PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1087, 28 September 1869, Page 3

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

/The Council met at 3 p.m. Present— The Speaker, Messrs. Ormond, Rhodes, Kennedy, Locke, Ferard, Dolbel, Parsons*Sutton, Wood, Carlyon, Weston, Buohaiian, Tanner, and Lieut.-Colonel Lambert. After Players, t The Speakleb read the writ from his Excellency 'the ;■ Governor, calling the Council together for the purpose of electing a Superintendent of the Province in the room of the Hon. Donald M'Lean. A Question of Privilege. Mr. Buchanan rose to state a question of privilege. Was (he asked) the bpeaker aware that the Council was not complete •—that it was deficient of one of its membersi he referred to the Hon. Colonel Whitmore, late member for Wairoa? The resignation of that hon. gentleman took; place before the Council separated last session, and he would like to know whether a writ had been issued for the election of a member in his stead. (Hear.) The Speakeb : I have received no notification of such having been issued. , Mr. Buchanan: Then I call your attention to the fact of the Council being incomplete ; and I also bring under your notice a resolution passed by this Council on. the 20th June, 1865— "That this Council considers unnecessary delay in the issue of new writs to supply vacancies in its number to be an infringement as well of its privileges as of the statute rights of the constituencies, and to be a direct violation of clause 12 of the New Zealand Constitution Act." That motion was unanimously agreed to, and stood on the records of the Council, which wag,aow placed in an awkward predicament.' The Deputy-Supebintendent (Joseph Rhodes, Esq.) said he did not know of his own knowledge whether the resignation of the hon. gentleman referred to had been accented; if it had, he feared that the non-issue of new writs must have been the result of accidental neglect on the ;part of the late Superintendent. Mr. Buchanan: The resignation was duly gazetted. .- TheDEPUTY-SuPEEiNTENDENT said however that might be, he could not see how that need impede progress with the special business for which they had been called together. It.was his conviction that the day was fast approaching when the Superintendent would be called upon to do much more, than was formerly expected of him,-rwhen, in, fact, he would have to be here, there, and everywhere ; and perhaps, among other things, to be his own overseer of roads. (Laughter.) They might laugh; but when, as had been the case, £400 had been paid for overlooking the expehdilbre of about £1200, it became a question in a Province like this, with a restricted revenue, whether such a condition of things should be allowed to continue. In. future, the Superintendent would Have a great deal more to do ; and probably it would be letter to pay him more than to continue the present system. He felt much pleasure in proposing for election to the Superinteridency his friend Mr. Ormond, a gentleman whom he felt every confidence in,' and one who would do full justice to the Province in all its varied interests. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Buchanan : But, Mr. Speaker, I submitted a question of privilege, upon which you have not yet ruled. The Speakeb : On reference to the Act, I do not find that it is -necessary that the Council should be. "complete, ' i.e., that the full number of members should be present. The business can proceed. Election of /Superintendent. The Deputt-Supeeintendent :— -I do not know that I have anything more to add in support of my nomination. I feel sure that Mr. Ormond will conduct the public business economically, I have therefore much- pleasure in proposing that he be elected Superintendent of the Province of Hawke's Bay. Mr. Tanneb cordially seconded the motion. Mr. Febabd, as a member who had not promised to support Mr. Ormond in his candidature, thought that such a grave step as the election of a Superintendent should not be taken without full deliberation. (Hear, hear.) He would ask those who had promised Mr. Ormond their votes,— though he could not say whether that gentleman had" asked anyone, — whether they had received any assurance that he would pay great personal attention to the affairs of the Province P The member for Clive.had said that, in the future, the Superintendent Would probably have more work thrust upon him. The question was, was Mr. Ormond ready to reside in Napier, and give up his time to the public ? It would, Tie thought, be both ungrateful and ungraceful to elect a new Superintendent, withont saving something of the hon. gentleman who had just retired from that position. (Hear, hear.) The Province had been peculiarly fortunate in securing, for a series of years the services of such a man as Mr. M'Lean, as Superintendent. He was a man who possessed advantages over any other gentleman that could be named. (Hear, hear.) From his intimate knowledge of, and friendly relations with, the natives, he had been able to obtain lands for the public on advantageous terms ; and he was universally known,- and liked : trusted by both English and Maoris. It was a matter of great regret that the Province should now be deprived of Mr. M'Lean's valuable services, — notwithstanding that he had been called to fill a higher and still more responsible jiost ; and they could not replace him. (Hear.) It was said that it was advantageous that the agent of the General Government should also be Superintendent. Now, when these General Government agencies were first established it was thought a good thing to secure the services of a gentleman who could act for them with acceptance to the public. However, in his opinion, the position and duties of a Superintendent were paramount, and beyond any advantage which might arise from his. being also agent of the General Government. It must be admitted that duting Mr. M'Lean's tenure of office, they lived practically under a dictatorship. (Mr, Buohanan: "Hear, hear.") That was the natural result of Mr. M'Lean's extraordinary influence and administrative ability.! P The Council always let him have his Sling (Hear, hear, and laughter)— and he spent the public money pretty much as he pleased* feeling sure that his Executive and the Councu would endorse his acts. (Hear, hear.) In that way, many things were tolerated which he sincerely hoped would not be submitted to again under a new regime. (Hear, hear.) For instance, there was the money spent in acclimatization schemes, ' and money appropriated for roads spent in planting trees along the beach. But though money had been thus irregularly spent, Mr. M'Lean and his executive knew that'their acts would pass without question. He almost regretted that now they could not get the "new , Jjroomi'^tKat would sweep exceedingly clean. It would be.a .great mistake if the newly-elected Superintendent and his Executive thought they would be permitted to carry on in the independent manner which he had described as characterising the late Superintendent and'his colleagues ; and the Council ought to have •*wme assurance from the new Superinten-

