PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 44, 25 April 1866, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, ISG6. Tiie Speaker took the chair at 5 o'clock p.m. All the members were present except Mr. Dodson. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

MESSAGES FBOM THE SUPERINTENDENT. The Speaker announced the following messages from his Honor the Superintendent. ]S T o. 13— Forwarding at the request of fho Council copies of all correspondence relative to the appointment of a Constable at Motueka. No. 14 — Contained a proposal from Mr. Felix Wakefield to construct a macadamised road from Nelson wharf to Cobden. No. 15 transmitted an application from the Turnkey and Overseers of the gaol, for an increase, in their salaries. MOTIONS. Mr. Oliver moved, That his Honor the Superintendent be requested to place upon the Estimates the sum of £1,200, provided the revenue would admit, for the purpose of erecting a cart-bridge over the liiver Wai-iti, on the Great South Road. He said there was a considerable population that were interested in the improvement, at least 400. There was also a large trade which was increasing. The river was quite as dangerous as others over which bridges had been built, and he thought a strong case could be made out for the bridge in question. The improved state of the revenue was another reason in favor of the grant. Although the constitution of the Executive was theoretically imperfect, he was happy to say they seldom offered any obstruction to votes for local improvements. (Laughter.) Mr. Baigent seconded the motion, and referred to the narrow escape of a relative of Mr. .Redwood's from drowning in this river. The motion passed. questions. Mr. Simmonds asked the Provincial Secretary if it is the intention of the Provincial Government to erect a foot-bridge over the Wai-iti River, in the neighborhood of the Waimea Village, with the materials that remain of the small bridge removed from the Wairoa River. The Provincial Secretary said, the Government had given Mr. Kerr permission to use the materials, but no Government money was to be spent upon it. SIOTUEKA. RKSBRVES BILL. The Provincial Solicitor moved the third reading of this bill. The motion was agreed to, and the bill passed. Oedek op the Day. the estimates. On the motion of the Provincial Secretary, the house went into committee on the Estimates ; Mr. Kingdon in the chair. On the motion of Mr Barnicoat, the item 5,245/' for education, was postponed, till a petition had. been considered that was understood was about to be presented against the measure. Mr. Oliver objected to the item of 100? for collecting the education rate. Mr. Baigent thought the rate was very carelessly collected, and that a more complete return of defaulters ought to be made by the collectors. Mr. F. Kelling suggested the appointment of local committees as a check upon the collectors, and to report to the central board. Mr. McMahou asked the Provincial Secretary if this sum was in addition to the five per cent., and was answered in the negative. The Provincial Secretary admitted that the present, mode of collection was unsatisfactory, and would be glad to adopt a better system. The item was agreed to. Mr. McMahon moved an amendment to the item 1001 set down for the Provincial Agricultural Association. Me moved that the figures 100/, be struck, out, and insert 200/, with branch at Motueka. His object was to improve the country stock as suggested by Mr. Hed wood. (Laughter.) Mr. Gibbs suggested the addition of Motupipi and Takaka. Mr. Burn characterised the amendment as a farce. It was the duty of farmers to improve their own stock, und not the Government. As well might mechanics and tradesmen ask similar favors from the Government. Mr. h\ Kelling could not see why any particular favor should be shown to Motueka, and he thought the sum asked for was too great. Mr. Parker said, Motueka was the first to start such associations. It v.'as the centre ot a large agricultural population, who would be like-iy to derive great benefit from such a vote. It whs too much to expect the people ot Motueka to take their shows to the Waimea. If it was a farce to give such a vote to the- people of Motueka, it was equally so co give the vulti to i'.ny other district. JMr. lledwood complained that the Agricultural Association was doing very little good. He would vote for the increased sum if it was likely to stimulate the formers to greater exertions in competing for the prizes. He feared that a vote of 3oul or iOO/ would be necessary to make the prizes worth competing for. Mr. Baigent opposed the motion, on the 'ground that the Association had done no good bat to stimulate ploughing a little. Mr. Barnicoat contended that the Association had done some good, and, although asleep, ought not to be abandoned. He thought it desirable to stimulate the farmers of the district. It would he better tor Mr. McMahon to move a distinct sum for Motueka, which was worthy of support, but ought not to be mixed up with a provincial vote. Sir. Simmouds said he would vote for the amendment if money was voted lor an Agricultural Association at all. The Provincial Solicitor said, the Council had no power to make the grant, unless it were recommended by the Superintendent, tic would suggest that ihe amendment be withdrawn. Mr. McMahon expressed astonishn e.it at Mr. Burn's anti-progressive tendencies, and wished he would study political economy. Mr. Burn contended that he was acting on principles of political economy. true

