Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 11 April 1864, CO 60:18, no. 5068, 157.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (1), Marginalia (1).
Douglas sends
a Return of the Customs Receipts at New Westminsterfor first quarter 1863 and 1864 showing an increase in returns. Douglas also reports that British Columbia
enjoys peace and tranquilityand that he will take his
final leaveof the colony on 13 April 1864.
Separate
New Westminster
11 April 1864
My Lord Duke,
I have the honor to forward for Your Grace's information
a Return of the Customs Receipts at New Westminster for the
three months ending 31st March 1864, accompanied by a similarreturn
return for the first three Months of 1863—shewing an increase
on the quarter of about 34 per Cent as compared with the first
quarter of 1863.
return for the first three Months of 1863—shewing an increase
on the quarter of about 34 per Cent as compared with the first
quarter of 1863.
2. The same return also shows an increase of 29 per cent
in the number of passengers who have entered at New Westminster
during the quarter.
3. A second return which is also forwardedcontains
contains a
statement of Road Tolls collected at Yale, Douglas and Hope
in the years 1862 and 1863, and a comparative statement of
the respective March quarters of 1863 and 1864 shewing
an increase of 89 per cent in favor of 1864.
contains a
statement of Road Tolls collected at Yale, Douglas and Hope
in the years 1862 and 1863, and a comparative statement of
the respective March quarters of 1863 and 1864 shewing
an increase of 89 per cent in favor of 1864.
4. The full returns of Road Tolls collected at Lytton
and Lillooet made up to the quarter have not yet come to hand;but
but as far as reported in the weekly statements, there appears to be a
great increase of Revenue at those places.
but as far as reported in the weekly statements, there appears to be a
great increase of Revenue at those places.
5. The latest intelligence from the Mines report further
discoveries of highly auriferous ground on Williams Creek and
its Tributary Streams. The area of the Gold region is thus
continually extending and effective machinery for sinking and
drainage isbeing
being introduced, giving to mining operations an
unusual character of permanence and stability.
being introduced, giving to mining operations an
unusual character of permanence and stability.
6. The last report of the Gold Commissioner for Carribou
East dated the 27th states that "the new Mining Laws have
afforded universal satisfaction"
that "good substantial and
in some cases expensive buildings are being constructed at
'Barkerville' 'Camerontown'and
and 'Marysville,' and that a small
town is also in progress of erection at McArthurs Gulch."
The same report also states "that the Bank of British Columbia
is about establishing a branch office at Quesnel Mouth."
Ordinance to "extend and improve the Laws relating to Gold mining."
Vide—Despatch No 9—29th Feby 1864.
and 'Marysville,' and that a small
town is also in progress of erection at McArthurs Gulch."
The same report also states "that the Bank of British Columbia
is about establishing a branch office at Quesnel Mouth."
7. I have further the satisfaction to inform Your Grace
that the Colony enjoys peace and tranquility, and exhibits,
in other respects,many
many indications of growing prosperity.
many indications of growing prosperity.
8. I propose taking my final leave of the Colony on the
13th Instant, and every preparation will be made for the
proper reception of my Successor.
Minutes by CO staff
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Customs receipts for three months ending 31 March 1863 and 1864,
signed by W. Hamley, Customs House, 1 April 1864.
