No. 73
19th July 1871
My Lord,
I have had the honor to receive Your Lordship's Despatch No 61, of the 17th June, enclosing correspondence with Mr G.E. Nias, on the subject of the land in dispute between him and the government of British Columbia.A LeaseManuscript image A Lease for a nominal Rent has in accordance with Your Lordship's suggestion been offered to Mrs Nias who is in occupation of the land, and is acting under legal advice, for her husband, but she is indisposed to accept that arrangement.
2. The case of Dr Trimble is now under adjudication and will probably be determined in a very short time, when the question of Mr Nias' title will also be decided. If thedecisionManuscript image decision, as there can be little doubt, should be in favor of the government it will then be more easy to effect some arrangement by which Mr Nias may be able to exhaust the value of the improvements made upon the land.
3. I enclose a Copy of the Information filed in the Supreme Court in the case of Dr Trimble which contains a clear statement of the matter at issue, and may be useful if any further reference is made to Your Lordship on the subject.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord,
Your most obedient
Humble Servant
A. Musgrave
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Herbert
The suggestion contained in Lord Kimberley's despatch No. 61 of the 17th of June/71 that a lease of the land in dispute between Mr Nias & the B. Columbia Govt should be granted to him at a nominal rent has been proposed to Mrs Nias but she is indisposed to accept the arranget. Mrs Nias is no doubt in communication with her husband so it seems unnecessary to send a copy of this despatch to Mr Nias.
Put by?
EBP 22/8/71
Yes. We have done all that can be expected I think.
RGWH Aug 22/71
K Aug 23/71
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Printed documentation dealing with the legal action between the government of British Columbia and James Trimble over title to pre-empted land.