No. 42

1. I have the honor of forwarding herewith for your information
copies of two Proclamations issued respectively on the 2nd and
3rd days of December instant.

2. The first relates to the conveyance of Crown Lands, and its
object is explained in the accompanying note from Mr
Begbie.

3. The other Proclamation issued yesterday is for the purpose
of imposing duties on Imports into British Columbia, to provide a
revenue for defraying the public expenses of the
Colony.

4. The ordinance is to remain in force for six months to test
its operation, and it will then be amended, or continued in its
present form as may appear expedient.

5. The Port of Victoria is for the present declared the Port
of Entry for British Columbia, until arrangements are made to
collect the duties at some point on Fraser's River.

6. Hoping that those proceedings may meet with the approval
of Her Majesty's Government.