NELSON PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 18, 22 January 1867, Page 2

NELSON PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

This Day. i The Speaker took the chair at one I o'clock to-day. The folloAving members were present : — The Provincial Secretary, Provincial Solicitor, Messrs. Curtis, Kelling, Kingdon, Gibbs, Beit, Thompson, Akersten, Burn, Simmonds, M'Mahon, and Baigent. The Assistant-Clerk of the Council read the proclamation from the Provincial Gazette, calliug the Council together, also the announcement that the election for Takaka, had resulted in the return of Mr. G.J. Sparrow. His Honor the Superintendent then entered the room, attended by the members of the Executive, aud read a remarkably long speech, the delivery of which occupied forty minutes. We shall publish the speech, in extenso, as soon as it comes into our hands ; for the present, ,we shall merely indicate the principal topics it contained. The Superintendent commenced by observing, that he would not have called the Council together at this inconvenient seasou, but for the operation of the new Audit Act, the 10th, ; 1 1th, and 12th clauses of which rendered it imperative that the sums legally available for the service should be specified ■■ by a vote of Council. He explained the nature of the public works on the West Coast Gold-fields, which had recently called for an expenditure greater than

had been calculated on, and dwelt on the difficulties that the wardens had encountered in dealing with the rushes that had lately taken place. Roads had to be rapidly made, escorts estanlished, and buildings erected. A Supplementary Appropriation Bill, necessitated by these circumstances, would be laid before them for their sanction, as well as some other bills that were rendered necessary. His Honor showed in what cases the expenditure had exceeded the amount estimated, and said Messrs. Seal aud Kynnersley had not been able to come to any satisfactory conclusion respecting the Customs duties at the Grey. An elaborate sketch was given of the progress of the Gold-fields from the Buller to the Grey, the manner in which the wardens had met the uuforeseeu obstacles; anl the probable future that was in store for tbe respective places. Mr. Kynnersley had not exactly made up his mind as to Avhether Brighton ought to be a port of entry, but as it would last some time he inclined in favor of a port. An escort would be uecessary on these gold-fields to protect society from the ruffians who appeared. Surveyors would also be wanted; the uext province having seven, besides mining surveyors. Letters had been received from Messrs. Ransome and Simms, that half the waterworks plant was shipped in November last, and the remainder last mouth, so that it might be expected in about two months. As all the debentures were taken up and the plans prepared, the progress of the work would now be rapid. Reference was made to the emigrants that were expected to come out under the superintendence of Bishop Suter, and advantages they were likely to cunfer on the province. His Honor revieAved the railway question, beginning with the vote of the Council during the last session, and tracing its progress to the present time. Having seen the country he bad no hope contractors would be got to undertake the work on any terms the proviuce could offer. He had, however, set doAvn the sum of £1000 in the Supplementary Appropriation Act, for the purpose of employing some competent man, uninfluenced by local politics or prejudices, who should go over the country and report on the practicability of the scheme. A gentleman named Ogilvie was noAv employed by the Auckland Provincial Government for a similar purpose, and it was possible his services might be secured. This might save the province from spending a large sum, as Auckland had done, and an importaut public question would be set at rest. The speech entered minutely iuto the improvements that had been effected in the Buller and adjoining districts, aud indicated the expenditure that, would have to be iucurred. Tbe Maungatnpu murders, the conduct of the public and the police : the fire of the 7th of August, and the necessity of sustaining a Fire Brigade, were dAvelt on at considerable length. His Honor criticised the neAV Audit Act, saving it would defeat the object its framers had in view, aud that Auditors to be above suspicion should be chosen by the people who paid the money. His Honor, in conclusion, paid a high compliment to the various officers who had shared with him the cares of Government, and thanked the Council who had by their cordial co-operation rendered the performance of his duties easy. His Honor then retired. Several messages were then received, containing Bills whiih the Council were asked > vas?. and correspondence between the Government and Messrs Morrison, Young, Ransome aud Simms, and the Provincial Auditor's Report, for December, 1866. Several notices of motion having been given, Mr. R. Burn moved the suspension of Standing Order, No. 28, to allow of the appointment of a Committee, to frame a reply to the Superintendent's address. Mr Simmonds seconded. Motion passed. Mr Burn moved that a Select Committee be appointed, to consist of the Speaker, Mr. 0. Curtis, Mr. M'Mahon, and the mover. Mr. Akersten seconded the motion, which was, carried. , ; The Council then adjourned till to- , morrow, at 5 p.m.