PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 589, 1 August 1873, Page 1 (Supplement)

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Monday, July 21. MISCELLANEOUS. The following motions were carried, with little or no debate : —Block 27, Clyde, to be set apart for municipal purposes; that the House Committee be empowered to take steps to improve the acoustic properties of the Council Chamber ; that it is advisable that the export duty on gold should be reduced sixpence per ounce ; that a dray road should be surveyed from the Arrow to Cardrona; that sections 4 to 7 inclusive, block 14, Jacob’s river hundred ; sections 15, 16, and 19, block 3, Mataura hundred ; and 51 to 55 inclusive, block 2, Lyndhurst hundred be set apart for lignite reserves ; that the Government be requested to give effect to the recommendations of the Goldfields Committee in re the petition of miners at Manuka Creek. RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION. The debate was resumed by Mr M’Kenzie, who together with Mr Lurasden, Mr Allan, and Mr Ireland, supported Mr lleid’s amendment, Mr M’Lean, Mr Fish, and Mr Roberts supporting the Government resolutions. It was first intimated by Mr Fish, and subsequently by Mr Shand, that the Government intended to make this question a Government one. On Mr Reid’s amendment being put, there voted: — Ayes 15: Messrs Allan, Clark H. (teller), Green, Ireland, Kinross, Lumsden, Menzies, Mollison, Mackellar, M’Kenzie, Reid, Stout, (teller), Sumpter, Wilson, Wood. Noes 21: Messrs Bastings, Browne G. F. C., Clarke R., Gumming, Daniel, Davie, De Lautour, Driver, Fish, Haggitt, Hazlett, M’Glashan, M’Lean, Oliver, Roberts, Rodgers, Shand, Tesehemaker, Tolmie (teller), Turnbull (teller), Turton. Mr Gillies expressed his regret at the course taken by the Government. Their action was simply holding open a door whereby the General Government could escape from their responsibility in connection with the construction of this portion of the main line. By agreeing to the resolutions, the Council in effect said the Government should be permitted to sell to the pastoral tenants their present holdings to the extent of half a million of acres. The Council should not lose sight of this fact. The pastoral tenants being allowed 2s fid 01 r acre compensation, would be in a 25 per cent, better position than other purchasers. Let them come into the market on the same terms as other parties, and fair play would be obtained. The remaining part of Mr Reid’s amendment was negatived on the voices. On the amendment, given notice of on Friday by Mr Gillies, being moved by Mr Sumpter, The Provincial Secretary explained, in reference to the land in the neighboriiood of the Clutha and Mataura railways, that it was not the intention of the Government to sell purely agricultural land. Large portions of the land contiguous to the lines were not agricultural. There was plenty of mixed pastoral and agricultural land which was not fit to bring under the deferred payment system, and this might be sold for farms and form a very advantageous field for settlement. Mr Sumpter’s amendment was then put and negatived, the voting being— Ayes, 15—Messrs Allan, Clark H., Green, Hazlett, Ireland, Kinross, Lumsden, Menzies, Mackellar, M’Kenzie, M’Neil, Reid (teller), Stout (teller), Sumpter, and Wilson. Noes, 20—Messrs Bastings, Browne G. F. C., Clark R. (teller), Gumming, Daniel, Davie, De Lautour (teller), Fish, Haggitt, M’Glashan, M’Lean, Oliver, Roberts, Rogers, Shand, Teschemnkor, Tolmie, Turnbull, Turton, and Webster. The adjournment of the debate was then moved by the Provincial Solicitor and negatived on the voices. The first resolution of the Government was then put and carried, the voting being— Ayes, 18 —Messrs Bastings (teller'). Brown G. F. C., Clarke R., Gumming, Daniel, Davie, Fish, M’Glashan, M’Lean, Roberts, Rodgers, Shand, Teschmaker, Tolmie, Turnbull (teller), Turton, Webster, and Wood. Noes, 14—Messrs Allan, Clark H., Green, Hazlett (teller), Ireland, Kinross, Lumsden, Menzies, Mackellar (teller), M’Keuzie, M’Neil, Stout, Sumpter, and Wilson. On the second resolution, the voting was Ayes, 13: Messsrs Bastings, Clarke R., Daniel, Fish, M’Lean, Roberts, Rodgers, Shand, Tesehemaker, Tolmie (teller), Turnbull (teller), Turton, and Webster. Noes, 12 : Messrs Allan (teller), Clark 11. (teller), Green, Hazlett, Ireland, Kinross, Menzies. Mackellar, M’Kenzie, M’Neil, Stout, and Wilson. The Provincial Secretary moved the adjournment of the debate until the Committee on Railway Extension to Cromwell reported. Mr Haggitt explained that he voted with the noes on the Government resolution dealing with the main line, because he considered it utterly unworkable, and if the question had not been made a Government one, he would have been prepared to have brought forward an amendment which would have been workable. In answer to the Hon. Mr Menzies, The Provincial Secretary said the Government had received no intimation of the intention of the General Government to take up land in the Province under the Public Works Act. Mr Lumsden moved —“ That an address be presented to His Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to take such steps as may bo necessary to reserve in the several districts throughout the Province quarry and gravel reserves for the purpose of providing for present and future wants in the supply of material for road making and other public purposes.” Mr M’Glashan and others urged thatquarry reserves should be placed under the control of Road Boards. The motion was carried. Mr Oliver moved —“ Ist. That the General Government be respectfully requested to make arrangements for despatching the Otago portion of the Suez mail to Port Chalmers via the Bluff immediately on its arrival in Melbourne, and for the despatching the outward Otago mails by the same route at the latest practicable time each month. 