Provincial Council of Hawke's Bay.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 4, Issue 191, 18 May 1861, Page 2

Provincial Council of Hawke's Bay.

SATURDAY, MAT 11. The Council met at 11 o' cloak. . Present, the Speaker and all the members. After some notices of motion, the Council went into committee upon. ' Tlie Estimates. Provincial Engineer at £250 per annum, Travelling Expenses for do. at £100 " The first item was passed at once. On the second being read, Dr. Hitchings moved that it be reduced to £25, which he thought quite sufficient. Mr. .Tucker supported the item, as being necessary, and it was ultimately passed as on the estimates. Assistant to Engineer at £200. This was a fresh item placed on the estimates by the Superintendent who explained that Mr. Grill had frequently asked for assistance, and that it was generally admitted he required it, especially in the survey of "new roads. Ie was proposed to confer this situation on the late draughtsman, who had been promised employment of some kind by the late Superintendent...... Mr. Ovmond said that it appeared as if the office had been created for the . person ; he considered that this office — supposing ib to be immediately necessary, which he much doubted — should be filled by a man of great experience. He moved that it be struck off Mr. Alexander was sorry to see a member of the government oppose this item. The Engineer positively required assistance ; and indeed such assistance would be. a saving to the Px'ovince. To refuse this sum would a 1.30 amount to a breach of faith on the part of the government Mr. Eitz- j Gerald saw no necessity for such very great experience . in the work of staking out new roads, in doing which the natural features of the country were the best guide. The work would also be done under the instructions of the Engineer Mr, Tucker suggested whetherthe late draughtsman might not receive compensation in another shape ; he was of opinion that the survey of roads should be performed by the Engineer himself; he would not however oppose the motion, if it could be shewn that other and sufficient work could be found for the assistant w Dr. Hitchings said that the Engineer's department was the scandal of the government. Last session, they thought one engineer .could do all the work ; now they wanted three, although no new works were in contemplation. He believed with Mr. Ormond that this was a place created for a person ; and wondered how many pensioners this blessed government was to have. The thing was monstrous, and he would strongly oppose it This discussion was pi*olonged to a tiresome extent, and ended in the item being postponed till the Provincial Engineer, who was hourly expected in town, should be consulted. Clerk and Paymaster of Roads at £210 per annum Mr. Tttcker moved that the Clerk and Paymaster do also perform the duties of Inspector of Police, which was agreed to. The collective duties to bo performed for the same salary, with half the sum voted for horse allowance under the head of police. Sub-Inspector of Police at £140 per annum, £105. This item was now brought on for consideration. Mr. Newton, moved that, consequent upon the last vote, it be struck oft Capt. Carter moved that £105 for the 9 months be altered to £35 — pay of the present Inspector up to the time of his discharge, which was agreed to. Taupo Road, from Meanee Bridge to Puketapu, afe £1200— £900 for 9 months. Capt. Caeteb moved that £500 be substituted for £900 ; retrenchment was indispensably necessary, and £500, as the finances of the province stood, would be a fair shai-e for this road Mr. Alexander defended the original vote; but the amendment was agreed to. Petane Road, £150. Capt. Cabteb intimated that it was not intended, at present, to proceed with this road, Utohaka Road, £700. Dr. Hitchings- thought this sum wa9 too much, and moved that it be reduced to £250 Mr.. FitzQ-erald supported the original amount ; this road, if properly made, would open up the district...... After a discussion of long duration, dujg| ing which a petition from the inhabitants wall read, Mr. Alexander moved as an amendment — " that £850 be expended for the purpose of opening the communication between this and the inland -district of the Mohaka ; and that a further sum of £100 be expended between Mohaka and Wairoa" — mentioning that there was no part of the province so badly in want of roads. The amendment was agreed to. "Waipukurau to Ruataniwha, £500. Mr. OemOND moved that this item be altered to "Waipawa, to Waipukuvau and Ruataniwha ;" some portions of road between the former places were in a bad state for traffic Amendment agreed to. Middle Road to Patongata, £500. Mr. Newton did not approve of the hasty manner in which votes for country .roads were being passed over ; he thought a little discussion would be beneficial, and would certainly be satisfactory to the town members...... Mr. Ormond said that this and other similar sums were necessary to make the roads indicated available for traffic ; without such expenditure, in many cases the money formerly expended would be sunk Vote agreed to. Patangata by 'Wautukai to Tamumu, £300. This was a