PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Press, Volume XXII, Issue 2629, 9 January 1874, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Thursday, January 8. Tbe Speaker took the chair at 5 p.m. PRIVILEGE. Mr Beswick said that before proceeding to the business of tbe day, he should like to ask permission of the House to bring before the Council a question of privilege. At an early stage of the session when he sat on the Government Benches he brought forward a resolution with regard to reporting the proceedings of the House, and he did this in ■ order that a fair report of what was said by hon members, might go forth to the country. He did this in order to prevent garbled state- ' ments going forth to the pnblic by those who had opportunities of influencing the papers I for political purposes. The House did not agree.with that motion and consequently it was not passed. He thought it must be obvious to both sides of the House, that the reports of the proceedings were anything but a fair report of the proceedings of the House, not only by suppressing portions, but by putting into the mouths of hon members statements which they never made. No doubt the press had very considerable privileges, and in that House, those privileges were recognised by providing accommodation for the reporters. He however now charged the press of this province with not only giving garbled reports, but with putting into the mouths of members statements they never made. He believed it was a breach of privilege not only in the Imperial Parliament, but also in Colonial Legislative Assemblies, to impute improper motives to any hon members. He wished to draw the attention of the Council to a charge made against him in the " Press" newspaper of the 3rd of lanuary. He was charged with being wrong in his facts when he mentioned no facts, and when he wrote to the " Press " to insert a correction it was inserted, but advantage was taken of it to reiterate the charge. To-day he was accused of sacrificing everything to his own personal interest. Mr Jollie—ls that in the leading article ? Mr Beswick replied in the affirmative. He did think in common fairness and decency the House should protect hon members from such charges. It might be his (Mr Beswick's) fate to-day to be so treated, but hon members should recollect that it might be their fate at a future time. If full reports of the proceedings had gone forth then those articles would have been deprived of their sting, because the public would see that hon members did not use the expressions imputed to them in the articles. It was very easy to put words in the mouths of hon members in leading articles, and as nothing waa reported what were hon members to do? He brought these before the House because he felt very much aggrieved, and if he had the means (which he had not) he would have laid a criminal information against the proprietors. This be had not the means to do, and therefore he came to the Council and asked them at any rate to protect one of their own members. He said let them exclude the reporters from the Council, or let them insist on having something like fair reports of' the proceedings. He was afraid that there were certain individuals who had certain influences over the: papers, which others might be presumed not to have. He wished to be clearly understood in this matter, and he wished to state that about a year and a half ago, he was accused by an anonymous correspondent in the "Press" of certain wrong acts as Provincial Treasurer. Knowing that the Deputy-Superintendent, was. a proprietor of that paper, he (Mr Beswick) went to him, and asked the name of the anonymous contributor. He told the Deputy-Superinten-dent that he (Mr Beswick) was one of the Government, and ought to be protected from such attacks. The Deputy-Superintendent replied that • although he was a proprietor he had no rgsponsibility as to what appeared in the paper. This, however, was not in accordance with the dictum laid down by Mr Justice Johnston. He (Mr Beswick) did however, think that some steps should be taken, so that hon members' characters might be vindicated.

Mr Kennaway also wished to draw attention to the report of the proceedings of yesterday in the " Lyttelton Times." When the Provincial Treasurer moved the House into committee of supply he (Mr Kennaway) spoke at considerable length but only a few lines were given, and Mr Turnbuil, who came after him, was not reported at all. The speech' of the hon the head of the Go-' vernment was reported almost verbatim at considerable length. Now, this he considered to be most unfair, he (Mr Kennaway) ought to have been" reported as well as the hon member. [Hear, hear.J. He did not knowwhatcoursehesbonldpursue,buthe meant to take some steps, so that the proceedings should be fairly reported. It would almost seem as if the head of the Government had gone to the reporters and asked them to report him. If he did that, then the papers were not to blame. He however, would say that every member should be fairly reported. Mr Parker rose to speak but, Tbe Speaker said that no discussion could arise except on a motion or in personal explanation. Mr Beswick said that he would give notice of motion for to-morrow. OPENING OF THE MUSEUM ON SUNDAYS. Mr Sawtell asked the Provincial Secret tary what steps have been taken by the Government in carrying out a Resolution passed by this Council on- June sth, 1873, having reference to the opening of the Museum on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.? Mr Maude said the Resolution passed by the Council had been forwarded to the Trustees of the Museum who in reply, stated that they had resolved with reference to the question that the Museum be opened fiom two to four o'clock on Sundays, that the question be decided in the negative. railway employees.. Mr Andrews asked—"lf the Provincial Secretary has received any application for an advance of wages from the mechanics, plate-, layers, men on permanent ways, aud other employees of the Provincial, Government now working on the Canterbury Railways ; also, to inform tins House when answers may be expected to be given to the petitioners-'* Mr Maude said that such an application bad been received on 29th November last, which was considered on sth December by the then Executive, who decided that it should betaken into consideration iv framing the Supplementary Estimates. The present Government would take the matter into their best consideration, in framing the. Supplementary Estimates."

