Ferdinand von Mueller

Office of Lands and Survey.

Melbourne. 10th Decr 1869

Sir,

I am directed by the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands and Survey to refer you to the letter addressed to you by his instructions under date of 7th instant,

1

See A. Skene to M, 7 December 1869.

by the Surveyor General, and to state that Mr Ferguson has informed Mr McKean that in accordance with the information conveyed to you in the concluding paragraph of that letter, he (Mr Ferguson) waited upon you on the 8th instant with the view of forthwith commencing his duties. That he requested you would introduce him to the foremen of the different departments and labour parties employed in the Botanic Garden and contiguous reserves, with the view of informing them of his appointment and position in relation to them. That you declined to comply with this request until you had seen Mr McKean. Mr Ferguson further stated that you informed him by message you were going to the Lands Office that day, and would meet him there.

Mr Ferguson immediately returned from the Garden to this office, and remained until after half past three o'clock p.m. waiting your arrival. It appears that you called at this office on the day in question (the 8th instant), after the Hon. the Commissioner and Mr Ferguson had left, and, upon a card which you handed to Mr M […] intimated that you would write to Mr McKean.

As no communication from you has yet reached Mr McKean, and Mr Ferguson is still precluded by you from entering upon his duties in obedience to his instructions, I am to request you will be good enough to comply with Mr McKean's instructions, afford Mr. Ferguson all necessary information, and, without raising further difficulties or obstruction, place Mr Ferguson in the position assigned to him, so that he may forthwith proceed with his duties, without further correspondences.

2

On 13 December 1869 Lewis wrote to W. Ferguson that notwithstanding 'any difficulties should have arisen in connection with the assumption of your duties, Mr McKean cannot approve of, or support you, in the attitude you have adopted which appears antagonistic to Dr. Mueller by whose instructions and advice you must be guided in the performance of those duties. Dr Mueller has been asked for an explanation of that part of your letter announcing his refusal to see you, and his non-compliance with the instructions conveyed to him regarding your appointment. Under the circumstances represented by you your proper course was to submit a report of the result of your visit to Dr. von Mueller and to await further direction.' (Unit 3, pp. 278-9, VPRS 7936/P1, PROV).

Dr Von Mueller

Government Botanist

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