FRIDAY, NOV. 25.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 3, Issue 115, 3 December 1859, Page 5

FRIDAY, NOV. 25.

The Council met, pursuant to adjournment. Present, the Speaker, Mesara. ITitzG-erald, Tucker, Colenso, Hitchings, Curling, Tiffen;, Stiddell. The Speakership. Me. Coieitso asked the Speaker whether ha would not, upon the unanimous call of the Council, still consent to hold his office. The Speaker said that his principal objection to retaining office was his distance from town, so incompatible with such duties as he might be called upon to perform, in case, for instance, of a vacancy occurring in the superintendency. Besides, he believed that another gentleman, had already been applied to, who had signified his willingness to take the office. Estimates. On the motion of Me. Coleitso, the Council went into Committee upon the estimates. Superintendents Department. — Salary of superintendent, (blank.) — Mr. Ormond moved that the sum to be filled in be at the rate of £600 per an. Agreed to. Mr. Ormond would further move that payment of the same do commence from the time of the vote. Mr. Colenso asked whether it would not be better to put a fixed sum on the estimates. Mr. Ormond said that, last session, his colleague had proposed votingan amount for the salary of superintendent, to which Mr. Fitz Gerald objected on the ground that he had been elected upon a pledge to take no salary. With every disposition to act liberally in the matter, he (Mr. Ormond) thought, all things considered, that the course he had suggested was the best one. Dr. Hitchinga said that the superintendent had now held office for almost eight and a half months ; he would, therefore, move as an amendment that six months' salary be voted. Mr. Colenso thought that a sum by way of bonus should be given, instead of back salary. The superintendent \va3 certainly pledged not to tike a salaried office," but he did not contemplate holding the superintendency longer than three months. Mr. Tucker had from the first considered it unjust that any one should be expected to devote so much time to the public service without remuneration. But there was certainly a difficulty in now voting what had already been so positively refused. He freely admitted the claim, but would much rather it had been advanced at an earlier time. Mr. Colenso, in support of what he had formerly said, referred to the fact that Mr. Fitz Gerald had given up his mercantile pursuits the better to enable him to serve the public, and also alluded to the claims upon hia hospitality incidental to the position he held. Mr. Tiffen believed that the trevelling expenses of the superintendent, when on public business, could not have been less than £100. Mr. Ormond feared that more harm than good ' was being done the superintendent by this motion. It; seemed to him that, after the pledge that had be?n given, Mr. FitzGrex*ald could not accept money for past services. Dr. Hitchings said that they ail admitted Mr. Fitz Gerald to have a good claim, yet refused to vote anything. He thought they could do nothing less than vote £100 for past services. Mr. Ormond said that such a sum would be almost an insult to him. Mr. Curling bore testimony to the time and attention bestowed by Mr. FitzGerald upon the public business. Mr. Tucker thought that they might meet the difficulty by voting an amount for travelling expenses. Mr. Colenso would move, as a further amendment, that a bonus of 200 sovereigns be voted the superintendent by way of covering travelling and other expenses incidental to the office during the past eight months.. Dr. Hitchiugs whereupon withdrew his amendment, and that of Mr. Colenso was carried nem. con. £150 voted — the appropriations being only made for the first quarter— Clerk, at £200. This was an increase of £50 on the amount voted for last year. Passed. Legal advice at £50. Mr. FitzGerald explained that, there was so little for a Provincial Solicitor to do, the government had thought it better to do away with the office, and to put a sum on the estimates to enable it to obtain auch advice as it required, from the best sources. Passed, The item of £100 for contingencies, furniture, &c, was passed in full. Provincial Treasurer's Department. — Treasurer at £150 . per annum. Mr. FitzGerald said that the General Government had objected to Mr. Catchpool taking this oß.ce without their sanction; they conceived that where both treasurerships were held by the one person, there was not sufficient check. They would not, therefore, allow the arrangement to be a permanent one. The Council, in consequence of this, would probably be called upon at its next meeting to