The amendment -was withdrawn, and the item passed. A discussion ensued on the item £500 for a Steam Service, Bli:>d Bay. The Provincial Secretary said the Government were anxious to bring the Service into operation, but they had not yet succeeded. Mr. Barnicoat, could not see why so large a sum as 3,000/ should be set down for contingencies. As the Council had shown themselves anxious to indemnify the Superintendent for any expenditure he might think it his duty to incur, he thought it undesirable to fix so large a sum for Miscellaneous. He thought 1, 500/ would be ample. The Provincial Secretary explained that the Superintendent had oeen compelled to exceed the votes, Miscellaneous and all, and this was the reason so large a Miscellaneous vote was thought desirable. Mr. Curtis showed that the excess of expenditure on the West Coast was 12,300?. The Provincial Solicitor said the Council ought not to expect the Superintendent to do an illegal act by spending money without authority. The sum of 3,*'00/ was not too much to ask for Miscellaneous out of an expenditure of 70,000/. The object of the vote was to protect the Superintendent. Mr. F. Kellitig would vote for the amendment, and he did so because he had full confidence in the Government, and would not like to tie their hands, if they thought it their duty to spend more money than appeared on the Estimates. Mr. Barnicoat said the vote had the appearance of unnecessarily locking up a. large sum of money which, it was not prudent for the Council to do. Mr. Simonds said the passing of so large a sum was to adopt a dangerous precedent. The amendmentwjis put to the vote. The result was Ayes, f> ; Noes, 13. The amendment was therefore negatived and the item 3,0 0/ carried. Mr. Oliver thought the item 2,500/ a large one for Surveys. Mr. Barnicoat said the vote was an infringement of the expressed wish of the Council, to vote the salaries, the Superintendent appointing the officers. The Provincial Solicitor said the vote gave the Government power over the officers, and as the Council would have all the items laid before them, they had practically the control of the vote. Mr. Parker did not see the vote was an infringement of the Council's wish, but he was not certain that so large an amount was required. Mr. Barnicoat said, the present system was a departure from the wish of the Council to vote the salaries of officers in every case He objected to this system which characterised the whole Estimates. Mr. Oliver said, the present system of selling land which had not been reported on by the surveyor was objectionahle. Mr. F. Kelling supported the item, on the ground of supplying the" Government with the means necessary to prepare the land for purchase. Mr. Parker enforced the necessity of the item, and said the jealousy of the Council referred to by the Speaker, referred to permanent and not occasional officers of the Government. The item passed In reply to questions from Mr. Akersten in reference to wharf additions, the Provincial Secretary said the Governmenl intended to execute all necessary repairs, and to complete the platform now in progress, to a length of 1 27 feet. In reference to the Hospital, the Provincial Secretary said the Government were not aware of the probable cost of ji new building. He said they intended to sell the old building. Mr. Oliver moved, That the item 50/ sot down for fencing and improving public cemeteries be increased to 100/. Mr. Redwood moved the sum be increased to 150/ on the ground that tlie fencing of many country cemeteries w;is in a very dilapidated condition. Mr. Parker thought it desirable to state the district to which the vote should be applied. The vote for 50/ was carried. The Provincial Secretary explained that the item 100/ set clown for bridges was intended for the repairs of all the bridge-' on the trunk line. Mr. F. Kelling proposed an addition of 1,000/ be made to the 2,0U0/ set down for the Hurunui bridge. He said the Canterbury Government had voted 4,000/, and the settlers 1,000/. It now remained for the Council by their vote to carry out the contract. The Provincial Solicitor paid, that Canterbury had at first agreed to put up the bridge if tin's Council would give 2,000/, but they now required double the amount. The Government were willing to contribute their fair share towards the bridge, but the Canterbury Government had departed from their first proposals. Mr. Parker suggested that the sum of 2,000/ was sufficient till the" Canterbury Government had laid their plans before this Council ; besides the bridge was for the advantage of the Canterbury district. The Provincial Secretary said, it had been ascertained that the bridge could not be put up under 8,000/, and it was to consult the convenience of the Amuri settlers that the Nelson Government wished this vote. Mr. Redwood explained that the proposal to build the bridge partly of iron and to increase its dimensions, led to the increased demand. The bridge was over a dangerous snow river, and was of the greatest consequence to the Amuri settlers. He would vote for the 3,000/. Mr. Barnicoat would not object to the 3,000/, if 1,000/ were .raised by the Amuri settlers. The amendment, passed, subject to the conditions of 1,000/ being subscribed by the Amuri settlers, and the approval of the Provincial Engineer. Mr. Sparrow moved. That the item 200/ be increased to 250/ for the East Takaka lload. The amedment was carried. The following items were passed, after which the house resumed.

