The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, MAY 1, 1873.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 104, 1 May 1873, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, MAY 1, 1873.

"Volunteers. — We understand that the monthly inspection of the Town Companies is postponed for a week, on account of Tuesday next being a general holiday. Provincial Government Debentures —Tenders are invited by the Provincial Government for debentures to the amount of £7000 to be issued under the authority of "The Nelson City Loan Act, 1871." Increased - . — Mr Shephard has given notice that he will move on Monday next:— "That in the opinion of this Council it is desirable the Eepresentation Act should be so amended as tb give the Goldfields such number of members of this Council in proportion to their population as will , remove the dis,parity,; at7present existing . Tto ; iSreir.vjjrer.-i : jutiicfe" v : , ' PPP/P/p- P :>'■* ■•,,: App. '■.■/ :

Inland Communication Committee. — A meeting of the Committee was held last night for the purpose of recommending to the Colonial Government the best route for the .Nelson and Foxhill railway at the town end of the line. After some discussion it was agreed to adjourn until Friday evening, the chairman being requested in the meantime to telegraph to the Minister of Public Works asking him to give authority to Mr Austin to atteDd with the plans, and to afiford such information as the Committee might require. Some conversation ensued with reference to Mr Vogel* s expected visit lo Nelson, and it was agreed that he should be met on the wharf by the members of the Committee. Last Night's Council. — The Council met at 5 o'clock. Mr Shephard asked the Provincial Secretary whether the Superintendent, in reserving land for special settlements in the Buller Valley, made arrangements that will permit persons already resident in the province to take up such land on terms not less favorable tban those that will be cor ceded to immigrants.-The Provincial Secretary replied that the Superintendent had made no arrangements with regard either to residents or immigrants, but had urged the General Government to give to the former similar privileges to those accordedto the latter. Mr Shephard did not regard the action of the General Government as baviDg anything to do with the matter. — Mr Shephard moved — "That a select committee be appointed to inquire and report on the best means of extending the benefits of the Nelson Crown Lands Leasing Acts, 1871 and 1872, to the goldfields, both for the purpose of inducing increase of settlement, and for giving those persons now holding agricultural leases tbe right to convert them into purchasing leases under the said Acts." The Provincial Secretary thought this was a most unusual course to take, as tbe Superintendent had in his speech notified the intention of the Government to submit resolutions upon this subject to the Council. In order to allow time for those resolutions to be laid before them, he would move the adjournment of the debate until Tuesday next, by which time the West Coast members, who were specially interested in the matter, would be present. Agreed to. — The Provincial Solicitor moved — " That a select committee be appointed to take into consideration the Highways Act passed last session with a view to its amendment; such committee to consist of the Speaker, Messrs Tarrant, Baigent, Shephard, F. Kelling, and the mover." — The Waimea Eoad Board had requested that certain amendments might be made giving them the power to make by-laws, and to arrange for the amalgamation of districts, and the election of members by sub-districts. The motion was seconded by Mr Baigent and agreed to. On the motion of the Provincial Solicitor, a Bill was brought in and read the first time to provide for the constitution of districts within the Nelson Goldfields, and to appropriate a portion of the Provincial revenue to the making and maintaining of public works therein. A Petitions Committee and a Select Committee to prepare a reply to the Superintendent's opening address wer6 appointed, and the Council adjourned until this evening. Mr. R. Newton, of Aylmer's Valley, Akaroa, recently killed a two-toothed halfbred wether, which, when dressed, weighed 1161bs. . A Party of Sealers went down a few days since in a cargo boat to the Steeples, and were successful in capturing several young seals, one of which was brought alive to Westport.