CASE OF B. E. HORNIMAN.

Mr Peacock asked the Provincial Secretary what steps the Government intend, to.

take relative to the petition of S. E. Horna. man, presented to tho Provincial Council. ~„ Mr Maude said that the late Government hadidecided that the application could not be entertained. . yy sinking fund. In consequence of the illness of the Bon Mr\BucKLEY the notice with reference to sinking funds was postponed till Tuesday, THE RAILWAY MANAGER. Hon Col. Brett moved " That the Go. vernment be requested to acquaint tho Council at what date Mr Marshman's resiff. nation as Manager of the Canterbury Rail" ways has been, or will be, accepted ; and also to state the situation to which tha Government intended appointing Mr Marsh* man to."

Mr Maude said that the Government had not the slightest objection to the resolution being passed.

Mr Kennaway thought it would be well if the Government answered the question at once, and gave the information required.. Mr Turnbull expressed a similar opinion, Mr Tosswill did not know what more hon members could expect. No doubt the Government would comply with the wishes of the House oa the matter.

Mr Higgins said the hon member should have put a direct question to the Government. He should vote against the motion-, as he did not think a case had been madfc\ out by the railway papers against Mr Marshman,

Mr Inglis said that this was evidently a hostile motion, and it would have been better if a direct question had been put. He however differed from the hon member (Mr Higgings) that no case had been made out against Mr Marshman.

Mr Dixon opposed the motion, and denied that any case had been made out against Mr Marshman.

Mr Knight complained that the Government gave evasive answers. He would move as an amendment the insertion of the words—" On the next sitting day " after the word " Council."

Mr Montgomery said that the Government had no objection to the motion. Mr Marshman's resignation was accepted by tha Government on the 2nd instant, and he had to state that there was no situation to which the Government intended appointing Mr Marshman.

After some discussion the amendment was agreed to, and the resolution as amended, passed.

WAIMATE PUBLIC LIBRARY. Mr Turnbull moved that the House go into committee to consider the following resolution—"That his Honor the Superintendent be respectfully requested to place ; on v tho supplementary estimates a sum not exceeding £50 as a special grant to the Waimato public library and reading room." Mr Hayhurst seconded the motion. The resolution was negatived on the voices. . < DIVbRSION OF BOADS SPECIAL ORDINANCE, NO. 6, 1873. The Provincial Secretary moved for leave to introduce a Bill intituled " The Diversion of Roads Special Ordinance, No, 6, 1874."'; : ...'■■!.

The motion was agreed to, the Bill read a first time, ordered to be printed, 'and'the second reading fixed for nest sitting day.

BREAK OF GAUGE. Mr Higgins said he did not intend moving the following resolution standing in his name :—" That in * order to avoid the inconvenience of a break of gauge on f the Great Northern Railway, where the branch lines from Oxford and from Eyreton join the main line, it is desirable that provision be made for laying a third rail on the main line from Rangiora to Addington. Thatr his Honor the Superintendent be respectfully requested to take the necessary steps to carry out the object of the fbregoipg resolution." The motion, therefore, lapsed. ACCLIMATISATION. . T Mr Tosswill moved—"That the House go into committee to consider the follqwing resolution —' That his Honor the Superintendent be respectfully requested '..ten place on the supplementary estimates a'siimrnot exceeding three hundred bounds* to. be handed to Acclimatisation Society for'the introduction of insectivorous birds and r the bumblebee.'"

The motion was agreed to and. the, House went into committee, Mr Webb in the chair. In committee, -di, Mr Tosswill moved the resolution,' wiich was agreed to without amendment, reported to the House, and adopted. ■

bridges over southern rivers, The House then proceeded to consider the following resolution—"That the General Government be requested to carry out at once the construction of the bridges over the Rivera .Pareora, . Otaio, and Waihou (for which provision has been partly made by this Council), such bridges to be combined bridges, available for both railway and ordinary traffic."

On which the following amendment had been moved— "That all the words after 1 that * be struck out, for the purpose of substituting the following wordß> 'That this Council is of opinion that it is not expedient to construct combined bridges over the Rivers,Pareora, Otaio, and Waihou, but that the amount voted out of provincial (funds for these bridges, be expended in the construction of ordinary traffic bridges on the line of main road.

