Colonial Despatches

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Governor Seymour's Despatches Nos. 43 and 56 of the 19th and 24th March, the first forwarding a Resolution passed by the Legislative Council of British Columbia requesting theGovernor Governor to order that a voyage to any Foreign Port shall be considered of not less than 40 days duration, and that Vessels of 50 tons burthen and upwards, bound Foreign shall be allowed to have their stores Duty Free, and the second submitting a Bill passed at the late Session of the Legislature entitled "An Ordinance to entitle Exporters of Goods to certain Drawbacks and for other purposes."

In reply I transmit to you for your information copiesof of a letter from the Board of Trade and of its enclosures from the Commissioners of Customs to whom Mr. Seymour's Despatches and their enclosures were referred.

I concur in the views expressed by the Commissioners of Customs and I have to instruct you to lay a copy of their report before the Colonial Legislature, at their next Session, who will, I have no doubt, with the help of the additional information now furnished, carefully reconsider the several importantquestions questions discussed by the Commissioners of Customs in their Report.

Meantime I am unable to authorise you to give assent to the Bill transmitted with Mr. Seymour's Despatch of the 24th of March.