Seymour to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)
12 January 1864
Sir,
I am informed that it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government that the Governor of British Columbia should be provided with a House at New Westminster suitably furnished. I am further informed that a cottage built byManuscript image Colonel Moodie [Moody] has been secured as a temporary residence for the Governor but that it is entirely unfurnished.
Under these circumstances I would beg leave to suggest that authority be given to the Agents of the Colony in England to supply a moderate quantity of furniture.
The "Chryswhite," a fast ship, will receiveManuscript image cargo for British Columbia until the 25th of this month.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your most obedient humble Servant
Frederick Seymour

Sir F. Rogers, Bart
&c &c &c
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Elliot
The furniture of certain rooms—the reception ones I suppose—in Govt Houses in the Colonies is paid for by the public. In this case, B. Columbia being able to pay its way, the expense will be borne by the Colony. As the house occupied by Colonel Moody, which is said by Mr Seymour to have been secured for his residence, is represented to be unfurnished, it follows that we must take steps for providing the public rooms with furniture. And I can suggest nothing better than the mode proposed by Mr S. of putting him into communication with the Agents Genl, & telling them to supply what is necessary and usual in such cases, charging the cost & the freight to the Colony.
We must of course procure the assent of the Treasury to this proceeding.
ABd 12 Jany/64
As Article 269 of the Coll Regulations expressly provides that the apartments in Govt House used for the reception of Company should be furnished at the public expense from the revenue of the Colony, I think that we need not go to the Treasury on this subject. I would therefore at once convey the requisite authority to the Crown Agents and answer Mr Seymour to the same effect. Drafts.
TFE 13 Jany
Other documents included in the file
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Rogers to Crown Agents, 14 January 1864, conveying authority to procure the furniture and charge the cost and freight to the colony.
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Rogers to Seymour, 14 January 1864, advising that furniture for the public reception rooms would be procured as requested.
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Elliot to Crown Agents, 17 February 1864, advising that the colony had passed a bill providing for the purchase of furniture for government house.