The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1866. MR. OSWALD CURTIS AT THE PROVINCIAL HALL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 203, 29 October 1866, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1866. MR. OSWALD CURTIS AT THE PROVINCIAL HALL.

(Concluded from Saturday's publication.)

Mr Curtis commented on the bills that were thrown out, as follows : — The Resident Magistrate's Bill, was for the purpose of consolidating others. ..It proposed a change, that the resident Magistrate's Court should be made onc of equity rather than one of law. In cases for small amounts such as £20, it was better they should be decided on the merits, and that the litigants should tell their own story, than that the case should be decided on principles of law. The Upper House altered the bill, so that magistrates should be compelled to act by the strict rules of evidence and law, and the Lower House refused to accept the alterations, consequently the bill was thrown out, antl the law remains as it was. The Legislative Council Limitation Bill proposed to remove the power now enjoyed by the Governor or the Ministry for the time being, to appoint as many councillors as they liked, to carry any particular measure ; and limited the number to 40, and allowed no appointments but in case of vacancies. The bill was strongly opposed and thrown out. Mr Stafford and others expressed au opinion in favor of an elective council, on the principle of the Lower House, •but until it was explained how the members were to be elected, it was not easy to see the value of the suggestion. If the council was to be a copy of the other House, it would be of little service to make the change. After several schemes were proposed the matter dropped. The Pastoral Lands Nelson Leasing Bill, shared a similar tiite. Sir D. Monro had petitioned for the bill the previous session, and the claim was investigated by the AA'aste Lands Committee, who reported that the Act of iB6O was injurious to the colony. The Nelson members were requested to bring in a bill to rectify the former. Sir David Monro sketched a measure, and Messrs Curtis, AVelis, Oliver, and Richmond, in connection with him, constructed a bill to be submitted to the Provincial Council of Nelson. The bill passed a second reading and the Government proposed a clause tliat it should not come into operation till it had come before the Provincial Council. The Upper liouse suggested an amendment, lie did' not approve of the principle that the superior should refer the bill to the inferior legislature. It was the business ot the Provincial Council to initiate legislation, and thai of the House of Assembly to pacs them in accordance with their wishes. In this case the wishes of the Provincial Council nofc having been expressed, the Nei.-' on members thought the legislation should not be proceeded with til! tliey had dor.e so. The two Houses split on the question of etiquette and the measure fell to the ground. The Provincial Council will be able to originate .1 Mil, anda delay oi a few months only will take place. The A\ r estland Representation Bill was withdrawn at the recommendation of the Government, who promised to consider the question of the whole colony, during the recess. As to the alterations in the tariff, they were very trifling, and it was substantially the same as it had been for the last ten years. There were a few exceptions, such as the laying of a 10 p^r cent duty on plate, watches and jewellery, which though bad in principle, was justified by the strong feeling that such luxuries should not come in free ; such as the case of heavy and line boots, 3s per foot being charged 011 watertight, and 5s on fine boots ; such as 3d per lb on sheep-wash tobacco, and a few other matters. An important change was, that the duty had been taken oil' some things on. which it was not intended, by the late tariff, that a charge should be made. It was not intended that agricultural implements should be charged, but as soon as Mr Starlbrd came into office he found out the way to charge 4s per cwt on agricultural machines and steam engines, whicli were now, however, free from duty. Another improvement was that the subject had been fathomed, and not left to be disputed over as were the items of the late tariff; Tlie difficulty was got over by issuing definite instructions to the collectors, and nofc leaving them as formerly, each of them, to exercise a discretion and levy what contributions he thought proper, which caused duties to be levied on goods at one port that passed free in another. The postal arrangements were subjects of great discussion. Newspapers had previously gone free in and out of tlie colony. It was considered that a charge of ld was fair within the colony, the public being at liberty, which was not the ease with letters, to send them in parcels by private hands, but if they availed themselves of the post to pay Id. It was shown on the committee, of which he was a member, that the 'cost of conveying newspapers inland, in Otago for instance, was very great, and that a small charge was only fair. Then the charge by Panama, would be 3d, Suez ld, and Marseilles 3d, as formerly. As the bulk of the papers would continue to go by Suez, the charge would not be of great importance to the majority, while those who considered it important to send by Panama would not mind paying the 3d now charged. It was understood that the charge for carrying newspapers across the Isthmus of Panama was about lld per lb, and those who knew how few newspapers it took to weigh lib, would uot be surprised to hear that the

