No. 22, Legislative
24 April 1862
I have the honor to inform your Grace that the Parliament of Vancouvers Island met according to summons on the 19th Ultimo, and I enclose herewith a copy of the Speech with which I opened the Session, and of the Address in reply.
2. My Speech presents the Programme of Measures which it is proposed to bring forward in course of the present Session. Last year the attention of the Legislature was devoted chiefly to the adaptation of certain oftheManuscript image the Imperial Statutes to the actual circumstances of the Colony. This year it will be directed to objects of a somewhat more practical character—the settlement of the Native claims upon public Land—the investigation of the mineral resources of the Colony—some desirable modifications in the Land Act—the improvement of Victoria Harbour and the Incorporation of the Town of Victoria. It is also desirable to make some reduction in the Fees payable in theLawManuscript image Law Courts, and to increase the Number of representatives for Victoria, which city is at present inadequately represented in the Assembly.
4. [3.] It is also proposed to raise a sum of money by loan for internal improvements, and to provide for the payment of the annually accruing interest and the gradual repayment of the principal by imposing a small duty chargeable by stamps on Legal Instruments and on Receipts.
I have the honor to be
My Lord Duke,
Your Grace's most obedient
and humble Servant
James Douglas
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Elliot
Acke.
ABd 23 June
TFE 23 June
FR 23/6
CF 24
N 24
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Copy of speech given by Douglas at the opening of the Legislative Assembly, no date, as per despatch.
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Copy of Address from the Legislative Council to Douglas, no date, signed by Roderick Finlayson, President of the Council, as per despatch.
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Copy of Address from the Legislative Council to Douglas, no date, signed by J.S. Helmcken, Speaker, as per despatch.
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, No. 109, 3 July 1862, acknowledging receipt of Douglas's despatch.