Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
Booth, James to Merivale, Herman 9 March 1859, CO 60:6, no. 2588, 73.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1).
Booth acknowledges receipt of Richards’ report on the harbours and coast of Vancouver Island and forwards a memo by Sulivan on the subject of lighthouses.
The minutes discuss the cost of lighthouses and who should pay for them.
Enclosed is a memo from B. J. Sulivan, 7 March 1859, discussing issues related to the proposed lighthouses on Vancouver Island.
Booth to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)
Office of Committee of Privy Council for Trade
Whitehall
9 March 1859
Whitehall
Sir,
I am directed by the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council
for Trade to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd
January last transmitting for the consideration of this Committee
a copy of a report from Captn Richards of Her Majesty's Ship
"Plumper" on the Harbours of Vancouver's Island on the Coast of
British Columbia.
In reply I am to request you to state to Secretary Sir E.B.
Lytton, that as the Lights in question do not appear to belong to
the class of Imperial lights it
it does not fall within the province
of this Department to form an opinion or to give any recommendation
as to the propriety of their being established. I am however to
transmit to you a copy of a memorandum which has been drawn up
by Captn Sulivan, R.N. of this Department on the subject of
these Lights.
it does not fall within the province
of this Department to form an opinion or to give any recommendation
as to the propriety of their being established. I am however to
transmit to you a copy of a memorandum which has been drawn up
by Captn Sulivan, R.N. of this Department on the subject of
these Lights.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
Copy to the Governor—for his infn with reference to the 26 Par: of Governor's desp. of the 26 Oct/58.
Copy to the Governor—for his infn with reference to the 26 Par: of Governor's desp. of the 26 Oct/58.
ABd
11/3
Lord Carnarvon
This report raises a serious question whether this country will go to an expense of about £14000 for the
erection
of two lighthouses on the coast of Van. I. which according
to the Bd of Trade "do not properly belong to the class of
Imperial lights." They appear certainly to be much called
for, and the island cannot possibly pay for them at present.
This report raises a serious question whether this country will go to an expense of about £14000 for the
erection
of two lighthouses on the coast of Van. I. which according
to the Bd of Trade "do not properly belong to the class of
Imperial lights." They appear certainly to be much called
for, and the island cannot possibly pay for them at present.
HM
Mh 11
The total cost of the three lights appears to be £20,000—and
considering the high price of labour it is fair to assume
the full measure of expenditure—and of this the lanterns &
materials are said to represent about 6000£.
It is clear that the Colony has not £20,000 at it's
disposal & equally clear that the Lights are necessary. Perhaps
therefore it wd not be an unfair arrangement to give the
lanterns & apparatus £6000, and to advance towards the work
4000 [total] 10,000, the latter sum to be repaid by the Colony within
a slated period say five years, bearing the remaining £10,000
to be defrayed from local resources. The Govrs opinion
wd however be necessary as a 
preliminary.
preliminary.
Can dues be levied on ships passing wh wd provide
for repairs or in part accumulate a fund for the repayment
of the original expenses? Victoria is a free port and I am
afraid therefore that no toll cd be taken for the light of
the harbour?
C
Mch 11
We can't increase estimates at present.
EBL
M 12
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
B.J. Sulivan, 7 March 1859, memo discussing issues related to the
proposed lighthouses on Vancouver Island.