The correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller: Melbourne, ¶ 1 May 1886. ¶ To the honorable Duncan Gillies, M.L.A., ¶ Premier of Victoria, &c &c ¶ Sir,...

Document information

Physical location:

P86/1230, unit 91, VPRS 1163/P1 inward correspondence files, VA 672 Premier's Office, Public Record Office, Victoria. 86.05.01

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to Duncan Gillies, 1886-05-01. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id//letters/1880-9/1886/86-05-01-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

Melbourne,

1 May 1886.

To the honorable Duncan Gillies, M.L.A.,

Premier of Victoria, &c &c

Sir,

I have the honor to approach you on behalf of the Council of the Victorian branch of the Australian geographic Society with a solicitation, to afford us your generous support by a renewal of the vote of £1000 for exploring purposes, that sum having been available as a Victorian contribution last year for geographic expeditions in New Guinea.

The Council of the Victorian branch of the Society is most anxious to continue its efforts for the increase of our knowledge concerning the great Papuan Island, in the geographic exploration, commercial resources and cultural capabilities all Australia is so very much interested.

The work of the Victorian branch of the geographic Society of Australia is conducted entirely by honorary officers, and the expenditure for our meetings and publications is defrayed from the subscription of members. But to take an active share in developing the geography and industries of New Guinea or any other country could not be carried on by our private annual means. In therefore soliciting from your kind consideration a further grant, we are eager to devote time and attention to further New Guinea exploits, and are encouraged all the more in this, as we are aware of your own deep interest in the British territory there from your position as a leading Australian Statesman.

In bringing our wishes under your favorable notice, the Council of the Victorian branch begs to point out, that it will not be necessary, that future explorations under the auspices of our Society should only be taken in connection with the other Branches, so that any further Victorian grant could be applied to special work within that grant, when also much of the expenditure would be carried out in Melbourne.

I still have on behalf of my colleagues of the Council to add an assurance, that any funds, which the Government of Victoria may place at our commands, shall be disbursed with the most scrupulous care, so as to secure the fullest possible results within the means available

On 4 May 1886 Gillies minuted: 'Place on Estimates for consideration'. However, on 14 May 1886, E. Thomas, Secretary to the Premier, noted: 'Struck off by Premier'. On 19 May 1886, Thomas minuted: 'We have never even recd an Official Report in return for our £1000, I think? We wrote 19.2.86 /542 but no answer I suppose?' The next day the Assistant Secretary, W. Sewell, upon inquiry was informed that neither an answer nor any report had been received. On 2 June 1886 Sewell asked Thomas whether they should 'renew request of 19/2/86 or let the matter drop' to which Thomas replied, 'Latter'. Sewell's subsequent query, on 4 June 1886: 'Is Sir F. von Mueller to be infd [informed] of Premier's decision not to place amount on Estimates?' was answered by Thomas on the same day: 'No. I hear that it is on Ch. Sec.'s'.

The file contains a copy of the printed report of the annual general meeting of the Victorian Branch of the Geographical Society of Australasia (January 1886), although there is no indication as to when it was received at the Premier's Office.

I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient and humble servant

Ferd. von Mueller

See also M to E. Thomas, 4 August 1886 (in this edition as 86-08-04a).