No. 54

I have the honor to forward an authenticated and two plain
copies of an Ordinance lately passed by the Legislature of this
Colony, entitled;

No.1. An Ordinance of Indemnity for not
enforcing certain Local Taxes of Vancouver Island.

2. On the Union of the Colonies the Customs Act of British
Columbia was extended at once over Vancouver Island while the
local laws still remained in force. I found therefore that many
articles imported into Vancouver Island paid double duties. I
took upon myself to direct that Import duties should only be
charged at the British Columbia rate until I had an opportunity of
bringing the matter before the Legislative Council. The enclosed
Ordinance was unanimously passed to legalize the Act of common
justice committed by me.

3. I enclose the Attorney General's report on the Ordinance.