Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Other documents (1).
Douglas forwards Newcastle a copy of,
and justification for, the The Distillers Excise Act 1861.
No. 62
22 October 1861
I have the honour of transmitting herewith, the Copy of a
Proclamation issued by me on the 10th day of September last,
intituled "The Distillers Excise Act"1861"1861," authorising and regulating
the distillation and manufacture of Spirits in British Columbia.
2. This Act is intended for the encouragement of domestic industry, and will furnish
a profitable outlet for grain and other
agricultural products. It will also have the effect of diminishing
the quantity of Spirits imported from abroad, and, to protect the
public revenue from any serious loss thereby, a moderate duty of
twoShillings Shillings per gallon is to be charged on all spirits made within the Colony.
3. It is unnecessary to occupy Your Grace's time, or my own,
by comments on the character and objects of this Act, as it is
simply an adaptation of the Excise Act of Canada to the present
circumstances of British Columbia, and contains nothing new in principle, nor unusual in form; I therefore submit itwithout without hesitation for Her Majesty's approval.
I have the honor to be
My Lord Duke,
Your Graces most obedient
and humble Servant James Douglas
At once to Treasury, requesting that the opinion of the Crs of Excise may be obtained respecting the propriety and sufficiency of the provns of this Act.
Draft,
Elliot to G.A. Hamilton, Treasury, 20 December 1861, forwarding copy of the despatch and proclamation for consideration, and asking
also for the opinion of the excise commissioners on the subject.