Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS is a copy sent by A. Macdonald to J. Shillinglaw, 6 June 1890; for details, see notes with M to A. Macdonald, 5 June 1890.

258 Collins St. Melbourne

3 June 1890.

The Hon'ble the President

Royal Geog. Socy of Victoria

Sir,

It is my intention to make a tour to the New Hebrides via Noumea for artistic and ethnological purposes. I purpose to start in the first week of next month (July) and be absent from two to three months according to facilities of passage. Mr Wolf

2

P. E. Wolff?

an enthusiastic ethnologist is anxious to accompany me. Similar to my New Guinea journey my pursuits will take me to a variety of interesting localities, and naturally the expenses would be heavy. Permit me to suggest that the Geographical Society grant me a small subsidy, say £100 towards my disbursements, in return for which I would furnish our Society with a report containing all matters of Geographical interest connected with the journey, and if desired, illustrate the reading of this report by shewing a series of pictures on the screen. I would further give the Society one copy of all successful pictures obtained during the tour.

I trust your Council may give this suggestion its favourable consideration. The time between this and my projected departure being but short, I would consider it a special favour to have my suggestion placed before your Council without delay.

In conclusion allow me to state that in the event of my proposal being accepted, I consider the honour of contributing some interesting information in connection with our Society far more than the mere subsidy, and were I a richer man, the honour alone would be sufficient.