30/7/81
Allow me to mention, dear Mr Wilson, that some months ago I obtained a kind promise from the honorable Graham Berry, that he would place £300 on the estimates, for a new search after Dr Leichhardt's party,1 if S. Austr, N. S. Wales and Queensland would contribute the same sum. South Australia has since responded, and there is every probability, that N. S. Wales & Queensland will likewise contribute their share, especially as deputations on the subject have waited on the Premiers in Sydney & Brisbane or will shortly do so.
As now the estimates are under preparation, I take the liberty to bring this promise under the gen[ial] consideration also of the hon. Sir Bryan O'Loughlen.2 It would be a great pity, if for want of action of one colony the whole project should fall to the ground again.3
Regardfully your
Ferd. von Mueller.
See M to G. Berry, 12 December 1880; M to G. Berry, 11 January 1881; and M to E. Behm, 12 April 1881.
i.e. O'Loghlen who, with the title Premier, succeeded Berry as head of the government on 9 July 1881; letter not found.
The file is marked: 'Seen by C. S.'. J. M. Grant was Chief Secretary in O'Loghlen's administration, but there is no indication of any further action being taken.
Please cite as “FVM-81-07-30b,” 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