The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1867. PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 259, 31 October 1867, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1867. PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Wednesday, October 30. The Sppaker took the chair at 5 o'clock; all the members being present, except Messrs H. Redwood, "Wigley, and Donne. Several notices of motion were made. Mr Bentiey brought up the Report of the Select Committee in reply to the Superintendent's speech, which was read: —

To his Honor the Superintendent of- the Province of Nelson.

Sir— ln thanking your Honor for the opening speech, the Provincial Council beg to assure your Honor that the present unusual time of meeting is, in their opinion, mobt fully justified by the unusual character of tlit! circumstances to which that speech mainly refers. The Provincial Council, while regarding with pleasure the greatly increased productiveness attained by the Western GoMfields and looking with hopefulness to the future, cannot but believe that this prosperity and thi-.se fair prospects are largely due to the juJicious and liberal expenditure on those goldfields, in which the Executive and Legislature have hitherto cheerfully concurred. The Council are glad to be assured that your Honor's recent reception at the West Coast may be accepted as an indication that the true character of this policy has been recognised and appreciated. While desiring to do even justice to the western portion of the province, and endeavoring by every legitimate means to foster its industry, the Council cordially assent to your Honor's intimation that this should not be effected at the cost of other interests, or by any sacrifice or neglect of the just claims of the older districts of the province. The rapid aad unexpected changes frequently occurring in the circumstances of newly opened goldrields, and the extraordinary and unforeseen expenditure thus rendered desirable, will often excuse or justify deviation from the Appropriation Act, both as regards the destination and amount of the sum voted. Not forgetful of their right to the control of the public revenue of the province, the Council trust that when in possession of all the circumstances more immediately necessitating the present session, they will find that the Appropriation Act has not been needlessly infringed, and that the distribution of the revenue as prescribed by law, has not been unnecessarily disregarded by the Executive.

The Council entirely concur in your Honor's concluding opinion that the several measures, the preparation of which they desired at the last session would more properly come before them on a future occasion.

Mr Macmahon presented a petition from certain inhabitants of Takaka and Motupipi, in opposition to the passing of the Cattle Trespass Act, which was ordered to lie on the table.

Mr Simmonds presented a petition from Mr Edward Fowler, of Wainiea- south, complaining of his removal from the office of District Constable, and praying for compensation.

Mr Parker moved that his Honor the Superintendent be requested to furnish the Council with a return of all works executed or commenced on the Southwest Goldfields of this province, and paid for under the headof Public Works and Purposes, during the six nionths ending September 30, 18fi7, stating the respective localities in which such expenditure has taken place, the nature of the work performed, the extent of the same, and if by contract or otherwise; together with the name of each contractor. In making thi3 motion Mr Parker disclaimed any intention of throwing any further obstacle in the way of the Government in the difficulty in which they were now pieced by the over -expenditure i.o meet which the Council had .been convened, but he thought that it should be known by whose authority this had been done. Possibly so short a time had elapsed since the return of the Super.nfcendeot from the West Coast, that the Q-overu-

ment had probably been prevented from preparing that information on this subiect which should undoubtedly be afforded to the Council. They had last session voted 54,00CZ for the West Coast service, and they were now called upon to vote an additional 27,000Z, whilst they had no. guarantee that they would not ere long be asked to pass another vote of indemnity. If this state of things was. to go on, we should soon be in the same state as Canterbury. He regretted to say that he could discover in the Superintendent's replies to the addresses presented to him at the West Coast, no indication that the same liberal expenditure would not be persisted in, and there was, at present, no reliable information on this subject. He had thought it right to enquire whether these Avorks had been executed by contract, because he thought that the greatest care should be observed as to how contracts were taken and carried out at a distance from the seat of Government. Mr Parker concluded by saying that there was no doubt that Mr Kynnersiey's proceedings were approved on the West Coast, for one who had 70,000Z at his disposal was ever popular.

Mr Akerstcn seconded the motion,

The Provincial Secretary opposed the motion for two reasons: first, it would take a very considerable time to supply the returns asked for; and secondly, they could not be obtained without sending to Westport for them. He thought moreover that he should be able to show that the expenditure alluded to had been duly authorised by the Superintendent and the Provincial Engineer. It was chiefly caused by the extension of the trunk road between Cobden and Westport, on which 18,O0OZ had been spent this year. AU this could be shown when the Appropriation Bill was in committee, and he would undertake that full information should be laid before the Council on its next session.