2nd. That in the event of the General Government declining to comply with this request, this Council authorises the Executive to enter into a contract to effect the above-mentioned objects.” He considered'that large interests were affected, that three-fourths of the correspondence with Europe was with the South Island, and that it was an act of injustice, as Otaeo’s revenue was paid to enable the North Island to obtain their letters earlier, while Otago was left without possibility of answering them the same month. Telegrams, however, had been received, intimating that the Government were negotiating such arrangements as would meet the case. After some discussion, the House resolved to take the resolutions separately. Mr Wood moved the addition that “a respectful address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent to forward the resolution to the Colonial Secretary,” which was carried unanimously. Mr Stout suggested that some limit should be placed on the expense to be incurred. Mr Oliver had no objection. Communication could be had with Canterbury asking them to join, but it would be impolitic to fix an amount, as the firms likely to enter into the contract would not be content without pushing their demand to the iitmost limits defined. Competition with the Northern Provinces would be rendered successful as against the trade of Dunedin, if postal arrangements were made in their favor, ami the efforts made in Melbourne to increase trade with New Zealand rendered every effort necessary to enable Dunedin to maintain the supremacy, which had with such difficulty been attained. Two members of Dunedin were in the Executive, but instead of that being an advantage, it seemed to he rather a detriment to onr interests. Mr M’Glashan condemned motions remarks as uncalled for, and said that the General Government had been much hampered by the Chamber of Commerce, of which the member for Mount Ida was a. member, in making successful j»,stal arrangements. Mr Davie proposed, as an amendment, that the sum to be expended should be limited to L 3.000. Mr Kinross asked over what period of time L 3,000 should extend ? Mr Wood supported the amendment, and Mr Wilson, Mr Clarke, and Mr Allen, the resolution as amended. Mr Oliver explained that the Chamber of Commerce endeavored to direct the course that

a former contract with M'Mepkan, Blackwood, and Co. should take, when at the request or the Government they withdrew their interference. The motion was carried. CARDRONA ARBITRATION CASE. 1 Mr M'Kellab moved—“ That a respectful address be presented to tho Superintendent, re--1 questing that immediate steps be taken to give | effect to the recommendations of the Goldfields Committee in the matter of the Cardrona arbi- ' tration case, as contained in Interim Report No. 1 from the said committee.” _ The Goldfields Secretary said the Government might take steps to set the award aside, ’ but not to pay the amount of awards, which was excessive. It would be a bad precedent, and no funds were available for the purpose. There ; was no principle involved. Mr Cottar stated ’ he had got an offer for his land and intended to take it if the Government refused to pay the 1 amount. Mr M‘Kellar said what he wished to have settled was that where an agricultural lease was auriferous the lease should be cancelled and compensation given. The amount was fixed by arbitration in the usual way. He believed the award excessive and should be set aside. legislative council reform. Mr M'Glashan moved “ That in the opinion of this Provincial Council, it is desirable that the Constitution of the Legislative Council, be reconstructed, so as to make it an elected body instead of a nominated body, as at present.” A movement was suggested in the Speech of the Governor printed, tending to this purpose, and it was desirable to strengthen the hands of the General Government in their efforts. It being 5.30, the Speaker left the chair. Tuesday, July 22. QUESTIONS. In reply to questions, the Government said the effect of the contract with the Henley Estate Company, to put a bridge over the Taieri River, was, that only the ordinary tolls should be charged. If anything in excess had been charged, the arrangement made with the Government had been violated, and inquiry would be made.—Suitable emigrants were accepted without regal’d to country.—No decision had been come to re declaring the Crown Terrace, Arrow, a commonage.—Application had been made to the General Government, in order that the proclamations of the Traquair Hundred might be validated by Act, and also in respect of other Hundreds. Crown grants had beer, applied for the 2,800 acres reserved for recreation at West Hawkesbury, but were refused. GOVERNMENT BUSINESS. The Golfields Secretary moved that Government business take precedence for the remainder of the session. The motion had been made at the request of several members who were anxious to get to Wellington. The Superintendent also wished to get there as soon as possible. The motion was negatived by 18 against IC. UPPER HOUSE REFORM. Mr M'Glashan moved his resolution affirming the desirability of a reconstruction of the Legislative Council, it to be an elective instead of a nominated body ; and added that the resolution should be forwarded to the Speaker of both Houses, with an expression of opinion that the measure of reform should emanate from the Legislative Council Mr Oliver, in seconding the motion pro forma , said he had intended to move as an addition “ And that his Honor the Superintendent be requested to send down an Ordinance to give effect to this resolution." His first intention had been to propose, “ That in the opinion of this Council the present Constitution of England is old and out of date, and it is desirable that a Republican form of Government should be established, something on the model of that of the United States, but no person shall be eligible as President unless he has at soma time or other been a member of this Council.”