dent that he would not sanction any financial irregularities, I—and1 — and an assurance that he would reside here, and devote himself to tfro public interests. He admitted that Mr. Ormond possessed great administrative ability ; and, in our peouliar circumstances, it was probably t best that he, should be appointed Superintendent ; but it should not be conferred on him as a mere matter of course. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Cablyon, while he disapproved of some of Mr. Ormorid's past acts, would vote for him as a matter of sheer necessity ; but he wished it to be distinctly understood that xt was not from any motive of friendship, or sentiment of approval. (Laughter.) Under existing circumstances he thought it wellthat the Superintendency should be held by the gentleman who also acted as General Government agent. Lieut.-Colonel Lambebt raised the question whether the Council could proceed with other business than that for which they were specially summoned. Mr. Buchanan held that as the Council was assembled it was competent for it to proceed with any business which it chose, although called together specially for a certain purpose, viz., the election of a Superintendent. He referred to the practice in other provinces and in. the adjacent colonies in support of his views. The Speakeb: I am directed by this writ to prooeed with the election of a Superintendent ; but if other business be brought forward, I cannot refuse it, as I am here simply as the servant of the Council,— l am in your hands. Lieut.-Col. LAMBEETwas not in favor of extortingpromisesfromJtheSuperintendent elect. Although, as a rule, he should object to the agent of the General Government being also Superintendent, he would —under the peculiar circumstances of the present case — vote for Mr. Ormond: their motto must now be "Measures, not men." (Hear.) In fact, he thought Mr. Ormond had been the real Superintendent for the last four years, — at any rate, he had done most of the work. True, Mr. Ormond was not always very pleasant in his manner; but it should be remembered that pleasant men were often dangerous. He should vote for Mr. Ormond.

