Wednesday, 21st November.

North Otago Times, Volume VII, Issue 158, 27 November 1866, Page 2

Wednesday, 21st November.

Mr Morris presented a petition from the settlors in the Peninsula District ; Mr Reynolds presented two petitions from David Kirby, contractor ; and Mr Lloyd presented a petition, understood to be from the licensed victuallers of Dunedin. The Petitions were received. Tho Treasurer, in explaining the policy of the Government, said the Executive had taken office under exceptional circumstances, for it was not very clear what led to the resignation of tho late Ministry, and there was no defined ditference betweon the policy of that Ministry and the present. Every opportunity ought therefore to be allowed to the late Government to canvass the measures brought forward. The Council would have to decide whether the business of the Session should be brought to a speedy close, with a view to a dissolution, or go on in the ordinary course, and tho Council be dissolved by oflluxiou of time. ,The Government was prepared to accept either alternative ; but if it was desired to hurry through the business, no question would bo considered a Ministerial ono, excepting a vote of want of confidence. If tho usual course were taken, after defining what would be considered Ministerial questions, the Executive would abide the votes of the House. He took office under more favorable circumstances than his predecessor, as there appeared 'to be L37.000 to the credit of the Province. In considering the length of the session, the question of a redistribution of members would necessarily arise. He feared no alteration would be possible, as tho General Government had declined to provide for tho preparation of electoral rolls in Auckland, and was not likely to do so for Otago. The relations between the General and Provincial Governments would be dealt with from a purely Provincial point of view ; a course that was calculated to unite parties throughout the Province. He should bring forward resolutions referring to tho disabilities under which the Province labored. The Land Act of the Assembly would be accepted, and the House would hare to decide upon tho modo of its administration. On some points an expression of opinion by the Council would be necessary, and would be asked. The Provincial Secretary would give notice of a resolution, asking the Superintendent to recommend the Governor to bring into operation tho Agricultural Leases System, and he would move for a Select Committee to inquire into the bost mode of putting the Act into operation , and to inquire into the Goldfields Department. If Mr Haughton would put his proposal for the reduction of the Gold Duty into a milder and less doubtful form, the Government would not oppose it. The establishment of District Municipalities was under the consideration of the Provincial Solicitor. He (Mr Vogel) was of opinion that effect should be given to the intention of the Council, by giving the Municipalities two pounds for every pound raised by assessment. The subject of retrenchment would have the earliest consideration, and he thought it quite fair the Municipal Districts should contribute towards the Police Force. A Bill would be introduced to extend the time within which a company might be formed for making the Southern Trunk Railway. Several petitions were presented, and papers were laid on the table by the Secretary. The Solicitor said a Bill would be brought in to repeal the Yagrant Ordinance, 1861. The Treasurer said no money had been paid for watching the Clutha Railway Bill, but a claim for L1700 had been sent in. It had been remitted to be taxed. Several questions were put by Mr Grant, which were replied to. In reply to Mr Haughton, the Secretary said no works had been .stopped. Those at Nevis Bluff were completed. In reply to Mr Brodie, tho Treasurer said no steps had been taken for the Endowment of the High School, but no doubt the subject would be brought before the Council. The reply to the address, as amended on Mr Bell's motion, was adopted. A return was ordered of the length of main and turnpike roads mettaled, and the number of turnpikes. Patrick Kinsella's petition was referred to the Private Grievance Committee.