fresh item placed on the estimates in consequence of a motion to that effect having been moved on a previous day by Mr. Curling, and carried Mr. Ormond supported the vote Mr. Newton asked whether this sum would be sufficient, otherwise it might, as in many other cases, be money sunk .Capt. Carter said that the Engineer was of opinion that this amount would be, sufficient — Agreed to. ,-•■-. Puketapu to Poraite, £150. Capt. Carter moved that £180 be substituted for £150^-8 large sum having been expended by Mr. Alexander in making the road originally, which had since been- cotistaiitly used by the public. This also included an expenditure for bridges, &c, authorised under, the late government The warm discussion of last session upon this item was renewed,,, , , , Dr. Hitchings thought that every

right-minded person would oppose this voti* The road was on private property and made for private use... Mr. Newton feared that Dr. Hitohings knew nothin^of the locality. The road was a most necea- . saryone Mr. Tucker asked if the road would be conveyed to the government Mr. Alexander entered into explanations regarding this road. He' made it in 1855, and had kept it in repair ever since. It was the main road between the South and North parts of the province — the only road except by crossing the entrance 5 and it had been constantly used by the public. A large population, too, would shortly be in the neighbourhood— probably a township. 18 months ago he applied, for compensation, and had always expected it. The late government had caused it to be valued by Messrs. Grill and Triphook, whose valuation wwaxs x acknowledged to be a low one. Dr. Hitchings had spoken in perfect ignorance, and in the dogmatical manner in which he expressed himself upon eveiy thing la reply to Messrs. Ehodes and Tucker, Mr. Alexander said that a title could be given to the road, but that Capt. Henton would require a small sum to allow it through his pro"perty Mr. Rhodes thought that the adjoining proprietors shouLdjcontribute to the making of this, as to all other private roads. He apprehended thafc when the new road came to be made, the traffic over this would cease Mr. FitzG-erald said that, although originally a -private JBC&d, it was made for the benefit of the settlers geWrally, and had been most extensively used. It should therefore not be treated as a private road. Mr. Alexander was clearly entitled to compensation Dr. Hitchingß admitted, in reply to Mr. Alexander, that his education had been neglected, but still he had sense enough to see through a job of this kind. It wa3 said out of doors that the present government contained the elements of speedy dissolution, and this attempt on the part of a member of the executive, would, he thought, hasten it. He would vote for a sum to buy the road out and out if a definite answer could be obtained as to whether the government could obtain a clear title to it -.The amendment (for £180) was finally agreed to. Te Aute Road to Waipawaand "VVaipukurau, £700 for 9 months, Porangaliau ltoad, £850 for 9 months, Tautane Koad, £112 10s. " Repairing Bridge at Patiki Creek, £110 Repairing Eperauna Bridge, £80 Dray Road to Pohui Bush, £200 These items were passed with little or no discussion On that of Porangahau road, Mr. FitzG-erald observed upon the objectionable course pursued by the Engineer of adhering to a straight line, and thus taking the road through a deep swamp On the item Eperaima Bridge, the amount was increased from £30 to £80. Maintenance of Roads, £104.4. \ This item was passed in the aggregate on the motion of Mr. Orinond. The particulars, as in the estimates, are as follows : — Te Auto road, £400 Middle road, £165 Porungahua road, £130 Waipawa to Ruatauiwha., £40 Ciive and. Ferry, £2q Mohaka Soad, from Bridge' at Villers' to Petane Valley, £10 Bridle track from Tongoio to Mohaka, £160 Contingencies, £S5 The chairman then reported progress. Sheep and Scab Act. The Council was occupied during the remainder of this sitting, in discussing in committee the clauses of this Act. MONDAY, MAT 13. The Council met at 3 o'clock. Present, the Speaker and all the members. Petition. Mr. Alexander presented a petion from Capt. Henton, praying for remuneration for 69 chains of land used by the public as a road (part of the Pukefcapu and Poraifce road.) , Received, read, and ordered for consideration on the 14th. Teaching Natives English. Mr. Alexander, pursuant to notice, moved, — That the Superintendent be requested to place on the estimates the sum of £SO, for the purpose of educating the natives in the English language. ?.; — He said that, upon his asking £50 for this in February last, he was referred to the Education Act, under the provisions of which as- . sistance might be obtained. But as the operation of that Act was restricted to children under 15, it could afford but little help to a "school such as that in which Mr. Donaklaon was engaged,* which consisted principally of adulb pupils. He "believed Mr. Donaldson's system — that of teaching natives English at their own pah instead of at a mission station — was one that, would be found to work admirably, and which should bo supported