Separate
New Westminster
11 April 1864
My Lord Duke,
I have the honor to forward for Your Grace's information
a Return of the Customs Receipts at
New Westminster for the
three months ending
31st March 1864, accompanied by a similar
return
return for the first three Months of
1863—shewing an increase
on the quarter of about 34 per Cent as compared with the first
quarter of
1863.
2. The same return also shows an increase of 29 per cent
in the number of passengers who have entered at New Westminster
during the quarter.
3. A second return which is also forwarded
contains contains a
statement of Road Tolls collected at
Yale,
Douglas and
Hope
in the years
1862 and
1863, and a comparative statement of
the respective March quarters of
1863 and
1864 shewing
an increase of 89 per cent in favor of
1864.
4. The full returns of Road Tolls collected at
Lytton
and
Lillooet made up to the quarter have not yet come to hand;
but
but as far as reported in the weekly statements, there appears to be a
great increase of Revenue at those places.
5. The latest intelligence from the Mines report further
discoveries of highly auriferous ground on
Williams Creek and
its Tributary Streams. The area of the Gold region is thus
continually extending and effective machinery for sinking and
drainage is
being being introduced, giving to mining operations an
unusual character of permanence and stability.
6. The last report of the Gold Commissioner for Carribou
East dated the
27th states that "the new Mining Laws have
afforded universal satisfaction"
Ordinance to "extend and improve the Laws relating to Gold mining."
Vide—Despatch No 9—29th Feby 1864.
that "good substantial and
in some cases expensive buildings are being constructed at
'
Barkerville' '
Camerontown'
and and '
Marysville,' and that a small
town is also in progress of erection at
McArthurs Gulch."
The same report also states "that the Bank of
British Columbia
is about establishing a branch office at
Quesnel Mouth."
7. I have further the satisfaction to inform Your Grace
that the Colony enjoys peace and tranquility, and exhibits,
in other respects,
many many indications of growing prosperity.
8. I propose taking my final leave of the Colony on the
13th Instant, and every preparation will be made for the
proper reception of my Successor.
I have the honor to be
My Lord Duke
Your Graces most obedient
Humble Servant
James Douglas
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
Acknowledge rec
t of this very satisfactory report.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Customs receipts for three months ending
31 March 1863 and
1864,
signed by
W. Hamley, Customs House,
1 April 1864.
Comparative statement of tolls collected at
Yale,
Douglas and
Hope, as per despatch, signed by
Hamley,
11 April 1864.
Other documents included in the file