No. 68
3 November 1863
I have had the honor of receiving Your Grace's Despatch
N
o 41 of the
31st July last, containing the decision of
Her Majesty's Government in respect to the continuance of the
Assay Establishment at
New Westminster.
2. In accordance with the instructions conveyed by Your
Grace, I have directed that the staff be reduced to one Chief
Assayer and
one one Assistant or operative Melter, from and after
the
1st January 1864.
3. I deferred making the reduction until that date in
consequence of the present being the close of the gold mining
Season, and the only period of the year when the services of
the whole Staff can, probably, be remuneratively employed.
4. I have given instructions for the preparation of the
Annual Return of the work performed by the Department as
required by Your Grace.
I have the honor to be
My Lord Duke
Your Graces most obedient
and humble Servant
James Douglas
Other documents included in the file
Elliot to
G.A. Hamilton, Treasury,
8 January 1864, forwarding
copy of the despatch for information.