Document information
Physical location:
MS 443/D, Archives and Manuscripts, Hocken Library, University of Otago, Dunedin, NZ. 94.01.05Preferred Citation:
Sophie Hooker to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1894-01-05. 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/1890-6/1894/94-01-05-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026
Kilkivan.
Queensland.
Jan 5th/94.
Baron Sir Ferd. von Mueller, K.C.M.G.
&c. &c. &c.
My dear Baron,
I hope you will not be anoyed at my writing thus to you — I am Brian Hookers
wife, but I cannot hope that you remember me —
1
Brian was the son of Joseph Hooker.
My letter is to beg the aid of your influence in trying to procure an appointment
for my husband.
He has been most unfortunate, & is still in New Zealand. He has been there for the
last fourteen months, and cannot get back. He has not been idle, it is true; but his
Salary was exceedingly small, and he has been compelled to take the last month or
so out in shares in the Co[y], because it is short of money & cannot pay.
I am afraid it is quite impossible to get an appointment unless one has someone of
influence to speak for one. May I ask you, dear Baron, to do that for him? — for the
sake of your old friendship for his father.
I dread asking, but one must move if one must live; and I dare not ask anyone else.
I have others, too, to think of beside myself.
I know how difficult it is to procure anything, but if you were only to speak on his
behalf I am sure that it would benefit him.
2
M wrote seeking a position in Tasmania for Brian Hooker, but without success; see
M to J. Hooker, 18 June 1894
. Brian eventually found a position on the goldfields in WA; see M to J. Hooker, 5 August 1894 and 2 March 1896.
Sincerely asking your pardon for so troubling you.
Believe me
My dear Baron,
Yours faithfully
Sophie Hooker.
3
MS annotations by M: 'Kilkivan.' and 'Rec and answ 13/1/94.' Letter not found.