Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 22 October 1859, CO 305:11, no. 12504, 188.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (1).
Douglas transmits a copy of a petition from
from the House of Assembly of Vancouver's Island, requesting an
alteration in the present Land System.Douglas adds the following:
I am strongly of opinion that no unrestricted control of Colonial Lands should be placed in the hands of the House of Assembly until that body provides for the Civil List required by the Colony.
No. 50
22 October 1859
I have the honor to transmit herewith the Copy of an Address
received by me from the House of Assembly of Vancouver's Island,
requesting me to forward 
to your Grace the accompanying Petition
from the inhabitants of Vancouver's Island, praying for an
alteration in the present Land System, and the copy of an
Address from the House of Assembly to your Grace upon the same
subject.
to your Grace the accompanying Petition
from the inhabitants of Vancouver's Island, praying for an
alteration in the present Land System, and the copy of an
Address from the House of Assembly to your Grace upon the same
subject.
2. At the present moment I do not desire to offer any opinion
upon the representations made in these Documents, for I purpose
shortly to lay before your Grace my views in connection with 
the
Land System. I may however state that I am fully aware that the
matter is one of such vital importance to the progress of the
Colony, that it can only be dealt with upon the most mature
consideration; and I may further state that I am strongly of
opinion that no unrestricted control of Colonial Lands should be
placed in the hands of the House of Assembly until that body
provides for 
the Civil List required by the Colony.
the
Land System. I may however state that I am fully aware that the
matter is one of such vital importance to the progress of the
Colony, that it can only be dealt with upon the most mature
consideration; and I may further state that I am strongly of
opinion that no unrestricted control of Colonial Lands should be
placed in the hands of the House of Assembly until that body
provides for 
the Civil List required by the Colony.
I have etc.
Minutes by CO staff
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Petition to the House of Assembly asking for changes to the system of land distribution,
2 July 1859, signed by a committee of five members appointed at a public meeting on the subject.
Petition from the House of Assembly to Newcastle forwarding the
petition as described above, with extensive explanation in
support of a change to the land system.