The Speakeb then put the question, when Mr. Ormond was unanimously elected Superintendent. (Cheers.) Mr. Obmond rose, and said that he was now, de facto, not a member of that Council, pending his re-election by his constituents. He would, however, with the permission of the Council, make a few remarks before retiring. (Hear, hear.) He was not about to make any rash promises, but he could assure them that he would always live in some convenient place, and be readily accessible. (Hear.) He then spoke as follows :—

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Provincial Council,— I shall occupy your time very briefly in thanking you for the honor arid compliment you have paid me by electing me Superintendent of this Province. I feel that the compliment is the greater because you have seen fit to elect me, and I may say I accept the office, because we all know that work has to be done, and that, upon the course of events during the next few months, the immediate future of this Province very much depends. I am perfectly aware that the majority of the members of the Council think that at this time it is of great importance that the office of Superintendent should be held by the same person who acts as Agent for the General Government, in order that there should be no division of authority, and that it is this conviction that has led to the decision of the Council being so general as it is. For myself, I would say that I am fally sensible that the two important positions which I now hold entail upon me large responsibilities, and that I undertake the duties from a hope that I may be able to render some service and advance the interests of the part of the Colony with which I am identified.

I have, during the term of office of my predecessor and friend Mr. M'Lean, given him my cordial assistance and as much of my time as I could afford ; and I did this alike from feelings of regard to my friend, and as a sense of the obligations we, the settlers of the Province, were under to him for the services he rendered us. In succeeding to him, I feel that I cannot hope to achieve the same general success that he has done ; for instance, I do not possess that peculiar gift which Mr. M'Lean so pre-eminently does, ot making friends on all sides and offending rarely j nor do I, nor does any one in the Colony, possess the same influence with the native race. The Province of Hawke's Bay is largely indebted to him ; and I can only promise that I will perform the duties I have undertaken to the best of my ability and judgment. I wish it at the same time to be understood that I do not contemplate holding the office of Superintendent for a lengthened period, and I accept it now only because I hope that I may be able to assist in ending those difficulties which have of late years so much retarded our interests and advancement. Before I leave the subject, I must express my opinion that the Province is greatly indebted to my friend Mr. Rhodes, who has, as Deputy Superintendent during many years, given months of his time to the public service, and that, too, at seasons when large responsibilities and care were attached to the position. I shall not at present propose to make any change in the Provincial departments and officers. I am of opinion that the affairs of the Province could be more economically conducted than they are ; but the Council has already passed estimates for the service of the current year, and the different Provincial officers have made their arrangements consequent on that action, which ifc would not now be fair to disturb. I think the Council should make it distinctly understood that it is intended in the future to simplify the working of the Provincial Government, and that the Province will not hold itself liable to any claim for compensation to officers whose services can be dispensed with at the close of the current year. With regard to the position of the Superintendent, I will state clearly what are my views. I shall, so long as I hold the office, endeavour to carry out the decisions of the Provincial Council. lam not of opinion that, in a small Council such as ours, an Executive is essential, and I think that, perhaps, the existence of an Executive tends to excite opposition and create party feeling. Our practice has been heretofore to speak of all questions as " Government questions,' or " non-Government questions,"and to judge them accordingly, at least to a certain extent. My endeavor will be to do away, if possible, with this. I think that, at the Provincial Board, the duty of the Superintendent should be to give explanations as to the conduct of the affairs of the Province, and to make such recommendations as he considers desirable. If such be accepted as the position, it will be quite competent for the Superintendent to differ on any matter with the majority of the Council, and yet not to consider it necessary to make a Government question of the difference : provided always it is understood that, whatever decision the Provincial Council arrives at, it is the duty of the Superintendent to carry out. From my experience of the working of provincial institutions, I am of opinion that, in nearly

