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"Manuscript image 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 twoShillingsManuscript image 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 itwithoutManuscript image 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
Minutes by CO staff
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VJ 10 Decr
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.
FR 10/12
CF 11
Other documents included in the file
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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.