EXPENSES OF MEMBERS OF COUNCIL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume IV, Issue 171, 15 April 1854, Page 10

EXPENSES OF MEMBERS OF COUNCIL.

Mr. Dajipier moved that the Superintendent be requested to take into consideratii'i: :'ie expenses iucurred by members living more than five miles fiom the Council-chamber. There were not only those who had to cross the bridlepath, but those who came from Rhodes' Bay, and still^farther over those " awful hills" which lie between this and Akaroa. It was found that other provinces had taken the matter into consideration; and granted a sum to defray the expenses of members; and although lion, members are unwilling to receive any remuneration for their own services, yet he was inclined to think none would be unwilling to have their actual expenses defrayed. Mr, Cass seconded the resolution. Mr. Packer wanted to know how this was to to be arranged. Was there to be an account taken of every day a member travelled, and whether the members more distant were to recieve more than those who lived less remote? He would say to the lion, members, You knew when you were elected, the terms of your contract, and he would now request them to stickto their bargain. Mr. Hamilton opposed the proposition for the present; at a future time, when the Province was in better circumstances, he should not object to it. The house then divided, two voting for, and seven against, the resolution. Mr. Aylmer declined voting. Mr. Dampibr then gave notice of the following resolutions : — "That the next sittings of the Council be held at'Lyttelton, and that His Honor be requested to make the requisite arrangements for that purpose." " That the ."petition from the inhabitants of Lyttelton be referred to His Honor the Superintendent, and that His Honor be informed it is the opinion of this House, that it is desirable such provision should be made as in the petition mentioned for effecting the works referred to before the approaching winter.'1 Mr. Tancred moved that the Report of the Road Commissioners be printed. Agreed to. Mr. Hamilton moved that the Standing Orders be printed. Agreed to. Mr. Tancred mentioned that in reference to steam communication, the estimated expense of the " Nelson" screw-steamer, would be £12,000 per annum ; that the Provincial Governments of Wellington and Nelson bad guaranteed £3000 each, that £2000 would be proposed to be guaranteed by ibis Province, and Auckland would probably guarantee another £4000, which would meet the whole expense, and that Messrs. Willis & Co. would thus be borne harmless from all loss. If this arrangement was not effected, the steamer would probably be sold at Sydney. Mr. Tancp.ed also stated that active measures were in operation to get schools established, of which further information would be supplied, but it would be satisfactory to the Council to know that the work had been begun. The House then adjourned at 7 o'clock.