No. 55

Adverting to my Despatch No 45 of the 4th Ultimo,
wherein I submitted to Your Grace copy of two Circulars which I had caused to be issued in connection with the subject of Gold Commissioners holding an interest in Mining claims, I have the honor to acquaint Your Grace that in consequence of a report being generally circulated that Mr Begbie, the Judge of British Columbia, had, during his recent absence on Circuit in Carribou, purchased an interest in a Mining claim, I deemed it right to call upon him to state whether there existed any foundation for such report.

2. The reply of Mr Begbie, which I here enclose, contains, I am happy to say, the most unqualified contradiction of the report in question.

3. Your Grace will observe Mr Begbie's remarks upon the right which may exist to inquire into matters in connection with private property. I have informed Mr Begbie very distinctly that in all cases in which it may be considered that the private interests of public servants conflict with the due discharge of
their public duties, it is the undoubted right of the Executive to institute the fullest inquiry not only as an obligation due the public, but also as an act of justice to the individual concerned.