From David Moore to William Haines   18 June 1857

Questions

Answers

1. How many acres are enclosed, and what portion cultivated?

1. The total of the Garden reserve is about 120 acres of which 20 acres are now under cultivation

2. By what Board, Trust or Committee is the Garden managed and is the appointment to such permanent or yearly?

2. By a permanent Committee appointed by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, but the Gardens are chiefly controled by the President of the Board of Land and Works.

3. What is the present years grant for the support of the Garden?

3. Govt Botanist (for 6 months) £300

Clerk (permanent) £250

Superintendent ( " ) £300

Travelling Expenses £100

Allowance in lieu of Forage £75

Tools, Utensils and Hose £300

Plants, Flower pots & cases £100

Incidental Expenses £50

Wages of Gardeners £3000

Total amount on Estimates for 1857 £4475

4. What is the general distribution of expenditure, under the head of labor, supplies, superintendence, repairs and buildings, Vehicles, Travelling and Sundries?

4. As above

5. What are the duties, and privileges of and restrictions upon the Superintendent? What is his Salary? by whom is he appointed and to whom answerable?

5. The Superintendent³ is in fact merely head Gardener, his duties are to direct the laborers, and to take charge of the Gardens, collect seeds distribute plants &c. There is a Committee but it is merely nominal — the Gardens being entirely provided for by Vote of Parliament and under the control of the Head of the Department of Public Works. It is however intended shortly to place the Gardens more immediately under the management of the Government Botanist.

6. What other persons are employed, with their respective salaries and duties?

6. None except the laborers before mentioned.

7. What animals and vehicles are kept?

7 Animals, one horse

Vehicles a box cart, a light cart for travelling, and a water cart.

8. To what extent are fruit trees cultivated?

8. None except a few loquat trees

9 What regulations are in force relative to the sale, exchange and distribution by gift of surplus stock and what discretionary power has the Superintendent over purchase and distribution?

9. None are sold. The Public receive plants &c upon an order from a member of Committee subject to the opinion of the Head Gardener that the plants &c asked for can be spared.

10. Is there attached to the establishment any Herbarium or Museum, and if so to what extent?

11. How are new species procured, or the stock replaced when lost?

12. What means are taken to procure living or dried specimens of native plants?

10. 11. 12 A large collection of living and dried specimens was made by the Government Botanist Dr Muëller, mostly in duplicate, one complete set has been transferred to the University of Melbourne for exhibition in the Museum. the Govt Botanist is now engaged in completing and enlarging the other set which remains in his charge in the Gardens.

13. What regulations are in force relative to the admission of the Public, and travelling Visitors, and for the holding Horticultural exhibitions within the Garden?

13. The Public are admitted free from sunrise to sunset. The Horticultural Society (a private body) have held shows occasionally in the Gardens, and have been permitted to receive one shilling from each visitor.

14 Can you furnish a list of plants now in the Gardens, and if saleable their price?

14. Yes, Copies enclosed

15. Are there any subscribers, or persons who pay for exclusive privileges such as more free entrance or specimens?

15. None.

16. Has the Garden any other source of income not expressed in the above?

16. None