Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, Sir James to Labouchere, Henry 9 January 1857, CO 305:8, no. 2425, 5.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (1), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (1).
Douglas updates the Colonial Office of the previous session of the House of Assembly which
was “chiefly occupied, with matters of detail, connected with the expenditure, and
financial condition of the colony.” He informs them that he is preparing a bill for
a customs duty but fears it will be unpopular as “there is a general feeling in both
Council and Assembly against taxation under any form.”
The minutes acknowledge receipt.
Enclosed is a draft reply acknowledging the receipt of Douglas’s despatch and a copy of the correspondence between Douglas and the House of Assembly regarding the administration of Vancouver Island, with particular emphasis on the financial status of the colony.
No. 2
1. My last report of the 31st of October, on the proceedings of
the House of Assembly closed with its adjournment to the 13th day of
November, when it again met and remained in session tillthe
the 18th of
December, it then adjourned for the Christmas recess.
the 18th of
December, it then adjourned for the Christmas recess.
2. The House has been so far chiefly occupied with matters of
detail, connected with the expenditure, and financial condition of the
Colony. I furnished every means of information in my power connected
with those subjects, as you will observe through my correspondence with
the House, which is herewith forwarded.
3. A Bill granting the sum of 130 Sterling, for paying the
Servants, and defraying the ordinary expenses of the House was passed on
the 18th day of December, and the same will be brought beforethe
the
Council at an early day.
the
Council at an early day.
4. I am now preparing a Bill for imposing a Customs duty on
Imports, as a means of meeting the ordinary expenses of Government; but
the subject must be approached with caution, as there is a very general
feeling in both Council and Assembly against taxation under any form,
and I am prepared to encounter much clamour and opposition in carrying
so unpopular a measure through the Houses.
The Right Honble Henry Labouchere Esqre
Her Majesty's principal Secretary of State
For the Colonial Department.
Her Majesty's principal Secretary of State
For the Colonial Department.
Minutes by CO staff
Other documents included in the file
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Correspondence between Douglas and the House of Assembly regarding
the administration of Vancouver Island, with particular emphasis on the
financial status of the colony, as per despatch (29 pages).