Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch from London
Grey, Third Earl, Henry George to
Blanshard, Governor Richard
20 November 1850, LAC :, 13.
Abstract
Despatch from London.
Grey writes Blanshard to acknowledge receipt of Blanshard's previous despatch, which reported on the provisional appointment of Helmcken as “Magistrate” of Fort Rupert, and the "adjoining District of Vancouver's Island." Grey approves of the appointment, in light of the “circumstances of the settlement.” In
answer to Blanshard's previous question on the matter, Grey agrees with the taxation of “Ardent Spirits,” once a legislature can be established
to enforce the associated duties.
Downing Street
20 November 1850
Sir,
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No 4, of the 10th of July, notifying the provisional appointment of Mr John
Sebastian Helmcken as a Magistrate at "Fort Rupert" and the adjoining
District of Vancouver's Island.
Under the present circumstances of the settlement I approve of this
Gentleman's appointment as being one more conducive to thewelfare
welfare of the
Community than any other selection you could have made.
welfare of the
Community than any other selection you could have made.With respect to imposing a Tax on the importation of Ardent Spirits
I am of opinion that it would be very desirable whenever the time shall
arrive for the creation of a Legislature, and the necessary authority
for the imposition of duties can be thus obtained.