Colonial Despatches

I have to acknowledge your letter of 17th inst with a despatch from the Governor of B. Columbia on the subject of the Ordinance respecting payment for Preemption claims.

2. In a report dated 29th May 1869 I suggested that a summary mode should be provided of enforcing payment of the purchase money of preemption claims which had been surveyed by the Government on the applicationof of the claimants, instead of leaving it to be recovered by the ordinary course of Law. Govr Musgrave says that this point was considered when the Ordinance was in preparation, and was purposely omitted to prevent the appearance of pressing on bonâ fide Settlers unable to pay. He considers that the same reason still exists and that it is inexpedient to introduce any amendment of the Ordinance till absolutely necessary. I presume that under these circumstances Earl Granville will not press the amendment—but it is obvious that without a summary mode of procedure the Preemption payment Ordinance will have but little practical effect.