PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

New Zealander, Volume 12, Issue 1027, 20 February 1856, Page 3

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12. The Council met at 3 o'clock. Present—Messrs, Taylor, Bedggood, May, Di.’nan, Buck land. J-O’Neill, A. O’Neill, Williamson, Brennan, Brotlie, Carleton, Beckham, Merrirnan, Dilwortb, Henderson, Boylan. LAND REGULATION AMENDMENT. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY gave notice that he would move certain amendments (published in our last) ia tho proponed Land Regulations. PETITION. Mr. WILLIAMSON presented a petition signed bv ISo inhabitant* o( Onebuiiga, praying against frequent changes in the laws relating to the disposal of Waste Lands, ami further praying that no Regulations may be adopted in which the general principles of the Special Occupation, Immigration, and Military Settlers’ clauses are not recogn sed and adopted. A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT (No. 4) covering the New Land Regulations as published in <be Provincial Government Gazette of January 10th, was brought down and ordcredto he taken iuto consideration on Friday next,

Mr. lillODl F. laid upon the table the Matter and Servant’s and the Medical Practitioner’s Bill. ACCOMMODATION FOR THE rRfSI. Mr. J. O’NEILL tnored No. 1 on the Notice paper, —That a Committee be appointed■ to report upon (he accommodation of the “ Press " in the Auckland Provincial Council. Committee to consist of Major Greenwood, Mr. Beckbam, Mr.Meniman, Mr. Henderson and lie mover. Report to be brought up on Friday nekt. Unless the motion was opposed, which he did not anticipate, lie would only remark that the matter in question had been much discussed out of doors, and that it was desirable the question should be Settled. Agreed to. PROTt VCIAL COV FKVMENT Of! I HALS AND SAT.ARIFS; Mr. DILWOIITII moved, —That an Address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent for a Return of all pe>sona employed by the Provincial Government, stating name, situation, date of appointment, by wbuin appoin ed, a what salary, and their present salary. Mr. MERRIMAN suggest, d that in addition, the following words should be added. —“And fro« what fund it was paid, what salary was received from the General Government, and to what amount.’’ Mr. DILWORTH thought "that it had better b made a separate motion. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said that it could not be expected the Superintendent vrou'd be able to afford 'hem any information respecting th® salaries paid by the General Government. He (the Provincial Secretary) would afford them from tmo to time, any information Lon. members might require; and no doubt, if his Honor was requested, he would afford any information respecting hia own department —but he had nothing to do with the General Government. He (the Provincial Secretary) therefore objected to the words being added to the original motion. The SPEAKER, said that unless the Council wer® not unanimous, the amendment could not he entertained; and the Provincial Secretary declining to consent, Mr. MERRIMAN said he would onanother occasion ask for the information he wanted by a substantive motion. The original motion was agreed to. IMPOUNDING DILI.. Mr. BECKHAM moved the second reading of this Bill. It whs much more concise than the one now in operation, and was much more definite as to the interpretation of a substantial fence, and also with regard to cattle trespassing upon uninclosed land. Under the present ordinance it was left to the discretion of the Resident Magistrate as to what was really a fence, and bis ideas on the subject might possibly be somewhat crude (laughter). Some of the clauses of the present ordinance were wholly inoperative, unless the police exceeded their authority, which was by no means desirable. The oidinance entrusted to his charge did not altogether approve itself to his mind (laughter), and when the proper time came he would propose certain alteiations. After some discmiion, in which Messrs. Dilwortb, Buckland and Merriman objected to a Bill of so much importance to the Province being hurried through the Council before the Country settlors had time to consider its details, the Provincial Secretary said that Mr. Dil—worth had made an attack on the Executive quite uncalled for— by assuming that they wanted to hasten Bills through the Council. Why could not Lon. members ask quietly for information or delay ? Mr. BUCKLAND said the Provincial Secretary was like a lucifer-matcb, be went off' with very little fr.ction (laughter). There wag no reflection cast upon the Executive by bis hon. co league (Mr. Dilwortb), and it was of importance that the country should be acquainted with the provisions of the Bill before it wa» further proceeded with. After some further discussion (during which Mr. BoyDn urged proceeding wi hj the Bill, on the ground that no progress was being made with business), the Provincial Secretary assented to the repeated request for postponement; it was agreed that the further consideration of the measure should be proceeded with this day week. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY moved the second reading of the Slaughter House Bill, and entered into a detail of the sections, maintaining that it was neces-ary to have some Act in force of a more definite character than the present, as there wet® doubts as to the legality of some of the clauses in the Bill introduced bv his late Honor (bear, and laughter). 'Mr. MERRIMAN said there was not the slightest doubt ub >ut the illegality of the clauses alluded to(hear, hear'. Upon the suggest'on of Mr. Merriman, the further consideration ot the Bill was postponed until this day week. The Council adjourned at a quarter past four.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1856. The Council raet at three o’clocl. Piesent —.Messrs. J, O’Neill, W lliamson, Dignstr, Merriman, Mav, Bedggood, Buckland, Dilwonh, Beckham, Boylan, Henderson, A. O'Neill, Brodie, Carleton, Taylor, Hay, Schultz, Graham, Goodfellow and Greenvrtod. SPIRIT LICENSES. Mr. BUCKLAND moved that a petition be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, praying for a Return of the number of applications for Licenses tosell Spirituous Liquors in Country Districts received by the Provincial Government from the date of the first Superintendent’s election to the present time, specifying the names of applicants, date of application, locality applied lor, reasons assigned for each application, licenses issued, date of issue, and by whom granted. The PROVINCIAL SECREIARY seconded the motion, which was agreed to, WRIT FOR PENSIO.'BII SETTLEMENTS. Mr. WILLIAMSON ask- d the Provincial Secretary if steps bad been taken to issue a Writ, for the election of a member in room of the bon. member for the Persioner Settlements (Mr. Powditch) who had resigned. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said that immediate step* had been taken. The matter was at present in the hands of the Provincial Law Adviser, and no time would be lost in issuing the Writ. THE INTERPRETATION BILL, Was read a second time, its consideration in Committee being postponed until Friday, upon the motion of the Provincial Secretary, who said that he was not yet fully acquainted with the details of the Bill. . CATTLE—BRANDING BILL, Mr. MAY moved the 2nd reading of this Bill. Mr. BUCKLAND moved as au amendment that it be read that day six months. At all times, it was necessary to have as little law as p< ssible, and ic this case be did not think legislation was required. He did not object to branding, but be did object to being compelled to do so in all cases: besides, the Bill was evidently intended for the benefit of the large holders of slock. Such a measure might be necessary in New South Wales, where so many large herds were running free ; but in this Province, where the herds were much less numerous, and the runs small in extent, it would be injurious as well ns unnecessary—not only by entailing expense upon the settlers, but because the branding with a hot iron would put the growth of the cattle back most considerably. There were clauses of it to which lie did not obj-ct; bat he entirdy disapproved of the general principles of the Bill, as it iuterfeted with private property. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY trusted That the hon. member would not hastily reject the Bill on the second reading, unless they could suggest a better remedy ngalus cattle stealing, which l&tely Lad b PU r-O prevalent. It was highly desirable to encourage cattlebreeding in 4very possible way; and he thought this Bill would do sv by protecting such property from depredation. It was rendered the more necessary, also, by the possibility of the Native Lan 1 Ordinance being reptaled. The hon. member objected to the Bill on the ground that it interfered with private property, but it was an acknowledged fact that priv>te light mmt always yield to public good. In England it was a common thing for a railway to be catried through a man’* bouse, of course upon receiving sufficient compensation. He deprecated the invasion of private rights—hut the question wa- - , were any other menus at hand to counteract the evil ?

Air. DILWORTH seconded the amendment. Asa country settler be could not see that ibe country required such a late. He saw, too, by clauses 4 and a that the Province was 10 be divided into districts by the Superintendent. Of course, a regi-trar would be appointed, with a salary, for each district; and at a time when everything was said to be so much *' depressed (laughter)—it was very desirable to avoid any addiiou io the public expenditure. It was true, however, that the Executive would increase their pol licd patronage in this way (bear). As for supposing that the bill would prevent cattle staling, they might as well have a Bill to operate in the same way upon other properly, as cattle was not the only kind of property stolen. The bon. Provincial Secretary had urged as a reason for passing this Bill, the possibility of the Native Lind Ordinance being repealed (hear). He (Air. Dilworth) thought it unwise to legislate merely in anticipation of that event. It would be time enough, when that Ordinance was repealed, lor the Council to pass such a Bill (hear, bear).