vote a larger salary to another. Treasurer. Passed ; also contingencies at £40. Auditor's Department. — Auditor, also Interpreter, at £200. Mr. FitzGerald said that he had increased the amount opposite this item from £150 to £200, and added the words " also interpreter." The duties of this office were much greater and more constant than were originally anticipated. It was at first thought that all payments could be' made at the end of the month, but ' experience proved that this was impossible without being more unaccommodating than was expected from a popular government. When, for. instance, a contract was finished at the end of the month, the contractor^ counted upon being at once paid for his •jvork, He had also been much assisted by Mr. Colenso in communications with the natives, who were constantly writing about roads and other matters. Mr. Tucker could see no hardship in any .one waiting till the. end of the month, if he took the contract with . the knowledge of this being the rule. Mr. FitzGerald said that many instances occurred when the credit of a contractor would be endangered by any delay in receiving the money. Mr. Tiffen mentioned the case of. Mr. Hughes, the surveyor, who, from having, been paid in the middle of the month for work done at Ka-. ranima's reserve, was enabled at once to proceed to his. survey at Porangahau, Mr. FitzGerald said that many were under the impression thatthe "office of auditor -was a sinecure,— a place created ; but he could assure the Cbucu thaf tha

duties of this office were very laborious indeed, to which the chairman and the Napier members, who had an opportunity of knowing the fact, would testify, r Mr. Colenso said that he was perfectly willing to resign upon any other persuu being founds who would take the office. He would decidedly object to any increase of salary ; although, at tliu same time, he was not half paid for the work he did. Passed at £200 ; and contingencies at £30.; .. Ha/rlour Department. — Harbour Master, also Pilot, at £200. Mr. FitzGerald observed that the two offices had hitherto been distinct ; but, as it vr as part of the harbour master's duty to moor vessela, and as the pilot would have much greater control over ship masters, if holding the authority of harbour master, and for other considerations, the executive had resolved, with the approval of Mr. Catchpool, who had hitherto been honorary harbour master, to combine the two offices in the person of the present pilot. Passed. Threeboatmen at a 5 per month each with ferry charges. This number of men, Mr. FitzGerald observed, •would enable the pilot, xinder any circumstances, to leave one man in charge of the ferry, thus obviating the necessity of persons being at any time obliged to wait to get across. Passed, Contingencies, at £50, also passed. Police. — One corporal, at ss. per diem. D r - Hitchings would move that the pay of this office r be increased 6d. per diem. Mr. FitzGerald wa s himself of opinion that the pay of the police was altogether inadequate to its efficiency. But the subject required to be treated comprehensively, with the view to general improvement, and it rested with the members to say whether now or next, session. The present corporal was also bailiff, at 2s. per diem, and might make a good gaoler ; but it would be generally admitted that a younger and more active man should he at the head, of the force. Corporal at 55., and three privates at 45.6 d., passed ; also, at the rate of £ 1 00 per annum for contingencies, rations of prisoners, &c— Mr. FitzGerald stating that, at the next meeting of the Council, he would be prepared to lay a scheme of improvement before the members.. At Clive, a private at 45. 6 d .; at Waipukurau, one corporal at 55., one private at 45.6 d .; allowance for horse hire at £36 per annum, each ; contingencies, rations of provisions, &c, at £25 ; were all successively voted. My. Colenso opposed the appointment of two policemen at Waipukurau ; he would not consent to have constables scattered over the country in this way. He withdrew his opposition, however, on being informed that their services wei*e required not merely for Waipukurau, although under the control of the Waipukurau Bench, but for the Porangab.au, Te Aute, and other surrounding districts. Judicial. — Supreme and District Courts ; expenses of prisoners and witnesses, at £100 ; Sheriff's department, at £10. Passed. Registrar of Deetfe.