Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Kennedy, Arthur to Cardwell, Edward 4 June 1866, CO 305:28, no. 7601, 418.
Abstract
Kennedy, Arthur to Cardwell, Edward 4 June 1866, CO 305:28, no. 7601, 418.
Despatch to London.
Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (5), Other documents (1), Marginalia (1).
No. 40, Separate
4th June 1866
Sir,
Referring to my Despatches named in the margin
I have now the honor to transmit copies of a correspondence which
preceded the inquiry into the loss of the Mail Steam Packet
"Labouchere."
34, 17th May 1866.
37, 2nd June 1866.
37, 2nd June 1866.
You will observe that the Acting Attorney General in his Minute (No
248 dated 27th April) advisedme
me that "no inquiry could be held
here." Dissenting from that opinion and impressed with the great
importance of having the cause of such a grave disaster inquired into
and placed on record, I addressed myself confidentially to the Chief
Justice, who in a verbal reply advised me that my Commission alone
conferred general powers for such a proceeding. The evidence and
Report you have already before you.
My
me that "no inquiry could be held
here." Dissenting from that opinion and impressed with the great
importance of having the cause of such a grave disaster inquired into
and placed on record, I addressed myself confidentially to the Chief
Justice, who in a verbal reply advised me that my Commission alone
conferred general powers for such a proceeding. The evidence and
Report you have already before you.
My object in now addressing you is to ascertain your opinion of the
propriety or otherwise of the course I have pursued and to receive
any instructions you may deem necessary for my future guidance.
You will not fail to observe that the wreck of the "Labouchere"
occurred on the coast of California and therefore beyond my
jurisdiction in ordinary cases.
Minutes by CO staff
At once. Yes. I think so as they have the matter still before them
& as the Atty G. may be wrong about the effect of the Mercht
Shipping Act.
FR
8/8
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Charles Mason, Acting Consul in San Francisco, to Kennedy, 20
April 1866, assuming that the cause of the wreck would be investigated
by authorities in the colony, and discussing future transmission of
mail to Vancouver Island.
Mason to Kennedy, 20 April 1866, reporting the total loss of the
steamer
Labouchere off Point Reyes on 15 April with forty-six bags of
mail destined for Vancouver Island, only two bags of newspapers being
saved.
Minute of W.A.G. Young, Colonial Secretary, 26 April 1866,
advising the matter had been referred to the Attorney General for
report whether an official inquiry should be commenced.
Memo, T.L. Wood, Acting Attorney General, 27 April 1866,
advising that he could find "no authority for an inquiry being held
in this Colony as to the particulars of the wreck," with explanation.
Other documents included in the file
Colonial Office to T.H. Farrar, Board of Trade, 11 August 1866,
forwarding copy of the despatch and enclosures for information.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Blackwood
See your Minute on 7601. Is it necessary to send a Copy of the Post Office letter of 26 July? The Report of the enquiry (last enclosure) was received by the Post Office from the Bd of Trade and as the information contained in the second enclosure is identical with that sent by the Govr
See your Minute on 7601. Is it necessary to send a Copy of the Post Office letter of 26 July? The Report of the enquiry (last enclosure) was received by the Post Office from the Bd of Trade and as the information contained in the second enclosure is identical with that sent by the Govr