Air. BOVLAN said, perhaps lion, rnemheis who opnisd the Bill spoke from the requirements of their own istricte, where such a measure might not be required, )0U‘ T h one might be wanted in remoter districts. In rt ry other colony, he believed, a B-anding Bill was in [icraiioM ; and in numerous cases that bad come under ii own notice, complaints had been made of the facilies in this Province for slaughtering stolen cattle. Air. BEDGGOOD had been a catile-holder 19 years, ~,} would support the Bill, the opposition to which was at a loss to understand. It wsa well known ib'.t the Natives were very eager alter their cattle, nnd IL r e a!* o becoming considerable holders themselves, Bunding was not only a privilege which they should f clad to exercise, ns a protection, but a duty to the Entires, to prevent disputes, as they could not swear to Euystrav or stolen csttle except by the brand. yir. BUCK LAN 1) explained that it was not the grinding be objected to, it was the compulsory nature c f die Bill, without any consideration or allowance (or Seattle being in enclosed lands. ft Mr, BECKHAM supported the Bill, Some such |L pa , U re was required. In most of the cases which cnine under Ins notice as a magistrate, the witnesses ItOldd only swear to the stolen cattle by the brand. The amendmen'|wa» put and lost, and the Bill was reß iPa second tunc. before the Council went into Committee, ; The PROVINCIAL SE( IIETAKV said that, in ffierence to “ political patronage,’’ which had (teen snppo<dl to be likely to grow out of this Bill, he might Lpte the remark of Cardinal Maxan'n, that out of every hundred applies ts for place, a ministery made ninetynine enemies. He (Air. Carleion) was not prepared to t|- 0 die entire length of this assertion, for as far as his Slow,) experience went, those who hj d been appointed to ||place, had shown tlieinse've> m *«» grateful (hear, hear, . a nd laughter). Still, in the general way, patronage I Wlg a great bore (renewed laughter). Mr. DILWORTH Imped Imn. members would not sutlVr gratitude for political favours to induce them to | vo te for what they did not think was rea !v required. ! The Council wen l iiro Committee. Clause 3, referring to the appointment of competent persons to f'net as Registrar of biands; and clause 11, making the penalty for defacing brands i,oo ; were postponed until 1 Friday. . . Air. BUCKLAND thought (he Provincial Govern. niHit mieht accomplish the objects aimed at in this Bill without the expense of paid dis rict registrars, by I] having the cattle-brands registered at the police offices 1 (hear, hpar). The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY s-id the lion. member's stigges ion was worthy of adoption ; but there was this difficulty about (lie matter, that if it were r adopted, nearly every other clause wopld have to be | postponed and re-modelled (bear, and laughter). I The several clauses, excepting those reserved on the I motion of the Provincial Secretary, were then consiI dered at great length, and finally adopted—various I important alterations having been made at the suggesI tinn of Messrs. Buckland, I).(worth, and Boylan. The , Bill to take effect from and after the Ist of Al iy, IScifi.

The Chairman reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again on Friday. There being no hnsines on the notice paper for Thursday, Mr. BECKHAM moved an adjournment until Friday.

Mr. DILVVORTH Loped that in future, if any break was mails in the four working days of the Council, it should be on Friday, as in that case they could have two days to transact their own private business, When it was made on Thursday, they were prevented from doing many things that required two days consecutively to tret through.