-rßegistr'ar, at £250, contingencies £50, passed,~fche latter ia full to cover preliminary expenses. ; 'Returning Officers Department. — Expense of elections, £50. Passed in full, as provision against any emergency. ; Registrar of Brands^ at £25 j passed. Inspector of Sheep, at £100; passed. Two Inspectors of Dog Kuisance Act, at £30. — Mr. FitzGekatvt) said that this cum had been placed on the- estimates in consequence of repeated complaints on the part of sheep farmers of losses of sheep from the ravages of dogs. Mr. Williams, from this cause, had lately lost 800 lambs. The magistrates at Waipukurau had lately requested him.(th 3 superintendent) to mako an order with reference to the survey and road partite, that all parties should be dismissed who kept dogs. But he could not well expect the surveyor? &c., to attend to this, and he thought the bettor way was to vote a small salary to an officer, which would better enable tha district magistrates to put the law in force. Mr. Ormond said that a difficulty presented itself in this matter, from the fact of the natives being the chief owners of flogs j ifc would Beera,,unfair to enforce the law against one section of British subjecte, and not against another. Mr. Oolenso strongly objected last session to the Dog Acb; he doubted if the, salary would be aiequate to keeping down the evil; and he thought- the course suggested, that of dismissing every poor man who happened to have a dog, one which tended to degrade the class of working men. Mr. Curling said'that the losses sustained by the flockowners from dogs were frequent and heavy j and scarcely a man went into th&interiorwho had not two' or three of these animals; something must be done. Mr Ormond said that miany thousands of pounds worth of sheep were annually destroyed by dogs. Mr. Colenso said that the question with him was not whether protection was neceesaiy, but whether this was the proper way to do it. Mr..Tucker said it- wax most desirable, as a check, that all dogs should be taxed. Mr. FitzGerali' having explained that the amount proposed to bi voted would be. simply 255.. a month to prompt extra- vigilance on the part of two policemen, the amount was passed. (£7 10s.) Printing Gazette, @ £150.— Pasaed, Charitable Aid, @ £50.— Passed—Mr. Colenso yenrarkm^that^-had ,he been in time, ho would have- moved as an amendment that the amount be doubled. Steam Navigation, £1500, voted on Wednesday. Schools.— lnspector @£1 00.— Mr. FitzGeralp observed upon the necessity of this officer being appointed, otherwise- schools reueiving aid would , not-comply with the conditions of the Act. It was yet a question whether=one person should be appointed to do the whole of the work, or whether gjntlemen residing in outlying districts should be requested to do the dutyin their respective localities.' Mr. Colenso believed that the appointment of one person, to visit aE the schools, would be found itocanswer best. Passed-, also, under the same headi for Grants in aid, at £500. ~, Me^aLrr^oyinQial Surgeon ,% £120. ' This, appointment, j&r.'; FitzGerald ,pbßervedj , was not far the medical atteaoaaoe at the hospital &»it

might be requited ; but upon considering that other dutie9 were to be performed, such a3 attendance at the gaol&c, itwasdecided by the executive that the appointment was a necessary, one, Passed;, also the other item 9 under this head, viz., — hospital attendants, at £80 ; ration 9 &c;., for patients, afc £80; contingencies, furnitura &0.. £120 (in full). Prooin-Aal Council. — Salary of Speaker (blank.) Mr. Fitz Gerald said that the gentleman likely to take this office required that a salary should be attached to it ; it was for the. Council to fix the amount. Mr. Colenso said that, as the Speaker must have a salary, he would suggest £2 2s. per day for the time that the Council sat. Dr. Hitchings thought it would be more dignified to vote £50 per annum. Mr. FitzGerald said that the Speaker had much more to do than was generally supposed ; it was his business to superintend the preparation of the blue book, and lie was responsible for the safe custody of the office records. Passed. Rent of council chamber, £37 10s. ; clerk of council, at £50 ; contingencies, at £50; printing, at £100; messenger to offices &c, at £100; were then voted in succession without remark. Public Buildings. — New Government Offices, £300. Mr. FitzGjjralb said that the council, in its last session, had voted £1700 for this purpose ; the government had twice called for tenders, but the lowest was £1925 ; ths?erection of those buildings being a very urgent matter, he had accepted this tender, and the present item on the estimates was with the view of making up the deficiency. Passed. Furniture for the same, £150. Mr. FitzGerald having mentioned that the contractors had bound themselves to have one half the build' ing ready within 6 months from the date of the contract, the