cost was from 2.Jd to 3£d per paper, This was in addition to the steam subsidy, and it was considered only just that the sum should be paid by those who sent by way of Panama. The charge via Marseilles had always been 3d. Letters in the colony were now delivered at 2d the half ounce. By the alteration, letters would be delivered in town afc ld each, in the provinces at 2d each, from ono province to another at 3d each; the gain to the revenue being estimated at from £12,000 to £15,000," which was a large amount to go towards the subsidy. The Government gave way on the question of allowing commission on the sale of postage stamps, which will in future be sold on commission, as heretofore, at all the stationers.

Mr Curtis said: Having exhausted all he had to say on the public measures that were passed during the late session, he would refer to some other subjects. On I lie last day of the session Dr Featherston startled the house by a speech on the relations of tho Provincial and General Governments, and laid down a sort of challenge that next session a fight would take place on the merits of the question, and that he would take the lead in deciding as to their relative powers. This question was continually cropping up; it showed itself in reference to the Nelson Land Bill, and other matters of dispute, and so long as it remained it would be difficult to carry on the business of the country. Members came up to the house full of their own provincial affairs, and with no general policy for the good of the colon}'. The Otago members, for instance, thought solely of the welfare of their province, but cared nothing for other provinces, though half of them held somewhat moclified views. Ou finding themselves £6 1 ,000 in debt to the General Government they took no steps to show they were not, but called it a rascally shame. AYhy should they be brought iu debt, and other provinces not? Nelson was in debt only about £2000, and all the provinces together about £95,000, why should Otago owe £61,0U0? It was robbery on the part of the General Government; they refused to argue and refused to pay. A Municipal Corporations Bill for Otago had passed late in the last session. It contained a clause which allowed all fees, fines, and penalties to be paid to the corporation of each town. This -was making Otago an exception to the rest of the colony; in every place besides, ail fees from courts of law being handed to the General Government. Otago was thus placed in a position different from the rest of the colony, they got the money which others pay to the General Government by a clause passed in an Act at the end of a session. This session the Government corrected it, and all the colony would agree that they were right. So Otago was exceedingly indignant. The members would not argue on the justice of the question; the money was- taken away that they wanted, and they wished to keep it. Those who voted with the government to make the law equal throughout the colony were, on their return to Dunedin, assailed wilh hisses and groans, and treated to most disagreeable music (laughter). So long as members from the provinces resolved to promote thoir own interests exclusively, the business of the house would be impeded. It was in the power of two provincial combinations.to stop all business tmlcss they could have ifc all their own way. ( Jtago ar.d Auckland furnished 30 members in the house, to these might be added several stray votes, which made the combination so strong tliat no ministry could stand beforo it. Such a state of things could not last. It was foreseen by shrewd observers years ago, and to remedy it partially, and to cause the outlying districts to be treated fairly, the New Provinces Act was passed. It was thouglt thafc by an increase in tho number of provinces a check would be introduced, and a number of provinces be prevented from acting together. It was now admitted that the Act was a failure. In place of this the Government had contemplated the extension of municipal institutions, and in reply to Dr Featherston , said they intended to introduce a mea sure for their extension throughout the colony. It was nofc known what the nature of the measure was, but it was supposed it would be the creation of counties and land boards for the conduct of local business, subject to the existing Provincial Councils and Superintendents, with a view ultimately to do away with Provincial Councils altogether, leaving only municipal institutions in their place (cheers). AVhen the Constitution Act passed a different state of tilings obtained from that existing now.- Theve was no speedy communication with the seat of Government. It took a month to communicate and get an answer, a thing that was now done in ten days; while in the Middle Island the communication with the seat of Government was momentarily. The necessity for Provincial Councils was, therefore, less apparent than formerly, and it was to bc hoped that in time the country would be satisfied with the same kind of Government that was enjoyed in England, viz., one principal Government counties, and municipal corporations. He hoped the country would ultimately arrive at this arrangement, not suddenly, but that the tendenoy of legislation would be not to increase the powers of the provinces, but in an opposite direction, so as to lead to one Government to carry on the affairs of the country A Civil Service Commission was appointed, consisting of three gentlemen in this colony and one from Australia, to report on the salaries of officers and the requirements of the service. They reported that the number of officers employed by the General Government Avas 1,602,' who cost tho country .£193,000 per annnum. The Provincial Governments cost .£127,000 per annum, a sum amotinting nearly to the former. The officers employed by tho General Government included iu addition to the Ministers all those employed in. : the Post Office, Custom House, the Judges of thi Supreme Court, Resident Magistrates, Registrars, Native Assessors, country postmasters, and Commissioners of Crown Lands. Now £127,000 added to the cost of these officials was a great sum, and amounted to almost double the cost of one Government. It was desirable that a -great reduction should be made, not possibly