The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said that he did not think it was likely that a similar occurrence would take place that session; hut if there was any likelihood, he would arrange it in compliance with the Iron, member 5 request. The Council then adjourned at 7 o’clock until Friday,

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15. Tub Council rrmt at 3 o’c'oek. Present —All the members, (except Mr. Powditch, resigned). the audit committee’s uproar, was brought up by the Provincial S cretary : was read and ordered to be printed. PETITION. Mr. SCHULTZ presented a petition from 53 inhabitants of Gray-street, praying that the same might be improved. Received. WRIT FOR PENSIONI-R’S SETTLEMENT. Air. WILLIAMSON, with reference to a question be put at the last meeting of the Council, would again ask if the writ for a member to serve in place ol Air. Powdileh . had heen issued. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said Hurt so soou as the necessary instructions came from the Provincial Law-officer, immediate steps would be taken. The ina'ter was placed in the hands ol the Provincial Law-officer the same day that Air. Powditch s resignation was received. Mr. WILLIAAISON asked if there was any cause for the delay. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY was not prepared with any reason for the delay—some difficulty had been met with by the Provincial Law-officer in the case, but at present he could not give a more definite answer (laughter). MASTER AND SERVANTS ACT. Air. BRODIE moved for leave to bring in a Bill intituled “ The Auckland Master and Servant’s Bill, 1856,’’ and that it be printed and read a first time. Mr. DILWORTH said it ought to be known why the Provincial Government had put this Bill out of their hands ? It was evidently a Government measure having been alluded to in the Superintendent’s Address. Mr. BRODIE said it was not a Government measure, it was bis own Bill, and was brought forward for the benefit of the public. He thought that in Auckland employers had been too longstrvants instead of masters. Air, MERRIMAN rose to a point of order, as the measure, being a private one, required notice of the first reading. Mr. BRODIE, who was very much excited, maintained that he was in order, and made some violent per-

sonal allusions to Mr. Merriman, who appealed to the Speaker Tor protection against interruptions by such boisterous exclamations, mote fitted to the hustings than to the Council chamber. The SPEAKER having called the bon. member to order, Air. BRODIE said some allowance ought to be made to young members, who were entitled to a little licence, (no, no) Air. SCHULTZ seconded tbo motion for leave, but at the same time would not pledge himself to support its details. Mr. MEHRIMAN thought some measure of the kind was required, but it was extraordinary that a private member should bring this Bill in, after it had been alluded to by the Superintendent in hi* Address, (hear, hear). He (Mr. Merrimsn) considered it shewed n want of respect to his Honor, and again asked for explanation from the Executive. Mi. J. O’NEILL would not oppose the Bfll, but it was necessary that the country should know which were Government measures and which were not. 7he present was a beautiful sample of “ progress ’’ policy (hear, hear). It was not a Alaster and Servant’s Bill. It was sirnplv a Master’s Bill, and savoured far too much of the stockade of New South Wales (hear, hear). Mr. O’Neill then dissected nnd contrasted the clauses of the Bill—showing that while it rendered the servant liable to imprisonment in a variety of cases, even in the case of damage, such as breaking a few tea-cups, or being a ll't'e pen and saucy ; the master was only liable t» a pecuniary penalty, however grossly he might misconduct himself (hear). He would vote for the Bill being printed for the information of the country. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY expressed his surprise that Air. Merriman should appear in the capacity of a suppnrier of the Superintendent, and complain of wlihtlie termed a wantof respect to his Honor in the introduction of tins Bill. There was no ground for calling it a Government measure. [Major Giu.iiNWoot) : It was alluded to in the Superintendent’s Address.] He did not know what the Bill contained, and he was sure the Superintendent did not; and if any lion, member chose to anticipate he Executive by bringing in a Bill of which they may have given notice, lie (ilit- Provincial Secretary) was sure the Executive would take no exception, if it were » better one than their own. He objected to all these assumptions. Air. J. O’NEILL had not assumed anything, and still co tended that,if the Executive had, as they intimated m the Address, a similar Bill to this one prepared, they ought to have given notice why they had abandoned it.

The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said he would not be told what it was his duty to do.

The SPEAKER interposed as Air. O’Neill was about toexplain, and he stated so to the bon. gentleman. The Speaker said this kind of discus-ion was irregular, and though the hon. member might wish to speak in explanation, he (the Speaker) was the judge whether he was in order.

