Provincial Council.

Lyttelton Times, Volume IV, Issue 203, 11 October 1854, Page 2

Provincial Council.

Thursday, Oct. 10, 1854. Members present, —Messrs. C. Bowen, Tancred, Bealet, Hall, DampießjCass, Packeh. Mr. Bowen in the Chair. Rev. O. Mathias read prayers. After prayers the following Message from His Honour tlie Superintendent was read. " The Superintendent greatly regrets that the business of the General Assembly should have been delayed to such a late period that he was unable to meet the Provincial Council on the day to .which it was prorogued. Being very anxious not to postpone longer than is absolutely necessary the settlement of those questions arising out of the recent legislation of the General Assembly, which demand the immediate attention of the Provincial Council, he has called them together this day. The principal of these questions are, the Waste Lands' Bill,, the affairs of the Canterbury Association, and the enlargement of the Provincial Council. Measures relating to these subjects are under the consideration of the Provincial Government. "But the Council will perceive that some delay is necessary, in order that they may be matured with due care. In the meantime it seems to His Honor desirable that the Council should have the opportunity of advancing any measurjs emanating from private members or any en-

quiry, especially that into the affairs of the Canterbury Association, and that it will prove more conducive to the public service if the Council adjourn from time to time until the measures of the Government are ready to be submitted to them than that they should be prorogued to a later period. The Superintendent lays before the Provincial Council a copy of the Waste Lands' Act recently passed by the General Assembly. The Provincial Government propose as soon as possible to publish regulations for the management and disposal of the Waste Lands within the Province, and in accordance with the Act to lay the same before the people at large for one month before submitting them to the Council, in order that the wishes of the inhabitants of the Province on this important subject may be fully expressed and ascertained prior to any final legislation on the subject. (Signed) James Edwaed Fitz Gerald, Superintendent. October 10, 1854." The Message having been read, Mr. Tancbed remarked that the present was simply a pro forma meeting,to give members an opportunity of giving notice of any Motions intended to be submitted to the Council, and to appoint a Committee to enquire into the affairs of the Canterbury Association. To-morrow he would move that a Committee be appointed to enquire into the affairs of the Canterbury Association, and to report thereon to the House. He would then move the adjournment of the Council. When the House met after the adjournmentjHis Honour would deliver an Address,, in which the proposed measures of the Government would be declared. Two important subjects to be brought forward were the Waste Lands, and the enlargement of the Council, the latter measure ought not to be delayed. The following notices of Motion were then given. Mr. Hall to ask whether the Government intended to take any immediate steps about the Sumner Bar; and to move that the Select Committee on the Standing-Orders be re-appointed. And, on behalf of the member for Akaroa, to move for certain Returns relative to the duties of the Inspector of Sheep: likewise for the copies of any correspondence that may have taken place during the present year between the Commissioner of Crown Lands and the General Government relative to the appropriation of the Land Revenue. Mr. Packer to move to-morrow for the suspension of the Standing Orders to enable the House to consider a short Bill having for its object the enlargement of the Council. The House then adjourned till Wednesdday.