Ferdinand von Mueller

12. ii. 96

My dear Baron,

Standing arrangements exist with the various Custom-Houses within the Colonies for the admittance of our spirit-drums when sent for collecting purposes. With regard to Port Moresby

1

Papua New Guinea.

a special letter was addressed to his Excellency the Administrator at the time the spirit for Mr Fitzgerald

2

William Fitzgerald.

was forwarded, and we have reason to know that the drum will be handed to the latter, duty free whenever he chooses to enquire for it. Indeed a letter has been received from the Government Secretary asking for instructions as to its disposal from the fact that it has not been taken out of bond by Mr. F. The G.S. has been asked to allow it to remain until April 30th & if not claimed by that time to reship it to us.

With regard to my taking a prominent part in Mr F.'s 2d Expedn you must be misinformed. All that this Museum has done is to supply Mr. F. with certain collecting material which is debited against him until he repays in specimens. This was the original transaction, but of his second Expedition I know nothing