No. 61
17 June 1871
Sir,
I transmit to you with reference to the correspondence noted in the margin a copy of a further letter
[Cut off] 24 March 1871
which I have received from Mr. G.E. Nias on the subject of the land in dispute between him and theGovernmentManuscript image Government of B.C.
I have been communicative with Mr. Trutch and Mr. Phil[l]ippo on the matter, which it appears very undesirable to leave in its present unsettled state and I am inclined to think that if your Government is not in a condition or is not prepared to terminate Mr. Nias' occupancy of the land and he is unable to establish a distinct legal claim to it under the decision of a court of lawtheManuscript image the best course (which I believe has been already under consideration) would be to offer him a lease of the land in question for a term of years at a nominal rent in order to enable him to exhaust the value of improvements he is said to have made upon it.
I enclose for your information a copy of the reply which I have caused to be sent to Mr. Nias's letter
C.O. 17 June 1871
and also a copy
C.O. 17 Jan 1871
oftheManuscript image the letter addressed to him on the receipt of your Despatch No. 145 of the 16th of November 1870.
I have the honor to be
Sir,
Your most obedient
humble servant
Kimberley
Minutes by CO staff
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Respond to Mr. Pearse to report whether any settlment can be effected or suggested by the Secretary of State.
AM 15 July 1871
Referenced accordingly
PJH 17 July/71
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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The Undersecretary of State Colonial Office to Nias, 17 June 1871, regarding the land in "dispute" between Nias and the government.
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Herbert to Nias, 17 January 1871, informing him that the BC government disputes his title to the "land in question."
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Nias to Kimberley, 24 March 1871, arguing against the BC government and advocating for his pre-emption rights.