Mr. J. O’NEILL was well aware of that fact, and had no wish to oppose the authority of the Speaker, but he was interrupted by the bon. Piovincial Secretary while in order, with a question The SPEAKER: The Provincial Secretary should not have put that question. Mr. J. O’NEILL: Put the Provincial Secretary having been allowed to put the question, he (Mr, ONiell) ousht to he allowed to answer it (hear, hear). The SPEAKER : Put the Provincial Secretary having been irregular (hear and laughter) was no reason why other hon.members should be so too (bear). Mr. J. O’NEI LL said, alt. r this last observation from the chair, be would pursue the matter no further (bear, hear). Major GREENWOOD having reminded the Council that the question was whether the Bill should be allowed to he h>ought in, and that it was never servants, but always “ thr cats ’’ who bioke tea-cups, &c.

Mr. ISOYLAN return keel, that the Provin ial Secretary said that he kn«w nothing of that '.Jill ; but he ought to know something ; and it was one ol the duties of the Executive to know what m-a-ures were going to he propis-d on the part of the Superintendent (hear, hear) If proper information were given as to what the Executive were going to do, it would prevent a great deal of useless expenditure in punting Bills. The Provincial Secretary, too, said he did not know what was in the Mil , anil yet he voted for it (hear) ; and while he asked an lion, member how he knew it was a Government measure, he interfered to prevent him fom answering his own question (hear, hear). If hii Honor was going to send one down, why did he (the lion, gentleman) vote for the one now before the (ouncil (hear) ? He (Mr. Boylan) did not underatand why so much mystery and disguise should cloak the proceedings of tho Executive (hear, hear). The constitutional members were quite ready to consider fairly the measures of the Executive, and to support those which were worthy of support (hear, hear.) Mr. UUCKLAN L), when he read in the Superintendent s Address that a Master and Servant’s Bill was about to he introduced, ooked forward to it with some anxiety; and when he saw the present Bill brought forward by Air. Brodie, who was an active partisan of the Executive, he naturally considered that it was the one alluded to in the Address (he..r, hear.) He was. therefore, greatly surprised to hear the Provincial Secretary deny all knowledge of the measure. Still, as he (Mr. Bucklnnd,) was desirous to give every latitude for Bills to be brought in, he would not oppose its introduction.

Mr, BIIODIE said again it was liis own Hill, and the Superintendent knew nothing about it. He (Mr, Brodie) did not go about showing his Hills to people (loud laughter), and ibere was only one other member who knew anything of it. If the Council did not like it, let them amend it or throw it out. But to show how much it was required : he knew a gentleman who kept two servants, and the other day, when he had company and the dinner was just being served up, these servants popped into the room dressed up, with their shawls and bonnets on, and wished their master good by, and left without a moment’s notice (renewed laughter). Leave granted. The SPEAKER ruled that ns the Bill was not one sent down by bis Honor, notice must be given of the first reading. MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS’ BILL. Mr, BRODIE moved for leave to bring in a Bill intituled “The Auckland Medical Practitioners’ Bill, 1856.” He hoped that there would not be so much discussion upon this as upon tlie last one.

Speaker, amidst much laughter; called the lion, number to order.) Air. AIERRIAIAN wished to know what was the object of the Bill. Air. BRODIE said it would compel all medical men to register their diplomas. It would give an Englishman no advantage over a foreigner, but be thought that those who had paid £lsoo or £2OOO a year in England to walk the hospitals nnd gain ihdir diplomas, should have some advantage over those who had not paid anything, and who had no aurgica! knowledge. If the hon. member for the suburbs (Mr, Merriman) could draw up a better Bill—if be would join with him in a friendly way— (laughter)— Mr. AIEIIRIAIAN did not want anything to do with the hon. member in a friendly way (bear, and laughter).