whole of this amount was voted. Immigration Barracks, £450 (voted on Wednesday). Lock-up at Clive, *75. This was in addition to an amount voted last year for this tmrpose ; tne extra vote was for fencing and other requisites. Passed. Police Court &c, at Waipukurau, £100. This was explained to be essential towards completing the work for which the sum of £200 was voted last session. Passed. Crown Lands. — Commissioner, also Chief Surveyor, at £400 ; Ist clerk, at £200 ; 2nd clerk, at £150 ; contingencies, at i6O ;~were"voted in succession. Upon the last item — travelling allowance •for the Commissioner, at £100, Mr. FitzGerald remarked that, from the number of applications for ss. land and from other causes, the Commissioner had frequently to be travelling. The allowance proposed was at the rate of 20s. per day whilst in the saddle. Passed. Surveys. — 4 surveyors, at £300 each. Mr. FitzGekald said that this estimate was probably more than would be taken advantage of, not but that work could be foimd for 6 or 7, but because of the difficulty in getting professional men. At present there were only 3 assistant surveyors in the employ of the government. The difficulty in getting surveyors had arisen chiefly from the fact that the remuneration offered was insufficient. He was in hopes, at the rate now named, to get the services of good men from the other colonies, so that the work might be pushed on. Mr. Tucker said that, although employment could doubtless be given to a large number of surveyors, that employment could not be regarded as permanent — probably would not extend beyond two years — and in such case! could they be dismissed without compensation. Mr. FitzGerald answered in the affirmative; they would be engaged under no guarantee. Mr. Tucker trusted this, would be fully understood. Passed. Field allowance, at £60 each ; 3 assistant surveyors, at £250 each ; field allowance at £50 each; laborers, at £1500; contingencies, at £4.00 ; 2 draughtsmen, at £200 each ; were successively put aud at: reed to. In reply to a question by Mr. Ormond, Mr. FitzGerald said that, from what he bad heard from the Chief Surveyor, he believed that the system of granting field allowances had had considerable effect. Sarhour Improvements. — Steam Dredge and labor, £6000, (voted on Wednesday.) Director of Works, afc £300 ; clerk, at £150. Mr. Ormond said that a large sum was being devoted to these j works, and he thought the expense of a clerk quite ! unnecessary. Mr. FitzGerald said that a clerk would not be wanted for some time, but when the works were in full operation clerical assistance would be indispensible. In reply to a question, he said that the sphere of Mr. Wright's duties extended from Waipurekn ferry to Petane bridge ; and that all public buildings in town as well as 1 the harbour improvements, were under his direc- | tion. Opposition being offered to the latter item, it was withdrawn by Mr. FitzGerald- Contingencies and travelling expenses at £100 passed — Mr. FitzGerald explaining that of this amount about '■ one half would be required for office furniture &c, and the other for the expenses of Mr. Wright to and from Sydney to* get estimates &c, for a dredge. The amount of stake was too large for the negotiation to be left to an agent not directly interested in the success of the undertaking. Town Roads &c— Milton road, £150. MrFitzGerald said that, after the debate of last session, he would not have asked for thi3 vote were its necessity not very great. Milton road was the only means of access to the hospital, now in course of erection — the only way, also, to the burial ground, up the slippery banks of which the dead had at present to be conveyed. And it was the means of communication with various other public reserves. Mr. Ormond in moving that this sum be struck off the estimates, would not reiterate the arguments of last session. When on that occasion, the sum of £100 was passed for this purpose, it was distinctly understood that the vote was to form no precedent. Mr. Colenso pointed out that large Bums were on the estimates for branch roads on the plains. If the country members were determined, in the case of the town, to vote money only for main trunk lines, he would oppose every vote for the country which was not on. the same principle. Mr. Ormond said that there: was some little difference between roads through large tracts of country where the government' Had land to sell, or country to be opened, up, and streets through a townnwhiehnwas all in private bands,' and the holders of which had pro,!fited by an advance of 200 to" 300 per "cent in. the ' Value of their sections, la reply to a question.