— (Laughter.) Mr Stout moved an amendment, “ That in the opinion of this Council the Legislative Council should be abolished.” If a nominee body had been useless, au elective one would be no better, but rather far worse. Mr Reid commented on the uselessness of the debate. On the main question his view’s bad somewhat altered, and he did not now think the whole of tho members, of the Upper House should be elected. There ought to be power to nominate gentlemen in the Colony who bad taken great interest in public affairs, but who, although well fitted for the position of member of that House, would not contest an election. Ho remarked that to carry out the motion would be to effectually do away with any chance the member for North Harbor might have of becoming a member of the Legislative Council.—(Laughter.) The motion was negatived on the voices. JETTY DUES. Mr Stout moved that the jetty dues charged at the Dunedin and Port Chalmers jetties should be reduced one-half their present rates, and that the Government be requested to get the sanction of the Colonial Government thereto. If that .were not done, the probability was the dues would hardly be worth the. cost of collection. The Provincial Secretary did not think the proposal would be of such advantage to the lightermen as some lion, members imagined; on tlie contrary, it would be a greater benefit to tho commercial community, as at the present time lightermen competed successfully with the railway. Mr M'Dermid referred to the dredging operations, and said the Council would soon have to consider whether the dues should not go towards paying for that work. After some observations by Mr Davie, who said the Committee were unanimous in recommending the reduction of the dues ; by Mr LuMSDEN, who considered that it had not been shown that jetty dues were an unfair inmost; and Mr Oliver, who remarked that the Council should hesitate about affirming the resolution, seeing that increased jetty accommodation and additional harbor accommodation was about to be provided—the motion was carried. forest trees. The regulations of the Government re forest tree planting were agreed to. OAMARU MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE ENDOWMENT. Mr Sumpter’s motion for endowing the Oamam Mechanics’ Institute with 500 acres of land was carried without a division, RAILWAYS. The Goldfields Secretary moved that a light line of railway be constructed from Riverton to Orepuki, sixteen miles, at a cost of LIO,OOO, to be paid for in land. He considered unless a line of railway was carried through the district, it would be useless for many years. Reports before the Government showed that every kind of timber suitable for railways, piers, and harbor works grew there, coal of the best quality abounded, and it was fine agricultural land. Warden Wood also expressed the opinion that there was a valuable goldfield there apable of sustaining 3,000 or 1,000 people. Mr Lumsdf.n compared that with other districts, which he maintained had prior claims. A line from Switzers would have opened for settlement Waimea Plains, but the line proposed had the smallest goldfields, agricultural, and trading population of any of the goldfields. He would propose an amendment that it would be inexpedient to proceed further than already contracted for, but that a line from Riverton to Otatau and to the Night Cap Goldfields should be substituted. Mr Daniel said that the hon. member had based his arguments on hearsay. The Orepuki Goldfield W’as one of tho richest goldfields in New Zealand. The men were earning from L 3 to Lls per week. The greatest difficulty was bringing water to it: which, however, bad been done in one or two instances at great expense. The timber in the district is the most valuable in the Colony, and access to it could only be had by means of a light railway. Messrs Guthrie and Asher had taken up 2,500 acres, and the white pine procured there would compote with American wood. Two other establishments were also contemplating arrangements for. constructing sawmills. To illustrate the character of the timber, Mr M'Kerrow measured a totara tree, which was 27ft. in girth. The timber would supersede jarrah timber. Employment for a large population could be given during winter. A better settlement could not be selected in any part of Southland. It contained a coalfield, which Captain Hutton said was three miles across. He had traced it 16ft. in depth. Had that forest been opened up, the telegraph posts in Southland, brought from

beyond Wellington, could have been supplied at a less amount than it cost to draw them out of the bush at Wellington. The line would pay within eighteen months. Mr Gumming supported the amendment. Mr Reid supported the proposition of the Government. He presumed the contract was let in accordance with the resolutions of the House. It was not his intention to oppose the Government resolutions. The Goldfields Secretary said the contract was for payment in cash, as it was necessary to construct a bridge over Jacob’s river, which would have had to be done whether the railway was made or not. Mr Stout opposed the motion, and supported the amendment, on the ground that it was premature, and that other lines were more necessary. The amendment by Mr Lumsden was negatived by 21 to 3. The Secretary for Works moved “ That a line of railway between Riverton and Otautau, in length 16A miles, already surveyed, be constructed, at a eost of L 40,000, payment to be made in cash or land at the option of the Government. ” Mr Lumsden proposed the insertion of the words “The Nightcap Coalfield via” after Otautau. The amendment was negatived, and the original motion carried. ‘ The following resolutions were also carried : -“That a light line of railway, to connect the Otautau line with the Invercargill and Winton railway at Wallacetown Junction, a distance of fourteen miles, be constructed at a cost of L 20,000, payment to be made in cash or land, at the option of the Government.” “That a branch line be constructed from the Southern Trunk line to Green Island coal-pits and meatpreserving works, and that his Honor the Superintendent be requested to place the sum of L 6,000 on the Estimates for this purpose.” “Resolved further, that the following branch railways