Voices of the People

Nova Scotia House of Assembly Petitions and Correspondence

19 March 1815

Sabatier to Wilkins, reporting on transactions of Halifax Committee of Trade since Feb. 1814. London Committee obtained Act (54 Geo. 3rd cap.125) allowing colonial timber into England duty free, and prevented relaxation of Act imposing same duties on timber imported into Ireland as in England. As result of urgings and publicity re: American interference in the fisheries, public opinion in England is now against U.S. Prospect for similar treatment with Newfoundland as to oil and blubber is flattering. Subject of opening coal mines now before Committee. "The period is now arrived, when this Committee, pursuing their Original purpose, will be able to demonstrate, this most important position that the trading, the Agricultural and the Fishing interests of this Province, ought firmly to unite in one common exertion, towards effecting the prosperity of the whole Community." Main principle on which the Committee has acted is to convince succeeding administrations of Nova Scotia's ability to supply West Indies with nearly everything they require. Success with regard to fish. "It now remains to afford equal demonstrations in regard to other articles," suck as cattle, sheep, horses, poultry, etc. Committee intends to collect information on these matters to lay before Assembly at next meeting, so that Assembly may act on it. Signed.

Reference: Commissioner of Public Records Nova Scotia Archives RG 1 volume 305 number 14