Colonial Despatches

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.