Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, Sir James to Pelham-Clinton, 5th Duke of Newcastle Henry Pelham Fiennes 23 April 1861, CO 60:10, no. 5165, 217.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1).
Douglas writes to Newcastle on the subject of the 1862 International Exhibition in London, in response to which Douglas reports that he called a public meeting in New Westminster, to stress the importance of a strong British Columbia presence at the Exhibition, and to form committees dedicated to the task.
In the minutes, Grey asks Rogers to send on Douglas's correspondence immediately to the commissioners of the Exhibition.
The enclosure noted in Douglas's despatch does not appear in the file; Douglas writes that it is an “extract from
the 'British Columbian'” that “contains a full report of the proceedings at the preliminary
meeting held at New Westminster.”
No. 28
23 April 1861
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Grace's
Circular despatch of the 1st February, enclosing copy of a
letter from the Promoters and proposed Trustees of the Exhibition
of works of Industry and artof
of all Nations to be holden in London in 1862, and instructing me to further this important object by all the means in my power.
of all Nations to be holden in London in 1862, and instructing me to further this important object by all the means in my power.
2. I have much pleasure in acquainting your Grace that having
learnt from the English newspapers that an Exhibition was to be
held in 1862, and in consideration of the great distance of this Colonyfrom
from England, and the time consequently necessary to forward specimens, I proceeded
in anticipation of your Grace's instructions now received, to call a public meeting
at New Westminster on 26th February for the purpose of drawing attention to the propriety of adequately representing
British Columbia at the Exhibition, and I then promised in aid ofprivate
private contribution, such assistance from the Treasury as the state of the public
finances could afford.
from England, and the time consequently necessary to forward specimens, I proceeded
in anticipation of your Grace's instructions now received, to call a public meeting
at New Westminster on 26th February for the purpose of drawing attention to the propriety of adequately representing
British Columbia at the Exhibition, and I then promised in aid ofprivate
private contribution, such assistance from the Treasury as the state of the public
finances could afford.
3. The inhabitants of this Colony responded warmly to the
call thus made upon them, Committees were appointed—subscription
lists opened—measures instituted for the collection of specimens
and the transaction of business, and everything is now in fair train.
4.
4. The enclosed extract from the "British Columbian" contains
a full report of the proceedings at the preliminary meeting held
at New Westminster in behalf of the Exhibition.
5. I have communicated to the Secretaries of the General
Committee your Grace's despatch and its enclosure, in order that
they may take such steps in reference thereto asmay
may be most
expedient in furthering the object in view.
may be most
expedient in furthering the object in view.
Minutes by CO staff
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Not in file.