THE HAWKE'S BAY HERALD.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 1, Issue 49, 28 August 1858, Page 2

THE HAWKE'S BAY HERALD.

Napier, Saturday, Aug. 28, 1858.

THE NEW PROVINCES BILL

The arrival, on Tuesday last, of the overland mail from Auckland, put us in possession of the "New Provinces Bill" in the form it assumed after its second reading and subsequent consideration in eommiteee. The second reading of this Bill — by far the most important one of the session — was moved on "Wednesday, the 4th inst., by the Colonial Treasurer. It was opposed by Capt. Cargill, Mr. Ollivier, (who moved as an. amendment that it be read that day six months), Mr. Hall (who seconded the amendment,) Mr. "Ward, and Mr. Daldy. It was supported by Dr. Monro, Mr. Forsaith, and Mr. Domett.

The following evening, August 5, the debate was resumed. Capt. Haultain, Mr. Williamson, Mr. Packer, Mr. Moorhouse, and Mr. Hall, opposed the Bill ; it was supported by Mr. Brodie, Mr. Graham, Mr. Beckham, Mr. Stafford, and Mr. Bichmond.

The amendment was then put, and a division called for, with the following result : — For, — Messrs. Ollivier, Daldy, Hall, Ward, Moorhouse, Cargill, Williamson, Haultain. — 8. Against, — Messrs. Stafford, Carleton, Monro, Brodie, Beckham, Lee, Domett, East, Richmond, Curtis, Brown, Forsaith, Graham. — 13. Pairs, — Mr. Merriman, (for), Mr. Svmonds (against) ; Mr. Packer (for), Mr. Taylor (against).

The original motion, for the second reading, was then put and passed.

On the 6th, the House went into committee, when Mr. Clifford defended at great length the absence of his Wellington colleagues ; alter which a warm debate ensued.

On the evening of the 11th (the day the mail left) the Bill was to be finally considered in committee, reported, and expected to be read a third time and passed. It was anticipated that no further alteration would be made in the measure, save one, and that a very good one — that the superintendent should sit as chairman of the council. .No opposition would be ofiered to the Bill in the Upper House ; so that we have every reason to believe that, ere this, it has become the law of the colony. A perusal of the New Provinces Bill has confirmed our opinion that it is a well devised and carefully considered measure — one well adapted to the circumstances of this and of other populous outlying Districts. Granting all necessary powers of local self government, with unlimited control over the revenues of the district, it. leaves no scope for inordinate assumption or ridiculous display. It spares us the humiliating spectacle of two bodies elected by the one constituency contending with each other for the sweets of power. It gives us, not a parliament, but a council — without even a Speaker; the council can pass laws, it is true, for the peace, order, and good government of the new province, but each bill, before becoming operative, must be transmitted to the Governor for his assent, or otherwise, as the case may be. the superintendent — such at least in name, is simply chairman of the council; instead of sitting in his office and communicating with the council by means of formal messages conveyed by a pompous sergeant-at-arms, he will be a listener to, if not a participator in, the business of the day, and thus be .better fitted to carry the wisheß of the peopliajiferepresentatives into full effect. -■' ? -*'\''

Well, thanks to the Stafford ministry, separation is now within our reach. Electors to the number of 150— just oae half of those upon the roU— have but to ask for the boon, and it is theirs. Erenow the necessary memorial would have, been ready for signature, had not the necessity been apparent of submitting so important a document to a meeting of those so deeply interested; : : Qf, such, meeting ■we have reason to believe- 'Qiat immediate will be given, at .-which we trusty every, elector >jßnthin reach of town -will make it his business to