No. 62
               
            
            
               22 October 1861
               
            
            
               I have the honour of transmitting herewith, the Copy of a
               Proclamation issued by me on the 
10th day of September last,
               intituled "The Distillers Excise Act
"1861" 1861
 1861," authorising and regulating
               the distillation and manufacture of Spirits in 
British Columbia.
               
               2. This Act is intended for the encouragement of domestic industry, and will furnish
               a profitable outlet for grain and other
               agricultural products. It will also have the effect of diminishing
               the quantity of Spirits imported from abroad, and, to protect the
               public revenue from any serious loss thereby, a moderate duty of
               two
Shillings
 Shillings per gallon is to be charged on all spirits made within the Colony.
               
               3. It is unnecessary to occupy Your Grace's time, or my own,
               by comments on the character and objects of this Act, as it is
               simply an adaptation of the Excise Act of Canada to the present
               circumstances of 
British Columbia, and contains nothing new in principle, nor unusual in form; I therefore submit it
without
 without hesitation for Her Majesty's approval.
               
               I have the honor to be
               My Lord Duke,
               Your Graces most obedient
               and humble Servant
               
James Douglas
               
               Minutes by CO staff
               
               
               
               
                  
                  
                     At once to Treasury, requesting that the opinion of the Crs of Excise may be obtained respecting the propriety and sufficiency of the provns of this Act.
                     
                  
                  
                  
                   
                
            
            
               Other documents included in the file
               
                
                  
                  
                     Draft,
                     
Elliot to 
G.A. Hamilton, Treasury, 
20 December 1861, forwarding copy of the despatch and proclamation for consideration, and asking
                     also for the opinion of the excise commissioners on the subject.