PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2022, 14 June 1867, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Thobsdat, Jdhi 13. . The Speaker took the chair at 1 a quarterpast five o'clock. , : Prayers were, read by the Very Rev the Chaplain. The following members were presentsMessrs Aynsley,i Barff, ! Bright, Brown,' .Buchanan,-; Davis, Delamain, Dixon, Duncan, Fyfe, Johnstone, Gray, Hall, Hawkes, Hargreaves, Hillyard, Hooi, Hornbrook, Jollie,. Knight, Lee, Matson, Montgomery, Moore,'brashy, "Potts; Rhodes, Sheath, Stewart, Tancred, Travers, Waeckerle, Walker, Whall, ~ WlluamY, "J." S., Williams, W. H. W., Wilson, and Wylde. The minutes of the previous sitting wert read and confirmed.

PAPSR, The opinion of the Provincial Solicitor with reference to Town Lands at Hokitika. CBEISTCHUROH BUILDING- ORDINANCE. Mr W. Wilson asked the Provincial Secretary whether it was the intention of the Government to endeavour to carry through the." Council during the present session the remaining clauses of the Christchurch Building Ordinance! He said that several clauses of the bill had been got through committee at previous sessions of the Council, but in consequence of the inability of the House to understand the meaning of an architectural terrain one of the clauses, the bill had been postponed for further information. It was of great importance to the city, and he hoped to hear that the Government would carry it through that session., ~ Mr Stewart Bald that if the Provincial Solicitor saw no objection to the bill, he hoped that it might be passed that session. The hon. member might take charge of the bill as Chairman of the City' Council. XSHLET BRIDGE. Mr Moore inquired what were the intentionsofthe Government with reference to 'purchasing the Ashley Bridge. He considered that the tolls were greatly in excess of what they should be.

Stewakt said the Government would make provision to reduce the present scale of tolls. - -■■ , HOKIHKA MVIB. )[ fI Mr Tkavees wished to/know what isEthej present condition of the pile and fascine works on the bank of the River Hokitika, between Sale and Brittan streets, and below the wharf; and of the breakwater, dam, and cuttiig above the town boundary on the same riyer, which are severally mentioned in Mr KtfChfort's report off the 18th May last. Mr said'that the pile 1 ; and fascine works stooat «iwered>the purpose of protecting the bank for which they were designed, and no system could be cheaper. As to the breakwater, dam, and other works, they alto remained firm, and acted beneficially in keeping the river in check. He was informed that after the spring freshets the

greater part of the water would take the new channel.' M \ \ V ; '\ ' k AUREUS OP CROWN OBANTS. 1 " Mr Travebs asked the Provincial Secretary if he could give any explanation why the arrears of Crpwn,grantß unprepared had increases 'during the eleven months ended on the 31st May last from 1640 to 2205, as appeared by returns No. laid on the table of fat. Council. He had been led to make this inquiry because he had observed that upwards of 500 Crown grants had been unprepared during the last eleven months over and. aljove!thosje th£n in ar)ear[ Moreover, the quantity of land under survey had decreased. Mr Stewakt stated that the arrears were due to the fact that a system of overtime "under which Crown grants were prepared, being found to be vicious, was suddenly -stopped, dt hadjwen thought advisable that : a sub-department shoula be created, to perform these duties, and the estimates had been .pjfiparelwith-a view tothe- creation of that department, which' wouldllbrih'g up all arrears, and keep pace with future require<'u'' 6RANr Tp'R#ip'WN. | ]Mr Barff asked tnil'PMVttjcial Secretary why the sum <bf 1 by this ftruction of a road toiloss, had, not been expended in the mariner 'in'reMed by. the Co|uh : clL ; fie said that two different Councils hajd'granted'the l s'um'n'amed for making a 1 'trWiroWthe'teH to'the town : ;.6f'Ebss,-Very-serioUß 1668 Of life Had occuired 'for want of this road. The district was one of jjhe mbsr important in"Westlamlj and cbn-~ tatnedsome three or four thousand inhalli-' Jants. There was no road, except one which ■followed the bed of the river, and this was after a day's rain. At one time, there had been' no communication between 'RJ»s and Hokitika for five days, provisions ran short, arid-nb malls' were delivered; but the most important reason for the construejiin of the road waa'the frequent loss of life 'jWhichoccurred... .. , ,-, . IMr Stewart said that tenders had been jnVitedfor'theconstruotion-of the road, and instructions had been given to commence and ,carry it out at once, The moment the , Government received thesurvey, they decided upon proceeding with the work, He had lafways understood that the river was not im- , passable for the length of time which had been described. ,

