PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1226, 23 April 1864, Page 4

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Thursday, April 21. The Council met at 5 p.m. I Present—The Speaker, Messrs. White, Ollivier, Clark, Rowe, Hornbrook, Wilson, Shand, Ross, Aikman, Rolleston, Tancred, Hall, Stoddart, Maude, Birch, Lance, Moorhouse, Hawkes, Westenra, Tosswill, Aynsley, Fyfe, Bowler, Turnbull, Beswick. In the absence of the Yen. the Chaplain, prayers were read by the Speaker. MAGAZINE ACCOMMODATION. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed, Major White asked the Provincial Secretary whether any magazine accommodation was available for the large quantity of ammunition now in the province; and also whether it was proposed to erect an armoury for the arms in the province, and those expected from England. The Provincial Secretary stated that the Government were acquainted with the fact that there was a considerable quantity of powder in the province, and steps were about to be taken to accommodate it. With regard to the armoury, the Government had no power to erect a building, there being no sum on the estimates for such a purpose. Major White reminded the Government that there was a sum upon the Estimates which might be applied to that purpose, namely, .the balance of the grant to the volunteers. The Provincial Secretary was not aware that the grant in question was contemplated for an armoury. Major White stated that the case was simply this, the 88,000 rounds of ammunition in the province were in a very insecure place, and much exposed to danger. The arms they had were damaged in the place were they lay, by the chemicals used in the Telegraph Office. He therefore proposed that the halance of the grant to the volunteers be applied to the erection of an armoury. Mr. Clark seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr. Ollivier. The Provincial Secretary thought it would be a very bad precedent to appropriate money for any other purpose than that voted. The Government next session would place a sum of money on the 'Estimates for the purpose, and in the meantime , Steps would be taken to have the ammunition removed to a place of safety. Major White was perfectly satisfied with the promise, and therefore withdrew his motion. GRANT TO THE OXFORD DISTRICT ROAD BOARD. Major White moved that a respectful address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, praying that he will direct the sum of £'300 to be placed on the estimates as a grant in aid for the purpose of enabling the Road Board of the Oxford district to j form and metal half a mile of road on the Oxford and Rangiora main road, adjoining Messrs. Rhodes and Wilkin's fence, situate south of Starvation Hill. In moving this resolution he stated that the work in question would require to be finished before the and the Road Board of the district had not the means of doing it. Mr. Maude seconded the resolution pro forma. The Provincial Secretary could not see that the Oxford Road Board had any claim upon the Council, and he therefore could not support the motion. Mr. Moorhouse said that as this was a work of emergency, he would propose as an amendment that in place of the words " grant in aid," should be sub stituted the words " grant by way of loan," which should be accounted for out of further, grants, or from the proceeds of rates. Mr. Tosswill opposed the motion; many other road boards could make out as good a case. Mr. Ollivier thought that the legitimate course to pursue would be to grant nothing to the district .until it had done all in its power to help itself; and he did not see that this had been done. He would mention that with regard to Christchurch, had it not been for a blunder that occurred they should have had the levying of the rates by this time in full force. Mr. Wilson supported the amendment, as by the Road Board Ordinance no district could levy rates before the month of October. The Oxford Board could not therefore find the money as yet. After a few remarks from Messrs. Hall, Maude, and Clark, The Speaker put the amendment to the House, when a division was called for. The result was:— Noes 11 —Messrs. Aikman, Clark, Hall, Hornbrook, Rolleston, Ross, Rowe, Tancred, Tosswill, Turnbull, White. Ayes 10—Messrs. Aynsley, Beswick, Fyfe, Maude, Moorhouse, Ollivier, Shand, Stoddart, Westenra, Wilson. The amendment was therefore lost. The Speaker then put the original motion, which was also lost. toll gates. Mr. Moorhouse, in rising to move the resolution which stood in his name, said had he been aware of the resolutions to be proposed by the hon. member for Mount Cook, he would have left his own to come in with them. He had seen that measures were in progress by the different Road Boards for erecting toll-bars, and instanced the one now raised in the neighbourhood of Christchurch. He contended that it was extremely unjust, that a portion of the public resident in a district, and whose property was greatly increased by a road, should have the power to levy money upon others, before they themselves had submitted to taxation. The rate levied on residents and the tax upon the public using the road ought_ to go together. There ought to be an equal rate levied over all the province, and equal tolls at every gate; and then it would be just that public money should be awarded by way of grant in aid to every district to supplement the amount subscribed by way of rate. It should be compulsory on all Boards to assess themselves at so much in the pound, but in the absence of any obligation to that effect in the ordinance, the Government had no power to compel them; the only condition was that they raise sufficient to satisfy the necessities of the case. He moved —'• That in the opinion of the Council, it is inexpedient that the erection of toll-gates and the levying of tolls by any Road Board should be sanctioned until the completion of its Ratepayers' Roll and assessment of rates."

