From Edmond Marin La Meslée to Ferdinand von Mueller   1 Dec 1884

1st December [1884]¹

146 Phillip St.²

Baron Sir Fred. Von Mueller, K.C.M.G. etc etc

Vice President of the Geographical Society of Australasia

Sir,

In accordance with your desire I beg to enclose copy [of]³ your address at the occasion of the inauguration of the Victorian Branch [of] the Geographical Society of Australasia in Melbourne, for your revision I would at the same time respectfully request that you will be [so] kind as to return the document after alterations as early as possible [as] the Govt Printer has the whole of our Proceedings in type & [...] your corrections to finish the work, which it is desirable, should be [ready] to be circulated at the Annual Meeting in Melbourne in a fortnight

I communicated a few days ago with Mr McDonald, the Hon Sec of your branch re the feasibility of taking opportunity of the presence in [Melbourne] of members of the General & Administrative Council of the Society & the Council of the Victorian branch, to establish an Australian Geographical Conference at which matters of interest to Geographical Science may be discussed. I also telegraphed to Mr McDonald regarding same, but as not received any replies I surmise that gentleman is probably out of town.

I beg however to advise you as I am directed by the President [Sir Edward] Strickland K.C.B. etc & the Administrative Council of the Society that Council has adopted my suggestion as to the holding of an Australian Geographical Conference in Melbourne immediately after your annual meeting, should it be found practicable, & submit the following proposal [to] your Council:

"That the members of the General & Administrative Council of the Geogra[phical] Society of Australasia, together with the members of the Council of the Vic Branch of the said Society resolve themselves into a body to be called "Australian Geographical Conference" for the purpose of discussing important geographical matters affecting the interests of Geographical Science in Australasia."

The Administrative Council wishes to be informed "at the ea[rliest] possible date" whether this proposal meets with the concurrence of your Committee so that steps may be at once taken to make the [pro]posed Conference a success, as it is confidently hoped that its result will be to attract more general attention to the useful objects of the Society & promote the interests of Geographical Science in Australia.

The principal items proposed to be discussed at the Conference, are the following, so far.

1. The necessity of defining the Geographical meaning of the term "Australasia" & the limits & boundaries of that part of Oceanica.

2. To concur together as to the best means to be adopted for a Scientific exploration of New Guinea as under the Society's auspices & with the material aid of the various Colonial Governments, & the appointment of a leader for such expedition.

3. The necessity of scientifically defining the exact position of the boundary line dividing the English & Dutch parts of New Guinea

4. The necessity of adopting better means to secure a uniform sys[tem] of teaching geography in Australian Schools & the compilation of standard works on the Geography of Australasia under the sanction of the Society.

And in general any other important matters which may be deemed worthy of consideration by the Conference.

The Administrative Council is therefore anxiously waiting for an early reply from the Council of your Branch & would urge the advisability of calling an extraordinary meeting to consider this proposal in view of taking joint action in the matter.

Up to this date, the Vice President, Sir Edward Strickland, K.C.B. etc the Hon. Secretary, Mr E. Marin La Meslée, & Dr Belgrave have been appointed to represent the General & Administrative Council in your annual meeting & at the proposed Conference. (& I suppose that the Victorian Govt will provide free railway passes to enable these gentlemen to attend this important meeting, the objects of which is for the public good)

I have the honor to be

Sir

Your obedient servant

Marin La Meslée

Hon. Sec.