Haliburton to Lytton

On behalf of the Canada Agency Association, I have the honor
to submit to the consideration of Her Majesty's Government, the
following proposal, with a view to expedite and facilitate the
Sale of Lands in British Columbia, and Vancouver Island, on its
reversion to the Crown, and thus to promote the general improvement
of that Settlement, and the development of its great natural resources.

The proposal is this: that Her Majesty's Government should
appoint the Canada Agency Association their Sole Agent for the
Sale of Lands in British Columbia and Vancouver Island, at an
upset price to be fixed by Her Majesty's Government.

In order more readily to negociate the sale of Lands, as
contemplated in this proposal, it is submitted that all Maps,
Surveys, Reports and other Official information respecting the
Soil, Climate and Capabilities of the Settlement, should be
placed by Her Majesty's Government at the service of the
Association, in order that those who intend to become Settlers,
or Purchasers, may receive from the Association, as ample
and trustworthy information as they could derive from Her
Majesty's Government, which would thus be relieved from the
burden, responsibility, and expense, as well of supplying
the preliminary information, as of conducting the subsequent
negociations: both which duties would be undertaken by the
Association, as Agent for Her Majesty's Government, within
limits defined by Government itself.

And it is proposed, that the Sale of Lands should be
negociated either in England, or in British Columbia: in the
latter case, the Sales would be conducted by an Agent, appointed
by the Association, but subject to the approval of Her
Majesty's Government.

It is submitted, that the Association should receive a
Commission on all Sales effected by them. The remuneration
thus given to the Association would be in exact proportion
to the work done by them: and which they venture to assume is,
on National grounds, work of a very important and interesting
character.

The Association are the more encouraged to submit this
Proposal to the favorable Consideration of Her Majesty's
Government, as they have reason to believe that the subject of
affording increased facilities of Communication between the
Canadas and British Columbia has been already brought under the
notice of Her Majesty's Government: and it is obvious that
the opening of such a communication, as well as the making of
Roads within the Settlement cannot fail to exercise a very
beneficial and permanent influence on the fortunes of
British Columbia.

The Association, on whose behalf I venture to address you,
believe that the Proposal, of which the above are the outlines,
is capable of being so moulded, as to confer great benefits both
on the Mother Country, and the Settlement: and subject to such
modifications, and improvements, as may be suggested by a more
lengthened experience, and larger views than their own, they
beg to submit their proposal to the consideration of Her
Majesty's Government.