Colonial Despatches

I have received and laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of the 27th of last month transmitting a despatch from the Governor of VanCouver's Island detailing the particulars of an excursion, undertaken by him in August last, from Fort Victoria thro' the "Canal de Arro" to Wentuhuysen Inlet where coal has been discovered,—and calling their Lordships attention to the recommendations of Governor Douglas that an Exploration and Survey of the Eastern coast of the Island should be undertaken by the Government,—And I am commanded to request that you will state to Secretary Sir John Pakington that previously to any detailed examination of the Arro Archipelago and the adjacent coast being made, it would be desirable that the GovernorGovernor should encourage some fit persons to make themselves acquainted with the pilotage of the principal channels and Ports of the district, with the view of inducing vessels to proceed there for the coals or other produce. And if it should be found that the navigation is practicable for large Vessels, the coal-working profitable, and the embarkation easy, it will doubtless be eventually desirable for the Government to undertake an adequate Survey of it's harbours and approaches.