Marlborough Provincial Council.

Marlborough Express, Volume VI, Issue 296, 10 June 1871, Page 6

Marlborough Provincial Council.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 1871. We resume the debates on the Estimates at the point where we lett off in our last. We then published the items as passed, so that the following will appear in the order they occurred, but others which did not excite remark intervened, which we need not repeat.Wharf Picton £6OO. —

Mr Hodson enquired whether the Government intended purchasing the hulk at Port Underwood; He had seen and been on board the hulk, and thought with others who were more experienced than himself in such matters, that a very good wharf might be constructed with it.His Honor Mr Seymour stated that the hulk was under offer to the Government for £l9O delivered at Picton. He- had been unable yet to visit it, but if it was suitable, he had no doubt it would fee a more economical mode of repairing the wharf than by continuing to spend £500" or £6OO every four or five years in replacing piles. From an estimate that had been prepared it would require £BOO to repair the wharf with piles, while with the assistance of the hulk, £6OO was all that was required, and future repairs would cost far less than by the other plan. The item passed. Dray Road from the Landing-place to Canvas Town £SOO. /

Mr Douslin objected to the money being spent on this road. The only persons who would be bonefitted would be Mr Wilson and his colleague (Mr Rutland.) The landing-place was only one nominally, the greater portion of goods went to Canvas Town by the Pelorus River, and £IOO spent on clearing snags therein, would be of far more practical use than £SOO on the road, which would take £IOOO at least before any good was done, and then only benefit one or two persons. He would like to see £IOO spent in removing snags from the rivei', £2OO on the road between Canvastown and the Pelorus Bridge, and £2OO on the Kaituna Road, but he supposed the Standing Orders would not permit such an amendment. Mr Sinclair thought the sooner’’the Standing Orders were altered the better if no amendments were allowed, excepting the raising or reducing of items, and spoke in favor of Mr Douslin’s motion.

Mr Robinson was much surprised at the item, and should certainly prefer £IOO being spent on the river to £SOO being thrown away on the road. Mr Ward thought it would tend to cheapen the diggers provisions, as it would enable them to pack. Mr Hodson did not think so, as the landing-place had been abandoned. His Honor said it was probable a large quantity of land would be sold this year in the district, and it would be but fair if so, to do something to the road. It would be the first link in the road to the Rgi, Valley,, It would open up the Pelorus, tmTßai Valley and the diggings, and might ultimately be carried to Havelock, and it was on the main line of road to Nelson. But the Government did not intend to spend that sum of money unless a considerable amount was received for land. As for removing snags from the river they might be back next week. A division then took place which resulted in the passing of the item, the Chairman giving the casting vote. Ayes B—Messrs Seymour, Conolly, Carter, Coulter, Ward, Turner, Dodson, Baillie. Noes 7—Messrs Western, Blick, Douslin, Robinson, Hodson, Sinclair, Chaytor.

Refund of Publican’s Licenses £IOO. —

Mr Robinson asked when the money would be handed over to the Education Board. His Honor implied that it would be done with the least possible delay. Mr Sinclair asked if the amount applied to licenses due from last June or from June 1871. His Honor replied only from June 1871. Mr Goulthr stated that the amount of Publican’s Licenses as a rule amounted only to £BOO, but £IOOO had been placed on the estimates to allow for a possible increase. The item then passed. Bridle track south of Kahutera £3OO. His Honor explained that it was rumored that the Telegraph Department intended shifting the line to the coast, and it would be better for the Government, if obliged, to be in a position to make a road which the Telegraph Department might use, than leave them to make and charge for it where and how they liked, in which case it might be of no further use to any one.

Work done by Mr Davis £so.

