Murdoch to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)
21st March 1870
Sir,
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 applicationofManuscript image 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 modeManuscript image of procedure the Preemption payment Ordinance will have but little practical effect.
I have the honor to be
Sir,
Your obedient
Humble Servant
T.W.C. Murdoch
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Holland
Therefore draft herewith in accordance with your Minute in the Governor's despatch 2546.
CC 22/3
HTH 22/3/70
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Granville to Musgrave, No. 30, 24 March 1870.