all cases, the recommendation of the Superintendent would receive fair consideration,'and if the office was made more executive and less political, that so much the more weight would judicious recommendations from the Superintendent receive. Ido not for a moment wish it to be thought that Iconsider myself speciallyfitted to successfully work out the. position I have sketched ; but lam sure that, as provincial institutions in the different provinces are simplified, this will become the general position of the Superintendents. . . There are several questions of provincial interest upon which I could address you, but I have not lately had the time at my disposal to consider them sufficiently to place my views upon them before you. From the limited time I have been able to give to Provincial questions since I returned from Welling&ra, I know that there are some matters of sufficient importance to justify me in asking you to give a short time to their consideration, and I accordingly hop 6 that you will either remain in session for a few days, and consider them (which you can do without my presence) and thus avoid the necessity of meeting again at this busy season of the year, or, failing that, the only alternative would be to adjourn to a date which would enable me to go to my constituents for reelection. I will very briefly refer to the difficulties of our present position as regards its native complications. We are all of us aware that these difficulties are sufficiently great, and that a short time ago they almost threatened ruin to many parts of this Island. Already a very considerable improvement has taken place, and, by firm and at the same time judicious management, we may, I trust, hope that the present Government' of the Colony will soon bring about a different and more satisfactory state of things. That we may have, before that result is achieved, to face great difficulties is quite possible, and, to a certain extent, must be expected ; but, now that the Colony has recovered that confidence in itself which the. events of the past year had done so much to destroy, we may and do look cheerfully to the future.

There is one question of general interest so associated with the present and future of the Province, that I should not be justified in passing it over with silence. I refer to the almost certainty that exists of a permanent- goldfield being found at the Xaimanawa ranges. That gold has been found there is unquestionable ; the report of the colonial assayist on the specimens sent to Dr. Featherston by Capt. William M'Donnell was eminently satisfactory, and that those specimens were genuine is evidenced by that being avouched by Lieut.-Colonel and Captain M'Donnell, both of them gentlemen well known to this community. Yesterday brought us word that negociations had been successfully concluded, through the exertions of Mr. Locke, aided by Lieut.Colonel McDonnell, with the native proprietors of the district in question, and no impediment now exists to opening the field so soon as the present difficulties in that part of the Colony are over and justify the Government in doing so. That the Kaimanawa field must be supplied from this Province no one can doubt, and the successful establishment of a gold field there will bring that capital and population to this Province which alone is required to develop its resources and place it in the first rank of prosperous communities in this Colony. Mr. Speaker and" 1 Gentlemen, I have been as brief as possible in the address I have made, and, in conclusion, I have only to express my hope that those members of the Council with whom I have in the past had differences of opinion, will forget those differences and assist me in the endeavour which I am about to make, and which alone has induced me to accept the Superintendency, viz., to promote the welfare of the Province and the termination of its present difficulties. (Cheers.) Mr. Ormond then withdrew. On the motion of Mr. Buchanan, it was agreed that the speech of the newlyelected Superintendent be printed. The Question of Adjournment. Mr. Rhodes said it was now a question whether the Council should proceed with other business, or adjourn until after the Superintendent's re-election by his constituents. Mr. Tanneb moved the adjournmentof the Council for a fortnight. He was quite aware that they could proceed with business in the absence of the Superintendent; but he objected to doing so, on principle, as it would be, in fact, relapsing into the old style of provincialism. Moreover, Wairoa was unrepresented ; and why was that district to be thus excluded? Mr. McLean, also, had not resigned his seat, which, it was clear, must be done. (" No, no.") Mr. Buchanan : No, not necessarily ; it is only a question of taste. Mr. Tannee : Well, it was a matter of fact as well as a question of taste, and an adjournment for a fortnight would give Mr. McLean time to consider the matter, and allow time for Mr. Ormond to go to his constituents and resume his seat.

Mr. Rhodes hoped the Council would not listen to this ; such an adjournment would be exceedingly inconvenient to country members at this busy season of the year, when every one was preparing for shearing. There was no earthly reason why business should not be forthwith proceeded with, and no good purpose would be served by the proposed adjournment. 1 ' 1 The chief— indeed the only—business, so far as he knew, which was urgent was that it was desirable to pass a Bill enabling the General Government to purchase a block of land — what was known as the " Forty-Mile Bush " block, which was very fertile, and reported upon by the surveyors as fit for settlement. The late Superintendent had recommended that, as the Provincial Government were without funds, this fine block of land should be taken up by the General Government, and it was desired to obtain the assent of the Provincial Council to such purchase before the Commissioners went home to England, as then arrangements might be made which would give us settlement on our borders.