Mr Ward stated that this was an electioneering dodge of the late Superintendent, who ordered the work at the time of the last election. Mr Davis was to get £IOO for the job. He knew it was a dodge from a conversation he had had with Mr Davis, who then asked him, supposing the Superintendent were not returned, if he would be paid. Mr Western supported the truth of Mr Ward’s assertion. He also had conversed with Mr Davis about his vote, who told him frankly how he was going to vote and why. Mr Conolly said the matter was clear enough. £IOO worth of land had been promised for work which Mr O’Sullivan valued at £34 10s. Mr Seymour however valued it at more, and £SO had been placed on the estimates. Mr Sinclair said it was very unfair to attack an absent member. Mr Ward and another —“ Why is he absent f’ Mr Sinclair asked if the dray road to Ganvastown was not an electioneering dodge. (Laughter.) Captain Baillie said that had Mr Davis carried out the contract he would have well earned the £IOO. Item carried. Thursday, June 1, 1871. Present :• The" Speaker, His Honor the Superintendent,- Messrs- Conolly, Carter, Chador, Western, Ward, Turner, Rutland, Baillie, Robinson, Douslin.-

Mr Turner presented a petition from Messrs' Bowden of Queen Charlotte Sound asking compensation for land taken from them by the General Government. « PUBLIC ROOM, MARLBOROUGH TOWN. ! Mr Sinclair moved that be placed on /the estimates towards the erection of a public /room at Marlborough Town. He felt it was \ hardly acting fair to the Government in asking ;for it, without shewing where it was to come / from, but he considered it would be the most ’ beneficial money that could be laid out, as there was no place for public meetings in the neighborhood. He was not there in opposition, but as one of a crew with hard wOrk before them, and hoped they would somehow or other get the money which would yield a valuable crop. He was willing to leave the control of the property in the hands of the Government. It might be turned into a school, or place of worship for all ! denominations, and for public meetings, without having to go to public-houses, for elections, &c. ; he felt he had no right to ask it, but he trusted to the large hearts of tha Council to grant it. A quarter-acre had been acquired for a site, so there would be no obstacle. Captain Baillie seconded the motion.

Mr Ward supported the motion on the understanding that it was for a -school, looking at the recent Education Act, the inability of the Board to provide one, and the number of children growing up thereabouts. Were it only for a hall, he would not give it ten pounds, as there would be demands springing up from every little group of houses calling itself a town. He distinctly understood it was to be used for a school.

His Honor Mr Seymour said the Government ■would agree to it on condition that the public subscription would be sufficient to complete it, and thas it be vested either in Trustees or the Government. He wished it to be clearly understood that as to its use as a school, or place of worship they would have nothing to do with it, but for the purpose of providing convenience for’ meetings, &c., they were undoubtedly interested.

Captain Baillie thought a school was one of the most desirable objects it could be used for. Mr Seymour said the Government took the position that so far as their duty went, was to see that it was vested in Trustees for public meetings and election purposes, but they did not give it on account of schools, as they had handed their care over to another body. Mr Sinclair thanked them for their remarks on the subject, and pledged himself that the room should be for public purposes, and would leave the appointment of Trustees with the Government. The vote was carried. /

INSPECTOR OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. Mr Sinclair moved that the sum of be placed on the estimates as salary to the Inspector of Weights and Measures. A few years ago £SO was voted for the predecessor of the present holder of the office when he had little to do : now there was need for the office, but while sureties were required there was no salary for it. Now, when we read in the newspapers of the deficiencies in weight of bread and other matters —and right they were—their inspection was required as a satisfaction to the public. It was a just measure, and he therefore asked that a salary should be set down for the sendee. Captain Ballie seconded, as if we had such an officer we should pay him for holding such a disagreeable office, but at the same time he would like to see a return of the number of weights and measures tested, given each session.Mr Douslin asked if it was a duty to visit the outlying districts periodically with the stewards, as in reply to a request made by the Havelock Board of Works, they were informed that they wore not allowed to leave the office, which rendered them useless, so far as the country districts were concerned.

