XML | Preceding document | Next document | Cite this document

Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Grenville, Richard 2 July 1867, CO 60:28, no. 8557, 182.

Abstract
Despatch to London. Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (1).
This document contains mentions of Indigenous Peoples. The authors of these documents often perpetuate a negative perspective of Indigenous Peoples and it is important to look critically at these mentions. They sometimes use terminology that is now considered hurtful and offensive. To learn more about modern terminology pertaining to Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous ways of knowing, and decolonization, please refer to the Glossary of terms.
Seymour forwards Copies of an Ordinance … to provide for the taking of oaths and admission of evidence in certain cases and the Attorney General's report. Seymour briefly discusses the importance of allowing this ordinance. Holland’s minute describes the ordinance in the despatch and advises sanctioning the ordinance.
No. 82
Victoria
2nd July 1867
My Lord Duke,
I have the honor to forward an Authenticated and two plain Copies of an Ordinance of the late Session of the Legislature of this Colony, entitled:No. 11.Manuscript image No. 11. An Ordinance to provide for the taking of oaths and admission of evidence in certain cases. The Attorney General's report is added.
2. A similar ordinance having been allowed on the Mainland portion of the Colony but little explanation of its principles is now required. The most valuable, in my opinion is that enabling Indian Evidence to be taken under certain circumstancesinManuscript image in Vancouver Island similar to the law existing in the old Colony of British Columbia. I recommend the Ordinance strongly for allowance.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord Duke,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Holland
CC 31 Aug
Manuscript image
Mr Elliot
This Ordce consolidates & extends to the whole Colony the British Columbian Ordinces of 1859 & 1865, relating to the making of Affirmations instead of Oaths & the mode of taking native testimony. The Acts have worked well.
Sanction.
HTH 3/9
Manuscript image
At once.
TFE 2 Sep
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Manuscript image
H.P.P. Crease, Attorney General, to Seymour, 17 May 1867, reporting on the ordinance as per despatch.
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft reply, Buckingham to Seymour, No. 54, 7 September 1867 conveying “Her Majesty’s … confirmation and allowance of the British Columbia Ordinance … entitled ‘An Ordinance to provide for the taking of oaths and admission of evidence in certain cases.’”