Mr. Buchanan, also, could not see why they should not at once proceed with business. Whatever Mr. Ormond's views were, as expressed in his speech, the Superintendent must have an Executive so long as the present law remained unrepealed. It was not at all necessary for the transaction of business that Mr. Ormond should be actually present ; he could be easily communicated with. Mr. Locke suggested an adjournment till next day (Saturday), in order to give time for the appointment of the new Executive.

Lieut.-Colonel Lambebt deprecated any undue haste, as there were many very important matters to be discussed and dealt with,— for instance, the " Forty-Mile Bush" block, and the monetary affairs connected therewith ; the Education Act, which was giving great dissatisfaction, required amendment ; then there was the Sheep Act. If they only adjourned till next day, they would have the " FortyMile Bush" block crammed down their throats, and they would not know what they were about. (Laughter.). .

Mr. Caelyon said the Executive could be appointed in, five minutes* No doubt it was all "cut;and dried ■' already. He objected f 6 an adjournment fora fortnight at this busy season. The proposal was very absurd, even coming from 1 Ms colleague, who was very inge^iou* ia that line. (Laughter.) Mr. Kennedy opposed the adjjburament. After further debate, on the motion o£ Lieut.-Colonel Lambebt, seconded by Mr, Pabsons, standing order No. 2 was suspended, and it was -agreed that Monday September 27 should be a sitting day, to which day the Council would, at itsrisingy adjourn. Executive Acts Repeal Bill. Mr. Buchanan moved the suspension of standing order No. 27 in order to obtain leave to bring in a Bill for the repeal of the Executive Act. Mr. Febabd opposed the motion, as such an important matter as the repeal of an Act should be done with due consideration. Mr. Locke: That is no reason why leave should not be given to introduce the measure. Mr. Tanneb thought some reason should be shown for the suspension of standing orders in this case. Mr. Sutton supported the motion, being in favor of the repeal of the Aot.^ The motion was carried on a divisionsAyes, 7 ; Noes, 5. ; * Mr. Buchanan then moved for leave to bring in the Bill. Lieut.-Colonel Lambebt, and Messrs. Febabd and Tannee, opposed this, on the ground that the introduction of such a measure should be., left to the Superintendent, especially after, the enunciation of his views that day. Nothing but confusion (said Mr. Tanner). would result from this hasty manner of proceeding. Under other circumstances he would have voted for the motion ; but now* in the absence of the Superintendent, he stiongly opposed it. Mr. Locke supported the motion. Leave was eventually granted. The Bill was brought in, read a first time, and the second reading fixed for the next sitting day of the Council. Notices of Motion. Some notices of motion were given. Adjournment. The Council rose at ten minutes to five o'clock, p.m., adjourning to Monday, Sept. 27, at 3 p.m. Monday, Septembee 27. The Speakeb took the chair at 15 minutes past 3. The minutes of Friday's proceedings were read and confirmed. Present: Messrs/. Rhodes,, Tanner, Buchanan, Carlyon, Kennedy, A'Deane, Parsons, Sutton, Ferard, Locke, Weston, and Lieut.