Colonial Despatches

My attention has been called to the inadequate supply of Funds which is frequently maintained in the hands of the Agents General for Crown Colonies, and which makes it necessary for them in order to meet the liabilities incurred on account of particular colonies, to avail themselves of the generalfunds funds placed in their hands for other services. I therefore called for a general statement, shewing the sums overdrawn from that Agency by various colonies at the close of every month for the period from the 1st of April 1859 to the 31st of March 1861.

In the case of Vancouver Island there has appeared for several months a continued overdraft. It is small in amount, but is increasing, and I am informed that the Agents General have never received anyremittance remittance from your government. It will be desirable that you should keep the Agents General supplied in advance with such Funds as may be necessary to meet the demands on them for the services of your Government, as the present system of overdrafts may be attended with considerable inconvenience.