Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 3 April 1863, CO 305:20, no. 5132, 130.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Other documents (1).
No. 9
3 April 1863
My Lord Duke,
As a part of the scheme of improvement of Victoria Harbor determined
upon by this Government it was settled to employ a Dredging Machine
aided by a Steam tug. For some Months past we have been innegotiation
negotiation with firms in San Francisco for the supply of the
necessary Machinery. The high price of Iron at the present moment in
the United States, & other circumstances have however determined us
to obtain the Machinery from England; it being considered that the
increased delay consequent thereupon would be more than Compensated
for by the probable decrease in expenditure, and the certain
superiority of the material.
Mr.
negotiation with firms in San Francisco for the supply of the
necessary Machinery. The high price of Iron at the present moment in
the United States, & other circumstances have however determined us
to obtain the Machinery from England; it being considered that the
increased delay consequent thereupon would be more than Compensated
for by the probable decrease in expenditure, and the certain
superiority of the material.
2. Mr Pemberton, the Surveyor General of the Colony, has proposed
in the interests of the Colony that it would be most satisfactory, if
some person well acquainted with Victoria Harbor and with the
contemplated improvements were sent to superintend the construction
of the required Machinery; and he has offered, if he himself be
selected for the service, to bear all his own personal and travelling
expenses, and has undertaken that his absence fromthe
the Colony shall
not exceed a period of Six Months. As Mr Pemberton from his
position both as Surveyor General, and as a Member of the Harbor
Improvement commission, is undoubtedly the person best calculated for
employment upon the service in question, and as the Colony will not
be subject to outlay on account of his journey, I have not hesitated
to sanction the arrangement, & have in consequence instructed Mr
Pemberton to leave for England by today's Steamer, for thepurposes
purposes
and under the conditions aforesaid.
the Colony shall
not exceed a period of Six Months. As Mr Pemberton from his
position both as Surveyor General, and as a Member of the Harbor
Improvement commission, is undoubtedly the person best calculated for
employment upon the service in question, and as the Colony will not
be subject to outlay on account of his journey, I have not hesitated
to sanction the arrangement, & have in consequence instructed Mr
Pemberton to leave for England by today's Steamer, for thepurposes
purposes
and under the conditions aforesaid.
3. Mr Pemberton has been directed upon his arrival in London to
report himself at your Office.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
Mr Pemberton will probably report himself at this Office in a day or two. Being absent on duty he will be entitled to full Salary?
Mr Pemberton will probably report himself at this Office in a day or two. Being absent on duty he will be entitled to full Salary?
VJ
26 May
At first it alwaysappears
appears questionable whether a Colonial Officer
should be allowed to come home in order to superintend work which the
Colonial Agents ought to be able to furnish. The precedent might
easily be abused. But Mr Pemberton's offer, which has been
accepted, to bear the whole of his travelling and personal expenses,
disarms any criticism on this point, and I think that the measure may
be tacitly acquiesced in.
appears questionable whether a Colonial Officer
should be allowed to come home in order to superintend work which the
Colonial Agents ought to be able to furnish. The precedent might
easily be abused. But Mr Pemberton's offer, which has been
accepted, to bear the whole of his travelling and personal expenses,
disarms any criticism on this point, and I think that the measure may
be tacitly acquiesced in.
I think that he may be allowed full salary for a period of six months
from the date of his leaving the Colony but not longer.