be commenced next year, and that the Government be requested in the meantime to obtain the necessary survey and estimate, viz. : Waipaheeto Tapanui; main trunk lino toKaitangata ; main trunk line to Outram ; Palmerston to Waihemo; Otautau to Nightcap Coalfield.” “That in the opinion of this Council the General Government should be strongly urged to take immediate steps to construct the Dunedin to Moeraki line of railway, being a highly important portion of the Main Trunk Line, and one which, there can be no doubt, would prove pre-eminently reproductive; and further, that failing the General Government being in a position to undertake its immediate construction, the Provincial Government be requested to obtain borrowing powers on the most favorable terms possible, so as to enable them to proceed with its immediate construction.” Mr Mackellar moved—“ That the extension of the railway line [from Tokomairiro and Tuapeka to Roxburgh, Alexandra, Clyde, and Cromwell (and which for shortness sake may be hereafter designated the Otago Central Railway), he proceeded with. That the said exten sion shall btf proceeded with in such a manner that the portion between Tuapeka and Roxburgh be constructed concurrently with the progress of the present contracts between Tokomairiro and Tuapeka.” This railway would pass through districts with a population, according to the last census, of over 12,000 people, and no doubt the population had since increased. If they included the Tuapeka district, which was interested to some extent, this railway would benefit 10,000 or 17,000 people, and would be the means of settling more people in these districts. A number of valuable minerals, besides gold, were known to exist in several places ; but, owing to the cost of conveyance, they remained undeveloped. There could be uo doubt that this state of things would soon be changed when they had the railway. The length of the line from Tuapeka to Roxburgh would be about thirty-eight miles. At the suggestion of the Government, the debate was adjourned till Thursday, so that the report of the Select Committee might he printed and considered by hon. members. NEW HUNDREDS. On the adjourned debate being resumed on Message No. 9, the consideration of Mr M’Kenzie’s motion, recommending the proclamation of a Hundred of 0,000 acres in runs Nos. 80 and 109, a large portion of that area having been surveyed, was proceeded with. The Government intimated that they would have no objection to recommending that the Hundred proposed should be proclaimed, and the motion was affirmed. Mr M‘Kenzie moved —“ That after the proclamation of said Hundred, 2,500 acres be at once set apart to be dealt with under the system of deferred payments.” Mr Stout suggested that the Government might, after the Hundred was proclaimed, reserve, with the sanction of the Waste Lands Board, 2,500 acres of the best land in the block until next year, and then they could proclaim it in the next 30,000 acres to be proposed. The Government adopted the suggestion, and the words “ at once ” were struck out. The resolution was then agreed to. Mr MTCenzie then moved the following series of resolutions: —“That in the opinion of this Council, for the better encouragement of a health} 1 flow of immigration, and bona fide settlement of the waste lands of the Province, a block containing 30,000 acres of good agricultural land, say in the Mataura district, as near as possible to the Invercargill and Mataura Railway, should be set apart for the purposes of special settlement. That said lands should be surveyed into farms containing 200 acres each, the general character of each farm being noted by the surveyor in his report. That the plans of and reports on such land should be forwarded to the Home Agents of the Province; and that the said Agents be instructed to advertise the same as open for selection at Home. That the terms and conditions on which said lands should be offered, bo similar to those provided for under the system of deferred payments in the * Otago Waste Lands Act, 1872.’ ” Mr M’Konzio’s motion was lost on a division by 17 votes against 14. Wednesday, July 23. QUESTIONS. The Government stated, in reply to questions, that if the Corporation of Cromwell proposed any feasible scheme for reclaiming blocks 8, 13, 14. 62, 63, and 68, from their present waste condition, the Government would entertain it.— The township of St. Bathans would be sold at the quarterly land sale, which would take place in two months. new hundreds. The debate was resumed on Message No. 0, the Hundreds named therein being considered seriatim. The first discussed was 20,000 acres on runs 185, 264, and 240. Mr Stout opposed the Hundred. Only a few people in the Taieri wanted land ; it had not been proved that the land was at all fit for agricultural purposes, and if the Government proceeded with the settlement of the Traquair Hundred, this one would not be required. The effect of passing the motion would be to perpetuate the big block system under the name of a Hundred, and it was just possible settlers on the Taieri and others wished the Hundred, so that they might themselves become small runholders. He did not object to giving commonage if the land was asked for as such, but he objected to opening a Hundred apparently for settlement, when it -was really required for commonage. A committee should enquire whether the Hundred was necessary. Mr Shand remarked that the speech of the honorable (member for Oaversham W’as characteristic of him: he spoke about things of which he knew nothing.—(Laughter.) Instead of being mountainous, as that hon. member said, the land was high table land, as level as the Taieri plain, and thousands of acres could he ploughed without any or with little expense. As to the proolaimation of this Hundred not having been petitioned for, he read a memorial addressed to the member's for the Taieri, requesting them to support the Government in getting it declared, stating that there was a necessity for a Hundred between Lee and Deep Streams, and guaranteeing to buy up one-third of it at 20s an acre within three months from declaration. The memorialists, twenty-eight in number, further stated that the land was half agricultural, and well adapted for the growth of oats, turnips, and English grasses. Mr M’Glashan mentioned that one person had told him that when the Hundred was proclaimed he should be willing to purchase 500 acres. The land was not mountainous. The Goldfields Secretary said the land was ploughablo from the highest altitude to the