from Mr. Colensb, headded-that Waipufeurauha'd been a large contributor to- the land revenue, but that the sale of iS'apier, had not yielded enough to pay for ita survey. . Mr. FitzGerald would urge the vote; the town wa9 not as yet in a position to tax itself. He intended, next session, to bring in a Town Roads and Str.els Ordinanoe, similar- to one said to be in successful operation at Auckland, and under which all proprietor?, present or absent, would be rated The precedent would be done away with on the introduction of such a measure, to which he pledged himself. After a few more words the amendment was carried, and the sum struck off; also, an amount of £100 for Carlyle street. Hastings street (the continuation of the Shakespeare road), £360 ; passed ; also, £3GO for metalling Waghorn street, and £250 for the Awapuni road and moving the Waipureku ferry. Provincial Engineer's Department. — Provincial Engineer, at £350. Mr. FitzGerald said that this was an addition of £50 to the salary voted this officer for last year, which, " considering the great amount of work done, and J^gpsalaries paid in other provinces, was little enough. It was also proposed to increase by £50 the vote for travelling expenses, these, hitherto, having been more than the allowance. Mr. Ormond asked if the government had any intention of employing another engineer ; it was obviously impossible for Mr. Gill to get through the work. Mr. FilzGerald said that more engineering assistance was very necessary ; but the government might go upon the i system of appointing a District Engineer for each particular road, and paying his salary out of the amount voted for the work generally. Passed ; "also, travelling expenses at £100 per annum, Clerk to Engineer, £150. Mr. Ormond moved that this amount be struck off the estimates ; he" thought that the District Engineers might well pay their own mca. Mr. FitzGerald said that the gentleman who held this appointment had given security to a considerable amount ; and it often happened that he had ±1000 at once under his charts. An impression was abroad that because he was obliged to live at a public house, and might be often seen in the long room, that he had little to do ; but this wa3 a great mistake. The vouchers and accounts were very voluminous, and would be more so upon the roads to the north being commenced ; were he not a good accountant, he would fail, as it is, in overtaking the work of his department. And, with regard to the Engineers making their own payments, no professional man even did time permit, would like to leave his levelling, go to town for money, and afterwards make up his own vouchers. Besides which there would be considerable risk in his doing so. Mr. Colenso bore testimony, entering into details, to the amount of work done by the clerk. Mr. Ormond disclaimed any intention of pointing at the holder of the office ; it was the office itself to which he objected. Seeing, however, that at present there was only one engineer, he would withdraw his opposition. Passed; also travelling expenses and contingencies, each at the rate oi £50. Roads and Bridges — Road over creek nearWai"pureku ferry and leading to Awanga, £250. Mr. Colenso, following up the principle laid down by the country members, would move that this sum be struck off the estimates, the land in the locality being all sold. Mr. Ormond said that, if it were so, people proceeding to the country with the view of buying elsewhere would have the use of it. Mr. FitzGerald said that the road would be the means of opening up the country about Kidnap-pei-s. Mr. Tucker would also point out that Clive was not yet sold, and that it would contribute largely to the public purse ; it would pay for its own roads, whereas Napier was all sold, and that for a bagatelle. Mr. Colenso would remind the council that Napier yet contained many acres of government land, part of which was set apart for educational purposes. The item was ultimately passed. — Road to Havelock, (formerly Karanima's reserve,) £250. Mr. FitzGerald explained ! that this was virtually for that part of the Te Aute road which passed through the block. Passed. — Te Aute road, £2,500 — in addition to the amount voted last year, passed. Eoad from Te Aute to i Waipawa, £! ,500. Passed. Middle road, £2,500. passed. Waipawa to TikoUno (the new block lately acquired) £500, passed. Waipukurau to Ruataniwha, £500. Mr. Colenso asked if tins road was in the direct line to the 40-mile bush, to which Mr. Tucker replied in the affirmative. Passed. Bridges over creeks on plains^ £300. Mr. Colenso asked if these were upon the main line ; Mr. Tucker, yes. Dr. Hitchings asked if any of them were to be upon private property. Mr. FitzGerald said that possibly they might, but in that case the land would be taken by the goI vernment. Passed. WaipukurautoPorangah.au, £3000. Dr. Hitchings asked if this was in addition to the amount voted last year, and was answered that it was. Passed. Small ' bridges between Porangahau and Tautane, £150, passed. Aorangi road, £250. Mr. Colenso asked where this road went to; he understood that all the good country was sold, and the country locked up. Mr. TiiFen explained that this was the road to the most available bush ; and Mr. FitzGerald, that it wag necessary to make the road passable beyond that, to where land remained unsold. Passed.