No. 153

With reference to my despatches numbered in the Margin

*

respecting the serious disputes on Grouse Creek, I think it but
right to state how deeply I am indebted to the promptness and
Energy of Mr Needham, Chief Justice of Vancouver Island, in
proceeding to the scene of the disturbance and bringing matters
to a satisfactory conclusion. Chief Justice Begbie having decided
that there was no appeal from the decision of the Gold Commissioner,
and arbitration having been refused, I should have had to have
called the Legislative Council together at a most inconvenient
season had not Mr Needham furnished his assistance.

2. It is probable that blood would have been shed in Cariboo
before we had had time to Legislate in the manner.