Ferdinand von Mueller

Melbourne,

13 Dec. 1890.

T. R. Wilson Esqr,

Under Secretary.

Sir.

I have the honor to solicit, that the hon. the Chief Secretary may be pleased to sanction my absense from Melbourne through January 1891,

1

The Chief Secretary, George Langridge, approved M's request on 17 December 1890 and M returned the file the next day 'with best thanks'. See also M to T. Wilson, 29 December 1890.

as it is expected from me, that I should instal personally in Christchurch about the middle of that month Sir James Hector as my Successor in the Presidency of the Austral. Association for Advancement of Science that office being of one years duration.

2

M was President of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science for its Melbourne meeting in January 1890.

This will not be a voyage and journey for recreation, but will be utilized also for the benefit of the Establishment here under my care. I may be allowed to add, that I have not been away from my establishment for several years. All arrangements for payments, accounts &c for December I shall make, before I leave at the end of the month, and I shall have returned before the commencement of February.

3

See M to T. Wilson, 29 January 1891.

Furthermore the arrangements for the routine-work in January will also be made before my departure, and should anything unusually occur, Mr Luehmann could wait on you for special instructions.