V; ! WUSTLAND FDBLIC HOUBB ORDINANCE. • Mr Babff asked the Provincial Solicitor whether it is the intentionjof the QoTernment to'introduce a Bill during .the present session tolamend the Weatland Public House Ordinance. H wanted amendment with regard to conditional licences, M 'in' teTeral other mitten. , , r .,., p J. 8. Williams said it wag not the Intention of the .Government (to, interfere, but he should be happy to confer with any of the on the subject.,.; ! ACCLIMATIZATION. Mr Hau,-without noticerbefgedywitlr the nefmhstowof the House) tb caTl ittentioa to I (hi expendituwdf the irote to the Aoclima* tfcatiottSooletiy. i'lthad Ween-the iuafottvito Vote small sums' for aebllmatliatidn purports, 1 and alsoior- the DomilD' Board. •• la pdriuanceiof'thispwctice, JCBOO had'been 1 Yotedtfr thd Acclimatization Society i' but by some mysterious ihsahs -£1 SO' of 'this amount' bad bekdrawmbyithe'DoinainßoaM.anddebltedi to ilie AcclimatiiationPoclety. - ! He thought that an unintentional wrong had been florie to theAMlimatfeatimvSioiety.<>i • ■•' •> ■> 'i MrSiEWAWsaidthat 1 -tht'mistake would: appear" to-hare i kriebn from;the ifact tint the] Domain "Board' Had expended'a certain' ipth which had been! deducted from tbe ! Tot« to the AcolimitlzationSticletyi 'This mistake; hao* alWibeen'gif eft force ti(by theProTinciil

Auditor having placed certain sums expended by the Domain Board to the debit of the vote to the Acclimatization Society. In the estimates, certain sums had been set down for the Domain Board j from that sum Should W deducted the amount due to the Acclimatiza- . , tion Bociety, If on inquiry, the fadts as stated ' should turn out correct. ' AaKicci/rimAi; return. Mr Hall moved, "That.it Is desirable steps should be taken with as little delay ai possible to ascertain the quantity of wheat, oats, and barley, which has been grown in this province during the year ending 28th February last." It was wellknown that the agricultural interest was suffering a.great depression, and he thought that the collection of tho statistics named would be very useful. .Shortly after harvest large quantities of grain, were pouredkto the market, which gave rue to the suspicion that a largo surplus of grain existed over and above the requirements of the province. Several persons derived considerable benefit, from this, and, as prices fell, large expo'r'tatioris took place; but as soon a deficiency, was felt, prices rose, and importations of flour took place, at great, loss to the unfortunate farmer, and loss' to the province. The return he had 1 asked for would operate as! a salutary check upon this, and r be of great benefit both to the farther and tho province Heihad not indicated the machinery by which such statistics might be collected, as he would leave that to the Government, but he thought that the police might be advantageously employed to do so. The expense would be slight by the mode he had indicated, but he might be told that it was not the business of the police; to which he would say if it was, not their business, he would get some who would make it their business. Moreover, if the information were speedily and accurately collected, some small gratuity might be 'given. Only let the farmer know that the information was conducive to his interests, and the information would be speedily and cheerfully given. Mr Wraoii coincided with the motion, but suggested that, so far as regarded the north of the province, the Agricultural Association would obtain the information much better and cheaper than by any other mode. ; Mr Jollie thought the motion should extend to a-future; time, and suggested the month of December in each year j and that the return should 1 include the acreage of each .description-of grain, so that the farmers might know what quantity of grain was available for export..., Mr Lee said there was no doubt about the urgency of such a return. The Agricultural Association ,|Was,, the best machinery that could.'be, employed,, as they had greater, facilities for' acquiring the information. It was desirable that statistics of root-crops should also be obtained; Mr Siewart said' the Government had anticipated the motion, and had been in communication with the Commissioner of Police Upon it. He thought that, with the assistance of the Agricultural Association and the Road Boards,;very little difficulty would be experienced in getting the statistics. The expenses need not be very great, but any small sum in : furtherance of the object the Government would be glad to give. Mr Whall wished the return to include