— Taupo road, £2000. Mr. FitzGerald said that the line of this road was not yet finally fixed, Mr. Gill being at present engaged surveying it. This work was one which would have a most important influence in advancing the settlement of the province. By means of it, Napier would become the outlet of Taupo and the neighbouring districts ; and the expense would be far more than repaid by the thousands of acres of bush and otherwise available land that would be opened up. This vote would in 'reality be a source of revenue. Passed. Titiokura and Tarawera, £500. Of this amount, Mr. FitzGerald said, it was proposed that ] £250 should be voted for making a passable di'ny road between Petane and Titiokura, where a good deal of land remains to be sold ; the remainder would be expendedon the native Bide of the river, in 'Order to complete that part of the road already in a forward state. Passed. M'ohnka and Petane Toads, £3000. Mr. FitzGerald said that thia was' : one of the most important' of the main lines of communication $ T the ProVincial Engineer would '. survey, this also before returning.' ' Mr.". FitzGerald ; tbea l mentioned thin To^^^be'&llo^wed^ujf thi^

Petane valley, by the ;T-ufera lake, &c. Passed j also, grants in aid, £500, to provide for, cases where money in equal proportions was subscribed by residents, Immigration, £1000. Mr. FitzGerald said, that the sum (£1000) voted last session, had already been expended, but in no case without- good and sufficient security for re-payment having been previously taken. This would be but a nominal vote, for before any demand would be made for the second £1000, the first would be in course of being received. The money was asked for simply as a loan. PasseJ. Expenses of Members, (blank.) Mr. FitzGerald said that ho had put this item on the estimates with the view of providing for the expenses of members who resided at a greater distance from town than 7 miles. While country members remained in town upon public business, their expenses, including keep of horse, were very heavy. He would suggest as an allowance for defraying this, a similar amount to that lately fixed as the travelling allowance of the Lund Commissioner, £1 per.diem. He would move that a' sum of £50 be placed on the estimates. Passed. This being the last item, the chairman reported progress and the council resumed. Letter from Superintendent. The Clerk re&d a letter from the superintendent (published in our last,) thanking the council for the terms of its reply to his opening address, and agreeing to continue in office, subject to an expression of opinion on the part of his constituents. Vote of ihanlcs to Speaker. Mr. Colenso moved and Mr. Tiffen seconded, the suspension of standing rule No. 27, which being agreed to, Mr. Colenso said that it was with a great deal of pleasure he now moved that the thanks of the council be given to Mr. J. D. Ormond for the very able and satisfactory manner in which he had filled the office of Speaker. As the character of a public meeting depended /nuch upon its chairman, so were the harmony and good working of a council greatly dependent upon it 3 Speaker ; and he believed that the success of the Provincial Council of Hawke's Bay was in no small measure attributable to the manner in which its deliberations had been presided over. Mr. FitzGebaid expressed entire concurrence in what had fallen from his colleague, and congratulated the council upon the fact of its proceedings having exhibited no trace of that extravagance which characterised the deliberations of some similar bodies in other provinces. The vote was carried by acclamation. Mr. Orsiond cordially thanked the council for the vote it had just passed. He would gladly have retained the office had he not seen the inconvenience — to the public as well as himself -of his doing so. All that now remained for them to do was to elect his successor. On the motion of Mr. Tiffen, Mr. Joseph Rhodes was unanimously elected Speaker. On the motion of Mr. Riddell, the council was then adjourned till the 27th Feb., (Saturday,) at 1 p. m.