Mr. HOY LAN said this was a very remarkable bill—remarkable lor the bigotry art<l prejudice displayed in it and for its total contempt for Lindley Murray (bear). The preamble might be passed, or it might not—U was quite harmless, as it was perfect nonsense. According to one clause, two medical men and the Speaker might form ‘ a board j” according to another, not less than three could form “a quotum” (hear, and laughter). Another was levelled at Huiiiceopatbyi This was quite superfluous : if homoeopathy were false, it would fall; if true, it was one of the ordinances of Providence that it should flourish, mid any ordinance of the Provincial Council to the contrary would be null and void (hear), lie never had occa-iou to test the medical qualifications of the Speaker (hear), and without meaning any offence, he hoped he never might (hear) ; but it must be a gratification to that lion, gentleman that the Council thought him capable of representing the three professions—L«w Physic, and Divinity—an Ins own person (laughter), lie (Mr. boylau) trusted that, when ‘‘the board” met —two doctors of the Allopathic School, and one unfortunate Homucopatli, at the bar, — that the Speaker would incline to mercy. It certainly was a remarkable Hill (beat). He (Air. Ibiylaii) would advise bon. members not 10 trouble themselves about llomaopatby or any other opaihy ; and a« tor this bill, it interfered with one of the greatest privileges ot an Englishman—the righ- to quack himself (hear). Alajor GREENWOOD thought the bill nonsense from beginning to end. if it were passed, they would have to shut up every shop at which Holloway’s and other pills were sold. Air. bUCKLAND (to whose successful amateur practice as a Homieopathi.-t an alius.on had been made)! said be was much nsionished at the reasons assigned by Air. Hrodie for the introduction, and would rather have expected a bill to be brought forward for t he protection of sullering humanity against the doses of the Allopaihisls (In-ar, and laughter). Ho (Air. buckland) was phased at the connexion of his name with Homoeopathy, hy means of which he was enabled to carry in his waistcoat pocket a small case containing medicine sutlicient for every form of disease ; and he would undertake to cure more than all the Allopathists put together (hear, and laughter). Mr. AIERRIMAN said that independent of its other imperfections, the b II would interfere with the present established practitioners in Auckland—a thing which all sound legislation on this subject carefully abstaintd from doing, legislating for the future only ; and although the bill was to compel all medical men to register their diplomas, it was utterly inoperative, for it did not impose any penalty upon thos ■ who did no (hi ar). He would oppose the motion, though he should like to see the bill printed as a curiosity (hear). Air. HRODIE, in reply, said that the lion, member who was hiding his face with a paper (Mr. Boylan) had intimated that he (the speaker) ind a great dislike to Dr. Fisher: it was nothing of the kind ; he entertained no ill will either against Dr. Fisher or Hoiuuiopalhy, and only wished to prevent medicine from being practised by men who had not been properly brought up. The motion for leave was negatived amid general laughter. PItOPOSKD NEW t.A\O UEGUt, ITIONS, Air. MA V moved without comment, that the Council resolve itself into a Committee of the whole Council to take into consideration the Land Regulations signed J. Logan Cunipb-11, and puhli-hed in the •* Pioviucial Government Gazette” on the 10.h of January lust, and enclosed to the Council in ALssage No 4. Mr. bUCKLAN l) thought the lion, member had introduced his motion very cavalierly : he ought to have given some explanation as to their working, or at least some reason why the present Regulations were objectionable. Air. J. O’NEILL said ho had never before beard of such a un tbod of bringing down a Government measure. It was ridiculous. There was one code of regulations in force which the majority of the country acknowledged to be good, and they were entitled to have some other reason given why they were to be thrown up than that lion, members opposite had u majority of one (bear). The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY contended that when an amendment was on the paper, it was usual to put it immediately alter the original motion, and then the debate ensued.

Mr. BRODIE said the introduction of the proposed Regulations was not a whit more unusual than the manner in which the present Land Regulations were pased in two days. Mr. MLR 111 MAN : Prove it. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY called the bon, member to order.

Mr. MERRIMAN objected to being called to order in such a boisterous manner, when he was penectly in order in culling for an explanation of an incorrect statement.

Mr. BRODIE said the hon. member had no right to speak, as he was behind the chair. When the present Land Regulations were passed, it was only none for a political dodge—(‘’Order.”) Mr. WILLIAMSON protested against the method of debate pursued by Mr. Brodie; if persisted in, there wai no telling where it would end (bear). He was sorry to see the Provincial Secretary support the hon. member in it. With reaped to Mr. Brodie’s assertion, as to the manner in which the present Land Regulations were passed, both tkoM hon. members knew it was not the fact that they were passed in two days (hear, hear). They were carefully considered in committee, and debated upon at great length, clause by clause: the Council then adjourned ; and it was not till after that adjournment that an hon. member moved that they be reconsidered; when, after two days'further discussion, they were agreed upon, and were sent to the Governor for approval. Rut now they were called upon to abrogate these Regulations without any reason being