the quantity of cereals and provisionimported into Westland from foreign ports. He considered the province ought to supply Westland with'such' commodities, which wpuld be thC case if it ! were known that supplies could be sent there at regular prices. Mr'J.''S; : WiLtiAMS said it was verypossible to obtain what the hon. member wanted, but he should move for a .return to be laid on

the table. The hon. member for Selwyn had suggested that the number of acres under crop should be ascertained; this he believed would'be included in the triennial cenbus, which 1 would be taken in December next. Mr Travers' opinion was that the return should be made under the authority of an ordinance. The Road Boards might be made use of, and a more satisfactory and reliable .return would be, obtained. It was far more expedient to obtain'the required statistics in the month of December in each year. I Mr Hall replied: It was no doubt desirable that thereturns should be obtained every year, and under the authority of an Ordinance, but the information he had asked for would still be of more service if got quickly than

ue more./elaborate < agricultural statistics which some members seemed to desire, The case was urgent, and he hoped that the motion Would pas's in its simpler and easier form. With regard to the census, the information under it only extended to the number of acres under crop, which was of small importance compared to the yield of each crop, which was the chief point to he ascertained. : The motion was carried.

' CHAIEMAN OF COMHITTEEB. Mr wj,ed .that Mr, James Wylde bp appointed to this office. He had been a memberof that Council from six to eight years, and his abilitfes and knowledge of the rules of the Home would enable him to conduct the business of the House in committee satisfac-toriJ3r.-)v[l-;. 7 - f .-;,[;,.ji : ..•..••■„.,;.: ;/-i •;.■•. Mr Leb 'seconded the motion, which was carried dianimously; >■■'>■ : j-.-ioti'-.Jfu-; EEPLT TO THE ADDRESS. , Mr.Bitia&T moved'that a respectful address be presented to bis Honor the Superintendent, in reply to Ma Honor's speech. He said he would-noT^eSun 7 th'eHouse'with any lengtt ened observations on the reply to the address, which he thought could not elicit any difference of opinion, or lead to any angry debate. In consenting to move that reply, he wished to guard himself from'any loss of independence of position in that Council, which hie would always desire to maintain. In other arid older countries it might be desirable on ■such an occasion to test the strength of poli -tidal parties, but it.would.be absurd in their cape,' 1 where 'they 1 had no parties or party politics. They were sent thereto deal practically, and to the best of their ability with measures for the welfareof the, prorince. It was'becoming for tliat Council to congratuilkte his Honor upon ,his address, and upon ibis) endeavours to promote the prosperity of prorince;, hear.).. The hon. member then read the reply to 1 the address as iojlows:— , "The Council thank yonr Honor for the 'Address with which; you hare opened the present session of this Council. " The Ooun'circordially join with your Honor in congratulations to the prorince and the | colony at large,upon the successful establish-1 ment of communication between the port and the plains by means of the tunnel through the hills..

"The._Councilare fully alive to.the benefits to be,conferred;upon the province by the bridging of the River Rakals, and will attentively consider any plan'laid before them for that purpose. "The Council are gratified by the information that a perfectly practicable line of railway can be carried to the West Coast. The Council, however, concur with your Honor that the undertaking is far beyond our means at present. '< • '■'• ■'>•■■' ■'

