The correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller: [Dr. Schomburgk's Successor ¶ .—On Tuesday afternoon the Government decided in Cabinet to appoint Mr. Maurice W. Holtze, the Government Gardener at Palmerston, as successor to the late Dr. Schomburgk....

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91.04.00c

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Ferdinand von Mueller to […], 1891-04 [91.04.00c]. 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/91-04-00c>, accessed May 5, 2025

Letter not found. The text given here is from 'The Botanic Gardens', Evening journal (Adelaide), 6 May 1891, p. 2. The addressee is not known. The letter is dated to April 1891 on the basis that the position became vacant on the death of Richard Schomburgk on 24 March 1891 (ADB). M's letter had evidently been received by the end of April: 'Betula', in a letter to the editor of the Express and telegraph (Adelaide), 1 May 1891, p. 2 wrote

It was rumored that the German curator of the Botanic Gardens, Northern Territory, would be likely to be appointed as successor to the late Dr Sohomburgk. This has evidently been a suggestion of Baron von Mueller's, who favors his own countrymen to the exclusion of colonials or British, and it was this practice of employing even sailors of his nation that resulted In his removal from Melbourne Botanic Gardens. Dr. Schomburgk may have acted differently, but he is an exception; and now that the Victorian Government botanist has attempted to rule the nominations to the Botanic Gardens of the colonies it is most probable that another German will be sent to take charge of the Northern Territory gardens In place of the other appointed to Adelaide. There will be little chance of position or employment for anyone not of the German race should this arranged appointment take place. There are many well-educated gentlemen fully competent in botanic knowledge who are more eligible here in Adelaide or the other colonies, and why not appoint one of them?

Nicholas Holtze was appointed to replace his father in the NT garden.

[Dr. Schomburgk's Successor .—On Tuesday afternoon the Government decided in Cabinet to appoint Mr. Maurice W. Holtze, the Government Gardener at Palmerston, as successor to the late Dr. Schomburgk. Mr. Holtze was appointed to his position in the Northern Territory on July 16, 1878, and he will begin his new duties on June 1. He is a capable botanist, and the Government are of opinion that he will make an able successor to the late Doctor. Baron Sir Ferdinand von Mueller, of Melbourne, was one of several authorities who recommended Mr. Holtze for the position.]

Other authorities not identified. The newspaper item continues with an account of Holtze's accomplishments as Government Gardener at Palmerston [Port Darwin] since his appointment in 1878.