and encouraged. .....Mr. Newton seconded the.motion Mr. FitzG-erald believed that the Act, which gave £50 to the teacher and a sum for every pupil, would do all that .should be done. .'Were they to begin giving a bonus for adult pupils they would have applications from every pah in the province. . . Mr. Ormond- was of the same opinion j the matter was more one for the Greneral Government Mr. Alexander thought that they should show some desire to aid natives under present circumstances ; those above the age of 15 were more likely to acquire the English language. than those under that age ; and it was at all times a matter of difficulty to ascertain the exact age of a native. Should the - system be found not to answer it could be. discontinued Dr. Hitehings said that Te Ante college was supported for thia purpose. He should oppose the motion The Council then divided with the following result : — Ayes, 4: Messrs. Uewfcon, Curling, JDolbel; — Noes, 5:. Messrs. Hitehings, Rhodes, FitzGrerald, Ormond^Carter.— Motion negatived. ; ' Hyderabad Mood, . v Mr. Newton; pursuant to notice, rose to ask the government,— " ' When they intend to commence carrying out the authorised formation of Hyderabad Road, and, whether the said road is to be made by contract. Having given an outline of the circumstances attending this road originally, J- and the recent vote fori>he same,— Capt. Carter stated in. reply that ,j the Director of Works had informed him that the ; sum of £300' voted would not make more than 20 chains j and also-; that he understood . the jffiah: of ; &e<p6uwil to be that tEe amount as voted \W9d.%

not fa be expended unless the land required from private individuals was transferred to the government for ever. The Council having appointed a Library Committee, proceeded to the consideration in committee of the Provincial Council Enlargement Sill. Some verbal alterations were made — "Waimarama" being substituted for "South Clive," &c, The committee then proceeded to the adjourned consideration of Tite Estimates. Metalling approaches to Eperaima Bridge, £200 " Waipawa to Tikokino, £60 " Te Aute Road, £950 " Middle Road, £350 The last item (newly placed on the estimates) was the only one that evoked much discussion. Mr. Rhodes could not consent to the support of two roads, within 3 or 4 miles of each other Mr.Ormond explained that this was to metal certain very bad places, and without this expenditure, sums previously spent would be lost Mr. FitzGerald would support the vote, but hoped the money would not be spent now, so as to make mud pie, &c. &c, — All the items passed. • Steam Subsidy, Wonga Wonga & Storm Bird, £750. Mr. Newton asked if this sum would secure intercourse with Auckland, and was answered in the negative Dr. Hitchings did not think that, especially with an intermediate overland mail, fortnightly communication with Wellington by means of steam was wanted. He would vote for £1,000 if communication to Auckland were included Mr. Ormond moved as an amendment that the words " Wonga Wonga and Storm Bird " be struck out, and the sum increased to £1175, on the understanding that some arrangements are made with the company to carry the mail to and from Auckland, in addition to the present service. —Agreed to. Immigration £750 Capt. Cabteb said that £500 had been already spent for this pufpose ; this vote was to provide for the passages of persons expected Mr. FitzGerald hoped that means would be promptly taken to collect moneys now due the government for assisted passages, — Agreed to. Two Perry-men at £30 each.. This sum was intended as a bonus to two men who should undertake the Spit ferry, under certain regulations, for a period of two years. Out of this sum they would provide boats, &c Mr. FitzGerald would support the vote, but thought the service should be tendered for. Some discussion ensued as to whether the ferrymen should be restricted to the one duty, or be allowed to do anything they . pleased so that the ferry was not neglected — the feeling preponderating in favour of of the latter.-;- Agreed to. Immigration Clerk, at £25 per annum. —Agreed to. Inspectors of Sheep and Registrar of Brands. Contingencies Sheep Department £20 10s. Mr. Obmond moved that the Inspector for the inland districts (which contributed most of the assessment) should have £200 per annum ; and that the Inspector for Napier district (to comprise Clive, Havelock, Puketapu, and Petane,) to be also Inspector of Weights and Measures, Inspector of Slaughter Houses, and Registrar of Brands, should 'have £150 Mr. Alexander moved an j addition of £50 to the salary of the Inspector for Napier, which was carried. Perries at Waikare and "Waihui. The sum of £22 10s. was voted as a bonus for a ferry at these places, where it was much wanted. Assistant to Provincial Engineer. This item, postponed from a former day, now came on for consideration. Mr. Tucker mentioned that he had seen Mr. Gill on the subject ; who had stated that he certainly wanted assistance, but that it should be experienced. He (Mr. Tucker) would therefore move that the item be struck out, which was agreed to Capt. Carter thought it only right, under such