THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIV, Issue 1088, 1 December 1857, Page 2

THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Pursuant to adjournment, the Provincial Council met on Friday, at three o'clock, all the members, with the exception of Mr. Middlemas being present. After the presentation of two petitions, one by Mr. Boylan from A. Me Pherson, in reference to a claim for land at the Waiau ; the other by Mr. Brennan from residents of Panmure, on the subject of the Impounding Act — Mr. Merriman brought up the report of the Standing Orders Committee, which was adopted by the Council after a division on the question of expunging Standing Order No. 69 of former sessions. This rule, which gave any member the right to demand the formation of Select Committees by ballot, had been expunged, on the ground that that it afforded the majority an opportunity of packing select committees. An animated discussion terminated with the rejection of Mr. Busby's proposition, which will be found in our report of the proceedings. Several notices of motion were given, which will be found elsewhere. Mr. Buckland's motion for opening tWt proceedings of the Council with prayer was next brought forward, and gave rise to a lengthy debate. The Council divided on the question, which was carried by a majority of two. Mr. Buckland's motion against the payment of any members except the Speaker, for their services in the Provincial Council, gave rise to much sharp sparring, and to some very coarse and improper remarks from' one or two members, who appeared to avail themselves eagerly of this opportunity of asserting their own independence and disinterestedness. We hare no doubt that the speakers are all they assert themselves to be, but as a rule a man who boasts of his honour and integrity creates about the same impression upon his hearers as does a lady who boasts of her virtue. Mr. Busby spoke warmly in condemnation of the wording of the motion, as conveying the idea that himself and other members received payment for services rendered, instead of m ere re-imbursement for expenses actually incurred in quitting and living away from their homes to attend to the business of the Council. After a lengthened debate, the Council divided, when the motion was negatived by a majority of one, Messrs. Busby, Bedggood, and Monro taking no part in the division. Mr. Boylan's motion for an address to his Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to cause the Health Officer to inspect all vessels arriving from foreign ports, was agreed to. Dr. Pollen, in reference to the alleged danger of the introduction of the small pox to this Province, expressed his opinion that the fears entertained were not well founded, and informed the Council that the Government had taken precautionary measures, which would carry out the object proposed to be attained by the mover of the resolution. The Council adjourned at half-past 5. o'clock.