On May 30, 1864 the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps paraded in full strength to pay respects to Governor Kennedy. The governor reviewed the company and stated in his address that he regretted that he was compelled to refuse to give them official recognition, as there was no authority for their existence now that the Hudson’s Bay Company’s administrative posts were at an end —“I would advise you to disband.”
The Corps Captain later wrote to the Daily British Colonist, providing as an explanation of why the Company disbanded that “they cannot readily forget the snubbing they received [from Governor Kennedy] … the authorities seemed ashamed of us, and we were disgusted at them.”
Although the Corps disbanded, their legacy endured with their drill hall continuing in use as a community gathering place.
You may also like
The “First Victoria Directory” was originally published in March 1860. It is “comprised of a general directory of citizens, also, an Officials list, […]
In 1858 both the Pierre and Alexander families arrived on Vancouver Island. Corinthia Pierre and Thomas Alexander were married on February 2, […]
On April 15, 1948, the Province newspaper reported that Mr. & Mrs. Dermont Cromwell received a letter demanding that they move from […]
Justice Selwyn Romilly is recognized as an eminent jurist in the province. Milestones in his celebrated career include: 1966 – Graduated Peter […]