circumstances, that provision of some kind should be made for the officer referred to, who had not been discharged from the governmeent service. He would move a vote of £50 for draughtsman at £200 per annum to 30fch June, which was agreed to. Registrars of Dogs. Mr. Doiobeli moved that this item be re-coSfe; jritted, for the purpose of restoring the item 6? two registrars. He thought they should be paid by the proceeds Mr. Alexander moved that the sura of £18 10s. be voted for the services of two registrars, which was agreed to. Bridge over Waipawa-mati, £100 Two small bridges to connect Te Aute and Middle roads, £80 Expenses of Members, 12s. 6d. per diem. All agreed to. The latter was increased, on the motion of Mr. Rhodes, to 20s. per diem ; and, on the suggestion of Mr. FitzGerald, the word " six" put before "members" ; otherwise the public might think that the town members were also paid. Sheep and Scab Bill. The Council, then went into committee upon this Bill. An additional clause (No. 37) was added on the motion of Mr. Ormond ; after which the Bill was read a third time aud passed. The Council then adjourned till next day.

TUESDAY,. MAY 14. The Council met at 3 o'clook. Present, the Speaker and all the members. ■ , Swamp Sections west of Hastings-street. , ■ Mr, Newion obtained the suspension of standing order ,27, with the view of moving at once for the appointment of a select committee to prepare a memorial to the -General Assembly, praying it to pass an Act authorising the Superintendent to purchase and reclaim tjd!^ sections west of Hastingsstreet. Some action had formerly been taken in this matter by Mr, FitzGerald, but nothing had resulted from it; hence the present motion. Mr. FitzGebald reiterated, by way of explanation^ what had been done in this matter. He was prepared, during last session of the General Assembly,, to bring in a bill to this effect, but found that it would be regarded as a private bill, of which the standing rules required four weeks', notice to be given in a public newspaper; It was then suggested to him: that the Provincial Council had power to pass an Act to the like, effect, and he got one .drafted j but it then , transpired that in, ,

case of persons refusing to comply with its provisions, they could not be enforced, inasmuch as Provincial laws would not be recognised by the Supreme Court. So that the only course was to leave the matter over till next session, and take care that the requisite notice should be given. This he would recommend to be done now ; but the Council had a very important consideration — that of providing means for the work of reclaiming, which would have to be done at once, as the Act would only be in force for two years. Indeed, unless it could be shewn that the government was in funds to proceed with the work, the bill would probably be thrown out. The government should be prepared with £1500 or £2000 to start with ; and the rest might be raised from the sale of land as it was reclaimed. Dr. Hitchings trusted members had duly enquired whether a freeholder could be summarily deprived of his freehold. And in a sanitary point of view the exhalations from the whole of "the flat were as dangerous as from the swamps. He thought the subject should be well considered. Referred to a committee of the whole Council on the following day. Military Settlers. Mr. FiTzGrERAia), by permission of the Council, asked the Superintendent what steps, if any, had been taken t.o secure grants to military settlers. He reminded the Council that the Act, through separation having taken place, had not included Hawke's Bay in the clause in favor of military settlers ; and that the Council, to remedy as far as possible this omission, had pased a resolution to the effect that such settlers should be placed on the same footing as the settlers of other provinges. He thought this resolution should be at once acted upon, for although no title could be given in the meantime to the grantees, there could not be a doubt of the Act being amended in next session of the Assembly. Capt. G&bteb said that a copy of the resolution had been forwarded to the Colonial Secretary to lay before the House ; also, a copy to each of the members. This was with a view to the Act being amended as speedily as possible ; for until this was done, he did not see how the government could ast in tke matter. Road to Clive. Capt. Caetee laid on the table the following report of the Provincial Engineer : — Engineer's Office, Napier, 14th May, 1861. Sic, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter. of the 25th ultimo, which only came to hand on yesterday, otherwise it should not have been so long unanswered With reference to the relative advantages of the Road reported on in my letter of the 24th ultimo, and the present line through Clive by the proposed site of Perry, — it is my opinion that if the line by Wakatu is made a good one from that point to Awatoto, with a proper Punt at the former place, it %yill be preferred by the inland settlers as being more direct ; but I do not believe it would be at all suitable for the residents at and near Clive, who would still require means of access as at • present with Napier ; and it being, so far as population and building, the second largest town in the Province, its claims cannot be overlooked. The natural road from "Waitangi to the Port can be kept much better at a trifling expense for repairs than any made road over the Plains. I have the honor to be, Sir, Tour very obedient servant, , THOMAS GILL, Provincial Engineer. To His Honor The Superintendent Napier. Sheep and Scab Inspectorship. Mr. OcrßiirNa, with reference to the recently passed Sheep and Scab Act, moved that the Inspector, effectually to keep scabby sheep out of the district, should reside on the post of danger — the southern boundary of the province, or not further from it than Porangahau......Mr. Ormond seconded the motion Mr. EitzGerald hoped the Council would not pass this resolution. The Inspector had to be absent on certain occasions — perhaps at Mohaka ; and it was also necessary that he should live in a central position for the registration of brands and marks. But the fact was that this was simply a move to get rid of the present Inspector, and to appoint in his stead a person in the Porangahau district who had long been intended to nil the office. If a person wanted to drive sheep across the boundary it was only fair that he should find the Inspector. But the idea of danger with so stringent an act as this in operation was purely imaginary Mr. Curling indignantly denied being influenced by such motives as those ascribed Mr. FitzGerald did not suspect Mr. Curling of being actuated by such motives ; but he knew for a fact that what he stated was the case ; he having been repeatedly urged to appoint a particular person to the office. (Mr. Ormond, name) Mr. Ormond said that the motion was based upon the known wishes of those who paid the -tax for the support of these offices, and it was unfair for the Napier members to interfere. He had moved an increase to the salary of this officer with the view of his being a resident on the southern boundary ; were he not to be he (Mr. Ormond) should consider the salary of £200 excessive Mr. Rhodes suggested that a second officer be appointed to watch the boundary, at a salary of £50 ; and that this sum be deducted from the £200 already voted as the salary of the Inspector for the inland district. An amendment to this effect was ultimately agreed to. Petition of Capt. Henton, Mr. Alexander moved the consideration of this petition Capt. Carter seconded the m0ti0n..;... Mr. Rhodes would support it; the effect of satisfying Capt. Henton would be to give the province a clear title to a road for which it had already paid a considerable cum......Mr. FitzGerald had always understood that in purchasing Mr. Alexander's right of way, they had liquidated all claims; Mr. Rhodes said that although one individual had a right of way secured to himself, he could not guarantee the same light to the public Mr.. Alexander said that the amount could not be large. The area was about 3i acres j the land originally cost £1 an acre, and had not risen very materially in value. He would suggest that the government appoint a person to value the land, and pay. for s it accordingly ; and would give notice of motion that the sum of £50 be placed on the estimates for this purpose ; although he did not apprehend that so much would be required. s Educational Seserves Bill. Cvpt, Castes moved the seoo&d reading of this

bill. Itß object was to bring into use, for educational purposes, the large extent ofland which had been reserved for such purposes ; and thus greatly to relieve the Provincial chest Motion agreed to ; the bill read a second time and committed. In committee, Mr. FitzGerald objected, as he had done in the case of the Harbour Reserves Bill, to no provision having been made for the lands to be leased by auction, nor any provision for selling ; in certain cases it would be found more* advantageous to sell than to lease Capt. Carter had anticipated this objection, and prepared a clause, in substitution of clause one, which gave these powers Mr. Tucker thought that too much land had been sold already, and that selling should not be had recourse to for at leastfsome years. — Clause agreed to An addition to clause two was also moved and carried, to the effect that the treasurer should keep separate accounts of the moneys received and disbursed for educational purposes, and to exhibit a balance sheet at the end of each financial year. — The bill was then reported with amendments, and its third reading fixed for nextday. Harbour Reserves Bill. This Bill was passed through Committee. A new clause (one) was introduced — a duplicate of clause one in the Educational Reserves Bill. It was then reported with amendments, and its third reading set down for next day. Provincial Council Enlargement Bill. The consideration of this Bill was resumed in committee. Two emendations were made — one directing the Registration Officer to prepare a fresh electoral roll for each electoral district ; and the other, that nothing in the Act should affect the seats of members already elected. The Bill was then reported, and its third reading made an order of the day for Wednesday. Estimates. The Council then went into committee on the estimates, for the purpose of re-considering the item of " Inspector of Sheep for inland district, £200," which was altered to £150 ; and the item " Inspector of Sheep for southern boundary of the Province, at £50," inserted. The Chairman then reported progress. Finance Report. Mr. Oemond brought up the report of the Finance Committep, which, was read. £This document will appear in our next.]