No. 51

I have the honor of transmitting herewith a communication from Mr Young requesting, for the reasons therein stated, that he may be permitted to resign his appointment of Colonial Secretary for British Columbia, and to retain his appointment in Vancouver Island.

In the early stage of the Colonies, when the Government
was administered by one official head, it was a matter of
great convenience to have the Office of Colonial Secretary
for the two Colonies filled by one and the same person, but
since the separation of the Colonies has been decided on,
that system must soon have an end. Mr Young who has hitherto
so ably attended to the duties of Colonial Secretary for both
Colonies, desires to retain the appointment for Vancouver
Island, and to resign that for British Columbia, and I think
his long services give him a peculiar claim to Your Grace's
favourable consideration. In saying that Mr Young has given
me perfect satisfaction, and that his Official experience,
unremitting attention to business, and knowledge of the Colony
will be of the utmost advantage to my Successor, I am only
doing Mr Young justice.

That the appointment of Mr Young to Vancouver Island
will give satisfaction to the public is I believe placed
beyond a doubt by the fact of his having at the late general
Election been returned at the head of the Poll to represent
the Town of Victoria in the Legislative Assembly, his
nomination having been warmly supported by almost every
person of wealth and consideration in this place.

I have in other despatches made honorable mention of
Mr Young's public services and I may add that his tact,
conciliatory manners, irreproachable character, and official
experience give him a peculiar fitness for the Office he
holds, and I have no doubt his valuable services will be
appreciated by my successor.

I have therefore in conclusion only to express my hope that Your Grace may be pleased to meet Mr Young's wishes and confirm him in the office of Colonial Secretary for Vancouver Island.