FRIDAY, MARCH 9.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 3, Issue 129, 10 March 1860, Page 5

FRIDAY, MARCH 9.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment Present, — The Speaker and all the members.

Treasurers Accounts of Province,

Mr. Colenso, pursuant to notice, moved for a select committee to examine into and report upon the Treasurer's Accounts of the Province for the past 14 months. To consist of Messrs. Ormond, Tucker, Curling, Alexander, and the mover. To be brought up on Thursday, 15th March.

Mr. Fitz Gerald seconded the motion. Mr. Oemokd moved the following by way of amendment : —

" That in the opinion of this council it is more desirable, and more in accordance with the usual custom, that the accounts of the Province should be audited by persons not immediately identified with voting the public moneys, and are of opinion that his Honor the Superintendent be requested to appoint two persons not so situated, to perform that duty — a suitable provision being also made for remunerating them for their services."

Mr. Curling seconded the amendment,

Considerable discussion ensued — Mr. FitzGerald and Mr. Colenso arguing that, the accounts having already been audited by the Provincial Auditor, it only remained, as in Wellington and elsewhere, for a finance committee of the council to examine and report upon the same as laid before them by that officer.

Mr. Ormond, on the other hand, conceived that the work of auditing the accounts was one involving more time and labour than members of council could spare ; and that special auditors should be appointed for the purpose.

A division was ultimately taken on the amendment with the following result : —

Aye 3 (5) — Messrs. Riddell, Ormond, Tucker, Hitchings, Curling. Noes (4) — Messrs. Fitzgerald, Alexander, Colens o, Carter.

The amendment was accordingly carried, Survey Department.

Mr. OmroNß, pursuant to notice, moved for the appointment of a select committee to examine into and report upon the evidence now before the council (in the returns ah'eady before them) in reference to work performed by the various officers of the survey department. And also to report generally upon the working of the survey department, and the manner in which it is now organised. Such committee to consist of Messrs. Colenso, FitzGerald, Curling, Alexander, aad the mover. Mr. Cueling seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Memorial io Souse of Representatives. Mr. CoLEi'so, pursuant to notice, moved for the appointment of a select committee to prepare a memorial to the House of Representatives, in accordance with the motion to that eilVcfc made this day. Such committee to consist of Messrs. FitzGerald, Rhodes, Orrnond, Carter, and the mover. To be brought up on Friday, the 16th March. Captain Caeter seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Working of Land Regulations. Mr. Oemond brought up the report of the select committee. — [The report will be found in another column.] Publicans' Licensing Sill. Mr. Coegnso brought up this bill, and moved its first reading ; but the motion found no seconder. Locat Improvements Bill. On the motion of Mr. FitzGekald, this bill was read a second time and committed ; but, on his suggestion, the Ist clause was only read pro forma — its further consideration being deferred till Tuesday that the public might become better acquainted with its provisions.

The Council then adjourned,