Ferdinand von Mueller

1

See also W. Odgers to M, 21 May 1870, and M to J. McCulloch, 25 May 1870.

Memorandum

in reference to the reply

of Mr. W. Ferguson,

dated 23 May 1870.

2

William Ferguson wrote to Odgers on 23 May 1870: 'Referring to your memo. of the 21st inst as to the authorship of a certain letter in the "Argus" of the 20th inst adressed to the Director of the Botanic Gardens, and forwarded by him to me, without note or commend; I have the honor to state in reply, that having seen a letter signed "Red Gum" in the "Argus", I inadvertantly considered it, as an enquiry addressed to myself, and being unaware of the Rules of the Civil Service, answered it — I have since read the Regulations of the Civil Service, and regret that I have inadvertantly violated them: and I beg to assure Sir James McCulloch that no recurrence of any thing of this sort will happen at my hands. — The peculiar circumstances in which I am placed will I trust; with all respect, be considered as a justification of my addressing you direct.'

In submitting the reply of Mr. W. Ferguson to the memorandum of the Undersecretary, I beg respectfully to remark, that the Inspector of forests in his official capacity for several months frequented the Office of the Lands Department, before he entered on duties at the botanic Garden also; and I need scarcely add, that at the Lands Office the Civil Service Regulations are visibly posted. He moreover would have seen these regulations fixed in the Garden Office also, had he attended there, as he was asked to do at the commencement of his duties, on the 16 December 1869, when in the presence of the Office Clerk he was requested to call every morning for such directions, as I had to give as responsible Director. This he failed to do, and this was brought in an official letter, dated and forwarded 6. January 1870,

3

Letter not found.

under the notice of the then Minister of the Department,

4

James McKean .

to which communication no reply was received. (F) In reference to any peculiar circumstances, to which he alludes, I can say nothing, as he leaves them unexplained. The memorandum from the hon. the Chief Secretary required in my opinion neither notes nor explanations from me, but mere transmission, and this was effected through the Clerk of the office of the botanic Garden personally, from whom no questions were asked.

(F) I mention this merely now to show, that it was no fault of mine, if this officer did not get acquainted with the Civil Service regulations