Mr Dreyer defended the conduct of Mr Commissioner Kynnersley, and said that the blame, if any, lay with the Government.

Mr Akersten supported the motion-, he considered that the power vested in the Commissioner was too great, and that the Government was wanting in proper respect to the Council in not calling it together before the money was expended.

Mr F. Kelling, though anxious to obtain the fullest information relating to the West Coast expenditure, couidnot see any object to be attained by prolonging the sitting of the Council in order to obtain it.

Mr Macmahon thought it was better that the Council should adjourn for a week, so that these returns might be placed before them.

The Provincial Solicitor said that the Government had no objection whatever to lay these returns before the Council, but for the delay which their preparation would occasion. The Government were perfectly well acquainted with all that was going on at the West Goast, hut could not be expected to be conversant with every minute item of expenditure.

Mr Wastney supported the motion, and if the returns could not be obtained without sending to Westport, was prepared to move the adjournment of the Council till then.

Mr Parker, in reply, said the Government must be aware that the Council would not be doing their duty if they voted this money without previously acquainting themselves with the causes of its requirement.

The question was then put, and the motion was carried on the voices.

Mr Parker then moved that his Honor -the Superintendent be requested to furnish this Council (as early as possible) with a return of all departments under the Provincial Government, showing the names and date of appointment of every person in such office, the annual value of such office, for the . ear ending 30th September, 1866, and for the year ending 30th September, 1867, and what other (if any) appointments under the General Government, are held by any such person, and salary attached, and what other (if any) advantage enjoyed by any office. Mr Parker said that his object in moving for these returns was to arrive at the cost of the various departments of the West Coast service, and to compare the salaries paid to officers of the Provincial Govenment twelve months ago with, those paid now. He thought that the Financial Reformers, of whom so much had been heard of late, might occupy themselves profitably with these matters.

The Provincial Secretary opposed the motion for the same reasons as those which he had stated in the case of the last motion, and took occasion to allude to statements made by Messrs Parker and Baigent in the House of Representatives to the effect that the salaries of the Resident Magistrates on the goldfields had been 400/, but this year the Provincial Council had been called on to vote 700/ a year under — as they were informed — instructions from the General Governmsnt. This statement had been contradicted by Mr Stafford, who said that a great misuuderstanding must have existed, about it, since the General Government had never urged the Provincial Government to appoint any Resident Magistrates on the goldfields, or fixed their salaries. The Provincial Secretary asserted that he had never made such a statement, and had never led the Council to suppose that these sums were voted under instructions from the Government, but had merely stated in general terms that half the salaries of the Resident Magistrates on the goldflelds, and of the officers in their department were paid by the General Government without reference to any particular salary.

Messrs Parker and Baigent both asserted that such was still their impression, and appealed to the House to confirm their idea that such a statement had made by the Provincial Secretary.

After some discussion the subject dropped, and the motion was carried without division.

Mr Wastney theii moved that his Honor the Superintendent be requested to furnish the Council with a copy of the instructions given to the Eailway Engineer now engaged in exploring for a route to carry a railway from Nelson to.Cobden and Westport.

The Provincial Secretary laid the papers on the table, observing that Mr Wngg -was now merely engaged h\ a preliminary survey of the country. Mr Gibbs, in moving that the members of this Council who accompanied his Honor the Superintendent on his recent -visit to the "West Coast be requested to furaish the Council with a report

of the state of the public works in that part of the province, as examined by them during their visit, said he was of opinion that the object winch had been sought by the Council last session in passing the resolution which empowered the sending of this deputation to the West Coast, would be unfulfilled unless they furnished such a report. Mr Pitt, as one of the party, said he would be happy to furnish such a report to the Council, but thought it would be merely a waste of time, as it "would be only a repetition of the Provincial Engineer's report. A discussion took place on the motion, which was carried by 11 to 7, Messrs Pitt, Burn, and Beitt declining to vote. The Provincial Secretary moved that an address from the Council, signed by the Speaker, be transmitted to his Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to send to this Council a recommendation to grant a sum of money to meet the unauthorised expenditure, namely, 46/ 8s lid, out' of the Provincial revenue during the year ending the 31st March 1868; and explained thsit the amount mentioned was required for gaol additions and alterations, and for buildings for the accommodation of lunatics and poor persons. The motion was carried.

The Provincial Secretary moved the first reading of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, \vh eh was agreed to, and the bill was read a first time.

