Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Seymour, Governor Frederick to
Cardwell, Edward 17 May 1865, CO 60:21, no. 6413, 496.
Abstract
Seymour, Governor Frederick to
Cardwell, Edward 17 May 1865, CO 60:21, no. 6413, 496.
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Marginalia (1).
No. 55
17th May 1865
Sir,
I have the honor to forward an Authenticated and two
plain Copies of an Ordinance of the recent Session of the
Legislature of this Colony, entitled:
No. 11. An Ordinancefor
for the formation and regulation
of Municipalities in British Columbia.
I add the Report of the Attorney General.
for the formation and regulation
of Municipalities in British Columbia.
I add the Report of the Attorney General.
2. Though I wish to give to the people a larger share
than they now possess in the administration of Public affairs,
I am of opinion that it is inexpedient to make any material
change in the Legislative Constitution of this Colony at
present. The vast extent of territory over whichour
our small
white population roams, the intricate relations sometimes
existing with the native tribes, the sudden "rushes" backwards
and forward of the Miners whom the machinery of Government
must follow, all point to the necessity of a strong Government.
Besides, were an elective franchise granted to the people for
the choice of their representatives in a House of Assembly,
all aliens, probably the majority of our population would,
I presumebe
be excluded both from the voting and the representation.
This I think in itself is a sufficient reason for making no
important change at present. The Ordinance is intended as a
preparation for that self Government which I trust will, should
the Colony attract any considerable English immigration, be
granted to the people.
our small
white population roams, the intricate relations sometimes
existing with the native tribes, the sudden "rushes" backwards
and forward of the Miners whom the machinery of Government
must follow, all point to the necessity of a strong Government.
Besides, were an elective franchise granted to the people for
the choice of their representatives in a House of Assembly,
all aliens, probably the majority of our population would,
I presumebe
be excluded both from the voting and the representation.
The O. in C. is silent on this point.
3. But British Columbia owes much to foreign enterprise,
and foreigners have a large interest in her welfare. The
Majorityof
of the population in Lytton, Quesnel Mouth, and I
believe some other towns, is alien. I propose allowing those
not under allegiance to the British Crown a share in the
management of these small municipalities. The central Government
is sufficiently strong to enable me to do so with perfect safety to
the Public, and with general benefit to those limited Communities.
of the population in Lytton, Quesnel Mouth, and I
believe some other towns, is alien. I propose allowing those
not under allegiance to the British Crown a share in the
management of these small municipalities. The central Government
is sufficiently strong to enable me to do so with perfect safety to
the Public, and with general benefit to those limited Communities.
4. You will however observe that with the Governor rests
theprivilege
privilege of determining the "qualification of Voters
or Burgesses at the election of such Officer." Should
he be apprehensive of difficulty he can restrict the privileges
to British subjects.
privilege of determining the "qualification of Voters
or Burgesses at the election of such Officer." Should
he be apprehensive of difficulty he can restrict the privileges
to British subjects.
Minutes by CO staff
Sir F. Rogers
The policy of this investment appears to me to be wise, and the measure itself a liberal forerunner of more extensive representation hereafter.
The policy of this investment appears to me to be wise, and the measure itself a liberal forerunner of more extensive representation hereafter.
ABd
17 July
I have no doubt that the general policy of the Ordinance is
good. But the power with wh it invests the Governor is far too great.
It enables him to constitute municipalities with powers
not limited by any general ordinance, as yet subject, in
each particular case to the approval either of the Legislature
or of the Home Govt. He may constitute a body by Charter
with power to make bylaws "for any local purpose connected with
the Borrough (SS 2 [P. 14?])" wh bylaws are to "have the force
of law and be
enforcable as law in any Court in the Colony."
But the Atty Genl represents the Charters as merely
provisional to last "until such time as they shall be all
gathered in under a general Municipal Law" and the 4th
clause accordy provides for the cessation of the Charters
when a general Municipal Law shall pass.
Sanction.
enforcable as law in any Court in the Colony."
But the Atty Genl represents the Charters as merely
provisional to last "until such time as they shall be all
gathered in under a general Municipal Law" and the 4th
clause accordy provides for the cessation of the Charters
when a general Municipal Law shall pass.
Sanction.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
H.P.P. Crease, Attorney General, to Colonial Secretary, 9 May
1865, reporting on the ordinance as per despatch.