"The, Council.will, on an early day, consider and decide upon the provisional contract 'entered into bj your Honor for the purchase of the Peacook Wharf property. ; 4'The Council agree with your Honor that the Northern line of railway be proceeded irith, whenever the funds at the disposal of the Government are aufftcient to Justify sich an undertaking. "The Council concur with your Honor that the consolidation ; of all provincial loans will hajre a material and beneficial effect upon the sale of our unrealiiiedieouritiea, care being had to from any coniourrence in meaiures which may preju* tooially affect iti interests; >■■ f The Council are gratified to find that the reports of the Westland Commission and the tuning Conference will be laid before them; and that'teiolutlons on the subject o'f the sale and occupation of land within the goldfields will be submitted for their acceptance, 1 "f ThejCQunciUs<dprocateyour Honor's hop* that their endee.TQurs.roay be productive of lasiiDggoodtothaproyinoe," ' The reply committed the Home to no line of policy, and he thought it would be inconvenient to discussion upon.any question as the pur'Cha|ie of Peacock's Wharf. If they confined ■themselTes to the expression, of a desire to ; t*ke into careful consideration the subjects

mentioned it would be aUthatwlTiiZ' He regretted that the CouShSnclT 7 ' called at,an earlier date, as the fatiSi eea so short at which the Genii? 7* 1 * M would meet. : H. would pS .business of the year transaS t on? Z ? to be called at a suitable time C n Ion .! would po doubt, join in his Hon?, ?™ cil lion of regreUtthe commercial dipSE* and alsQjoin in concerting such meaS s a ' would bf!conduc.ve to the prosperity o '£ province. Speaking as a representative of the West Coast, he might be excused in »v mg that he was disappointed that th« affairs of Weitland were so s t£ mentioned in his Honor's speech. There »« a vast difference between the two sides of Z province a* regards trade; the amount connbuted to the revenue was far in excess nf thatof the East, the gold export l?Jl maintained; there was no indication of. failing goldfield; but,on the contrary fromthe recent discovpies, it was evident that an at of flourishing goldflelds was about id commence. Yet it would seem as if the affairs of Westland had been thrown into the back ground. One section of the speech expressed" a hope that the present Constitution may not be superseded by another system. His views were to maintain the provincial system in it« integrity. The interests of the provinces were so diverse, that it was impossible for one General Government to govern them all aatu. factorily. If separation took place, then one Central Government could be looked forward to for the Middle Island, and large powers might be given to municipal institutions. He moved that the reply be adopted, Mr Hilltabd in a few words seconded the motion.

The House went into committee upon the address.

Mr Belfield moved as an amendment -'•Thatyhe House is glad to observe that a sum of money has been placed on the estimates for carrying out the proposal I of Mr Balfour for the protection of Timaru roadstead, and trusts that the harbour works at Timaru, being of somach importance to the residents of the south part of the province, should be no longer delayed."

Mr Dixoh moved that the words, "If funds are available for that purpose," should be added to the amendment.

Mr Stewart supported the amendment of the hon. member for Mandeville. He thought the breakwater at Timaru was a necessary work, but he did not think that the Government would be justified in undertaking the work at present. If. the amendment were carried in its original shape, it might be construed into a desire of the Council, to carry out that work without any reference to the requirements of other portions of the province.

Mr Belfield said if they would only let them have the three-eighths of the Customi revenue, it would be sufficient to carry out the works at Timaru. They could not trust the Government in anything relating to that part of the province.

Mr Montgomery said that was no time for the Council to pledge itself. (Hear, hear!) It was not the time to affirm that any sum of money should be devoted to a special object. Mr Stewart said it would be committing the House to a line of action from which there could be no divergence. Mr Travers supported the amendment of the hon. member for Timaru. He said that the speech of His Honor affirmed a principle when it stated "I trust that the financial position of the prt» vincewill no longer delay the prosecution of , the work." There was doubt expressed of the ability to carry out a work which was stated to be one of great necessity. Had his Honor refrained from expressing that doubt, he should have allowed the matter to pass over' in silence; but when His Honor reserved the power of withholding expenditure when .voted, he could not do so. When ■». work was recognised as one of necessity, and the council, voted a sum of money for that work, it should be done. (Hear, hear.) The Estimates must he brought forward, in such a form as would leave no doubt as to themode in which the money was to be expended, but a vague system would not do. If it rested with the Government to spend the money as they liked, the functions' of that House were at an end. The principle must be affirmed that when his Honor thinks a work oneof extreme necessity and an'appropriation was made for it by that Council, the work must be carried out.