lowest part of it, and though it might not grow wheat, it would oats, to the extent of fifty bushels an acre. Besides, the Government had evidence that many parties were prepared to take the land and lay it down in English grasses and improve it. Mr Roberts denied the statement of the member for Caversham that the Strath Taieri Hundred had been proclaimed to suit the runholder. It whs proclaimed against the run- ! holder’s wish. The land was sold in the first instance to bona fide, settlers, who had to sell out when they found farming operations on it would not pay. In answer to the Hon. Dr. Menzies, who wished to know whether the Government intended to throw open the Hundred for revenue Eurposes or for settlement, and whether in the itter case they would doso so as to precludethe possibility of the laud being put up for sale in large blocks. The Secretary for Lands said the Hundred was proposed with the view of settlement. But | the Government had also to consider the probable amount of revenue pccruing from Hundreds. Mr Haggitt would never be a party to a breach of faith such as would be involved in the unnecessary proclamation of any Hundred, and would require full and definite information that the circumstances of the Province required any Hundred, before voting for it. No evidence had been given that this Hundred was required, nor had it been conclusively shown that the land was two-thirds agricultural. Mr Tolmie said by this Hundred it was proposed to cut the run into two halves, in which the holding might as well be taken. He referred to the Stuart and Traquair Hundreds as instances of the impolicy of setting aside inferior land for agricultural purposes. Mr Fish thought there was ample evidence of a sufficient quantity of land within the proposed Hundred to justify the Council in proclaiming the Hundred. Mr Reid understood the land did comply with the conditions of the Act of 1872. The objection as to boundaries was a serious one, and, while supporting the Hundred, he said it was to be regretted it had not natural boundaries or as w ell denned ones as possible. The Secretary for Lands, in replying, said he had directed the attention of the Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands to clause 97a of the Act, and asked him if he would be prepared to carry it out if the Council sanctioned the Hundred, and his reply was in the affirmative. As to the altitude of the land, he was prepared to point to good farms at higher altitudes than 1,900 ft in different parts of the country. To refer the question to a committee would be to burke it. The Government intended to cut tip the hind into eighty-acre sections, which would prevent large speculators getting hold of it unless they paid full value for it. The motion was carried by 24 to 8. The Secretary for Lands, read a report of the Chief Surveyor, respecting the character of the land on runs 74 and IGI. The height was 400 to 500 feet above the level of the sea. No roads were made at present, but they might be made to Menzies’s Ferry. About half was agricultural land, and the Government had it under consideration to reserve parts for special settlement. Next year some land might be added to them on deferred payments. Dr Menzies considered the land particularly eligible for settlement, as it contained wood, water, and contiguity to a railway station. If the Government carried out the proposals of the Secretary for Lands, he should be satisfied. He however, doubted the advisability of throwing open the Hundred, as in the Mataura, on the Ist January, about 98,000 acres of land in Hundreds were unsold. Since that time sales have been made which reduced the unsold land to 05,000 acres. Much of it was really good land. He was not, therefore, satisfied another Hundred was necessary, Mr Lumsden considered that the land proposed to be thrown open was fit for agriculture, but he thought probably a Hundred north of the Tois Tois would be desirable. Mr Stout would not oppose the motion, but could not reconcile the proposal of the Government with their expressed intention to sell agricultural land on deferred payments. Mr Reid said if the Government intended to open up land for sale, it would better to signify their intention, as to leave it undetermined was unfair to the runholders. He should support the Government, as their intimate connection with the pastoral tenants was a guarantee that no injustice was about to be done. Mr M‘Lean was glad Mr Reid would support the Government, for he (Mr M’Lean) never could support one of which the hon. member formed a part. It was a proof the Executive was the best that had occupied the Government benches for some time. The motion was carried. The Secretary for Lands proposed that 15,000 acres on runs 137 and 123 be proclaimed a Hundred. It was objected to the 90,000 acres which were declared a commonage, but the assessment on stock from that commonage was greater than from similar areas on pastoral runs. The land was not what would have been considered agricultural land a few years ago, but experience proved that it was ploughable. Mr Haggitt contrasted the report of the Chief Surveyor on the land in question with his report in 18G3. In that year he showed land above 1,500 feet high was not agricultural land, and all that proposed was above that elevation. He would refer as to its character, to evidence before a commission of the House of Representatives in 1867. In their opinion not more than one-sixth or one-fifth could truly be classed as available agricultural land. The inhabitants did not want the