Ferdinand von Mueller

1

When the O'Loghlen ministry was sworn in on 9 July 1881, no Minister of Public Works was appointed. Two days later, it was announced that the Minister for Railways, Thomas Bent, would stand in temporarily (Argus, 12 July 1881). No Minister was formally appointed until 19 August, when Charles Young was sworn in as Commissioner of Public Works.

Melbourne, 30/7/81

Sir

I have the honor to inform you that at a meeting of the Trustees of the Royal Park, held yesterday, it was resolved to ask you to grant them an interview, as they are anxious that the building formerly used as a powder-magazine should be removed from the Park and that the two adjoining cottages should be handed over to the Trustees. As my colleagues are simultaneously seeking as a depution

2

deputation? A deputation met with Bent on 12 August 1881 and were told that the site was being considered as a location for a Railway Station (Argus, 15 August 1881, p. 6). The Royal Park station, on the Inner Circle line, opened in 1888.

to obtain an interview with the Honorable the Minister of the Lands-Department for obtaining a small grant for improvements in the Park,

3

See M to D. Gaunson, 30 July 1881.

perhaps my colleagues may be allowed at the same hour to wait on you also.

The Honorable

the Minister of

Public Works.