No. 231

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Sir Edward
Bulwer Lytton's Despatch No 62 of the 7th May on the
subject of the disposal of Crown Lands in British Columbia.

2. In my Despatch No 156 of the 23rd May, replying to
Sir Edward Bulwer Lyttons Despatch No 16 of the 7th February,
I stated my full concurrence in regard to the advantage
attending the system of prompt payment for Land, and we shall
if practicable without retarding the settlement of the Country,
introduce the practice into British Columbia.

3. With reference to the reservation of Lots at New Westminster for sale in the United Kingdom and the British
Colonies, which is discussed in the same Despatch No 62, I
could remark for Your Grace's information, that it was made with
the view of meeting the demand anticipated by the large emigration
expected this year from Great Britain and her Colonies, and which
it was feared might otherwise be deprived of the chance of
obtaining Lots at New Westminster.

4. It was however never intended, nor have we empowered any
agents to sell, specific Lots either in the United Kingdom or the
Colonies, otherwise such powers should be recalled, agre[e]ably to
the instructions received on this matter.