No. 100
Victoria
11th August 1868
My Lord Duke,
In fulfilment of the intention announced in my despatch No. 77 of the 29th of July, I have considered in the ExecutiveCouncilManuscript image Council the mode in which the Registration of Births, Marriages and Deaths should be effected.
2. I was at once reminded by the Council of the futile attempts I had made on two occasions, on the Mainland, to legislate on this subject. My Bills did not meet the views of the Council and after long and wearying consideration they found that they themselveshadManuscript image had nothing to suggest in their place. Then, towards the end of the Session, the whole matter would be shelved for—in the eyes of the Council—more important business.
3. I really do not know how a general system of Registration could be worked satisfactorily here. The population is greatly scattered. The Majority are Indians whom we could hardly expect to register any one oftheManuscript image the three great events of life. Many of the white men are living in a state of concubinage with Indian women far in the Interior. They would hardly come forward to register the birth of some half breed bastard.
4. In regard to white or coloured people residing in the more civilized parts of the Country, they could always, if desirous, get their child's baptismal certificate,theirManuscript image their own marriage certificate, or the certificate of burial of any one in whom they take an interest.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord Duke,
Your Grace's most obedient,
humble Servant.
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
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WR 18 Oct
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Copy to Regr Genl?
AWLH 20/10/68
Other documents included in the file
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Rogers to Registrar General, 24 October 1868, forwarding copy of despatches from British Columbia and Turks Island respecting registration of births, deaths and marriages.