No. 55

Consequent upon the discovery of gold and the great influx of people
at Sooke Harbour I have found it necessary as a measure of safety to
appoint a resident paid Magistrate.

I was informed that American boats in considerable numbers were
plying there without licences, and it is absolutely requisite that a
Magistrate should be on the spot to prevent whiskey selling to the
Indians, and collisions between them and the white population, and to
guard against what is equally important, fights between the various
Native and sometimes hostile Tribes who are attracted there by high
wages and whiskey.

I have appointed Major Foster who has resigned his seat in the
Legislative Assembly to accept the appointment, which he clearly
understands to be temporary and subject to your approval.

I have fixed the salary at the rate of $1750 per annum the same as
that of the Police Magistrate of Victoria which is under present
circumstances very reasonable. Policemen in Victoria are now
receiving $3 1/2 per day, and their services, I am informed by the
Commissioner cannot be retained on other terms.