PROVINCIAL COUNCIL. Thursday, 20th April, 1865.

North Otago Times, Volume IV, Issue 62, 27 April 1865, Page 3

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL. Thursday, 20th April, 1865.

The Speaker took the chair at two o'clock, and laid on the table a statement of unatlioriscd expenditure. Several notices of motion were given. The Provincial Treasurer gave a sketch of the policy proposed to be pursued by the Government. They had not decided what steps should he taken in regard to purchasers of land under the proclamation, exempting them from 2s. an acre land. tax. They considered that although the existing Land Regulations, as a whole, were satisfactory, they were on some points capable of improvement. It was advisable to raise a larger revenue from the tenure of runs, if that could be effected consistently with justice to the present licensees ; but the Land Regulations, as a whole, would be brought before the House in a separate form as early as possible. It was desirable to introduce a Municipality Bill for Dunedin, immediately creating a new body with certain powers, which might be added to by a Bill of two or three clauses, to be introduced into the Assembly on its meeting in June. Although the financial position of the Province had not been fully looked into, enough was ascertained to be able to state it to be in a sound and healthy condition. A proposition would be made to pass the Estimates for twelve months ; but should the Council consider six months more preferable, the Government were prepared to accede to their opinion. Continued retrenchment was necessary to bring the ordinary expenditure within the revenuo, so that the land revenue might be devoted to public works ; and the Government would use every exertion to save money for that purpose. The financial operations of the Province had been embarrased by those of the General Assembly, and efforts would thereforo be made to have the Loan Act placed on a proper footing. Whatever was done must, however, be by an Act of the General Assembly. He would, at an early date, state the plans of the Government with regard to the financial operations generally. Tho Governmont would shortly introduce the budject of Public BuildingB to the House. In reply to Mr Mouatt, the Provincial Secretary said that last session the Council passed the new Electoral District Ordinance, at such a period that no rolls could be prepared prior to October next, and no provision was made by the Ordinance to obviate that difficulty. The Government would endeavor to bring it into operation at the earliest possible time. In reply to Mr Vogel, the Provincial Secretary said the Ordinance was transmitted to the Governor on the 3rd of March. The Provincial Treasurer, in reply to Mr Bums 3 said he could not say why a sum was not placed on the last Estimates for the removal of the punt at the mouth of the Taieri river. It seemed to have been overlooked, and no attention had been called to the omission. In answer to Mr Brodie, Mr Reynolds said he expressed an opinion to the Superintendent that the mover of the amendment on the address should be sent for on the resignation of tho lato Ministry. Leave of absence for fourteen days was granted to Mr Lloyd. On the motion of Mr Macandrew, a Select Committee was appointed to enquire into the existing state of the laws relating to the transfer of real property, and to simplify and reduce the cost of conveyancing. The debate on Mr Mouatt's motion, " That the Council be adjourned until after tho election of now j members under the Electoral Districts Ordinance," was adjourned to Monday. Mr Brodie's motion for the returns of debentures sold, the prices realised, and the expenses of sale, was agreed to. Mr Brodie'B motion for tho production of correspondence with the General Government relative to the remission of the 2s. land tax, was agreed to. Mr Vogel'a motion disapproving of tho discretion assumed by the Executive in the declaration of Hundreds recommended by tho Council, was carried. The Impounding Ordinance, 1862, Amendment Ordinance, 1865, was read a first time : and the second reading made and order of the day for Eriday. The House adjourned at five o'clock to two o'clock on Eriday,

' Friday, April 21st, 1865. A Message was brought down from the Superintendent, informing the House that Messrs Alex. Eennie and John Hughes hod been appointed members of the Executive Council. Captain Makonzie moved a resolution to the effect that no sum should be placed on the Estimates for payment of members of Council during the present session. After discussion, the previous question -was carried by 17 votes to 8. < Mr. OBastinSs' motion for a Select Committee to enquire into the grounds for the appointment of Mr. Oflwin aa Sub-Treasurer, was, after discussion, withdrawn.

A' Printing Committee was appointed on. the motion of Mr. Reynolds. Mr. Vogel moved the adoption of an addi'ess to his Honor for copies of instructions with reference to assenting to Ordinances or withholding them for his Excellency's pleasure. The Provincial Secretary assented to the production of correspondence, and the motion was agreed to. -Mr. Vogel moved a resolution, declaring the dis- ' approval of the House of the pressure brought to bear upon the Superintendent by Mr. Reynolds, to induce him to send for Mr. Macandrew in the late Ministerial crisis. The motion was lost by 13 votes to 9. . The Impounding Ordinance Amending Ordinance was read a second time. | A committee was appointed to report ripon the prayers of private Petitions. On the motion of the Provincial Treasurer that supplies be granted for a year, a long discussion took place, which was ultimately adjourned. A reply to His Honor's address waa agreed to, on the motion of Mr Dyer. The House then adjourned till Monday.

Monday, April 24th, 1865. A petition was presented by Mr. Vogel from Mr. Hardcastle, late Warden at Mount Ida, requesting an inquiry into his case. The motion that the House go into Committee of Supply, was made an order of the day for to-morrow. The debate on Mr.Mouatt's motion for an adjournment of the House until the election of members under the new Electoral Districts Ordinance, was resumed, and after the Provincial Secretary, Mr. Brodie, Mr. Macpherson, Mr. Togel, and Mr. Jno. Cargill, had Spoken on tho question, was again adjourned until Thursday next. On the motion of Mr. Reynolds a Select Committee was appointed to report upon the provision of suitable buildings for the public service. In the course of the discussion it was explained by the Government that it was in contemplation to purchase Lazarus' new Store in Bond-street, and convert it into Provincial Council Chamber and Executive offices, and to turn the Exhibition Building into an Hospital. This would enable the Government to sell the -valuable site occupied by the present Government buildings, and by this means defray the cost of the new purchase, as well as provide additional accommodation for the Supreme Court. The House went into Committee on the Message of his Honor with reference to the Maori Reserve, and the report of the Committee was adopted. The Otago Harbor Trust Lands Bill was read a third time and passed. The Acclimatisation Eeserve Bill was carried through Committee, and the third reading made an order of the day for next sitting. The Medical Practitioners Bill was read a second time, committed, and reported without amendment. In reply to a question by Mr Yogel, the Provincial Secretary said that he knew of no foundation for the report of the probable resignation of the Superintendent.

Tuesday, April 25th, 1865. The Speaker took the chair at tiro o'clock, In reply to Mr. Blair, the Provincial Secretary said the Government had resolved to carry out the Act in its entirety with respect to quarantine and the inspection of cattle suspected to be diseased. In reply to a question byj Mr. Miller, the Provincial Treasurer said the last information received from Mr. O'N eill, who had received instructions to ascertain the practicability of a route from Wanaka Lake to the West Coast, was dated April 14th. Mr. Macandrew moved an address to the Governor, for the application to the Province of the Crown Grant Act, 1862, which was agreed to. Mr Yogel's motion for limiting the number of the Execiitive to four, was negatived after a debate. The Acclimatisation Reserve Bill and the Medical Practitioners Bill were read a third time and passed. —(Abridged from tho " Daily Times.";