Mr Parker, in moving than his Honor the Superintendent be requested to furnish this Counciljwith a copy of instructions, if any, to Mr Commissioner Kynnersley respecting the public ■works on the Southwest Goldfields of this province, together with all correspondence relating thereto, said that he thought that steps should be taken to prevent the recurrence of sach over-expendi-ture as had led to the present session of the Council, and that the production of these instructions would show on whom the blame rested..

The Provincial Secretary laid the papers on the table and Messrs White and Akersten having addressed the House in support of the motion, it was

carried,

Mr Akersten asked the Provincial Secretary whether the Government had received Mr Balfour's Eeport on Nelson Harbour, expressing a hope that the Government would remember that there was such a place as Nelson, and not concentrate all its attention on the West Coast.

* The Provincial Secretary said that the lleport had not yet been received. The matter was entirely in Mr Balfour's hands, but as ' soon as it was received, it would be placed before the Council.

Mr Simmonds moved the suspension of the standing orders for the appointment of a select committee to consider the petition of Mr Edward Powler, of Waimea-south, which was granted, and a few notices of motion having been given, the Council adjourned to a quarter past 7, until 5 this evening.

A very agreeable entertainment was given last night by some joung Nelson amateurs at the Schoolroom, Wakapuaka, which went off with great success. The programme consisted of a selection of 'nigger' songs and choruses, given in excellent style with all the usual accompaniments of dress and music peculiar to that school of vocalisation, the dialogue being also well sustained. The room, which had been tastefully decorated by iair hands with flowers and evergreens, was crowded to excess, and a vote of thanks was unanimously passed to those who had contributed so kindly and efficiently to the amusement of the assemblage present.

On Monday evening last a meeting was held in the Wesleyan Church, Richmond, for the purpose of considering the desirability of liquidating the debt> now existing on the premises, which amounts to £189 15s lid. The Hex, R. L. Vickers took the chair, and various subscriptions to the amount of £28 were promised. The object is a very praiseworthy one and we wish our friends at Richmond all success in their efforts to free their Church from debt.

The Empire Dramatic Company give another performance this evening. The programme includes two comedies which have already been performed here by the company, Charles 11. and Katherine and Petruchio. To-morrow evening Mr Harry' Sefton, the clever scenic artist and comedian, takes his benefit, and in addition to two capital farces, announces an ' assaut d'annes' between himself and Mr Augarde, which, together with other entertainments, vocal and instrumental, ought surely to draw a crowded house. The performance will be under the patronage of his Honor the Superintendent, who, -w ith several members of our ' corps legislatif,' has promised to be present, and the usual practice of the Fire Brigade will be postponed to allow of the attendance of the members at the performance.

The MoKibinui correspondent of the Westport Times of the 29th inst. describes the' very tempestuous weather which had prevailed at that place during the past week, and the grave apprehensions which had been felt both there and at Westport for the safety of the Kennedy on Friday last. The greater part of the township at Mokihinui was under water; most people had to make for the high ground, near the top of Burnettstreet, and ladies on the Customs Reserve were carried out on men's shoulders. No accident however affecting human life had occurred; but we regret to hear that our townsman, Mr S. Brent, has lost about £50 worth of timber, and other serious losses had been sustained.

It is not perhaps generally known that the husband of Madame Carandini, who is shortly to visit us with her two charming daughters, is a nobleman of very ancient Italian lineage, his elder brother being the present representative of the Marquises Carandini, an old historic name in the annals of the late kingdom of Sardinia. The following advertisement lately appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald:— ' Patent of Nobility: Lost about 28 months ago, at or near Bathurst, Patent of Nobility of Marquis Geronimo Carandini, &c. &c. &c, signed by his Majesty King Victor Emmanuel, and dated 1865; also the Coat of Arras of the Carandini family. Anyone returning the same to the office of the Italian Consul wili be rewarded.'

Tha steamer Telegraph, on her voyage from Sydney to Brisbane on the 9th inst. having struck on a rock off Perpendicular Head, filled instantly and went dowa; the passengers aud crew however,

were safely landed. The cause of the accident ia unknown; her cargo was insured for about £2000. The steamer .Lady Young, bound from Sydney for the same port, met with a similar accident on the 6th instant, having struck on a rock off Bustard Head, arid stuck there. The passengers were safely landed in the boats on Bustard Island and her cargo was all saved. It has been discovered that 10 feet of the steamer's bottom was ripped open by the rocks, and she has been sent to Gladstone for repairs. '