Mr Seymour said he was not in a position to answer the question, but was not aware of anything to prevent them, only their conveyancewould necessitate an outlay. The duties were very light, and there could be no considerable inspection on account of the expense. If it was necessary to take the weights, &c., round to the various selling localities it would involve considerable expense, in which case the duties would have to be confided to some other than the present holder of the office on account of the time it would take. If they were to go on as they were doing, it would not be necessary to vote a salary, as the present holder is the In-' spector of Police, and his pay was higher than any other in the force, because when he was raised it was intended that the Inspection of Weights should be added to it. The Government were not justified in continuing the service in its present form, but this was the first time he had heard of anyone wishing to have their weights examined. Mr Western could not see what the officer had to do if the weights could not leave the office. If they could there might be a chance of checking the weight of bread and other things, but he certainly could not agree to the motion if his duty was simply to watch over a lot of weights. Mr. Carter suid that if an advertisement was issed, (calling on dealers to send their weights through here on a given day, there would be little hardship. Mr. Rutland’ said the usual way was to have two sets, one to remain and the other to be carried about. It would be a great hardship to have to send them through here for testing, and it would not be of any use in the case of weighing machines.

Captain Baillie pointed out the Act of General Assembly regulating the duties of the office. Mr. Seymour said the Act was so voluminous that with the pressure of business they had before them, it was impossible for the Government to consider'it then. He would ask the mover to withdraw the motion, as the member for Havelock had opened up a large question which was impossible to deal with at present. The Government would ascertain how far the Act could be made useful, and would make arrangements as to expense, trusting to the Council to endorse them at a future meeting, l Mr Sinclair said that after the satisfactory explanation of the Superintendent he would do so most willingly. Motion withdrawn. VEIiORUS' RIVER. "Y Mr. Douslin moved that £IOO be placed on’ V the Estimates for removing snags in the Pelorus 1 /

river. He brought it forward in connection with : two others, and would move that the sum of | £SOO passed yesterday bo struck out conditionI >ally with these passing. Many small settlers / 1 wouhAo benefitbed if the snags were removed, aadjesuggested that the remaining £4OO should be paid to the Road Board, for the Kaituua and ' Pelorus roads, in which case he would abandon the others. He would also consent to the understanding that the payment should be in land. Mr. Sinclair seconded.

Mr, Seymour said it would perhaps be more advisable to take the discussion on the Estimates than now, and with that understanding would allow the motion to pass without objection. The motion was carried. KAITUNA VALLEY ROAD. Mr. Dousllin moved that £2OO be placed on the Estimates for repairing dray road through Kaituna Valley. Mr Robinson seconded. Mr Sinclair suggested that the division on all these items be taken on the estimates. Motion passed. BRIDLE TRACK TO CANVASTOWN. Mr Douslin moved that the sum of .£2OO on the estimates for improving the bridle-road between Canvastown and Pelorus Bridge, Mr Robertson seconded, and the motion was carried. Ws HAVELOCK WHARF. Jr** Mr Douslin moved £2OO on the estimates for extending the Wharf at Havelock. Mr Robertson seconded. Mr CONOLLY understood the motion as not binding on the Government to vote for it on the estimates. The motion was carried. ROAD TO TOPHOUSE. Mr Ward moved £2OO for the purpose of making a dray road from the Lower Traverse trill and Wairau Vally to the Tophouse, on the Same conditions as the former. Motion carried. PICTON COUNTY BOARD. Mr Western moved £SOO on the estimates for the assistance of the Picton County Board. Captain Baillie seconded. Mr. Conolly said he would raise no objection, leaving the discussion as before. TELEGRAPH MAINTENANCE.

Mr. Seymour moved—“ That the Council requests Messrs. Eyes, Kenny, and Ingles, members of the House of Representatives, to urge upon the ministry the injustice of the present system of charging the expenses of the Telegraph department to Provincial revenue, and the great loss which this province in particular sustains thereby ; and to take such steps as may be necessary to have the whole of the telegraph expenditure made a colonial charge by special enactment; and that the Speaker be requested to forward a copy of this resolution to each of those gentlemen.” He said he need not dilate on the necessity of getting this charge made colonial. The line was about 200 miles long over a very rough country, and the expense of maintaining it during the last year was a little under 10s. per head of the population; taking the last four months it was a little over 4s. It was a most excessive charge on this Province, and very unfair, as the line connected all New Zealand, and the benefits were therefore colonial. The inhabitants of Marlborough do not benefit more th an those of other provinces, but on account of its great length it became an excessive burden, and largely reduced the capitation grant. He had several times Iwritten to the General Government who had promised every consideration, but that was not enough, and it required our members to wait personally on the Government, and sue unremittingly until they got the grievance remedied. Mr Sinclair said no further arguments need be used than those of the Express on the subject. He could not believe that the Legislature had ever intended to localise the charges. He hoped the gentlemen who had seats in another house would use their best efforts also. Mr Ward said that with reference to two of the gentleman named, it must have been an oversight on their part, and they ought to have seen how the Act affected our interests. Mr Hodson asked what the rate would be in other Provinces ? Mr Seymour could not tell, his own ealcula-

