No. 1
1. With reference to the Proclamation and regulations legalizing the
search for Gold in the Districts of
Fraser's River and
Thompson's River,
transmitted with my Despatch No 35, of the
29 of December last, I
have now the honor to communicate for your information, that we have
since
since that date raised the Licence Fee, from ten shillings to Twenty one
shillings a month, payable in advance, which is the present charge for
Gold Licences.
2. We were induced to make that change through a desire to place a
larger amount of revenue at the disposal of Government, to meet the
expense of giving protection to life and property in those countries,
and, at the same time, from a well founded conviction that persons really
bent upon visiting the Gold Districts, will as readily pay the increased
as the lower rate of charge.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your most obedient humble Servant
James Douglas
Governor
The Right
Hon Henry Labouchere
Her Majesty's principal Secretary of State
For the Colonial Department
Minutes by CO staff
M Merivale
The former papers are reported to be in circulation.