Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Cardwell, Edward 23 September 1864, CO 60:19, no. 10946, 261.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (3), Other documents (2).
Seymour acknowledges receipt of a despatch enclosing a
complaintfrom Head regarding the issuing of land grants to the Hudson’s Bay Company in British Columbia. Seymour does not fault Douglas for the situation but suggests changes in the current Government survey system which authorizes land grants. This document includes letters from the Colonial Office to the Emigration Commissioners and Head enclosing Seymour’s despatch.
No. 47
23rd September 1864
Sir,
I had the honor to receive in London a despatch marked
"Separate" of the 15th of January 1864, from the Duke of
Newcastle, forwarding to me, amongst other enclosures, a letter
from Sir Edmund Head complaining that the Government of this
Colony did not issue the grants to the Hudson's Bay Company
of the lands assigned to them under the Agreementof
of the 11th
of October 1861. His Grace directed me to give my early [attention] to
the matter.
of the 11th
of October 1861. His Grace directed me to give my early [attention] to
the matter.
2. I do not find that my predecessor is to be blamed for
the delay which has occurred. Under the Land Act now in force
no grant can be issued for a piece of land until the "Government
Survey shall extend to the land claimed." This general Government
Survey has reached some of the lands claimed by the Hudson's Bay
Company, and in such cases the grants have been issued to them.
There are many persons aggrieved by the non receipt of their
grants, and as the "Government Survey"will
will not probably for
very many years be extended over the Colony, I propose making some
changes in the Law at the next Session.
will not probably for
very many years be extended over the Colony, I propose making some
changes in the Law at the next Session.
3. Even, however, if the Law be amended so as to allow of
isolated surveys, I presume that there are many of the blocks
of land claimed by the Company, which are not worth the expense
which the survey would entail.
4. The Hudson's Bay Company will always find in me a desire
to meet their wishes.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Jadis
The drafts: send to Sir E. Head for his infn, & to the Commrs for any remarks they may have to offer.
The drafts: send to Sir E. Head for his infn, & to the Commrs for any remarks they may have to offer.
TFE
3/12
Other documents included in the file
Elliot to Emigration Commissioners, 13 December 1864, forwarding
copy of the despatch for suggestions and observations.
Rogers to Sir E. Head, Hudson's Bay Company, 14 December 1864,
forwarding copy of the despatch for information.