Major White seconded the resolution. Mr. Tosswill said it was out of the power of the Boards to rate themselves at all until October. He hoped that there would be no interference with the Boards until they had got into working order. Tollgates were valuable means of collecting funds, and not unfair so long as the tolls levied at the different toll-bars were fixed at such an amount as just to keep in repair the roads. Mr. Wilson said that by the Ordinance, Road Boards were empowered to erect gates. This resolution purported therefore to be a repeal of the Ordinance, which could not be effected in that way. The effect of the passing of the resolutions before the House would be to suspend the clause in question (No. 35) until October. Mr. Ollivier expressed his dissent from the resolution. Mr. Hall was surprised at the remarks of the member for Heathcote (Mr. Moorhouse) with regard to a uniform rate over all the province, and instanced the district of Mount Cook, in which he said there were only two freehold properties, though it was the largest in the province. After some further remarks from Messrs. Fyfe, Beswick, Shand, Turnbull, and Hawkes, Mr ; Moorhouse replied. He argued that a uniform rate of taxation would be the most accurate system they could go upon, and moreover that it would enable Government to adjust its grants by a simple reference to their ledger, with the most absolute fairness. The resolution, on being put from the chair, was declared to be negatived, whereon Mr. Moorhouse called for a division.

The House divided, the result being—Noes, 19; Ayes, 2. The resolution was accordingly lost. BITTING DAYS. Mr. Shand moved that in the present session of this Council, being a special session, this Council sit on Friday evening at the same hour as on other days. He was simply actuated by a desire to facilitate the business of the House ; but he found that by a standing order, the resolution could not be put in force for this session. He begged therefore to withdraw his motion. leave of absence. Mr. Aynsley obtained leave of absence for Mr. Templer for seven days. Mr. Maude obtained leave of absence for Mr. Innes for the remainder of the session. CATALOGUE OF LIBRARY OF PROVINCIAL COUNCIL. Mr. Maude withdrew his motion, as he found that each member of the Council has been supplied with a copy of the catalogue. PANAMA ROUTE. Mr. Tancred said that the main object he had in moving the consideration of this question was that something should be done to prevent the contract entered into by Mr. Ward to drop. (Hear, hear.; The repudiation of this contract would be a very serious loss to the Australian colonies, and more especially to New Zealand. Its advantages over the Suez line were very great. By the establishment of the Panama service, their mails would come more quickly to hand, and a four months' post would be secured instead of a five months' as at present. Another important consideration was that of security. The existing services in Suez might be thrown aside at any time by six months' notice. The hon. gentleman then entered into an elaborate statement of the cost of all the different mail services, showing how favorably the Panama contract contrasted with any one of them, and concluded by saying that the practical object he had in bringing forward the resolution was that the committee might devise some means by which pressure could be brought to bear upon the General Government to accept the contract under some sort of a guarantee from them and the neighboring provinces, most of whom he had no doubt would be very happy to join. If they went harmoniously to work, he had no doubt of their success. £33,000 was all that was wanted. He -therefore moved—" That a committee be appointed to enquire into and report upon the best means calculated for giving effect to the contract lately entered into by Crosbie Ward, Esq., on behalf of the Government of the Colony with the I.R.M. Company, for the conveyance of mails by way of Panama. The committee to consist of Messrs. Aynsley, Beswick, Maude, Ross, Wilkin, and the mover. Committee to report on the 25th instant." Mr. Wilson had great pleasure in seconding the resolution. He had been absent from the public meeting by accident; but no one in the province was more anxious, or he might say more interested, than himself.

Mr. Olliviek supported the motion. He signed a petition that morning which urged that Canterbury should take upon itself the whole responsibility of the contract. But suppose all the other provinces joined, then the whole expenditure would be only £6000 or £7000 from each. They owed a great debt of gratification to Air. Ward, and he (Mr. Ollivier) thought it was their duty to show they had not forgotten him for the manly way he has stood up for New Zealand in this and other matters.

