Separate

My attention has been called to the inadequate supply of Funds
which is frequently maintained in the hands of the Agents General for
Crown Colonies, and which makes it necessary for them in order to meet
the liabilities incurred on account of particular colonies, to avail
themselves of the general funds placed in their hands for other services.
I therefore called for a general statement, shewing the sums overdrawn
from that Agency by various colonies at the close of every month for the
period from the 1st of April 1859 to the 31st of March 1861.

In the case of Vancouver Island there has appeared for several
months a continued overdraft. It is small in amount, but is
increasing, and I am informed that the Agents General have never
received any remittance from your government. It will be desirable
that you should keep the Agents General supplied in advance with such
Funds as may be necessary to meet the demands on them for the services
of your Government, as the present system of overdrafts may be attended
with considerable inconvenience.