Government Gazette, Colony of Lagos. June, 1886
Date
1886-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lagos state: Colonial Secretariat
Abstract
• A: Maintenance and education of African Children; Return of Alien Children; Estate of Alishamadu (Congo Free State); Animals slaughtered and impounded. • B: Notification of the death of Chief Justice Bailey at Accra; Births, Marriages, and Deaths returns; Licensed Butchers. • C: Calendar of Prisoners; Licensed Canoes (Passenger and Cargo); Constabulary changes; Foreign Consuls; Criminal statistics. • E: Education Board meetings; Estimates for 1886. • H: Hospital and vaccination returns; Meteorological observations. • O: Ordinance No. 3 of 1886 (Savings Bank Ordinance). • P: Post Office notices and statistics.
Description
This primary historical document is the sixth issue of the Government Gazette for the Colony of Lagos, published on Wednesday, June 30, 1886. It serves as an official record of the administrative, legal, and economic activities of the British colonial government during a pivotal year of reorganization for the colony.
A central feature of this edition is the publication of Ordinance No. 3 of 1886, also known as the "Savings Bank Ordinance." This legislation established the legal framework for a government-backed savings bank, detailing the roles of the Treasurer, deposit limits, and an interest rate of 2.5% per annum, reflecting the colonial administration's efforts to institutionalize financial systems. The Gazette also contains a somber notification regarding the death of Chief Justice Bailey in Accra, signifying the interconnected nature of the British West African colonies.
The document is rich in socio-economic data, providing comprehensive returns on public health (vaccination records and hospital attendance), meteorological conditions, and criminal statistics. It also includes lists of licensed occupations, such as auctioneers and butchers, and detailed maritime records regarding the licensing of canoes for cargo and passenger transport. This Gazette provides researchers with a granular view of the bureaucratic mechanisms used to govern Lagos, offering insights into the early development of its legal and financial institutions.