tion was based on the accounts of the Province ;

it could only bo ascertained by reference to each oOhe others, but taking the population of the at 250,000, if the charge was at the same rate in"all the Provinces, the total would be largely in excess of the costs. It was intended to remove a portion of the lino, and he had just learned incidentally of a new station being opened at Kekerangu. If they were not consulted about these additional sources of expense they had no check ; here was a local institution started without considering the Province, which had to pay for it. Mr Sinclair understood that the expense of the station at Kekerangu beyond its revenue, was to be made up by those using it. Mr Chaytor explained that some time ago, the inhabitants of the district applied for a station, for which a guarantee of £l2O was asked, which they declined. Latterly, however, Mr Lovegrove had received a message asking if he still held to his offer of a room free for the use of the operator, to which he replied in the affirmative. He believed the reason why the station had been formed was because it was a long line over rough country for repairing. That might be a good reason for making a station, but none why the Province should be put to so much expense. The motion was then passed. LUNATICS AND PAUPERS.

Mr Conolly moved a recommendation to place on the Estimates a special order for £165 9s 2d for expenditure since February last, nearly all of which was for charitable purposes, as lunatics and paupers, in excess of the vote of Council. Mr Sinclair seconded, and the motion was passed. The Blenheim and Renwick Road Diversion Bill .was read a third time. The Council then adjourned till afternoon. APPROPRIATION BILL.

Mr Seymour laid the Bill on the table, and moved the suspension of Standing Orders to allow it to pass through all its stages, which was carried. " ■ In reply to Captain Baillie, Mr Seymour said the Government did not intend to place any sum on the estimates for opening the Rai Valley. The only way available was under “The Waste Lands* Act,--1867.-

