No. 54
4th April 1867
My Lord,
I have the honor to forward an authenticated and two plain copies of an Ordinance lately passed by the Legislature of this Colony, entitled;No. 1.Manuscript image No.1. An Ordinance of Indemnity for not enforcing certain Local Taxes of Vancouver Island.
2. On the Union of the Colonies the Customs Act of British Columbia was extended at once over Vancouver Island while the local laws still remained in force. I found therefore that many articles imported into Vancouver Island paid double duties. I took upon myself to direct that Import duties should onlybeManuscript image be charged at the British Columbia rate until I had an opportunity of bringing the matter before the Legislative Council. The enclosed Ordinance was unanimously passed to legalize the Act of common justice committed by me.
3. I enclose the Attorney General's report on the Ordinance.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord,
Your most obedient, humble Servant
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
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CC 29 May
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Sir F. Rogers
Ord: to indemnify for not enforcing certain local Taxes of V. Island.
Certain articles were liable to be taxed under the B Columbian Acts, which were extended to V. Island (sec. 5 of 29 & 30 Vict. c. 67) and also under the local Vancouver Acts wh: had not been repealed.
The Govr ordered that the Vancouver Acts Tax should not be enforced so as to prevent this injustice. This Ordce indemnifies the officers &c for not collectg the Tax.
Sanction.
HTH 29/5
FR 30/5
CBA 31/5
B&C 14/6
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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H.P.P. Crease, Attorney General, to Seymour, 31 March 1867, reporting on the ordinance as per despatch.
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Buckingham to Seymour, No. 38, 19 June 1867 conveying “Her Majesty’s…confirmation and allowance” of ordinances regarding taxes on Vancouver Island.