Colonial Despatches

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch of the 12th December, No. 130, reporting the reconstitution of the Legislative Council of British Columbia.

I have to convey to you The Queen's approval of the gentlemen you have nominated as Members, as well as of those who were recommended to you by the peoplefor for Seats in the Council.

I would however point out to you that the official element of the Council which was created by the additional Instructions of the 31st July 1863 does not expire by efflux of time.

By those Instructions the Officers temporarily acting for the time being as Colonial Secretary, Attorney General, Treasurer, Chief Commissioner of Land and Works and Collector of Customs are made during Her Majesty's Pleasure Members of the Legislative Council; and no new appointments are needed or proper in these cases. I may further point out that theOfficer Officer for the time being holding the Office of Postmaster General, not being mentioned in the additional Instructions before referred to, cannot be considered an ex officio Member and the appointment of Mr. Bushby was therefore a provisional appointment only.