Murdoch to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have to acknowledge your letter of 31st ultimo, with letters
from Mr Laurie & Mr F. Dundas enclosing memorials from the
Colonial Committee of the Church of Scotland for a grant of Land in
Vancouvers Island for the benefit of the Scotch Church established
there. A communication addressed to the Earl of Zetland by two of
the ministers of the Church in Victoria also accompanied Mr
Dundas' letter.

2. It is stated in these documents that a Grant was made to
the Church of England by the Hudson's Bay Co and confirmed by
the Crown of 23 Acres in the City of Victoria, the value of which
is stated to be now $60,000. The Scotch Church, claiming an equality
in the Colonies with the Church of England, pray that a similar
grant may be made to them, and the communication to Lord Zetland
points out two sites where land of equal value to that possessed by
the English Church could be obtained. Upon this latter point no
one of course but the local authorities can pronounce—but in respect
to the principle of the grant I would submit that the Church of
Scotland is entitled to be placed on an equal footing in Vancouvers
Island with the Church of England, and to receive towards the
maintainance of its Ministers similar assistance to what is given
to the Clergy of the Church of England. I would, therefore, recommend
the prayer of the Memorialists to the favorable consideration of
the Duke of Buckingham & Chandos.