Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Grenville, Richard 7 September 1868, CO 60:33, no. 12768, 411.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (3), Other documents (1).
Seymour asks if he has the
power to make grants, in the name of the Crown, for Lands sold in Vancouver Island.Seymour discusses why Seymour may not have the authority to grant land on Vancouver Island. Holland’s minute relates that Seymour has the power to grant land on Vancouver Island and that Seymour’s authority to grant land on Vancouver Island was never in doubt.
No. 113
New Westminster
7th September 1868
My Lord Duke,
Would Your Grace kindly inform me if I have power to make
grants, in the name of the Crown, for Lands sold in VancouverIsland
Island.
Island.
2. It appears to me that I do not possess it. At the time the
Commission appointing me Governor of British Columbia was issued
the fee of the Island was in the Hudson's Bay Company. It has
certainly since been reconveyed to the Crown, but I do not think
that I can make formal grants of land.
I
Minutes by CO staff
Sir F. Rogers
I think Govr Seymours doubt unfounded & that he has clearly the power to make grants of land in V. Island.
I think Govr Seymours doubt unfounded & that he has clearly the power to make grants of land in V. Island.
He had power by his Commission to sell land in B. Columbia, &
the Act uniting V. Island with B. Columbia (29 & 30 V. c. 67)
gives him the same power in V. Island as he had in B. Columbia.
There is nothing in the Deed of Reconveyance to affect the
question. So inform him.
HTH
21/11
Other documents included in the file
Draft reply, Buckingham to Seymour, No. 104, 4 December 1868 informing Seymour that Seymour’s authority to grant lands on the mainland of the British Columbia was extended to Vancouver Island upon the union of the two colonies.