Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, Sir James to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 11 April 1859, CO 60:4, no. 5441, 270.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Other documents (1).
Douglas reports on the macadamization of the Harrison River road, relating the burden that the expense has placed on British Columbia’s “small resources.”
The minutes find it “wise” to congratulate Douglas for paying the road building expense.
No. 129
I have duly received your Despatch of the 22nd January
1859 No 7, conveying to me your approval of the construction
of the route by Harrison's River, and acquainting me that you
look to the payment of all expenses connected with it out of
local, and not from
from Imperial Funds.
from Imperial Funds.
2. The gratifying expression of your approval in this matter
is very acceptable to me, and I am happy to be able to state
that we have paid the whole expenses of the road, amounting to
Fourteen Thousand pounds (£14,000), out of the local Revenue. The
undertaking has been a severe tax upon our small resources,
but the work was indispensable for the development of the
Country, and it will in the end greatly benefit the Revenue
by the increase of the Imports which it is the means of
introducing into the interior.
Minutes by CO staff
I think it wd be wise to acknowledge & to express
satisfaction at the completion of the road & the
defrayment of all charges from local revenues.
C
May 30
