vessels, stationed on the N. Coast of N.G. It was very unfortunate for us that your duties retained you so long in England; otherwise you would have been the first in the highlands of N.G. The Council of the Vict. branch of the R.G.S.A. secured a few months ago again a vote of £1000, as the Colon. revenue proved good; so we set apart £500 for Central Australian Exploration, Mr Tietkens having started already. When Governor M'Gregor was here, his Excellency expressed himself very eager to ascend the Owen Stanley's Ranges himself, and as he has ampler resources than you possibly could have, we placed £500 at his disposal as a Subsidy for such an expedition to be drawn successively as expenditure for strictly geographic purposes for the highlands were incurred, it being anticipated, that your domestic ties would allow you, to participate in the ascent. But lately we learnt, you had gone to the Rivers of the Papuan Gulf; and as it seems by no means arranged, that Gov McGregor will be able to lead a party for a few weeks stay up to the Owen Stanley's Ranges this year during the favorable months, we are placed at great disadvantage for the the

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renewal of our grant in the finance year, commencing 1. July. I now urgently write on behalf of the geogr. Council here whether you could undertake this season the exploration of the uplands of the Owen-Stanleys Ranges, should his Excellency not be able to enter on the exploration himself, who however would be sure, to do for you, what the hon. Mr Douglas did for Cuthbertson. Please write us as early as possible, and telegraph at once. The meeting of the Austr. Assn. for the Advancement of Science takes place early in Jan 1890, by which time the Council will want to have the results

Telegraphic [...] [communication] is more needed for Port Moresby than anything

With best regards to you and the excellent Mr Lawes