Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Letter not found. The text given here is from 'The Exploration of New Guinea', Hamilton [Vic] spectator, 27 June 1886, p. 3 (B85.06.07).

Sir,—

In the issue of your valuable paper of 20th inst., just received, the plans and prospects of the expedition sent by the Geographic Society of Australasia to New Guinea, are discussed as objects of great public interest to all Australia; and as you do me the honour of alluding to myself personally, I may be permitted at once to remark through your valuable journal, that you elevate me to far too grand a position in calling me the highest authority in Australia on scientific subjects, especially those related to exploration, though I have certainly taken a deep interest in Australian geography and phytology since my arrival in 1847.

2

In an editorial discussing the arrangements made jointly by the NSW and Victorian branches of the Geographical Society of Australasia for an expedition to explore New Guinea, the Hamilton spectator , 20 June 1886, p. 2) wrote

The Vice-President of the Victorian Council, Baron Von Mueller, is admittedly the highest authority in Australia on scientific subjects, especially those relating to exploration, and it would appear that the Sydney Council has, to some extent, ignored his and his co-members opinions, both in the selection of the leaders of the party and the route proposed.

I may be allowed to add, that when the plan of exploring from the Aird-River was finally decided on by telegraphic conference about two months ago, the Council of the Victorian branch of the Geographic Society of Australasia unanimously approved of the gallant leader chosen by the Sydney Exploration Committee for the expedition, a naval gentleman being absolutely required; Captain Everill, moreover, having gained previous particular experience in the Sunda Islands and Polynesia. When as far back as December last, at the geographic conference in Melbourne, the desirability of securing the experienced services of the Rev. J. Chalmers for Papuan explorations was recognised, it was for a land expedition from Port Moresby to the Owen Stanley ranges; but the rev. gentleman could not accept any offer for leading an exploring party into the highlands of south-eastern New Guinea, for which, undoubtedly, he had unrivalled experience, because he had made arrangements, after 18 years of ardent missionary labor, to visit Europe this year. The Australasian Geographic Society was, however, fortunate enough to arrange with Mr. O. Forbes,

3

Error for H. O. Forbes.

who has subsidies from the Royal Geographic and other British scientific societies, for becoming also, to some extent, an emissary of our society; and he will now try to ascend the Owen Stanley ranges from Port Moresby, under the advice of the Rev. G. Lawes, and the Rev. J. Chalmers, on a route which probably would have been chosen by the latter, could he have taken the field. All this will be fully made known by the early publication of the transactions of the Society in Sydney.

4

Pulsford (1885) .

Moreover, very recently it has been shown, in the new and interesting work, written by the Revs. W. Gill and J. Chalmers on their missionary travels in New Guinea,

5

Chalmers & Gill (1885).

that near Mount Aird other peaks exist, and further inland still higher ranges, trending from west to east. It is, therefore, reasonable to assume that these mountain-chains are connected with the very elevated ranges in south-eastern New Guinea, and thus the expedition under Captain Everill's able command will, in all probability, be able to furnish, not only an accurate account of the flow of the Aird and its tributaries, but will also reach the highlands beyond on an entirely unknown new line. Allow me, Sir, also to point out, that I regard the very various zoologic researches, expected from the Aird Expedition, quite as important as the geologic climate and phytologic enquiries for general science, though geography must also on this occasion reign supreme; and it is a fortunate circumstance that the Sydney Exploration Committee—whose exertions and zeal under Sir Edward Strickland's presidency for the fitting out the expedition with the concurrence in all important points of the Victorian Geographic Council (which has the benefit of Mr. Alex. Macdonald's great ability as honorary Secretary)—was able to secure as experienced a naturalist as Dr. Haacke for the zoologic section of the scientific service. A botanical collector

6

Wilhelm Bauerlen.

was appointed on my own nomination. To provide for each branch of science a strictly professional representative in this first exploit was an impossibility within the comparatively limited means available for the enterprise, which we owe entirely to the generosity of the Governments of New South Wales and Victoria, and we are therefore greatly beholden to the accomplished surgeon, who also embarked in the perils of this mainly geographical enterprise, to bring, irrespective of his medical skill, also his acquaintance with various natural sciences to bear on the furtherance of the expedition.

7

Sidney Adolphus Bernays, appointed as surgeon and botanist (Pulsford (1885), p. 15).

To endeavour reaching the main dividing range—in which the grandest interest of the expedition culminates, from the Fly River, after so much river work there already done by the brave Signor D'Albertis,

8

Luigi Maria d'Albertis.

and in the face of the greatest of dangers—I certainly should not advocate. I am sure, sir, that we all would deprecate if, at the outset of the expedition, which requires from each member heroic resolution and self-denial, anything should appear in the public prints that would damp their ardour or would be unjust to any of them individually. Let us, therefore, all wish them "A glorious success and safe and triumphant return."

Melbourne, 23rd June, 1865.