No. 66, Separate
31st August 1866
Sir,
In compliance with the request of the Legislative Assembly of Vancouver Island, I have the honor to transmit certain further Resolutions passed by that Body on the subject of Union with British Columbia. These Resolutions were passed five days before theAssemblyManuscript image Assembly expired by efflux of time.
I do not deem it necessary to occupy your time with any comments upon the value of "Representative Government" as practised in this Colony. The experience of the last two years may I think be taken as a fair criterion in regard to the future.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant
A.E. Kennedy
Governor
Minutes by CO staff
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Sir F. Rogers
It is perhaps to be regretted that the despatch which has been lately prepared to the Govr of V.C.I. relating to the Constitution of that Isld & to its union with B.C. is not on the high Seas. But I conceive that no difference in the nature of the ansr to these Resolutions need on that account be made.
The ansr, I presume, will be somewhat to the effect that this Resolution has been duly recd. But that for the reasons which have been fully explained in Lord Carnarvons (proposed) desph and in consequence of the Imperial Parlt having decided upon the form of Govt for the united Colonies his Ldship is precluded from entertaining the wish expressed by the late Ho: Assembly in favor of Representative Institutions.
ABd 30 Oct
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I think so. Date the general dph Oct 28 and in ackng this state that it is answered by anticipation by the dph of Oct 28. Or rather take Mr Blackwoods words—omitting (I think) the refce to Parlt.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Resolution of the Legislative Assembly, passed 28 August 1866, supporting union on the condition that representative institutions were maintained, signed by J.S. Helmcken, Speaker.
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Carnarvon to Kennedy, No. 24, 16 November 1866.