MacKean to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)
Bank of British Columbia
5, East India Avenue
Leadenhall Street, E.C.
London
24th March 1868
Sir,
Referring to the interview I had the honor of having with you on Thursday last, I now beg to enclose for the information of his Grace, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, copy of a correspondence between the Colonial Secretary of British Columbia, and the Manager of this Bank at Victoria, respecting the overdrawn account of the Colonial Government with the Bank.
This correspondence sufficiently explainsManuscript image itself, and the only remark I would make is, that the rate of interest proposed to be charged the Colonial Government, is the usual rate of interest in the Colony on overdrawn accounts.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant
Tho. W.L. MacKean
Chairman
Minutes by CO staff
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Sir F. Rogers
18 per Cent the Bank are charging the Colony—tho' the Bank hold out a hope is held out [sic] of making it 12. As you are awareManuscript image the general question of the Financial state of the Colony is under consideration.
CC 25/3
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Mr MacKean called on me to shew me these papers—expressed regret that the Govt shd have adopted [word or words cut off microfilm] hostile tone (as if everyone was not hostile to 18% interest) and asked whether they had better send us the correspondence.
I rather encouraged him to do so simply because the papers shew the Duke of Buckm what is going on. Ackne with thanks.
FR 26/3
CBA 26/3
B&C 26/3
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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William C. Ward, Manager, Bank of British Columbia, to Colonial Secretary, 8 April 1867, warning that the colony must reduce its debt to the Bank or face increased interest charges.
Minutes by CO staff
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Note—Upon the earnest representation of the Colonial Government the increased rate of interest proposed to be charged in the above letter, was deferred until 31st Dec/67.
[WR]
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
*
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Ward to Colonial Secretary, 2 January 1868, advising that interest charges of one and a half per cent per month were being charged on the overdrawn account as of the previous day.
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W.A.G. Young, Colonial Secretary, to Ward, 17 January 1868, expressing regret at the bank's actions and attitudes and threatening to sever relations.
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Ward to Young, 30 January 1868, declining to alter the terms stated in his previous letter, but offering to put the issue once more before the bank's Court of Directors.
Other documents included in the file
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Adderley to MacKean, 3 April 1868, acknowledging receipt of letter and enclosures, with thanks.