-Colonel Lambert. Messages from the Superintendent, The Speakeb stated that the following messages had been received from His Honor the Superintendent :— Message No. 1, —Informing the Council [ that a writ was issued lor the return of a I member to represent Porangahau, returnable on Saturday, Ootober 2. The Superintendent has offered himself for re-election and trusts to be enabled to take his seat in the Counoil on Saturday. Message No. 2, — Transmitting a report from Mr. Donald Ross, the Provincial Engineer, upon the state of the roads in the Province. The report states that the lowest tender for keeping the road in repair from Havelook to the southern boundary of the Provtnce, for the present year, exceeds by £400 the sum provided by the estimates, and that the, tender, has ...been accepted. The Superintendent will ask the Counoil to make the necessary provision for this service. The toll.gate fund will (the Surveyor thinks) be sufficient to keep the town roads in repair, and the roads to Havelook and Puketapu. The road from "Waipawa to Hampden has been completed. No new works are in progress, Message No. 3,-— Suggesting the necessity of considering the eduoation question and the present Eduoation Aots. The Superintendent finds from the Treasurer that the amount realized last year from the Eduoation rate was insufficient to meet the charges as provided by the Eduoation Act, and that a similar deficiency is expeoted this year. He recommends the reference of the question to a select committee with a view to amending the existing law. The following is a statement of theEduoationalFund for the year ending June 30, 1869:— Grant in aid of sohools— £ s. d. Amount collected on aocount of education rates ... 815 16 8 Amount of rent Educational reserves 128 12 9 911 9 5 Amount expended on account of Sohoola 994 3 10 Amounts still unpaid 32 2 8 1026 6 6 Defioienoy ... 81 17 1 On the motion of Mr. Buchanan, seconded by Mr. Pabsons, the papers were ordered to be printed. Appointment of an Executive. In reply to Mr. Febabd, The Speakee said he had received no notification of the appointment of an Executive. Mr. Febabd said, that being the case, he would give notice that on the first sitting day after the return of his Honor the Superintendent, he would ask the Government the following questions: — (See notices of motion at foot.) Mr. A'Deane .rojse to a point of order. He heard notice given of a number of questions to be asked " the Government." Now, as the late Superintendent (Mr. M'Lean) had resigned, he supposed the Executive appointed; by that gentleman ceased to exist. Mr. Febabd explained that he gave his notice of questions contingently. They would not be asked until the Superintendent was returned, or some members of his Executive were present. Mr. A'Deane considered this explanation, satisfactory. He further submitted that in the present state of matters, it was questionable whether they were in a position to transact any business under the New Provinces Act, under which they were constituted. The Speakeb said he had already ruled that it was competent for the Counoil to 1 proceed with business. Mr. Weston : How do we stand, Mr. Speaker? I think we are going on in an illegal manner. Lieut.-Colonel Lambebt explained his view. The Speakeb replied that they were without an Executive ; but could communicate with his Honor the Superintendent by message. Mr. Buchanan said that the Speaker had already pointed out that under the . New Provinces Act it was provided that i the Superintendent might, or might not, i have a seat in the Council. They might , have elected for Superintendent some one , outside the Council altogether. They i were not confined in their selection to the I eighteen gentlemen within those walls. • (Hear, hear). The question of an Exeour tive Council was nearly an excrescence ; upon the New Provinces Act, — it was a thing of their own creation, a mere abor-

