Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Lytton, Edward George Earle Bulwer 5 February 1859, CO 60:4, no. 3268, 133.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (3), Other documents (1).
Douglas reports that
although no Executive Council for British Columbia has, as yet, been formally appointed,Colonial Moody, Judge Begbie and himself have been meeting in that capacity to discuss policy.
The minutes discuss the validity of this council and the Judge’s presence in it; Merivale
suggests that the Colonial Office consider it a
mere voluntary Committee of advice,and approve of it
in this sense.
Included in this document is a draft reply from Carnarvon to Douglas, 11 April 1859,
approving of the council as a
voluntary Committeeand instructing him to take
proper stepsin the formation of a formal committee.
No. 94
I have the honor to acquaint you that although no Executive
Council for British Columbia has, as yet, been formally appointed,
still I have called to my assistance Colonel Moody, and Judge Begbie,
as Members
Members of that Council, and we have already met upon several
occassions to confer upon the policy to be pursued, and upon various
measures to be adapted in connection with the future government of
the Colony.
Members of that Council, and we have already met upon several
occassions to confer upon the policy to be pursued, and upon various
measures to be adapted in connection with the future government of
the Colony.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
Approve? There is no fundamental objection I presume to the Judge being in this Council. His appointment might be confirmed as a provisional measure till such time as the materials in the Colony enabled the Governor to relieve the Judge. And, I
believe he cd not succeed to the Govt.
Approve? There is no fundamental objection I presume to the Judge being in this Council. His appointment might be confirmed as a provisional measure till such time as the materials in the Colony enabled the Governor to relieve the Judge. And, I
believe he cd not succeed to the Govt.
ABd
29/3
I do not think we had better treat this, as yet, as a
regular Council, & issue warrants of appointment accordingly.
It may be left as a mere voluntary Committee of advice.
Approve in this sense, adding that whenever the Governor thinks
the formation of an Executive Council expedient, proper steps
shall be taken (His Instructions will shew what these are).
HM
Mh 30