Mr Hall Baid itjm not an uncommon practice by'some ptfliucians of misrepresenting the views and opinions of their'opporiente. One particular party had thought it right to discuss what the intentia'ns'of the' General Government were. It bad been stated in the public press, and by one journal which ought to hare known better, that a measure was being prepared by the General Gorernment which proposed' to'abolish prorincial institutions.. ' Thede rumours had probably given rise to the paragraph in his Honor's"" speech; What the ' General Gorernment proposed to do, was to bring forward an efficient measire for local gorernment of those districts to which provincial institutions noloDger applied. That was what the General Government was doing, and he hoped.it would succeed. When local self-governmiht became more localised than what it was, then Provincial Governments would die out-4heir mission'would be'accomplished, fie wiaHed to dispel the mistaken notions which had beeSa so industriously circulated among the people of New Zealand.. -- After Borne further remarks relative to the terminatioroftheflnaneial year, the "reply to the Address, 83 amended, was reported to the House and passed.

The Council then adjourned for a quarter of an hour.

THE 80DTH1BK BAILWAT. Mr Walkbb moved for a return of all lahds which hare been given to or bought by Messrs Holmes and Co., in satisfaction of their olaims under the provisions of the contract for the Southern Railway.

Mr Stiwabt remarked that the motion was irregularly worded. Mr Wtlde thought that returns should not be multiplied' unnecessarily, however desirous jt might be to obtain satisfactory information. Ample had already been given in' the papers laid upon the table.

The resolution was carried.. , CORRESPONDENCE pN -THE 80DTHK8N ' "RiILWAT.' " Mr Walker that' copies of all correspondence between the General Gorernment and the ProTincial GoTernment, on the subject of payment for the Southern Railway in land, be laid on the table! fie thought it highly desirable that the required correspondence should be laid upon the table. Mr Stewart replied that the Gorernment had not the power to grant land, in the manner alluded to by the hon. member. The motion was carried.

GEOLOGIST'S piriSTHBHT. I MrTitiTKBS moved that a plan shewing the area of the rooms occupied b) the Provincial Geologist in tbe Government buildings be; laid upon the table of the Council. He observed that the contents of the public collection possessed by the prorinoe were almost ■inaccessible to the public,although the area of the room allotted to them was larger than' that appointed for the same purpose at Wellington. On the question being put, Mr Hill said that it was very desirable to givje the public an opportunity of inspecting the; collection, which was one of the most valuable in the colony. Mr Snwißi remarked that the Government had had favourable offers for building », musem. The only reason of the delay in building a museum for the reception of the col|ection had been owing to the financial depression which had so generally, prevailed, He| hoped that the existing want would soon bepupplied. Mr Traykrs disclaimed any intention of imputing bhme to the Government. His cw object was to enable the public to have free access to view the collection. _ " The motion was carried.

CHOBOH PBOFEBTT TBCST. Mr Tbayebs mored that a Select Committee be appointed, consisting of Messrs George Leslie Lee, E. Jollie, W. Wilson, the Provincial Solicitor, ,mover, tp(conlidfcr and report upon- the petition of, the Bishop of Christchurch' and; others for leave to bring in a bill, in,iitus 'tffh'e Church Pro-

,w Trust Amendment Bill, 1867," with JS« to call for papers and persons. motion having been, seconded was OBMNANOB-AHBNBMBNT BILL.Mr jj Si'WttUAMS moved,.the second Jdtor of:'tho: SheV Ordinance,- 1886, !, 1867. .He pointed out zl 6 technical:defects.in the'.existiiig.OrLance, * nich the R r °P° sed Amendment Ordinance waß i ntended t0 rectif y- ... The bill was read a i second time, and the House went into committee to consider the' clauiei. :The bill passed through committee gnd iras reported to the House.

jKSCINO ORDINANCE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE. Ur J. S. Williams moved the second reading of this bill. MrLsii thOught that the bill should be withdrawn for' the present, and one drawri up by a select committee appointed to consider the! subject substituted. He should give notice for the appointment of such a committed. : ' jltOrmsbt endorsed the views of Mr Lee. Mr DricoN coincided in the views of the two previous speakers. : Mr J. S. Williams urged that it was desirable that all the provisions of the existing Ordinancb should be consolidated into one. Be approved of the suggestions of Mr Lee as to the appointment of a select committee to consider the proposed amendments. A consolidated I bill might be brought in next session. Hislonly reason for pressing the present committal of the bill was a desire to comply with the requirements of the General Government. J ! ■ . ; : ■ The House vent into committee on the bill, which was passed through committee, and was reported to the House. H£ATHCOTE BRIDQKB BILL.

