Ferdinand von Mueller

1

The file contains two copies of this letter, one written by M and transcribed here, the other by Georg Luehmann and signed by M. This is possibly explained by a note on the file: 'The original of this file has been mislaid'.

Melbourne

28 Oct. 1889.

To the honorable the Chief Secretary.

Sir.

I have the honor to submit an application of Mr Ch. French jun.

2

Charles H. French.

for the position of second Herbarium-Assistant, rendered vacant by the promotion of Mr James Minchin, and beg to recommend his candidature to the favorable consideration of the Government and the Public Service Commissioners.

3

The file contains two copies of a letter from C. French Jr to the Chief Secretary, A. Deakin, 28 October 1889: 'Having been informed by Baron Von Mueller, that Mr J. Minchin, hitherto second herbarium assistant in the department of the Govt. Botanist, has been promoted to the position of first assistant, I have the honor to solicit, that you will be pleased to favorably consider my application for the position rendered vacant by the promotion of Mr Minchin. I may be permitted to state, that I have been 3rd herbarium-assistant since July 1884.' (The second copy ends: 'I have been 3rd herbarium-assistant since July 12th 1883'.) The file also contains the following details, written by G. Luehmann: 'Govt. Botanist | Division No 16. Subdivision No 3. | C. French jr. , at present Third Herbarium Assistant Salary £84.- applies for the vacant position of Third Herbarium Assistant Salary £108.- with four annual increments of £6.-'.

The Under Secretary, T. Wilson, forwarded French's application to the Public Service Board on 31 October 1889. H. Gomm, Secretary, replied on 6 November: 'Upon receipt of a formal application for filling the vacancy the matter will receive attention'. On 7 November, Wilson 'Again referred [the application] to the Public Service Board with formal requisition for a 2nd Herbarium Assistant.'

This Officer has been specially trained since fully five

4

In the version written by Luehmann, M has deleted 'five' and inserted 'six', consistent with the second version of French's letter.

years by me for that line of particular duties, in which he justly seeks now a higher position. He has always proved zealous and quick in the performance of his duties, quite irrespective of ordinary office-hours, — has gained full experience for Australian herbarium-work, not readily otherwise attainable here, — has the best of moral character, — is in good health and in every other respect most eligible for the position sought by him. I may be allowed to add, that any one outside of the Gov. Botanist's Department, if chosen for Mr Minchen's former position, would necessarily have to gain yet to a large extent the knowledge, particularly needed in this establishment, at the sacrifice of much time to myself and my Officers as well as to himself.

5

See also M to A. Deakin, 29 January 1890.