98 The Fraser River Mines.

On this occasion I inspected the “ Way” over the falls; it is of
timber, as rudely constructed as can be well conceived, but is completely
successful; every boat passing up or down river takes advantage of it,
but now that it is known to be a profitable speculation people think
the charge for passing over it is too high.

I send attached a copy of a claim for a water privilege between
Fort Yale and Fort Hope which I recorded. I charged $5 for record-
ing the claim, which sum I placed in the public chest.

There seems to be some doubt whether I have authority to grant
water privileges; I shall therefore in future only record the claim to
decide priority of application.

I collected $90 at Fort Yale to expend in blowing up a rock a little
above Hill’s Bar which in high water renders the navigation of the
river at that point dangerous. Six men were drowned there last
summer. I was on the rock yesterday and found that it was larger
than I supposed, so I fear the $90 will not complete the work.

I requested several persons going up the river to write to me to
say what were the prospects in the goldfields of the upper country.
Amongst others, an intelligent lawyer named George, from whom I
received a letter, which I beg leave to forward as it contains matter
which may be considered of interest.

I have taken up the new Government House from the contractor
and settled his account. I shall send all the particulars with the district
monthly account by the next mail.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed) C. Brew,
Chief Inspector of Police,
Ass. Chief Gold Commissioner.

W. A. G. Young, Esq., Colonial Secretary.

RORT AY Aum sO
9th April, 1859.

S1r,—I have the honor to report that Mr. Cox and Mr. Haynes,
who were despatched by me on the 26th Ult. to collect licence duties
up the river, returned to Fort Yale on the night of the 4th Inst.

I regret to say that the expedition was not as successful as I
hoped it would be. The expenses exceeded the amount collected by