to the extent of the difference between the two sums, but a considerable reduction in the course of the next 10 or 20 years, so that the country might look forward to do with one Government, which might be carried on at a much less expense than it now pays for two. This subject would occupy the attention of the House next session, and provoke a vigorous discussion The question to be decided was, whether the tendency of legislation should be to increase the powers of Provincial Governments, and reduce that of the General Government to a mere cipher, or to reduce the powers of the former, so as gradually to do away with them, and have one Government only (cheers). The Chairman said, after the clear, able, and candid manner in which Mr. Curtis had explained his votes and acts in the Assembly, he thought he was entitled to the thanks of the meeting. He was willing to answer any questions that might be put to him by the electors. After a pause the Sheriff rose and said, he would propose a vote of thanks to Mr Curtis for the plain and straightforward way in which he had explained his conduct, and he thought there would not be a dissentient voice in the meeting. Mr Huddleston seconded the motion. Mr Crate asked whether the duties of 3s on heavy boots, and 5s on light ones were not calculated to affect the price of colonial labor, he was at a loss to .see on what principle the duties were levied. Mr Curtis said, the object was to decrease the price to the consumer. As heavy boots occupied more room, if they were charged the same per foot as light ones, they would cost more per pair. The tariff did not contemplate protection in any way, but only a revenue for necessary purposes, and while care was taken that the duties did not act injuriously, tliey were not intended to protect any individual at the expense of the general consumer. Mr 11. J. Jackson asked whether the postal subsidies would be continued to both Suez and Panama, or whether that of Suez would lapse. Mr Curtis replied that the Government had given notice to the Home and Colonial Government to discontinue the Suez line, but the notice was of comparatively little importance, as the payment was in proportion to the number of letters, and if the Panama came into competition with the Suez line, the latter would discontinue of itself. The Postmaster-General had given notice that all letters would bc sent via Panama, unless specially directed otherwise. Ifc was the interest of the colony to have the advantage of both lines, without showing favor to either. In reply to a question from Mr Barlow as to the L-< nditions on which land was offered to contractors to construct a railway, Mr. Curtis said the only limitation fixed was that the land should have a drainage to the valleys ; and in reply to Mr. Adams, said there was a subsidy for a mail from Australia to New Zealand, in addition to the sliding suale. His Honor the Superintendent, referring to the petition cf Sir D. Monro, had understood Mr. Curtis to say thai his allegations were considered by the conimitttee as satisfactorily proved, and wished to know in whr.t way witnesses were examined, or who suggested them. iir Curtis said he was not on the committee, who were opposed to the bill of ISGo, and he was informed" that Mr Domett telegraphed to Mr Daniell, who said the statements were correct. Not being on tho committee, he was not personally cognizant of this, but was so informed, and the committee stated so in thoir report. The Superintendent said the object of the question was to show the way in which evidence was offered, the witnesses must have been suggested by Sir David Monro, und no application was made to the Provincial Council. Mr Curtis said he spoke as he was informed; he was not ou the committee, and knew not what witnesses were examined or who suggested them. The Superintendent said the Committee never officially applied for information to the Land Board or sought evidence from it. What tliey sought from individuals was declined on tlie grounds that where there were two sides to a question, both should be heard by those who sat in judgment on their conduct (cheers). The Chairman said he agreed with the Superintendent that the action of Sh- D. Monro had not been correct. Mr Haddow asked Mr Curtis if Sir D. Monro was a competent person to petition the Government for a bill in which he was interested; and if it was nofc a bad precedent to act as the committee had done, and contrary to the spirit of municipal institutions ? Mr Curtis replied that Sir D. Monro, in connection with other members, was competent to frame a bill. All the Nelson members, and three of them members of the Provincial Council, were associated with him. They examined the bill clause by clause, and agreed to ascertain the views of the house and the Nelson Provincial Council. As it must have been referred to the Nelson Provincial Council before it became law he did not feel that there was the same difficulty to overcome, and it was agreed that it should not come into operation till it had been laid before the Nelson Provincial Council. In reply to a question from Mr 11. D. Jackson. Mr Curtis said the provinces would bs confined to their three-eighths of the customs and would receive no share of the stamp duties. The Chairman having reminded the meeting that its thanks were due to Mr Curtis. The Superintendent said a motion had been moved and seconded to that effect, and he had better put it. The Chairman then put the resolution in language much more eulogistic than that in which the Sheriff moved it, on wliich the Superintendent said he could not vote for ifc in that form, and suggested that it bc reduced to writing. Captain Walmsley wrote the resolution as follows: " That this meeting having heard from Mr Curtis, the clear and full explanation of liis conduct, as the