tion, which he was sorry had not been strangled in its birth ; however, ho was glad it was »ow about to come to an end. . (Hear, hear.) There was no need of an Executive;; and he did not feel in the least embarrassed with regard to this matter. They had copied their Executive Act from that of the Province of Welling, ton, which was in circumstances materially differing from ours ; but it wa# not imperative. Its originators never intended that that there should be a parody of ■ a " responsible Ministry" in sucn a small body as that Council. The original idea of Provincial Councils was of a typify similar to Local Boards, and so far as they had departed from that ideal, they had left the true path. With regard to the objectionable character of communication with the Superintendent by " messages ;" surely they could put up with that inconvenience for a few days ; greater inconveniences and irrregularities had been tolerated,—- public monies had been misappropriated and illegally spent,— these things had been <c winked at.' There was no doubt in his mind that His Honor the Superintendent would be returned for Porangahau, and he would soon be at the head of that table, scolding those gentlemen in his accustomed manner. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Tanneb thought that as the Superintendent was absent: he should be represented by a responsible Executive. They were, certainly, in an anomalous position. He therefore moved the adjournment of the Council till next day (Tuesday) fortnight. Mr. Cablyon obje cted, and the motion was negatived, on a« division of 9 votes to 3. Lieut.-Colonel L ambeet said it was now for the Council to decide whether they should ask His Honor to appoint his Executive or approach His Honor by " message." Mr. A'Deanf,; enquired whether the late Executive ceased to exist upon the late Superintendent's resignation. The Speakjbb: This is a question of great difficulty. Mr. Cabls-on : It is a question of law, and should be referred to the Provincial Solicitor. The Speakeb : There is no Provincial Solicitor. Mr. Cablyon : It is not a question for the Speaker. It is a difficult one; but Srobably my colleague (Mr. Tanner) may ecide it : he cjin answer any question you like. (Laughter.) Mr. Rhodes wished to know whether they had met there for frivolous talk or for the despatch of business P He thought the old Executive held office pro forma till the Superintendent should be returned and appointed a new Exeoutive. He could see no reason why they should not go on with the business and not waste time in unseemly squabbles. (Hear, hear.) He would himself at once resign if there was any ques tion raised as to the locus standi of the -Executive. Mr. A'Deane feared he had been mis* understood. He did not wish to cast any imputation on the late Executive. Mr. Febakd argued in favor of an adjournment, as the Superintendent was not present, and no Executive had been appointed, Mr. Cablyon said that in some of the older provinces, the Superintendents had no seat in 'the Provincial Council. The Superintendent would probably discharge his duties more impartially by means of messages than by sitting in the Council. The " benefit " of his presence was very questionable. He believed Mr. Ormond had endeavored to counteract much that that Council had tried to do ; and he, for one, would be glad to try to get on without him. Mr. Weston : Mr. Speaker, I want to know what is our actual position P Mr. Carlyon : Mr. Speaker, the question is, have we any Executive at present. I refer to "May's Parliamentary Practice." Mr. Tianner what is your opinion? we always, you know, bow to your decision. (Laughter.) Mr. Tanner : My opinion is that you are incorrigible. (Renewed laughter.) The Eixecutive, I think, no longer exists. The Education Question. Mx. Tanneb moved the suspension of staD.ding order Wo. 27, in order to move the appointment of a select committee to enquire into the working of the Education Act and the Education Eates Act, with a view to their amendment. Mr. Rhodes objected to being one of the committee, and stated his reasons. Mr. Cablyon protested against the frequent and frivolous suspension of standing orders. Itwas turning the proceedings into a farce. He declined to serve on the committee. Several motions for adjournment were put in succession and lost. An irregular discussion ensued. Mr. Tannee offered to withdraw his motion. Mr. Weston objected. Mr. Tanner therefore proceeded. He felt sure there would be a most determined opposition to the collection of the rateunless the existing Acts were amended. The present mode of appointing schoolmasters was highly objectionable. The motion was negatived by 7 votes to 4 Who are the Executive ? On the motion of Mr. Febabd, it was agreed to present an address to the Superintendent, enquiring who are the Executive Councillors. Mr. Buchanan opposed the motion, as it was unfair to the Superintendent. He suspected all this squabbling arose from certain gentlemen on the Speaker's left being anxious to occupy seats opposite, — that was the secret. (" Oh, oh. ') Lieut.-Col. Lambeet and Mr. Tannee warmly repudiated any such desire. Executive Acts Repeal Bill. Mr. Buchanan moved the second reading of this Bill, which is identical with that of last session. (We are compelled, by pressure on our space, to hold over till next issue our report of Mr. Buchanan's speech.) Mr. Sutton seconded the motion. Mr. Tannee pleaded for an adjournment, in order to give time to consider the measure. Mr. Febabd said the Bill ought to be Erinted and placed in the hands of memers. The Council adjourned for an hour, in order to have copies of the Bill printed and circulated. On the Speakeb resuming his seat at 7 p.m., and waiting the customary time, there were only three members present — Messrs. Buchanan, Tanner, and Sutton. The Speajcee, therefore,' declared the Council adjourned till next (this) day at 3 p.m.