To Albert Le Souef   3 August 1874

Melbourne, 3/8/74

Sir

At a meeting of the Trustees of the Royal Park, held this day, I have laid the letter from the townclerk of Hotham (to yourself and considerately transmitted to me) before my colleagues, who directed me to inform you that they are adverse to the propositions contained in the application, for the following reasons, because

1, they do not feel justified to allow any encroachment on the park-land under their control

2, because they are aware of the strong objection of the inhabitants of Brunswick, Flemington and other localities in the vicinity against the depositing of egesta in the neighbourhood of the Park

3, because the carts would have to pass the only permanent place for drinking-water in the Park, and thus this water would become deteriorated

4, because of the difficulty of enforcing any conditions by which the traffic of nightsoil, if once established, would be discontinued or be so arranged as not to become obnoxious to visitors and neighbours of the Park.

I have the honor to be Sir

Your obedient

Ferd von Mueller

Hon. Secr. Trustees R. P.

A. Le Souef Esq

Hon. Manager Royal Park

Mr. Randall's letter is herewith returned.

F. v. M.