No. 123

I have had the honor to receive a despatch from Your Grace's
Predecessor, marked No. 13 and dated 15th February 1867, on
the subject of certain Acts which had been passed by the late
Legislature of Vancouver Island.

2. The objections to two of the measures in question taken
by the Earl of Carnarvon have been referred to the Attorney
General whose report I enclose. I will however briefly state my
own opinion additionally.

3. I do not think that the Act No. 2 "to amend the Liquor
license Act 1861," works prejudicially. The suburbs of Victoria
are extremely pretty and it is found a great relief to the people
to drive out and spend their holidays in the cheerful tea gardens
which are scattered about within a few miles of the town. There is
no destitution here and but little drunkenness. The American
system prevails of taking small draws at irregular hours. I have
not had any complaint from the Police respecting the rural public
houses in this vicinity, nor have I witnessed any irregularities
therein.

4. The Attorney General is not favorable to the principles
of the Act No. 6 "to exempt the Homestead and other property from
forced seizure and sale in certain cases." It may have faults of
detail and yet I am of opinion that it has the tendency to promote
the settlement of the country. The measure was received with great
favour in the Legislature of the United Colony and was extended
over the Mainland.