Ferdinand von Mueller

Melbourne,

2 July 1889

J. N. Waugh Esqr

President of the Queensland-Branch

of the Royal Geographic Society of Austral.

Honored Sir

Your and Mr Thomson's letter, dated 19 June,

1

J. Waugh to M, 19 June 1889 (in this edition as 89-06-19a).

was placed before a meeting of the Council of the Vict. branch R.G.S.A.,

2

Royal Geographical Society of Australasia.

held 28 June, when I was desired by my Colleagues, to point out, that already some months ago a form of Diploma was adopted here, of which the other branches have approved also, and that this form has been used already as one for honorary membership as well. The Council here recognizes fully the desirability, that the union of the several branches of the R.G.S.A. should be rendered as close as ever circumstances will permit, so as to form a strong organisation of united efforts in the cause of geography throughout Australasia; but it appears to our Colleagues, that as even the great R.G.S. of London has no distinction yet drawn between Members and Fellows, and as the numbers of members of each of the branches of our Society in these parts of the world is not yet large, it might suffice, at least for a while yet, to maintain only one grade of membership, particularly so, as special distinguished services can be recognized by honorary and by corresponding membership. We here are always eager, to act in concert with the other branches of the R.G.S.A., and we would therefore be glad also in this instance to learn, whether you and your honored Council think, that our suggestions might meet present requirements.