Mr. Maude said he would serve very cheerfully upon the Committee, though he knew but little of the details. It was most desirable that the Council should on such occasions as this assert its right to discuss colonial questions. Mr. Mookhousb said that before the House came to a decision on the matter lie would wish to say a few words. It was exceedingly gratifying for the Council to have amongst them members who were acquainted with the subject of postal services. But it would also be an additional gratification that they should have some regard to consistency. He did not know whether the hon. member was conscious of it at the time, but he thought he had made use of language to the effect that the General Government should be guaranteed and induced by the province of Canterbury to confirm the contract entered into by the late Postmaster-General. He had understood the hon. gentleman to say that it was desirable Canterbury should, in point of fact, give a guarantee to the General Government that it would be able to fulfil its contract, while at the same time we sought the guarantee of the General Government for our own requirements. This was a very inconsistent proposal; and the hon. member would surely see the absurdity of publishing such a scheme to the whole world. But there was one part of the scheme which had his (Mr. Moorhouse's) sympathy. He thought that the proposal coming from his hon. friend was one of the most startling and gratifying that had ever been heard in the House. It was a well argued proposal, and one which was consistent with the best-considered virtue—selfishness. (Laughter.) If Canterbury could sustain the contract why did it go to the General Government for a guarantee of their loan? He professed a great deal of ignorance on the subject, and had not had time to make an analysis of the facts contained in the statement which had been given to the House, but he was given to understand that there was scarcely any danger at all of the Canterbury Government being called upon to pay any serious sum under this guarantee, and the House ought to be prompt to avail itself of the opportunity of making that capital which was at its disposal. Let them go to London and choose some large-waist-coated full-faced man to talk about the contract which Canterbury had made for the mail service. (Laughter.) Let it be published that the provincial chest of Canterbury was able to be security for the whole colony, and there was no reason to fear for their debentures; they would be chased after and stolen from them. (Laughter.) But they must recollect that they should be consistent. If it were practicable—if the objections to giving this guarantee could be overcome—if the committee were justified in reporting that those objections could be overcome, he v/ould only be rejoiced if the House should carry out the proposal. But they should not commit themselves by bouncing one day and begging another. (Laughter.) Mr. Tancred said that when bringing forward a dry, detailed statement of the case he had omitted paying that compliment to the gentleman who had entered into the contract which the House perhaps expected to have heard. (Hear, hear.) At all events, the feeling that had been felt and manifested in the community in favor of the contract was the greatest compliment and the highest reward for his labours that could be given. With regard to the remarks which had fallen from the hon. member for Heathcote, he was not at all surprised at his pointing out inconsistencies; because it was invariably the case whenever he got up. (Laughter.) If the hon. gentleman had inquired more narrowly into the circumstances connected with the matter, he would have seen that there was no inconsistency whatever in existence. The channel through which postal contracts were made was the General Government. They might.help them in the matter, but the contract would be that of the General Government. The .£30,000 voted by the Assembly belonged to the General Government; so that, if the Council went in for the whole contract they would have to guarantee the £63,000; but he trusted that if they did so the General Government would repay them at least the £'30,000. The name of Mr. Moorhouse was added to the Committee, and the motion was then put and carried. COUNCIL ACCOMMODATION. Mr. Hall moved that the Council go into committee upon the subject of increased accommodation for the Provincial Council. Carried. The Speaker accordingly left the chair, and the House went into committee. Mr. Hall then moved that the report of the committee appointed to consider the matter be read, which was done. He thought it would not be necessary for him on the present occasion to say much as to the necessity for providing improved accommodation for the Provincial Council, as well as for the General Assembly. On the occasion when the committee (whose report had just been read) was appointed, the opinion expressed by the Council was that it was their duty to make a proper provision for the sitting of the General Assembly. The committee had considered the amount of accommodation necessary for the purpose, and the plan upon which it might be provided consistently with economy, Of course, it would be beyond their means to attempt to provide a separate building for the accommodation of all the officers. For the committee rooms it was proposed to take the offices of : the Provincial Government which adjoined the chamber, as well as for the accommodation of the officers who must be in the immediate proximity. Looking to the progress which was made in the buildings of the province, the proposed accommodation should be a permanent building, and not a disgrace to the province. He believed that a stone ■ building could be erected for the sum of about £8000; and the committee had recommended that . the building should be placed immediately south of ' the present chamber. He might mention that the 1 estimated cost of the Wesley an chapel, which was in course of erection, was eight thousand pounds, and that fact might be taken as a