The Council then went into Committee on the Estimates, Captain Baillie in the chair. [ Our reporter being unavoidably absent, during the remainder of the afternoon, we are obliged to the News for the report of the further proceedings, slightly corrected.] pelorus river. A long discussion took place on the item £l3O for removing snags from the Pelorus River.—Mr Douslin and Mr Rutland strongly urging the desirability of the work, which would be more beneficial to the district than any expenditure it would be in the power of Government to make on the dray road ; and that water carriage would always be preferred on account of its cheapness.—ln reply to Mr Ward, Mr Rutland said he did not believe that floods would cause other snags to impede the traffic. The Road Board had 54 miles of road to maintain and only £154 of rates. —Mr Douslin said that if this item were passed he would withdraw the other two items, or consent to the amount being taken from the £SOO for the dray road.— Mr Conolly would not consent to any such bargain. The question should be decided on its merits ; such a bargain would bo degrading to the Council. —Mr Ward could see nothing degrading in it, if it was for the advantage of the district and of the province. The two members were in favor of the plan.—Mr Rutland asked if Government were prepared to give the £SOO. —Mr Seymour said that the question would involve a certain amount of care and caution, as Road Boards were now constituted.—-Messrs Sinclair, Robinson, and Turner were in favor of the item, which was agreed to. KAITUNA ROAD. On the item .£2OO for repairing the dray road through Kaituna Valley being put, a long discussion ensued. The item was lost on a division. Ayes, 4—Messrs Douslin, Rutland, Western, Robinson. Noes, B—Messrs8 —Messrs Seymour, Conolly, Chaytor, Carter, Sinclair, Goulter, Ward, Turner. CANVASTOWN ROAD. The item of £2OO for the road between Canvastown and Pelorus Valley was negatived on a division. Ayes, 4—Messrs Douslin, Rutland, Robinson, and Western. Noes, 7—Messrs Seymour, Conolly, Carter, Chaytor, Sinclair, Goulter, Turner. HAVELOCK WHARF. This item of £2OO for extending the wharf at Havelock, was also negatived on a division. Ayes, 2—Messrs Douslin, and Rutland. Noes, 7 —Messrs Seymour, Conolly, Carter, Chaytor, Sinclair, Goulter, Turner. Messrs Western, and Ward declined to vote. ROAD TO TOP HOUSE. On the item £2OO for making a road between Wairau Valley and Tophouse being put, Mr Ward said it was no new matter, as the subject had been before the Council on-former occasions, but owing to the financial state of the Province it had been withdrawn. There was no doubt that through the want of this road a great amount of trade with the Buller and other gold districts had been lost.—Mr Conolly was in favor of the item. If the work had been done years ago there would have been a trade with the S’ ’fields in their palmy days. They had not to give for the work, as in the Pelorus, but he hoped some arrangement would be made.— Mr Sinclair said they would, never bo able to compete with Nelson and other places, as it would be cheaper to send by water. —Mr Carter said if the road was opened, it would not only benefit the district, but the whole Province, and a part of the West Coast.—Mr Ward said it was a pity that charming women should speak in error. No doubt on former occasions Mr Sinclair had given them valuable information, but he was altogether at sea on this matter. It was well known that produce could bo conveyed cheaper from Marlborough to many parts of the West Coast than from Nelson if they took advantage of their position. There was a splendid place built at the lake by Mr Kerr for accommodation. The proposed road would place them in direct communication with the Upper Buller and tributaries, which diggings were at present wearing a lively aspect. As regarded sending their freight by sea it was all nonsense, for after reaching Westport it would have to be boated up the river at double the cost of land carriage. The trade with this Province now, with all "its drawbacks, was considerable, sheep and stock being sold in lots along the line of road, and it was their duty to afford it every possible facility. —Mr Douslin supported the motion. The road was the main line to the West Coast, and would tend to increase the population of their own diggings. He would like to know whether the payment was to be made in land or money.—Mr Conolly said he hoped that some arrangement would be come to. —Mr Douslin could not see why his motions had not received the same attentions.—The item was carried. PICTON COUNTY BOARD. Mr Western defended'the item £SOO for the Picton County Board. He said the district laboured under very great difficulties, as it got only £3OO for the maintenance of the entire road from the Ferry to Picton.—Mr Sinclair supported the motion.—Mr Seymour said he could not conceive how the Picton County Board could have greater difficulties than the County of Wairau, and other boards.—The item was lost on a division. Ayes, 4r—Messrs Western, Douslin, Rutland, and Sinclair. Noes, 6 Messrs Seymour, Conolly, Garter, Ward, Chaytor, and Goulter. The bill was then reported as passed through committee, and the Council adjourned. FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 1871. Present: His Honor the Superintendent, Messrs Conolly, Chaytor, Rutland, Western, Turner, Baillie, Paul, Hodsoh, Douslin, Carter, Blick, Sinclair, Ward. Mr Douslin’s motion for a recommittal of the estimates with a view to reconsidering the sum of .£SOO for road from Canvastown to Deep Creek,- lapsed. Mr Robinson’s motion asking the Government to'bring in a bill enabling the Trustees of the Cemetery to be elected by the people, lapsed, Mr Robinson entering the chamber a moment after it was called on. bowden’s petition.

