No. 1
18th February 1864
Sir,
I have laid before the Queen the Proclamations noted in the margin
The Alexandra Bridge Toll Act 1863
The New Westminster Municipal Extension Act 1863
The Crown Officers' Salaries Act 1863
which were transmitted to me together with your predecessor's despatch No. 71 of the 23rd of November last and I am commanded to acquaint you that H.M. has been pleased to confirm and allow them.
You will communicate Her Majesty's decisionuponManuscript image upon these proclamations to the inhabitants of B. Columbia in the usual and most authentic manner.
I have however to observe that Agreements such as that referred to in the preamble of Proclamation No. 10 should be reported home as soon as made, even though it may not be possible to delay their practical completion inorderManuscript image order that Her Majesty's Government may be enabled at once to express an opinion upon them, and thus, if they should be objectionable, to prevent the completion of any fresh transactions of the same kind.
So anomalous an expedient as that of taxing water carriage for the support of a bridge could only bejustifiedManuscript image justified by exceptional circumstances.
I have advised Her Majesty to confirm the Proclamation in which it is embodied in reliance upon your Predecessor's judgment as to it's necessity.
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your obedient servant
Newcastle
Governor Frederick Seymour