Colonial Despatches

I have to acknowledge your letters of 2nd & 9th inst enclosing an application from Mr Poole for a concession of Queen Charlotte Island, on the ground that he has discovered there resources which might be developed with advantage to the public. Mr Poole suggests as a condition of the grant that he should undertake to find adequate capital to carry out the objects he has in view.

2. I need scarcely observe that a free grant of land, even on the condition suggested by Mr Poole, is contrary to the principles which have guided every government in the disposal of land in the Colonies for the last 35 years—nothing but the certain prospect of very signal advantages would justify a departure from those principles. There is, however, nothing in Mr Poole's letter to indicate any such prospect, and I cannot, therefore, recommend a compliance with his application. Of course if Mr Poole should desire to do so, it is open to him as to any one else, to become the purchaser of land in Queen Charlotte Island under the ordinary regulations of the Colony.