Separate
New Westminster
11 April 1864
My Lord Duke,
I have the honor to forward for Your Grace's information a Return of the Customs Receipts at New Westminster for the three months ending 31st March 1864, accompanied by a similarreturnManuscript image return for the first three Months of 1863—shewing an increase on the quarter of about 34 per Cent as compared with the first quarter of 1863.
2. The same return also shows an increase of 29 per cent in the number of passengers who have entered at New Westminster during the quarter.
3. A second return which is also forwardedcontainsManuscript image contains a statement of Road Tolls collected at Yale, Douglas and Hope in the years 1862 and 1863, and a comparative statement of the respective March quarters of 1863 and 1864 shewing an increase of 89 per cent in favor of 1864.
4. The full returns of Road Tolls collected at Lytton and Lillooet made up to the quarter have not yet come to hand;butManuscript image but as far as reported in the weekly statements, there appears to be a great increase of Revenue at those places.
5. The latest intelligence from the Mines report further discoveries of highly auriferous ground on Williams Creek and its Tributary Streams. The area of the Gold region is thus continually extending and effective machinery for sinking and drainage isbeingManuscript image being introduced, giving to mining operations an unusual character of permanence and stability.
6. The last report of the Gold Commissioner for Carribou East dated the 27th states that "the new Mining Laws have afforded universal satisfaction"
Ordinance to "extend and improve the Laws relating to Gold mining." Vide—Despatch No 9—29th Feby 1864.
that "good substantial and in some cases expensive buildings are being constructed at 'Barkerville' 'Camerontown'andManuscript image and 'Marysville,' and that a small town is also in progress of erection at McArthurs Gulch." The same report also states "that the Bank of British Columbia is about establishing a branch office at Quesnel Mouth."
7. I have further the satisfaction to inform Your Grace that the Colony enjoys peace and tranquility, and exhibits, in other respects,manyManuscript image many indications of growing prosperity.
8. I propose taking my final leave of the Colony on the 13th Instant, and every preparation will be made for the proper reception of my Successor.
I have the honor to be
My Lord Duke
Your Graces most obedient
Humble Servant
James Douglas
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Elliot
Acknowledge rect of this very satisfactory report.
ABd 30 May
TFE 30 May
CF 2 June
EC 4
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Customs receipts for three months ending 31 March 1863 and 1864, signed by W. Hamley, Customs House, 1 April 1864.
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Comparative statement of tolls collected at Yale, Douglas and Hope, as per despatch, signed by Hamley, 11 April 1864.
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Cardwell to Seymour, No. 13, 11 June 1864.