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 theColoniesManuscript image 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 UpperCountryManuscript image 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.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord Duke,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
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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.
CC 2 Sept
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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.
HTH 9/9
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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
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To wait for Mr Needhams answer to a telegram sent by Mr Birch.
CC 16 Nov
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See N/1257 19 Dec/67.
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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.
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
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I do not think these letters shd remain longer unless for some special reason which is not apparent.
B&C 5/2
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Mr Robinson
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)
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Needham to Buckingham, 11 July 1867, requesting salary increase or transfer elsewhere.
Other documents included in the file
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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."