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Unit 1, VPRS 1199 Chief Commissioner's inward correspondence, VA 724 Victoria Police, Public Record Office, Victoria. 55.06.06Preferred Citation:
Ferdinand von Mueller to Charles MacMahon, 1855-06-06. 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//letters/1850-9/1855/55-06-06-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026
Melbourne,
6. June 1855
Sir
I consider it my duty to inform you, that the shooting on the banks of the Yarra opposite
the botanical gardens has lately again & frequently taken place.
Being under the impression, that this is considered unlawful, I would feel very much
obliged by an order of yours being given to the officer in charge of the police at
the Yarra, to supress the shooting there. It was so delightful to see waterfowls of
all description flock to the bot. garden lagoon as the only place of serenity here
in the neighboorhood, giving life to the scenery around.
This birds have in consequence of their being hunted, lately much there decreased.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
your most obed. and humble servant
Ferd. Mueller.
Capt. M'Mahon,
Chief Commissioner of Police
&c &c &c
1
On 9 June 1855 MacMahon minuted: 'I should be obliged if Mr Bookey would direct the
Police to do all they can to put a stop to this nuisance. I believe that much of it
is carried on in the Gardens and connived at by those in charge. I have written to
the Government Botanist to that effect but at the same wish the police to be as vigilant
as possible in preventing etc'. Bookey replied on 11 June: 'The shooting does not
take place at this side of the river [i.e. in Richmond]. I have given instructions
to keep the Boat in readiness and to have the parties offending taken.'