guarantee that good substantial accommodation could be erected for the same sum. With regard to refreshment rooms, kitchen accommodation, &c., that was a matter of some importance, because there were a large number of members brought from their homes to attend the sittings of the Council who would rather be accommodated on the spot than in hotels in the city. For this purpose, it was proposed that the refreshment rooms, kitchen, &c. built of wood, should be erected on the south side of the present court yard. Those buildings could be erected at a cost of £2000, but the committee thought that estimate might be considerably reduced. He did not think that all the buildings should be erected of wood, but that one storey should be built of stone and the upper of wood. But when Mr. Dobson was asked if the ground would be capable of bearing a building of that description he replied it would not. For that reason, therefore the committee thought it would not be either wise or prudent to adopt that plan; but would adhere to the original proposition for making the necessary buildings on the south side of the courtyard. He concluded by moving—"That in the opinion of this Council it is expedient that immediate steps should be taken for providing additional accommodation for the Provincial Council, as well as for the General Assembly of the colony, in anticipation of its next session being held in the city of Christchurch." The resolution being seconded, was put to the House and carried. Mr. Hall next moved—"That the measures recommended for this object by the select committee on this subject, appear to this Council well adapted for the purpose; and that this Council will indemnify his Honor the Superintendent in any expense he may incur, not exceeding £10,000, for the purpose of giving effect to such recommendations." 3.—" That in the opinion of this Council it is desirable that the Provincial Government enter into negociations for the purpose of ascertaining the lowest terms on which the acre of land immediately opposite to the western face of the Government Buildings can be purchased for the use of the Provincial Government." Mr. Hawkes thought it would be far more advisable to erect a more permanent building than one of wood. Even if the ground could not bear a stone building, bricks could be used. It would be a bad example to follow. The Speaker said that if he remembered aright, when Mr. Dobson was asked if the ground could bear a stone building, he thought it would, and would chance it but for the expense. For his part, he would much rather see a stone structure erected. Mr. Wilson thought it would be better for the Council to migrate to some other part of Christchurch, and dispose of the present building. (Laughter). Mr. Ollivieb supported the two first resolutions, but felt himself bound to oppose the third clause. Some discussion having taken place, and several amendments been proposed, it was ultimately agreed that £12,000 should be inserted as the sum authorised instead of £10,000. Considerable opposition was made to the proposed purchase of the acre of land on the western side of the building at the price said to be asked. Ultimately an amendment to the third resolution, moved by Mr. Maude, and seconded by Dr. Turnbull, was adopted, to the following effect:—" That it is desirable that the Provincial Government should negociate for, and if possible purchase, the acre of land immediately on the western face of the Government Buildings." This amendment was carried by 11 to 10. Mr. Hall then moved that the resolutions ai amended should pass; but before the motion was put, Mr. Ollivieb proposed that his Honor the Superintendent be requested to limit the purchase-money . to a sum not exceeding £5000. i Mr. Hawkes having seconded the proposal, it wass ! carried, there being only two dissenting voices. • The resolutions, as amended, were then reported ' and adopted. ; Mr. Hall moved— That it is desirable steps should be taken by ftelte- : vineial Government for placing before the Council at its ' next session, reports from the various Boad Bauds o» the ! following subjects:—l. Particulars as to the K&tepajen' 1 801 lof each district, stating the number of ratepayer?, [ the total number of rateable properties, aad the toted assessed value of such properties. 9. Stateaaent. of the amount of any rate struck, and the total sum collected in each district. 3. Statement of the aamber of miles of , main roads in each district; the sum spent on those roads up to the 30th June next, and the present condition of the same. 4. Similar information with regard to the by roads in each district, o. List of the officers employed by the Board of each district, and the amount of salary paid to such officers. 6. Statement of the amount of money unexpended remaining in the hands of each Board. The resolutions were carried. The Provincial Secretary moved for leave to bring in a Bill to Prevent Accidents and Offenceson Railways. Leave given. Mr . Ollivieb asked till what time the Council would adjourn; in answer to "which, ' The Provincial Secretary said that, as there would not be sufficient business for next day, he 1 would move an adjournment till Monday. The Council accordingly adjourned till that day at the usual hour. wilsos's mill-dam bill. A select Committee of the Provincial Council, consisting of the following members—Mr. Ollivier, Chairman; Mr. Chas. Clark, Mr. Cox, Mr. Shand, and Mr. Hawkes—sat on Thursday last, to consider the above Bill. This Bill is the first that has been opposed since the commencement of the Canterbury Provincial Council. Mr. Louis appeared for the petitioner in favor of the Bill, viz., J. C. Wilson, Esq., C.8.; and Mr. Wynn Williams appeared to oppose the Bill on behalf of Mr. Wm. Walker Archer, and others. Mr. Louis objected to the counsel for the opposing petitioner appearing, on the ground that the petition had not been referred by the House to the Select Committee. Mr. Williams stated, on behalf of the opponents, that it was quite immaterial whether the objection was fatal or not, as the petitioner for the bill had not complied with the Standing Orders of the House,, and that whether the committee reported on the bill or not, it could not pass the second reading in the House in consequence of the iuformality referred to. This objection was admitted to be fatal, and Mr. Louis, on behalf of Mr. Cracroft Wilson, withdrew the bill from before the committee, and the bill is of course lost.