Ferdinand von Mueller

Melbourne botanic Garden,

7. Febr 1862

Sir

Being desirous to interplant the Eucalypti on the drive from the City bridge to the botanic Garden with Elms, I beg to bring under your favorable consideration, that the measures for such a purpose should be so early adopted as to enable me to plant the trees during the month of May. I would propose, that on the whole length of the drive the ground should be trenched to the width of about four feet, whereby not only drainage would be given to the trees there already planted, but also it would be rendered possible to plant the Elms closely for over-shading the footpaths. If this proposition should meet with your approbation, I would solicit, that the sum of twenty five pounds Sterling (£25.- .-

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There is no closing bracket.

may be placed at my disposal for engaging men at very reduced wages at the immigration depot for this purpose, also to purchase some tools requisite for the work.

The Elms I shall be able to furnish through my establishment.

Clement Hodgkinson Esq &c &c &c

Secr. to the Board of Land & Work.

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On 12 February 1862, Hodgkinson minuted: 'Referred to Mr Agg for report after communicating with Mr Galt'. Edmond Agg reported on 13 February: 'The practice of handing over an amount of money to a Government Officer who does not find security is considered objectionable; and I am informed by Mr Galt that the Public Works Department carefully avoided such a course of proceedure'. Hodgkinson referred Agg's minute to M, noting: 'It would be very desirable to plant elms in the manner proposed by him but it appears that there is not precedent for handing over money to any Govt Officer who does not find security'.

M minuted a reply on 18 February: 'I did not desire to obtain an advance, but was anxious to obtain permission to incur liabilities to the amount of £25.- .-, the claims to be made in the usual form by requisitions and wages vouchers. Perhaps this proposal would secure Mr Hodgkinsons approval.' On 26 February, Hodgkinson recommended 'that an expenditure not exceeding £10 be authorized for preparing ground to receive the Elms along the avenue in question'. The Board of Land and Works notified their approval of this recommendation to Hodgkinson on 27 February, and Hodgkinson minuted on 1 March: 'Inform Dr Mueller accly: then refer papers to Mr Agg for his information'. M was informed in C. Hodkinson to M, 5 March 1862.