Fuel for Government Buildings, 70Z; printing and advertising, 700Z; expenses of Keturning Officers 15/; hire of rooms for Magistrates, 32/; Charitable Aid, 800/; interest on debentures, 2,356/1 2s. 10d.; interest on "Waterworks Debentures, 1,600/; Sinking Fund on Provincial Loan, (permanent charge), 430/; Sinking Fund on Provincial Loan, 5,000/; repayment of portion of Education Loan, 150/. Education— collection of rate, 100/; Nelson Institute library, 50/; Nelson museum, 50/ ; public libraries — country districts, 200? ; Provincial agricultural association, 100/: introduction of useful animals, &c, 100/ ; Melbourne, Paris, and Bombay exhibitions, 100?; insurance on Government buildings, 83/ 10s.; Supreme Court -witnesses. &c, lOvl; steam service, Blind Bay, 500/; New Zealand patriotic fund, 200/ ; miscellaneous, 3,000. PUBLIC WORKS AND PTJEPOSES. General. — Surveys, 2,500/; explorations, 100/; Government wharf additions and harbor improvements, 1,500/; Hospital, 3,000/; Hospital, repairs to present buildings, 40/; Government Buildings — repairing roof, painting, etc., 400/; buildings for office keeper, fuel, shed, and stable, 500/; buildings for lunatic and poor, 75/; fire engine — extra hose, cleaning and repairing engine, 50?; public cemeteries — fencing and improving, 50/; Court House and Lock-up, Takaka, 200/; purchase of land for Government buildings, 400/; bridges — maintenance, tarring, etc., 1,000/; Ilurunui bridge, E.C., 3,000/; Waimea bridge, W., 5,000/; Riwakafoot bridge, 77/; Motueka jetty — repairs and additions, and making channel to jetty, 300/; road up Eves Valley from Dron's corner to entrance of bush, SO/; road into Dove Dale from Waimea- west, Moutere, and Motueka, 1,000/; roads between Wai-iti, Motueka Valley, Tadmor, Wangapeka, and Motupiko, 400/; main south road from Wai-iti to Ilurunui, 800/; Pelorus-road, E.C., 150/; East Takaka-road. and repairing road over ranges, 200/; bridle track Takaka to Collingwood — repairs, 100/; road from Collingwood to Ileaphy River—repairs, 100/; cross road, East Takaka-road to Waita-pu-road, 250/; cross road, Clifton to Motupipi, 120/; beacons, "Waitapu mud fiat, E.C., 15?; beacons, Collingwood, 15/; compensation for land for roads, 150/; Maitai River— protection of roads and bridges, 150/; gravel screening machine and engine, freight, etc., 75/; Bell Buoy, Nelson Harbor, E. contract, 325/; roadway and embankment Wairoa River, 200?; fencing Victory Square, 100?; lock-up and constables' rooms, Amuri, 300?; lesser public works, 500/. TETITIOX. Mr. Kingdon presented a petition from the Roman Catholic's of Nelson. He moved that it be read. The object of the petition was to ask for aid from the Government in the support of their schools. Mr. Kingdon gave notice of motion in reference to the petition. Several notices of motion were given, and the house, at 8 o'clock, adjourned, till this afternoon at 5