land for agricultural purposes, but that they might depasture stock upon it without paying compensation to the innholder. From the evidence of the Warden, only 1,500 acres were available for agriculture, of which none remained unsold. Messrs Herbert, M‘Kay, Bastings, and others stated that the land was required for the grazing necessities of the district. The fact was that a number of small squatters were running 3,631 large, and 15,000 small cattle, without assessment, on the common. He did not ask the members of the House to take bis bare word, but to look to the returns which had been laid upon the table by the Government, and which would show that the figures lie had quoted were perfectly correct He was not objecting to the proclamation of the Hundred from personal motives. An assertion had been made to this effect, but he gave it his most unqualified denial. He did not even know who were the owners of the runs in question, although he believed that one of them was held in trust for Mrs M'Lean. He hail been over the ground, and was of opinion that it was Hot of an agricultural nature. He strongly contended that it could not benefit the Province one iota by proclaiming the land a Hundred, and if the House did its duty it wmld decline to carry the motion. Messrs Kinross, Bastings, G. F. C. Browne, Clarke, and Wood supported the motion; Mr Mollison opposed it, because sufficient information had not been furnished ; and Mr Roberts, because the Hundred would probably only aggravate the present evils in connection with commonage. Mr Reid said, from personal knowledge of the land, be believed it would be taken up for bona fide settlement; but he would have preferred that it should be taken up under the deferred payment system, and he thought a smaller Hundred would he sufficient for the present. The motion was carried by 25 to 7. deferred payments. On Message No. 11, the Council affirmed that the following blocks of land should be set aside for sale on deferred payments 5,000 acres in run 111; 5,000 acres in runs 107 a and 78 ; 2,500 acres in runs 199 ; 2,500 acres in runs 244 and 261; 3,000 acres in run 346 ; 2,500 acres in run 109 ; 2,000 acres in run 205 : 5,000 acres inruns 123 ami 137. Thursday, July 24. QUESTIONS. The Government, in reply to questions, stated that they would be glad to take into consideration, wherever possible, the desirability of reserving along the main lines of road, at distances of seven miles, blocks of land of from fifty to one hundred acres, for the accommodation of travelling stock, working bullocks, and waggon horses.— I The setting apart of a piece of land for Friendly Societies had- not been overlooked. I —The Superintendent had already had several interviews with the officers cf the various societies with tile view of fixing a public site, and the Government hoped, before the session was

brought to a close, to be able to submit to the Council a recommendation asking them to concur in a selected site. THE DUNEDIN HOSPITAL. The Secretary for Lands (Dr Webster) moved—“ That, in the opinion of this Council, steps should be taken towards inducing the public to support the Dunedin Hospital by means of voluntary contributions, in which case the management of the Hospital should be in the hands of a committee to ,be appointed by the contributors. 2nd. That, in the event of the management of the Hospital being so undertaken, the Provincial Government shall contriubte liberally towards its support. 3rd. That, pending the Government being relieved of its administration, it is expedient that the system upon which the Hospital has hitherto been conducted should at once be altered, and that the medical staff shall consist of one paid medical officer (who shall reside in the building), and of no less than three others, the whole to be appointed by the Government. 4th. That an address be transmitted to the Superintendent, requesting that the foregoing proposals may, if practicable, be given effect to.” It these resolutions were carried, the Government intended to apply to gentlemen in the City holding similar opinions to themselves, ask them to ceive contributions, and to form along with themselves (the Government) a committee of management. The Government did not wish it to be understood that they had any reason to complain of the gentleman at the head of the Institution, either as regardedjreputation or administration, in any degree, but it was thought that as the City had reached its present size, some of the prominent medical men should take part in the medical department. They had struck out the words “whoshall be honorary” in the third resolution, because they found in all other towns except where there was a medical school or university, from which they received fees, these officers got some small payments for their services. Mr Stout thought the resolution of 1872, as to the appointment of additional medical officers to the Hospital, should be acted upon. The Dunedin Hospital, being a Provincial and almost a Colonial Institution, should not be placed on the same footing as country Hospitals; and it was hardly fair to ask the citizens to contribute so largely to an establishment which was for the benefit of a Province. Mr Davie was not disposed to agree to the first and second parts of the resolutions, but the proposal to throw the Hospital open to the Faculty was a step in the right direction. He suggested something like the following should be adopted :—The medical staff to consist of a paid medical officer, who should reside in the building, and four others, to whom would be handed over the administration not only of the Hospital but of tho Lunatic Asylum and Gaol. The work should he distributed among them, care being taken that one should be responsible for the charge, for say three months, of the particular institution placed under his care. Mr Oliver complained that the proposition of tho Government was deficient indefiniteness. It did not say what proportion of the cost of maintenance would be sustained by the Government, and if the