Ferdinand von Mueller

The report in the Warrnambool standard, 1 July 1893, p. 4, indicates that M made his suggestion in view of Avery's 'special success in the cultivation of the marram grass ... in order that he may not only communicate to the Society the practical success he has attained in this special department of arboriculture, but that [he] may in return receive publications of the Society for the benefit of the corporation by whom he is employed'. The report continued: 'But councillors laughed at the idea of "Sam" being a F.R.H.S., Eng., and they but common councillors', and Avery's report was merely 'received'.

'A Port Fairy F.R.H.S', Port Fairy gazette, 28 July 1893, p. 2, reported further developments with regard to M's offer: 'In a recently published report of the proceedings of the local borough council, it might have been noticed that an offer had been kindly made by Baron Von Mueller to propose as a member of the Royal Horticultural Society of England Mr S. T. Avery, the Port Fairy borough ranger, in recognition of his successful cultivation here of the marum (sic) grass, by means of which so large an extent of the sand hummocks had been reclaimed. The payment of a membership fee of L1 was entailed in connection with the honour conferred, but in return for this, the Journal of Horticulture, issued periodically by the society, would be supplied, and much very valuable information would be obtainable therefrom. Councillors treated the subject very cavalierly at the table, possibly the impoverished condition of the finances causing hem to view with alarm the outlay involved in the acceptance of the Baron's offer, or, maybe, it was considered that the fact of having an officer eligible to write so many capital letters after his name might lead to jealousy on the part of neighbouring municipal bodies, who did not occupy so proud a position. At any rate, from whatever cause arising, the matter was passed over at the council table, the communication being merely minuted "received." Certain townsmen, however, did not think the opportunity of gaining distinction should be let slip so easily, and, accordingly, in a few minutes the fee was collected, in shilling subscriptions, and our worthy ranger will soon be entitled to a very honourable flourish at the end of his signature. We might, in this connection, suggest tht Mr Avery should, when he receives the Journals of the Society, place them at the disposal of the management of the free library, where they would, no doubt, prove of interest to the general public.'

Two newspaper items where Avery used the postnominal 'F.R.H.S. Eng' have been found. In 1897 he used them in an advertisement requesting a public meeting 'to Consider the advisability of Erecting a MONUMENT in the Port Fairy Botanical Gardens to the memory of the late Sir Frederick (sic) Von Mueller F.R.H.S.' (Port Fairy gazette, 26 November 1897, p. 2, col. d). Avery resigned his position as borough inspector and parks overseer in November 1919, objecting to being asked to undertake 'tradesman's work' outside the duties stated in his agreement, and stating that he could no longer tolerate harassment by 'certain councillors'. In his resignation letter, reported in 'Resignation of Parks Overseer', Port Fairy gazette, 20 November 1919. p. [2], he is said to have signed himself 'Samuel Avery, F. R. H. S., Eng.', adding 'P. S.—Perhaps some of the councillors might ask the reason why I am empowered to put those letters after my name. S. T. A.' The news item is otherwise in the third person and appears to be a slight paraphrase of the letter.

The lists of persons elected as Fellows or Associates in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society for meetings held from July 1893 to December 1897 do not include Avery's name. The RHS proposal forms for the period cannot be found, and it is impossible to check whether Avery was validly proposed, what rationale was used by M, nor indeed whether he was deemed ineligible, but he was evidently not elected in either category.