Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
Kernaghan, William to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 9 August 1858, CO 305:9, no. 7940, 619.
Abstract
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (4).
Kernaghan informs the CO that the HBC is selling land on Vancouver Island and “purport to sell for ever.”
The minutes note that the Company has done well recently in land sales. They are aware
also that ninety percent of these sales should be spent on “colonization.” The CO
decides to inform Douglas that “the most scrutinizing attention will be given to these doings & call for for
the accounts of recent sales.”
Kernaghan to Lytton
4 Warwick Terrace Belgrave
Road
9 Aug 1858
Road
Sir
I would beg to call your attention to the land sales of the
Hudson Bay Co's Chief Factors in Victoria V.I. not on behalf of
the Crown but of the Co. whose lease will expire next year
though they purport to sell for ever.
Enclosed is copy of form.
By advices this Mail Lots were selling at £4000.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
I presume the Govt has no right to prevent such sales by the Company whilst the Lease to them of V.Couver's Island lasts. The Company have been very fortunate in the events which have occurred at the
close of their occupancy in V.C. Island and
which have tended to put money into their pockets.
I presume the Govt has no right to prevent such sales by the Company whilst the Lease to them of V.Couver's Island lasts. The Company have been very fortunate in the events which have occurred at the
close of their occupancy in V.C. Island and
which have tended to put money into their pockets.
ABd
11 May
There is no doubt of the enormous sales, but there is no doubt
also that of the amount realized 10 per cent only belongs to the
Company, & 90 per cent must be spent on "colonization" & which,
properly managed, ought to form a considerable fund in reduction
of the money due on
settlement of accounts from the Crown for
the repurchase of Vanc. The only question is whether it is
worth while to let the Company (and Mr Douglas) know that we
are aware of the state of things. I am inclined to think it is;
& that we had better ask the Co. whether they have any (and
what) accounts of recent sales of land.
settlement of accounts from the Crown for
the repurchase of Vanc. The only question is whether it is
worth while to let the Company (and Mr Douglas) know that we
are aware of the state of things. I am inclined to think it is;
& that we had better ask the Co. whether they have any (and
what) accounts of recent sales of land.
HM
Augt 12
By all means—make Douglas fully aware that the most
scrutinizing attention will be given to these doings & call for
the accounts of recent sales.
EBL
Aug 13
Done. Put by.