Mr Healey moved, « That the Chairman report progress." He did this because tbe , Government had not had-time tb consider the matter and obtain the information necessary. ' Mr Maude said the Government had no -, objection to this course being pursued. The motion for reporting progress-was * < agreed to, and leave granted to sit again on Tuesday. STAGE CARRIAGES AMENDMENT OBDIN- ' ,'• '• ■ " -'-ANCE 1874.' 'On the motion of the PHOVTNOTAL BECITE- ' taut, the- second I reading of this Bill was made an order of the day' for Tuesday-. '- " j. water supely. ffoa.urrxßLTOK.- J The Council then proceeded to discuss the 'ft following resolution >-i" That a respectful £ address be presented to his Honor the.Super- ,'_ intendent, requesting him to place on the supplementary /estimates-ft sufficient sum for :* constructing • water works for the supply of V water to the town of Lyttelton, in terms of h - xeoommetadation contained in the report o£ j_, Mr Higginßon. a Mr Webb moved the addition of the fol- / lowing - words to tbe resolution a» printed above, vis:—" After the words' report of Mr . Higginson' to insert the following : :u Or on I amy other plan which may be eventnally a agreed upon between the Provincial Executive and the Borough Council of Lyttel' - -ton." .■ , ~..--' The motion was agreed to, and the resG* lution amended accordingly. Mr Webb then proceeded to move the resolution.'. . Mr Maude asked the hon member to •■< withdraw the motion, because a great deal had yet to be done before the question could be brought before the Council in.'softs » shape as could as could be accepted •by it. The Government would also like to consider upon what principle; the work should be carried out, whether the whole charge should be borne by the Government or whether a liberal assistance should not be .given to the Lyttelton Borongh Council to enable them to carry out the work. Tba ;' Government had placed a sum ou theestimates for a survey of the proposed works, L'„ and woald see that it waa carried out. If \\ . the hon gentleman; would withdraw the \ motion the Government would see. that cjJ detailed plans and surveys, subject to the T appropriation voted by that House for that j; purpose were made." 7-d-. '• %i Hon Mr Peacock opposed the withdraw* '*■; of the resolution, as the latter olabsa of <M the resolution provided for all contingeo- ~p\ cies. .:-.'■-■ « j. Mr Ejsnnaway said it would be f«f r, better to take the discussion 'on tbiii motion : J. in committee. He would maw "That the --j' House go into committee." i Mr Tosswill seconded the motion,' which ,!■ was agreed to. ■, \,j The House went into committee, 2r,- 7 Parker in th&' chair. ] .In committee, - . ' l Mr Kennaway urged tlie necessity of * granting power to the Executive to proceed ,

with the work, and asked the Government whether Jheyjntended to ,takeanj_jt§ps, S«Swd torWe report of thTProvinciaJ ~ saidthe resoltrtiotrssked the House to grant an indefinite sum which the Government could not agree to, although there was no doubt thatjfche jork was a necessity for Lyttelton. The however, wished to ascertain whaV would be the cost of these works, and then the . Government would be prepared to say whether they could come down to the House and say that they were prepared to recommend that the water should be brought into the post town, leaving it for the inhabitants to carry out the further work of ; distribution throughout the town. Therefore the Government did not wish to rusb hastily into this matter as they had only had two or fliree days to make up their minds on this matter. This was thefireason |why tbe Government wished the withdrawal of this motion, and not with any wish or desire to deny to Lyttelton the carrying out of so necessary a work. [Hear, hear.] Mr Turnbull would like to know whether the Provincial Engineer had sent in any report respecting his examination of Charteris Bay as to the feasibility of bringing water from thence to the town of Lyttelton. Mr Webb said that there had been a report in which the Provincial Engineer reported &'■"- that the cost would be £10,000 exclusive of the purchase of the watershed. After some discussion, Mr Beswick moved as an amendment that the words "A sufficient sum"—be struck out and the words "a sum not exceeding £11,000 " be inserted in lieu thereof. This sum would cover the estimate of- the Provincial Engineer. Mb Knight seconded the amendment. After more discussion, Mr Jollie said the Government had a conference with the mover of the resolution, and they weee prepared to accept the * amendment so far as regarded the voting of £11,000. He would move that all the words after the words "report of MrHigginson" be struck out, leaving the work to be carried out by the Provincial Government, Mr Webb said be would accept the amendment of the hon Provincial Treasurer as to the striking out the latter paragraph of the motion. # . The amendment to insert the words " not exceeding £11,000" was agreed to, as also the other amendments. The resolution as amended was then agreed to, reported, and the report adopted. * TOWNSHIP OF GERALDINE OBDINANCE, ,- T,\ ■• . '';■ 1873. • ; On" the motion of Mr Maude, this Bill was read a second time, committed, reported, and ordered to be read a third time to-morrow. . ! ' SUPPLY. The House then went into committee of 6upply. The following items were voted :— Class B—Charitable aid, £5764. Class 9—Reformatory, £1290. Class 10—Orphan Asylum ? £2573. ' f of sheep, £1900. ; '" Ohtois item bang put,

Mr .HAYHURSt "movedf that the item " subsidy £50 Riccarton dip " be struck out.' :; After some discussion, Mr Hayhnrst withdrew his-amendment, and the item passed as printed, , , , Progress was then reported with leave to sit again on next Bitting day. .Notices of niotion having been given, the House adjourned at 12 midnight till noon this day.