} The Council then adjourned till the following day.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15. The Council mefc at 3 o'clock. Present, the Speaker and all the members. The Town Swamps. The question of the reclaiming of the swamps west of Hastings street, and south of Carlyle street, came on for consideration in committee. Mr. Newton said that the committee had to give their attention to two points — first, the necessity of getting the requisite Act passed by the G-eneral Assembly ; secondly, the means .of raising the money to carry on the worka^. There could be no doubt of the desirability — both in a sanitary and commercial point of view — of thsse swamps being reclaimed. It was most important that the public health should be maintained, and these swamps, it was well known, were exceedingly injm-ious. Viewing the question commercially, the filling up of these swamps would cause property to maintain its value correspondingly with other localities, and would also give uniformity and compactness to the town. Of the £5000 voted for harbour improvements this year, the sum of £1300 was to be spent for a purpose similar to this — filling in the Shakespeare flat. It was said that this work would pay itself ; so also would the reclaiming of the swamps. He hoped that, at the end of the year, members would consent to £2000 being placed on the estimates for this work, or to the requisite funds being borrowed. Some little discussion ensued as to details, Finally, the following resolution was unanimously adopted : — That in the opinion of this committee it would be highly desirable to obtain an Act of the General Assembly authorising the Provincial Government of Hawfce's Bay to purchase up the rights of the owners of the swamp sections to the west of Hastings street and south of Carlyle street, in the town of Napier, with a view to filling up and re-claiming the same; and that the necessary notices required by the standing orders of the House of Representatives be immediately given, and the members for>Hawke's Bay requested by the Speaker to use their best endeavours to get a measure passed for this purpose—Mr. Ormond taking immediate charge of the bill. Appropriation, Act. ■ On the motion of Capt. Cabteb the Appropriation Act was read a first time ; and, by suspending the standing orders, advanced through its several stages and passed. Finance Heporf. On the motion of Mr. O^qkd, the report of the Finance Committee was^flgain read. Attention was particularly directed to the following clause : — In those accounts there appears one item of £30, being payment made to a native named Karaitiana; the voucher for this payment purports to be in consideration of trespass of cattle on the aforesaid native's land. Your committee are of opinion that this needs at least an explanation of the causes under which authority was given for its payment. — This sum, it appeared, had been paid to the natives in connection with the removal of the ferry ; but, somehow or other, it had been put down in the voucher as for grass. Nptwithatanding the payment of £30, the natives now refused permission to remove the ferry A discussion ensued. Mr. Rhodes commented on the obstructive disposition now displayed by the natives, as instanced in the case of the ferry and Meanee bridge. Very shortly they -would put fences across the roads and levy black mail Mr. Ormond said that the' natives evidently mixed up the cattle trespass with everything else, and regarded the £30 as so much on account Mr. Pi tz Gerald could swear that he never gave the natives the slightest reason to suppose that this .payment was for grass ; he was quite surprised to see it under that head, and could not account for it ; Mr. Cooper' -was the interpreter on the occasion referred t0.. .... The .discussion resulted in an understanding that a resolution on the subject should be brought before the. Gounoil on Thursday. -

On the motion pf Mr. Ormqnd, Beeonded)by Mr. Newton, the report of the .Finance Committee was adopted. Native Lands. Mr. Alexander brought up the report of the select committee appointed to prepare a memorial to the GS-eneraJ Assembly, praying it to provide for the beneficial occupation pf the lands belonging to the natives of this province. — Report (which will appear in our next) was read; and, on the motion of Mr. Alexander, seconded by Mr. Newton, adopted by the Council. Copt. Henton's Petition. The subject of this petition was again brought before the Council and discussed.. Mr. Alexander ultimately moved, and Mr. Doibel seconded, — That this Council authorise the Superintendent to pay Capt. Henton such a portion of the Provincial revenue as will compensate him for the area taken up by the public road passing through his property, and that this Council is of opinion that such compensation be determined by arbitration. — Agreed to. The Council then adjourned till Thursday^

