Ferdinand von Mueller

Melbourne,

29/5/78.

W. H. Odgers Esqr.,

Undersecretary.

Sir,

In acknowledgement of your circular of the 27. May

1

See W. Odgers to M, 27 May 1878.

I have the honor to suggest, that the hon. the Chief Secretary may permit me to defer for a few days yet my sending in an estimate of the likely expenditure in the Gov. Botanists Department for the new financial year. You will be aware, that the hon. Gentleman appointed a board of 3 members of Parliament to advise on the resuscitation of my Department.

2

The Parliamentary Board of Inquiry 'to inquire into the present position of Dr Mueller', chaired by L. L. Smith, had reported on 11 July 1877.

I understand that it is the desire of the hon. the Minister to have an interview with the board of advise before the estimates are framed, and as I am not even aware of the precise recommendations of the Board, it seems best, not to anticipate their intentions by an estimate of mine. I need not say, that I will at once prepare the estimates according to my own views, if the hon. Graham Berry desires it. May I add, that my estimate of buildings, sent to the Minister of public works, as requested, is merely a preliminary one. Perhaps I may be allowed to wait on the minister before the Budget is printed.

3

as requested … printed. is marked in the margin with a line.

MS annotation by G. Berry, the Chief Secretary, 1 July 1878: 'Clerks 1 at £200 1 [at] £150 continue finances as before'. See also M to G. Berry, 2 July 1878.