No. 1
22 January 1858
Sir
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 29th of December last, I have now the honor to communicate for your information, that we havesinceManuscript image 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 Honble Henry Labouchere
Her Majesty's principal Secretary of State
For the Colonial Department
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
[ABd] 15 March/58
Mr Merivale
The former papers are reported to be in circulation.
TFE 17 March
See 2084 Vanc. I.
HM Mh 22
C M 28
S 23