Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Grenville, Richard 15 July 1867, CO 60:28, no. 8563, 262.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (8), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (1).
Seymour forwards a letter from Needham noting Needham’s different position as a result of the union of Vancouver Island and British Columbia. Seymour discusses Needham’s views on living in British Columbia. Cox’s minute describes Needham’s letter as
an applicationfor a salary increase or a
promotion elsewhere.Holland’s minutes advise holding any response until court jurisdictions in British Columbia are settled. Minutes by Rogers and Buckingham disagree with Holland. Cox further minutes that Robinson should prepare a draft stating Buckingham cannot satisfy
Needham’s wishes fora salary increase.
No. 88
Victoria
15th July 1867
My Lord Duke,
I have the honor to forward to Your Grace a letter just
received from Mr Needham pointing out the difference in his
position which has occurred in consequence of the Union of theColonies
Colonies.
Colonies.
2. I will only notice two points. I do not believe that
the imposition of a tariff has made the difference Mr Needham
assumes in the cost of living here. Again, when he alludes to the
saving of expense caused to Mr Begbie by his summer circuits,
I must mention that had Mr Needham accepted the Commision of
Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia which I offered him
I should have requested him to take the UpperCountry
Country Courts this
year and retained Mr Begbie for New Westminster and Victoria.
Country Courts this
year and retained Mr Begbie for New Westminster and Victoria.
3. Mr Needham's letter has a necessary connexion with my
despatch No. 86 of 10th July which accompanies it by this mail.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
This is an application from Chief Justice Needham for an increase of Salary for the increased dearness of Vancouver Island, or promotion elsewhere. As Mr Seymour says this application [is in] connexion with the question dealt with in his despatch 8561—as the Chief Justice apparently places himself beyond a claim on the favourable consideration of the Secy of State.
This is an application from Chief Justice Needham for an increase of Salary for the increased dearness of Vancouver Island, or promotion elsewhere. As Mr Seymour says this application [is in] connexion with the question dealt with in his despatch 8561—as the Chief Justice apparently places himself beyond a claim on the favourable consideration of the Secy of State.
CC
2 Sept
Sir F. Rogers
I think this application may well stand over until the important question of the jurisdiction of the Courts is decided and so I would inform the Governor.
I think this application may well stand over until the important question of the jurisdiction of the Courts is decided and so I would inform the Governor.
HTH
9/9
I do not think that I wd so inform the Govr, because
that answer wd hold out expectations of favourable consideration
whereas I do not think that Mr Needham can properly expect a
higher salary than Mr Begbie. Of course if the D. of B. can &
thinks proper to promise promotion expectations mt be held out.
I do not think the matter really depends on the settlement of the
jurisdiction question.
FR
13/9
Mr Cox
I am afraid these papers must stand over a little longer until we know what the B. Columbia Legislature do with the draft Ordinance which is sent out.
I am afraid these papers must stand over a little longer until we know what the B. Columbia Legislature do with the draft Ordinance which is sent out.
10831—relates to the necessity of a Court of Appeal. The decision
upon this must clearly depend upon settlement of the status of the
Supreme Courts.
8563 relates to Mr Needham's increase of salary. Whether it
should be increased depends to a certain extent upon the duties of his
Court, whether they are increased or not. I should doubt whether
an increase of his Salary could be allowed.
HTH
25/1/68
I do not think these letters shd remain longer unless for some
special reason which is not apparent.
B&C
5/2
Mr Robinson
Prepare draft saying the D. of Buckingham is unable to meet Mr Needham's wishes for increase of Salary.
Prepare draft saying the D. of Buckingham is unable to meet Mr Needham's wishes for increase of Salary.
CC
6/2
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Other documents included in the file
Draft reply, Buckingham to Seymour, No. 12, 13 February 1868 requesting Seymour to inform Needham that Buckingham is "unable to accede to [Needham’s] request."