No. 149

I greatly regret that, by oversight, I have not earlier
forwarded to Your Grace an Ordinance of the last Session of the
Legislature of this Colony which I had reserved for Her Majesty's
pleasure.

2. I have now the honor to forward an Authenticated and
two plain Copies of a Bill which has passed the Legislative
Council. It is entitled;

An Ordinance for regulating the acquisition
of Crown Lands in British Columbia.

3. I add the report of the Attorney General and of the
Surveyor General.

4. I share in the objections which these officers take to
the measure and go further in saying that I consider Legislation on
the subject at present unnecessary. Englishmen or naturalized
Englishmen can now virtually get land for nothing, provided that
they improve that which they settle on. No payment is required
until the Government Survey has reached their land, and that Survey
the Government is not at present in a position to undertake.

5. Viewing the present Bill as decidedly unneccessary, if
not mischievous, I withheld my assent to it and am unable now to
recommend it for Your Grace's favorable consideration.