[Read letter to Dr F. Mueller dated 13th ult respecting a settlement with the Commissioners of the exhibition.1]
The Society had written to the Commissioners of the Intercolonial Exhibition held in Melbourne in 1866-7, concerning the distribution of medals. The Commissioners replied that their policy was to give only 'one medal & one Honorable mention to any one person'. At the meeting of the Society held on 5 June 1867, it had been decided to ask M to pursue the matter. At the meeting of 3 July, M reported 'the result of his efforts to secure a settlement of the dispute between the Commissioners and the Society and that he thought a settlement could be made if the exhibitors would agree to accept 1 medal, and certificates specifying on same for what given for each exhibition also that a settlement of the Society's claim could be effected less charges for refreshments to Judges'. This involved the awarding of one medal for three exhibits and certificates specifying what they were awarded for and whether the recipient was entitled to a medal or a certificate. The meeting agreed to this solution and agreed to accept the offer of expenses 'less refreshments'.
In the event, notwithstanding his earlier optimism, M was unable to effect the settlement; see Argus, 15 August 1867, p. 5.
Letter not found; item is an extract from the minutes of a meeting of the Horticultural Society of Victoria held on 3 July 1867. Toon was Honorary Secretary of the Society.
Please cite as “FVM-67-06-13,” in Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, edited by R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora†, J.H. Voigt† and Monika Wells accessed on