THURSDAY, MAY 16. The Council met at 13 o'clock. Present — the Speaker and all the members. Bills. The Educational Reserves Bill,, Harbour Reserves Bill, and Provincial Council Enlargement Bill, were severally read a third time and passed. Native Affairs. Mr. CtraiiUfa moved the suspension of the standing rules, for the purposes of moving the following resolution : — ■ That this Council is of opinion that the attention of the General Government should be called to the unsatisfactory state of our relations with the native population of this province.. That His Honor the Superintendent and also the members of the House of Representatives be requested to urge upon the consideration of His Excellency and lus Government the many difficult and embarrassing questions that are arising in this Province, such as the obstruction .raised by the natives to the formation of roads— even main thoroughfares through their lands as at present ms.tanced by the refusal to allow of the erection of a necessary bridge, over the Tutikuri River: the removal of the ferry at Waipureku, now in a most dangerous position ; and numerous other cases, where the interests of the Province require that these necessary works should be carried out. Also their reiterated refusals to refer matters in dispute between themselves and Europeans to the decision of courts of law and the impossibility, under present circumstances, of enforcing the decision of such courts. That this Council also feel bound to urge upon the General Government that the unprotected state of this .Province should receive due and fair consideration, and that some further provision should be made for guarding its large and increasing interests, by the increase of the present military force already stationed here to such a number as would ensure at least efficient protection to the town of Napier and its suburbs, should circumstances unhappily require it, Mr. Doibel seconded the motion Mr. Mewton supported it ; he thought ifc high time that their relations with the natives should he upon a more satisfactory footing. — Resolution agreed to. The Superintendent then addressed the Coun" eil to the following effect : — Me. Speaker and Gentiemen op the Provincial Council,— I have very great pleasure in congratulating you on the attention you have bestowed, and the manner in which you have conducted the business brought under your consideration, during the remaininsr portion of this session. I shall, as soon as possible, forward to the Governor, with a recommendation that His Excellency will please assent to them, the " Sheep and Scab," " Harbour- Reserves, Educational Reserves," "Council Enlargement, and "Appropriation" Acts, passed by you this session. J The "Sheep and Scab "Act, though a very stringent one is much required to protect the owners of sheep, as well as to provide against the destruction of the principal wealth and export of this Province. The " Harbour Reserves " Act, having for its object the acquirement of revenue by the sale of land reclaimed from the sea, for the improvements of the Harbour of Napier, as well as for facilitating trade and commerce, will, I hope, meet the approval of the inhabitants of this Province. The "Educational Reserves" Act will tend much to promote an endowment, properly vested, for educational purposes, as well as to relieve, the Province of the expense thereon, though however worthy an application of provincial funds. The " Council Enlargement " Act will, lam sure, cause great satisfaction to the people of the Province, affording them, as it will, a still greater voice in the representation than they have hitherto enjoyed. It will also tend much to relieve the many objections which are believed to exist against our partly-tried institution, under the New Provinces Act. I trust, that when we next assemble, it will be under the new arrangement. To give the time, however, which will be required by law for the election of the number pf members to be increased, we shall not be able, I fear, to assemble together until the last month of this year, when I hope that the members will make it convenient to attend, as I am of opinion that no Superintendent should be placed m a position which would oblige him. to expend the revenue of the Province without the previous sanction of the Council. During the interval which must elapse between this and our next meeting, I shall endeavour, as soon as funds, chiefly to be derived from proposed sales of land, are available, to carry out, by an equitable distribution m every district, the liberal appropriation you have made for public works. It now only remains with me to beg of you to accept my sincere thanks for the uniform kindness and courtesy since my occupation of office, the duties of which reqiure much anxious care and consideration; as also, for the assistance you have afforded me in my endeavour to carry out measures conducive to the prosperity and advancement of this Province. I now declare that this Council do stand prorogued.