Colonial Despatches

I wish to call your attention to the fact that during the administration of your Predecessor in the Government of British Columbia, a Commission as Lieutenant Governor was held by Lieutenant Colonel Moodywho who in virtue thereof succeeded to the Government of the Colony on the death, incapacity or absence of the Governor.

In default of such an appointment the temporary administration of the Government would in either of these contingencies be vested in the Senior Member of the Executive Council, who, as that Body is now constituted in your Instructions, is the Colonial Secretary. I should wish you to report to me your opinion, after you have been asufficient sufficient time in the Colony to form your judgment on the point, whether it is expedient that this arrangement should continue in force, or, if not, what other would be the most desirable substitute.