Murdoch and Rogers to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)
Emigration Office
31 March 1860
Sir
We have to acknowledge your letter of 26th instant enclosing a Despatch from the Governor of British Columbia with a Proclamation issued by him on the subject of the disposal of Crown Lands in that Colony.
2. Governor Douglas states that a doubt had arisen whether, under the Proclamation of 14th February 1859, Land which had been Manuscript image been exposed to public auction and not sold could be disposed of by private contract. He has in consequence issued the present Proclamation to remove that doubt. It provides that Town and suburban Lots which have been offered at public auction and not sold may be sold by private contract at the upset price and on the same conditions—and agricultural Lands similarly situated at 10s/- an Acre, payable half at the time of Sale and the other half at the expiration of Manuscript image of two years.
3. We have to report our opinion that this Proclamation may be approved.
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
ABd 4 April
Approve—as recommended?
TFE 4 April
CF 5
N 6