Murdoch, Thomas William Clinton to Merivale, Herman 6 October 1859, CO 305:12, no. 9965, 136.

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Public Offices document
Murdoch, Thomas William Clinton to Merivale, Herman 6 October 1859, CO 305:12, no. 9965, 136.

Abstract

Public Offices document. Minutes (2).

This document contains mentions of Indigenous Peoples. The authors of these documents often perpetuate a negative perspective of Indigenous Peoples and it is important to look critically at these mentions. They sometimes use terminology that is now considered hurtful and offensive. To learn more about modern terminology pertaining to Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous ways of knowing, and decolonization, please refer to the Glossary of terms.

Murdoch comments on Douglas's proposed sale of certain inferior land in the neighbourhood of Victoria at a reduced price, and the intention to open the Cowitchan & Nanaimo valleys for settlement, noting Pemberton's proposal to cease land-surveys at Cowitchan and Nanaimo…to avoid the dispersion of Settlers in the presence of numerous Indian Tribes.

Murdoch to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Emigration Office

6 October 1859

I have to acknowledge your letter of the 16th ultimo, enclosing a Despatch from the Governor of VanCouvers Island (19th July No 25) reporting the proposed sale of certain inferior land in the neighbourhood of Victoria at a reduced price, and the intention to open the Cowitchan & Nanaimo valleys for settlement.

2. Governor Douglas encloses a letter from Mr Pemberton, the Colonial

Colonial Surveyor, proposing that as certain lands in the neighbourhood of Victoria are of an inferior description, and as if not occupied the survey lines will be obliterated, they should be sold at 4s/2d an Acre, instead of 20s/-. Governor Douglas reports that he had approved this proposal, and that the land would be put up to sale on the 1st August last at the price suggested. The only objection to such an arrangement of which I am aware is, that it induces settlers to purchase land which is

is not the most advantageous for settlement—but as the tracts in question are not extensive and there are public objects to be promoted by the arrangement, it does not appear to me necessary to insist on that objection. Moreover the transaction will probably have been concluded before any instructions from the Secretary of State could reach the Colony.

3. Mr Pemberton further proposed that considering the small number of bôna fide settlers in the Colony the Lands at Cowitchan and Nanaimo which

which have been surveyed should for the present be closed, to avoid the dispersion of Settlers in the presence of numerous Indian Tribes. From this view Governor Douglas dissents as likely to give rise to complaint and retard the legitimate progress of the Colony. On this point the opinion of the Local Authorities must be supreme, and, I apprehend, that the Secretary of State cannot do otherwise than acquiesce in Governor Douglas' decision.

I have etc.
T.W.C. Murdoch