representative of Nelson, express thanks to that gentleman." The motion was put and carried. The Superintendent said he felt it his duty to the constituency to make a few remarks. Whilst concurring in the resolution to thank one of the members for Nelson, he thought an error had been committed on the part of the people in not inviting their representatives to explain their conduct, instead of allowing themselves to be invited by them. This was especially desirable in the absence of reports of the debates, and ifc was the only way to ascertain whether the representatives had expressed their views or not. He hoped that the system would be carried out in all the electoral districts, and to judge from the present meeting the Nelson members would experience a very different reception from that given to the Otago members on their arrival ih Dunedin. The conduct of the rabble on that occasion would, it was to be feared, have an injurious effect on representative principles, and render ifc difficult, to find any respectable men in future to represent the province. In regard to Nelson he was happy to know there was no fear of its representatives being so treated-, on the other hand, they would have a jiatient hearing and receive thanks for what they had done. He ought to apologise perhaps for thus addressing the meeting, and he should probably be taken to task by a certain paper, as he had been on former occasions, for talcing part in elections. He differed altogether from those who affirmed that a Superintendent ought not to take an interest in electoral matters. Holding a position of such influence he would be to blame if he failed to take a proper part in elections and in support of the House of Assembly. He admitted the obligations they were under to the members for the province. A bill had been handed to him which Mr Curtis had not read, and which was covered with a mass of notes made by Mr A. Richmond, who was entitled to thanks for the careful manner in which he had gone over it. Messrs Curtis, Parker, and others were entitled to the thanks of the community, for the manner in wliich they had attended to .their duties. Although he differed from Mr Curtis on some questions whicli would be referred to on a proper occasion, he felt bound to express his thanks and those of the community, to him and the other members, for the attention they had shown to the interests of the constituency during the recent session. Thanks having been voted to the chairman, the proceedings terminated.

An inquest was held upon the body of Mr R. Eager, brother to Mr Eager, Colonial Treasurer, Sydney, at the Ship Hotel, this day, at half-past 12 o'clock. Jury sworn. Mr J. Garrard, foreman. AV. Seweil, purser of the Claud Hamilton examined, and stated that he had known the deceased intimately for the last fifteen months, and during that time he (Sir Eager) had been in a state of great debility; he came on board the steamer at Sydney, on the 20th, and appeared in good health aud spirits, and said that his brother had promised him a situation as agent for the Panama steamers between Wellington and Sydney. On Wednesday, the 2±th, lie was seized with violent retching and sickness, and asked for carbonate of soda, which lie was in the habit of taking lor the same, retired to his berth at 10 o'clock that evening, and from that time seemed to sink gradually away. On arriving at Hokitika he was asked to have medical advice, and strongly objected. Medicines and stimulants were administered, and every attention paid him. Yesterday morning (Sunday) he was evidently sinking, and on beiug asked if he had any altairs to settle, he replied, " I shall never get better; I have made my will." From that time he got gradually weaker, and died this morning at- 4 '20 a.m. on board the steamer, as she lay outside the harbor. Captain Gordon Ponsonby, of the Claud Hamilton, corroborated the statements of the witness, and also said he had forwarded a telegram to the deceased's widow: he has latterly been carrying on the business of commission agent in Wellington. The jury, after hearing tlie evidence, returned the verdict of Died by the visitation of God, from natural causes. An inquest was held by the Coroner to-day on the body of Mrs. Rowley, who was found drowned in the Maitai this morning. Dr. Vickerman having shown that the death of the deceased was caused by drowning, the jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.