Document information
Physical location:
R92/2768, unit 454, VRS 3992/P inward registered correspondence, VA 475 Chief Secretary's Office, Public Record Office, Victoria. 91.06.22Preferred Citation:
Ferdinand von Mueller to Thomas Wilson, 1891-06-22. 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/1890-6/1891/91-06-22-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026
1
Within the file, this letter is registered as R91/5970.
22 June 1891.
The Undersecretary.
Sir.
As I shall have attained my 66th year at the end of this month,
I have the honor to solicit, that the honorable the chief Secretary will allow me,
to continue my services as Gov. Botanist also in the coming finance-year.
I feel fully capable, to carry on the duties of the Department as in former years,
and would like to render the long and unique experience, which I possess available
also in future, so long as my mental power and physical strength may last. As mentioned
on former occasions, I have sunk all the best years of my life and all my worldly
means in the obligations of this establishment, formed by myself, or in researches
connected with my scientific position, and would much wish to do so also in future.
2
MS annotation on the front of the file: 'Date of Birth — 30/6/25'.
3
M had first had to seek extension of his appointment at the time of his 60th birthday,
in 1885; see M to G. Berry, 27 June 1885. The Public Service Act 1890 increased the retirement age to 65, and required the certification of the Public Service Board that it was in the interests of the public service for continuation
of the post before the Governor in Council could direct that the officer continue
in service for a period not exceeding twelve months. See H. Moors to M, 22 July 1891, and M to A. McLean, 28 November 1891.
4
The file contains several notes, one of them in shorthand, possibly by Wilson. One
note is the draft of a letter to the Chairman of the Public Service Board, dated 30
November 1891, and identified as 're Mueller & Hayter's [the Government Statist] [retirement
deleted] retention': 'Ref[errin]g to a letter add[resse]d by me by the C. S. dir[ection]s
on the [space left in MS] to the Secy to Prem Dept recom[men]d[in]g that the services of Baron V. M. & Mr
Hayter be further cont[inue]d, I am now directed to inform you that it has been decided
[four lines deleted] to abolish the Govt Botanists branch of this Dept on the 31st March next'. A further
note states: 'Mr Hayter's retention not yet dealt with by Cabinet. Awaits Premier's
return to town 5 January 92.'
I have the honor to be,
Sir, your obedient servant
Ferd. von Mueller,
Gov. botanist.