, On the motion of Mr J. S. Williams, this , bill was read the third time and passed. Notices of motion having been given, the Hoiise adjourned until the following day (Friday),'at noon.

NOTICES OF MOTION.

Fbiday, Jons 14

Mr Wilson, to ask the Provincial Secretary—"Whether the jGovernment intend to bring into the Ciuncjl during the present session an Ordinance empowering the Government to sell to adjoining land purchasers the road reserves, where not .required, along the margin of unnayigable rivers in this province, making it a condition of the purchase that such buyers shall keep the river opposite their respective properties free from obstruction by water-cress, or other objectionable weedi." I

Mr Whaii, to ask the Provincial Secretary—"TvTij the| promise giren,to the Provincial Council during the; last session, to fence the cemeteries in not been fulfilled." ■" Mr MoIsroOMBEY, to ask the Secretary for Public Works—" When he expects tho screw-pile jetty at Ly ttelton will. be completed." Mr BiHfc, to. move—"That in the opinion of tMs Council it is highly desirable that a system of telegraphic money-orders should be established as s<ggi as possible on the lines of telegraph under the control of the Provincial Government." Contingent onthe above resolution being carried, to move—" That an address, containing a copy of the resolution, be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, praying him to take the necessary steps to carry the resolution into effect as soon as possible." 1 Mtßabjp, to move—"That it is the opinion of this Council that all public works in; Westland should be thrown open for public competition by. duly Mlhiriied tenders." j move—"For copies of all correspondencejhat has passed between the _ Port Officer of the province, the Manager- of the Timaru landing Service, and the! Government .with' reference to the protection vro&s now being carried on for the protection: of the Government landing shed." .

UF'Wznr'WntiliES,to move—" That of Mrrespfndence between the General Government and (Provincial Government, with regard to. theHokitika Municipal Council Ordinance, be laid'. ' ~ :. \ *s ' \ '■■■-.. ; :* v" o •'-?' .';' '' lfrjV7HAiai,tomove-r"For.a return showing the Sstanee of track cut by the Surveyor and staff fwmißutherglen, atjthe time the; work has beenonhand." I Mr w4iiX| to move—-" For • returns of joimes' and number of labourers employed under .each' surveyor the service of tW Provincial Govern-: meat m with the vouchers jfor th'q paj- '. meat of salaries to the same, since tlie'3otH:day oFj June, 1886V 7 ■- : j -l '?■-■■ "X:- : : Mr Biarafi to mover-"That Ms Honor the 6aperintonde«t-be««peetfuny tequetted-tomaka the resa^„ofJand.contained in the following.' description:—Beserve for grafel fbr.ba'Uastulg. purposes, j four- acres, tjwo sixteen perches, niorefl less, situate m^thV'Lmiiobi''dis<; trict, comiaenongat seventeen rniles'thirty-thiee* caainsonlthe fiottthemiEaawajr, thence north-1 easterly, the said railway a distance of 23 chains, and extending! back north-westerly a distanceoorf r two chains in i rectangular block, being bounded on the south-jwest by a road.' 1 " - v :~ -■ - '-' : Mr Gk>. Lbshi lb a: select committej}, be appointed, to lideration'the several fencing and cattle trespass" Ordinances at'ipresent in force, with a : yieir to their repeal ana the enactment of a consolidated CattleTropasraridFencing.Ordinance" x'-_ •'■■ '•■ Mr Hiii to move—"That the correspondence between duProrincdal Gfvemment and MrDoyne, on the iubject-of "the construction, of the Great BouthemSailvay,M 6n the table : during the last seanon of |he be-ordered:, to be printed."| \ ;>; - ■,• ]•'■?.-V~. ? Mr Sibwam to rflwe^ rt of the reserves temperarilyimade';.by his. Honor the Supermtendentjlnnce last session?'" : : - '> "'■'■:.