Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
McNab, C. to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 30 November 1858, CO 60:2, no. 12266, 206.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (3), Other documents (1).
McNab requests an interview with Lytton ostensibly to discuss the creation of a bank in British Columbia and Vancouver Island.
The minutes direct this request to the Treasury.
McNab to Lytton
The Directors of the Bank have received a communication
from the Treasury under date 25th
instant,
2
with reference to which I am directed to ask the favor of your granting
an interview, on as early a day as may suit your convenience, to a
deputation from their body.
Minutes by CO staff
The Treasury are the proper Department to advise upon such
matters. They have given their opinion both to us and to the
Banking Companys. The reason why that Company demands an interview
most probably is that it is dissatisfied with the decision of
the Treasury and would like something different. But it
seems to
me very dangerous to be led into oral discussions on matters
of this kind with eager speculators, and both in order to save Sir E. Lytton's time and also for the sake of security and precision
in despatching the business, I should be inclined to suggest that
the Company be courteously informed that Sir E. Lytton's time is at
present so much occupied that it would be difficult for him to appoint
an interview, and that he would feel obliged to them if they would
explain in writing the subject which they wish him to consider.
seems to
me very dangerous to be led into oral discussions on matters
of this kind with eager speculators, and both in order to save Sir E. Lytton's time and also for the sake of security and precision
in despatching the business, I should be inclined to suggest that
the Company be courteously informed that Sir E. Lytton's time is at
present so much occupied that it would be difficult for him to appoint
an interview, and that he would feel obliged to them if they would
explain in writing the subject which they wish him to consider.
TFE
2 Decr
Yes.
EBL
2 Decr
Other documents included in the file
Footnotes
- British investors founded the Bank of British North America in 1836; it was incorporated by royal charter in 1840. The Victoria branch was located on Yates Street; the manager was Fred. Whatley Wood, the accountant was Alexander Watson, the teller was E.M. Jackson, and the messenger was A. Wilson. When did it open in Victoria?? (See Colonist, 23 May 1859, and Edward Mallandaine, First Victoria Directory [Victoria: Edw. Mallandaine & Co., 1860].) The bank became the official bank for the city of Victoria and the colonial government of Vancouver Island. On 12 April 1918, the Bank of British North America was absorbed by the Bank of Montreal (Victoria Times, 12 April 1918). See Jackson, Banking, Mail, and Express Service in British North America.
- = Tre to BBNA, 25 Nov 58, extension of charter FIND?? Tre-BBNA, 25 Nov 58 re extension of charter.