Mr Turner moved for a select Committee on’ Messrs Bowden’s petition, consisting of Messrs Seymour, Rutland, Ward, Hudson, and the mover. A committee had been granted in the former session, but owing to- circumstances' be-

yond his control, the petitioner was .unable to be present. He was now in town and ready to be examined. The case was one of peculiar hardship. * Captain Baillie said he knew the case to be a very hard one, the land having been taken from them by the General Government to recompense natives ; it was only right to afford them some compensation. The motion was carried. USE OF PROVINCIAL HALL. Mr Ward had given notice that he would move that it is not desirable that the Council Chamber be used for any purpose not of public business. On the motion being called by the Speaker, Mr Ward said he wished to withdraw it, as ho now found that the insurance of plans, &c., was nob affected by the use of the Hall by the Philharmonic Society. ELECTION OF SUPERINTENDENT BY THE PEOPLE. Mr Ward moved that it is not desirable that the Council should be deprived of its privilege of electing its own Superintendent as conferred by “The New Provinces Act, 1868.” Besides Mr Ward, Messrs Robinson, Con oily, and Carter took part in the debate, and on a division the numbers were : —Ayes, 0, Messrs Seymour, Conolly, Carter, Ward, Chaytor, and Rutland. Noes, 5, Messrs Paul, Blick, Robinson, Sinclair, and Douslin. Messrs Western, Baillie, Turner, and Hodson were in the anti-room, and declined to vote. As it is impossible to give the whole of the proceedings in this issue, we leave out this debate till next week. The Council went into Committee on the Scab Bill. The Chairman reported progress, after which the Council adjourned to 5 p.m. On reassembling, the Appropriation Bill was read a second time. ; went into Committee ; reported without amendment. The Council then adjourned. SATURDAY, JUNE 3rd. Present : The Speaker, His Honor the Superintendent, Messrs Conolly, Carter, Chaytor, Wal’d, Turner, Paul, Douslin, Sinclair, and Hodson. The Appropriation Bill was read a third time and passed. Mr Turner moved that the report of the Select Committee on Bowden’s petition be adopted, which was carried. Mr Seymour moved that the Council do now adjourn. Mr Ward asked the Superintendent if the Government intended to lay on the table any further information respecting payments in land for road works at Kaikoura, the management of which had been entrusted by the Superintendent and Executive to Mr Ingles, a member of the Executive. He was sorry that Mr Ingles was not in his place in the Council, to give an account of his stewardship, for it was currently reported out of doors that Mr Ingles had abused the trust reposed in him. He had asked the Government last session for returns of the work done, and of the land given in payment. Thereturns were now before them, but he was unable to make anything out of them, for they distinctly stated that some portions of the work might have been overrated, and other portions might have been omitted altogether. He should like' to" see a correct return published by the Government. The Speaker here ruled that Mr Ward was out of order.

Mr Seymour replied that all the information the Government could supply had already been laid upon the table. Mr Conoulv, speaking to a point of order, said that Mr Ward had every opportunity to place a notice of motion on the order paper, and had failed to do so. The member for Wairau Valley had waited until most of the members had gone to their homes, and had then introduced this discussion in an irregular manner. The Government had sent a competent person to Kaikoura to report on the works in question, and from that report the Government had no reason to believe that Mr Ingles had abused the power entrusted to him. There had been a great deal of talk and boldness out of doors, but he should like to see the same boldness displayed in Council by the member, for he had every opportunity to discuss the matter. Mr Seymour moved an adjournment till halfpast two o’clock. Mr Ward, in speaking to the amendment, said he could only say that he had waited for Mr Ingles’ appearance until the eleventh hour, for he disliked attacking an absent man, and if he had not given the Government due notice, it was entirely owing to the hurried manner in which the business of the session had been pushed through ; several members had been working night and day. If the Government would adjourn the Council until Tuesday, he would be prepared to go fully into the matter. The member for Picton had taunted him with a want of boldness; if the member for Picton wanted boldness, he did not know where he would find it elsewhere. He had no wish to embarass the Government, but it was very evident that the Government wished to screen Mr Ingles from the consequences which a full enquiry would entail on him. He could only say that while he had a seat in that Council his voice would always be raised against jobbery of all kinds, whether perpetrated by this or any other Government, and after what he had heard from men of standing, residents in the Kaikoura district, he believed that a full enquiry was necessary.

la the afternoon the same gentlemen were present except M essrs Conolly ami Ward, when the remaining clauses of the Scab Bill passed through Committee, after which the Bill was read a third time and passed. His Honor then prorogued the Council.