management was to be placed in the hands of the citizens, their hands should not bo weakened by being debarred of tire power of making appointments or effecting dismissals. The resolutions should be withdrawn for the present. Mr Haggitt thought, on the testimony of the medical men examined before the Commission of 1870, that it would be unwise to interfere xvith the present management, from whom means for reform should first come ; Mr Fish, although agreeing with the spirit of the resolutions, thought they should he withdrawn as being speculative ; Mr M'Glashan was in favor of the first two resolutions, but thought tho third should he withdrawn; Mr Reid also thought the resolutions premature. Dr Menzies thought the Government, while contributing liberally, should not lose its hold of the Institution. They should see it was thoroughly and efficiently maintained, and then as the public became more alive to their duty in the way of contributing, the Government could gradually retire, and ultimately leave the direction of the domestic affairs in the hands of a committee of management chosen by the subscribers. Mr M'Kenzie had beard complaints by patients of the management, and moved “ That it is expedient that three gentlemen, not practising members of the medical profession, should be appointed by the Executive to visit the Dunedin Hospital, and generally to supervise the management of the Institution The amendment was negatived by 25 to 11, and on the main question there voted Noes, 11 : Messrs Clark, Davies, Green, Haggitt, Mills (teller), M'Neil, Oliver, Reid, Roberts (toller), Stout, Tolmie. Ayes, 21 : Messrs Allan, Bastings, Brown J. C., Clark, De Lautour, Fish, Hazlett, Ireland, Kinross, Lumsdon, Menzies, Mollison (teller), M'Kenzie, M'Lean, Rogers, Sumpter, Teschemaker (teller), Turton, Turnbull, Webster, Wilson. THE HIGH SCHOOL. Mr Fish moved his resolutions re the High School. He explained that he ivas not adverse to high class education, neither had he any intention of attacking the High School or its masters. His first proposition was that thecost of the school was out of all proportion to the benefit derived by the community as a whole. Its cost for the five years ending March 31, 1873, exclusive of interest on cost of the buildings, was L 13,650 5s Sil; and 6 per cent, interest on L 20,000, which sum had been expended during that period on buildings, would give a total of L 19,650 5s Sd. The total revenue for the same period had boon L 5,755 8s 4d, or a net cost of the school to the Province for five years of L 13.594 17s Sd, or an annual cost of L 2,775. The average attendance for these five years was 115, so that each hoy, interest on cost of building deducted, cost Ll4 a year. The cost of hoys attending district schools was, on the otherhand, only L2 10s lid a year. If the General Government did not grant the vast educational reserves made, the Council, at no distant date, would have to levy a direct educational tax, and the people would never consent to pay for such a system as wo had at present. The report of the High School Commission showed conclusively that the school was a class institution. His second proposition was that the school was not used for the purpose of imparting a classical education, or for preparing boys for the University. During the four years ending 1872, 104 boys had left the school, but only seven went to the University. Hr Hawthorne’s evidence showed that a considerable number of parents desired their boys should not be taught classics, and also that the larger number of boys at the school onght to be taught in the district schools, and who, in point of fact, had no right to be in the High .School at all. His next proposition was —Are the Grammar Schools able to prepare boys for the University as well as the High School, and he thought, if they were properly conducted, they could not only do so well, but at a much less cost than the High School. His fifth proposition xvas—That if any education beyond what could be obtained at the Grammar Schools was required to prepare for the University ; such education could be better provided by means of proprietary schools. He contended that the Commission proved : First, that generally the state of things in the High School required amendment; second, that the standard of the entrance examination was too low ; third, that if the standard were raised without the constitution of the school being altered, the effect would be to decrease the number of scholars, and consequently, by increasing the cost per head, to increase the total cost of the school ; and fourth, that if the constitution of tho school were altered, one-half the school would be a district school under another name. The House axljourned at 5.30, before the hon. member concluded his remarks. Friday, July 25. In reply to questions, the Government said they would obtain the information asked for as to the conditions on which the lease of a coalfield in Southland Avas granted. The Ordinance to regulate the AA-eights to be carried on waggons and drays was laid on the table last night. RULING. The Speaker gave the reasons for ruling a motion for placing on the Estimates L 1,999 for the purpose of forming a play ground for the Middle District School. As it was substanti-

