No. 53

I have the honor to forward an Authenticated and two
plain Copies of an Ordinance of the recent Session of the
Legislature of this Colony, entitled;

No. 9. An Ordinance to apply the sum of two hundred
and twenty five thousand, nine hundred and forty six
pounds, twelve shillings and eight pence, Sterling (£225,946.12.8),
out of the General Revenue of the Colony of British Columbia
and its dependencies, to the Service of the year one
thousand eight hundred and sixty five.

I add the Report of the Attorney General.

*

2. The estimates

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for the Current year were framed in
the belief that the sum of seventy three thousand, seven
hundred pounds remaining from the Loan authorized under the
Ordinance No. 7 of 10th March 1864, would be available
for the public use. It is also believed that Gold Mines of
great value have been discovered in the most inaccessible
portion of the Colony, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains,

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and that a large expenditure would have to be incurred in
order to prevent the whole traffic with the new mines being
carried on from Oregon and Washington Territories. If the
Loan is not available the expenditure will not amount to the
Estimate. If the newly discovered mines are not of the value
we anticipate, a saving will be made in the Estimates for
Roads, Buildings and Police on the Kootenay and in the staff of
Constables and Customs Officers appointed to work the Southern Boundary.

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3. There is an apparent increase in the Salaries of the
several Gold Commissioners in the interior but this is more
than compensated for in the reduction of allowances.

4. An increase of one hundred pounds per annum (£100) has been
voted for the Police Magistrate of New Westminster.

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It had long been apparent that Mr Brew, the Senior Magistrate of the
Colony was one of the worst paid Officers in it. He has no
house, he draws no allowance. There was not a dissentient
voice in the Council when I recommended this increase.

5. I shall report separately upon two new Offices which
it is proposed to create. That of a second Judge. That of
an Assistant Surveyor General. The former I have not even
temporarily filled. The latter, the continued absence of Mr
Trutch has compelled me to provide for until your pleasure be known.

6. I enclose a Report from the Auditor upon the several
items in the Appropriation Ordinance.