Ferdinand von Mueller

Melbourne

26/12/78.

To the honorable Roger Goldsworthy,

C.M.G., Colonial Secretary of Western Australia.

Sir.

I have the honor to acknowledge to

1

the?

receipt of your letter of the 26 November,

2

See R. Goldsworthy to M, 26 November 1878 (in this edition as 78-11-26a).

in which you inform me, that the land, for which I applied on behalf of Mr Giles,

3

Ernest Giles.

was not eligible, and it is but fair to myself, that I should add, that I was in no way aware of the area in question being a commonage, as otherwise — of course — I would not have asked for it. No mail went from here by the "Omeo" this month; thus this is the first opportunity after the receipt of your communication of the 26 Nov. for me to reply I hope his Excellency and his honorable advisers will now extend the time of selection, til Mr John Forrest's return, who will act as my agent, either for an other selection or for the disposal of the grant. The refusal of my application for the land between Perth & Fremantle comes so unaware, that I had no means to make an other selection yet. I had the honor of asking his Excellency by last months mail already to let the final arrangements for this grant stand over til Mr Forrest can act for me, and as I am here at the distance quite powerless, I feel sure Sir Harry Ord will not refuse me this reasonable request. But as the time of extension will lapse, before the next Swan River mail can arrive here, I shall telegraph to you, honored Sir, before, announcing that this formal application further extension of of

4

Word repeated; further extension of is interlined.

time is forwarded by this mail. I have the honor to be Sir, your very obedient

5

Goldsworthy sent a minute to the Governor, H. Ord, on 11 January 1879: 'The extension of time has already been granted by yr Excellency I believe.' On 16 January Goldsworthy sent a further minute to J. Forrest: 'You stated to me verbally that this matter you thought you could conclude on or about 16th Instant. — Have you succeeded. — I should like to know so that Baron Von Müeller may be answered.' Forrest replied on 20 January: 'I do not think he need be answered. I have sold his right & the application will be made in a day or two & I do not anticipate any further difficulty'. The next day Goldsworthy minuted: 'Inform Baron Von Müeller that it appears from Mr Forrests statement that no further time is reqd.'