No. 2
9th January 1857
Sir
1. My last report of the 31st of October, on the proceedings of the House of Assembly closed with its adjournment to the 13th day of November, when it again met and remained in session tilltheManuscript image the 18th of December, it then adjourned for the Christmas recess.
2. The House has been so far chiefly occupied with matters of detail, connected with the expenditure, and financial condition of the Colony. I furnished every means of information in my power connected with those subjects, as you will observe through my correspondence with the House, which is herewith forwarded.
3. A Bill granting the sum of 130 Sterling, for paying the Servants, and defraying the ordinary expenses of the House was passed on the 18th day of December, and the same will be brought beforetheManuscript image the Council at an early day.
4. I am now preparing a Bill for imposing a Customs duty on Imports, as a means of meeting the ordinary expenses of Government; but the subject must be approached with caution, as there is a very general feeling in both Council and Assembly against taxation under any form, and I am prepared to encounter much clamour and opposition in carrying so unpopular a measure through the Houses.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your most obedient humble Servant
James Douglas
Governor

The Right Honble Henry Labouchere Esqre
Her Majesty's principal Secretary of State
For the Colonial Department.
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Merivale
Acke rect.
ABd 19/3
HM Mh 19
JB 20 Mh
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft reply, Labouchere to Douglas, No. 6, 24 March 1857.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Manuscript image
Correspondence between Douglas and the House of Assembly regarding the administration of Vancouver Island, with particular emphasis on the financial status of the colony, as per despatch (29 pages).
People in this document

Ball, John

Blackwood, Arthur Johnstone

Douglas, James

Labouchere, Henry

Merivale, Herman

Organizations in this document

Colonial Office

Places in this document

Vancouver Island

Victoria