<persName ref="prs:shepherd"><surname>Shepherd</surname>,<!--<roleName>HBC Governor</roleName>--><!-- GL, Not sure if HBC Gov role is really needed, it is explained in the bio and I don't think other HBC governors have the roleName --><forename>John</forename></persName> to <persName ref="prs:labouchere_h"><surname>Labouchere</surname>, <forename>Henry</forename></persName> 12 March 1856, CO 305:7, no. 2399, 320. Shepherd addressee Labouchere

Published by Jim Hendrickson and the University of Victoria.

Shepherd,John to Labouchere, Henry 12 March 1856, CO 305:7, no. 2399, 320.The Colonial Despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871, Edition 2.6, ed. James Hendrickson and the Colonial Despatches project. Victoria, B.C.: University of Victoria. https://bcgenesis.uvic.ca/V565MI08.html. CO 305:07 CO 305 7 2399 320 V.I. 1856 co_305_07_00322r.jpg Transcribed from microfilm archives, marked up in Waterloo Script, then transformed into TEI P5 XML.

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Public Offices document. Minutes (3), Other documents (1).

Shepherd writes to Labouchere proposing on behalf of the HBC that the regulations for land purchase on Vancouver Island should be modified to allow Douglas to receive payment for land by four annual instalments.

The minutes refer Merivale to an earlier minute, and agree that Merivale should refer to the Land Board for an early report of the regulations for selling land on the Island.

Enclosed is a draft from Merivale to Shepherd to approve the proposal.

Shepherd,John
Hudson's Bay House
Labouchere, Henry Inserted revisionDesc with @status="unproofed". Changed idno @type="received" into a date element. Gave existing date an @type="sent" and reordered bibl contents.
Shepherd to Labouchere 2399, CO 305/7, p. 320; registed 14 March
Hudson's Bay House
March 12th 1856 Sir

With reference to the Report on the transactions of the Hudson's Bay Company in relation to Vancouver's Island Colony, addressed to Lord John Russell under date, Hudson's Bay House 9th June 1855, I am desirous, on the part of the Hudson's Bay Company, to request your attention to the following paragraphs contained therein.

The Governor and Committee are of opinion however, that with respect to such of those parties as may be desirous of increasing the extent of their holdings, and to others whose eligibility can be satisfactorily established, it would be desirable to modify the existing regulations regarding the payment of the purchase money of land, by empowering the Governor of the Island, under certain restrictions to receive such payment by fourfour annual instalments of 5s/- each.

This arrangement would enable an industrious agricultural labourer to make progress with a very small Capital, but which would be yearly increased by the profits of his labour.

Reference has already been made to the system of free grants which prevails in the American Territory, and the Governor & Committee apprehend that while that system continues in the immediate vicinity of Vancouver's Island, some liberal arrangement, such as that now suggested, will be necessary to induce Emigrants to adopt the Island as their home.

I am requested to state that it will be satisfactory to the Committee if your Lordship should concur in these views, in which case they will transmit the necessary instructions to Governor Douglas for carrying them into operation without delaydelay.

It is the opinion of the Directors that should the Company be authorized to dispose of lots of land on some such terms of payment, the Settlement of the Island would progress more rapidly than, owing to circumstances beyond their control, it has hitherto done.

Should you concur with this opinion, and instruct them accordingly, no time will be lost in directing Governor Douglas to carry the same into effect.

I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient humble Servant John Shepherd Deputy GovrGovernor The Right HonbleHonourable Henry Labouchere &c &c &c Colonial Office
Mr Merivale On this subject I would refer you to (especially) your Minute on 5599. As for the regulations governing the sale of Land in V.C. Island, see the annexed printed Paper P. 7.

Refer to Land Board for report.

ABd 15/3
For early report. HM Mh 15
Refer. JB 17 M HL 17
Draft, Merivale to Shepherd, 28 March 1856, approving the company's proposal.