ally the same, although the words were different, as a previous motion, it could not be received. Mr HAGGITr drew attention to the fact that in the honorarium question, which was argued some sessions ago, a similar course was allowed, and that the House should be guided by its own precedents, and not be bound by those of another legislature. Air Reid pointed out that the proper Parliamentary course was to place on the Order Paper a notice of motion that the resolution of the House on such a subject may be placed on the Order Paper for the purpose of being rescinded. The Speaker ruled that the motion having been negatived, there really was no resolution to reconsider. GOVERNMENT BUSINESS. The Provincial Secretary proposed the suspension of tire Standing Orders in order to move that Government business take the precedence. Mr Reid complained that the Government had acted inconsistently, and recommended the withdrawal of several Bills which might profitably stand over to next session. On a division the motion was lost, the “Ayes” being 23 and the “ Noes” 13. It being necessary that two-thirds of the total number of members present should vote for the suspension of the Standing Orders, in order to carry the motion, it was declared negatived. IN COMMITTEE .OP SUPPLY. Air Wood’s motion for placing a sum on the Estimates for the formation of footpaths in the neighbourhood of Dunedin and Invercargill was negatived. _ Mr Davie’s motion for appropriating L3OO to rid in the formation of a cricket oval was negatived, and an amendment was proposed limiting the amount to LIOO, on condition of a similar amount being subscribed was adopted on a division Jay 19 to 12. t The following motion for addresses to the Superintendent to place the undermentioned sums on the supplementary estimates were carried : —LIOO to fence in the most dangerous parts on the main south road, between the Reliance Hotel and the Lower Taieri Ferry; L2oofor floodgates and proper drainage in the districts of Kensington, Forbury, South Dunedin, and St Hilda; LSOO to provide for the completion of the road between Hillside and the Ocean Beach, in the event of the Government not being able to complete the same by prison labor ; LSOO as a contribution to the Invercargill Athenamm Building Fund; Ll3O for the Cromwell Athemeum; LSOO to provide for the judicious increase and arrangement of the museum ; LSOO for the construction of a light bridge across the Upper Alaerewhenua, the improvement of the road between Harris’s and the township, and the formation of a bridle tract between Stotfield station and the diggings; L3OO for completing the road between Kaitangata and Tokomairiro, by way of Kaitangata and Makitoto Lakes; Ll5O in aid of the Clyde Public Library ; LIOO for a schoolmaster’s residence at Manuka Creek; Ll3O for the repair of a bridge from Havelock to Camp Reserve, Waitalruna; and to erect a footbridge over Butcher’s Gully in the same locality ; L 1,300 to be paid as a bonus for the establishment of a sack and woolpack factory; LOO for a footbridge over the New River, at the lower crossing; 1,500 for the improvement of the entrance to Waikouaiti River. Addresses were also carried for suitable sums to he placed on the Estimates for the completion of the road from Port Chalmers to Blueskin ; for scientific examination on Goldfields. The following were cither lost or withdrawnL2.ooo to assist the Corporation in improving the Town Belt; for a sum to purchase the Alaerewhenua block sold to the Hon. K. Campbell; L 3,000 for a bridge over the Molyneux at Inch Clutha; LI,OOO for a steam drainage plough ; L 2.000 for forming a playground for the Aliddle District School; LI,OOO fortesiug quartz reefs; Ll,soofor a bridge over the Molyneux at Roxburgh ; and LSOO for the erection of suitable jury rooms and additions to tlie Supreme Court House, Dunedin. The following motions for addresses to the Superintendent, requesting that the undermentioned sums should bo placed on the Supplementary Estimates, were carried :—L1,207 for settling the claims of Alessrs Robertson and Campbell against the Province, arising out of a contract with the late Town Board of Invercargill ; LIOO to repair the Government jetty at Waihola; L 2,000 for a bridge over tlie Shag River, near tlie township of Palianient L 1,000 for new works from Palmerston to Waihemo; LI for LI to tlie extent of LIOO for the erection of a library at Wai kouaiti; LSOO for road, main branch road tr Kaitangata; L 2,000 for repair and maintenance of the main road from Dunedin to Palmerston ; LSO for a track to the signal post at (Upe Wansborough ; LSOO for a road from Fiuegand to Port Molyneux ; LI for LX to the extent of LIOO for the Blueskin public library L 2,000 for the construction of the road between Alataura bridge anil Toitois. Among the motions lost was one for an address to the Superintendent, requesting him “to cause a sum of money to be placed on the Supplementary Estimates sufficient to raise the salaries of all the officers in the employment of the Province to the same scale as they were at before the reductions were made in 1871,” which was made a Government question, and negatived by 23 to 5. Progress was reported, and the Standing Orders suspended, in order that the Appropria tion Ordinance No. 1, 1873-1, might be passed through all its stages.—Mr Stout moved as an amendment, that the words “ two months ” be struck out, and the words “one month” inserted—the effect of the amendment being tc cause the Council to meet in one instead of twe months after the termination of the financial year—March 31. The House divided on the question that the words “two months” stand part of the clause, the result being as follows ; —Ayes, 27; Noes, 0. The amendment was consequently lost. The Bill was reported without amendment.—Mr Stout then moved as a further amendment, that the third reading he postponed until next sitting day, which was lost on the voices. The original motion was carried on the voices, and the Bill was then read a third time, and passed. RAILWAYS. The resolutions in reply to Alessages Nos. f and G, in reference to railways, moved by the Secretary for Lands, were carried; and tin additional resolution proposed by Air Mackellar. KAKANCI WATER RACE COMPANY. The debate was resumed on the question that the recommendation of tiie Goldfields Commitee in the matter of the Kakanni Water Race Company, as contained in Interim Report No. S from the said committee, he adopted ; and after considerable debate the following resolution was carried:—“ That the petition of the shareholders of the Kakamu Water Race Company be referred to the Government for their favorable consideration ; that tlie Government he requested to urge the General Government t« deal with the question of water rights in tlie present session of the General Assembly.”