TO THE PROVINCIAL SECRETARY THE PETITION OF THE UNDERSIGNED HUMBLY SHEWETHNDEKSIffifiSD1]

Having heard that rumours are in circulation to the effect that application is about to be made to the Provincial Authorities license to sell intoxicating liquors by retail at the Towns of Port Simpson,Essington and Claxton the latter two on the Skeena River,we,the representatives of the First Presbyterian Church, viewing with alarm the possibility of such a calamity befalling the Northern Coast of this Province as would be the granting of such licenses,desire to enter our solemn protest against the Government acceding to such a request. The result of authorizing the establishment of three liquor houses at the localities named or elsewhere in that part of the Province,certainly will be most disastrous , to the natives especially,as also to the white population. Port Simpson is almost exclusively an Indian settlement. Among the people law and order prevail,and the Christian Sabbath is duly observed. Large expenditures of money have been made in the erection of churches,and Mission Schools,which will be immediately jeopardized,and their usefulness hindered,should the rumours referred to be true. The same may be said of Fort Essington. We have reason to believe that-public sentiment in that country will be decidedly adverse to the granting of the licenses referred to. Years of missionary toil and large expenditures of money for the well-being of the natives would be rendered worthless,and Instead of peacefui Sabbaths and law-abiding communities there will be rioting and bloodshed,and very little security for life or property.

i. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 49 File 1893/26 Attorney General documents.