assigned. The hon. Provincial Secretary said it ea_ usual to hear the amendment first; but if the explanay linns were given,and were satisfactory, it was very 1 that the amendment might not be put at all As In Honor had taken upon himself to publish these Regulations, he should also have taken the proper course to send them down to the Council by a Message, with m explanation of his reasons for so doing. This ho bad not done: hut in his Addiess he had reform! the Council to the Exet utive for information, on the ground, that “ they would learn the views of the Government much more satisfactorily by dirfect and continuous communication with those who represented the Superintendent in Council” (hear). Vet, when any member applied to that Executive for information, the only reply be got was being twitted by the Provincial Secretary for asking for explanations to which they had no right.

The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY was Understood to say that the explanation ought to be given on tho amendment.

Mr. WILLIAMSON contended that it ought to be given on the motion. When hon. members asked the Council to repeal a law already in existence, they ought to give satisfactory reasons for doing so. It would become an hon. gentleman who received a salary as a Commissioner under those very Regulations he now said were unworkable, to have given some reasons to show this was so. One member of the Executive (Mr. iieckhatn) hud taken this course in introducing bis Impounding Pill; and the Executive ought to have followed the same course in this instance (hear). Major GR LEX WOOD opposed going into committee on these Regulations until the Council had received some information « by the existing Regulations had not worked aalisfactorilv. lie was quite aware they had not worked w 11, hut he wanted to know the reason whv hear, hear) 1 After a considerable pause, the PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said if ii were understood that the amendment were withdrawn, Ins hon. colleague would give the information asked ; if not, they waited for the amendment. Mr. WILLIAMSON said the Provincial Secretary was leading 'he Council astray. The amendment was not the p'opertv of the Council until brought forward, and it rested with the hon, member who had given no ice of it, whether, after any exphmtaion that might be vouchsafed, i' was necessary to move it (bear). Mr. MLRHIMAN said it had been more than once stated that if the Executive were to state freely, full.r, and unreservedly tbeir reasons for thinking a change of system necessary, it might lead to the Committee not being pressed for— The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY; Kahore! Mr. MERRIMAN, notwithstanding the Provincial Secretary’» very disorderly interruption, Would repeat that it was the wish of those who were very nearly half of the Council to throw no impediment in the wav of tie the Executive, hut they wanted to see whether the measures proposed by that Executive were for the good of the country—they wished to express their opinions in . partially, and vote accordingly, but they would not I e foregd to vote in blind compliance with the ipse dixit of the hon. Provincial Secretary, simply because he couid. say “we have a majority of one, and therefore will compel the Opposition to give in ’’(hear). The chief object of the minority was to draw forth a statement ot the reasons for the proposed measures—the true way to eff'Ct that “ conciliation ” of which the Council had heard so much, would be to give the explanation asked for—and if such explanation were given, it should be fairly and impartially weighed (hear). It was impossible for members not in confidence of the Executive, to judge whether these Regulations were tequired or not; and it was a most unusual thing for an Executive to adopt the course now taken, a course which would render it impossible for them to enjoy the confidence of the Council (hear). It might be that in the Home-legisla-ture discussions had been reserved till the amendment; lut it was not an invariable rule, and was generally only resorted to for the sake of convenience—while t*>e other was the fairer and more open course to pursue (hear).

Alter another pause.— The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY (to Mr. Dilwortli) : Do you move the amendment ? Mr. DILWORTH said he was waiting to hear some reasons for the original motion. (Another pause. The hon. member proceeded): As not one of the Executive would condescend to give an iota of explanation, he could only come to the conclusion that they meant to watch the course the dehate would take on the amendment, lie thought this a very unwise course, and that the Executive should rather afford such information ns would disarm the opposition of the minority. His only object was to get the best measure hr tli® country; and in bis opinion the present Land Regulations were far more adapted than those proposed, to secure that end. The Executive bad failed to tell them why the existing Regulations bad failed and why they required to be repealed : and be could only look upon the proposed code as having been introduced for the sake of change—which his Honor had most truly said to be a very unwise course. He (!Wr. Dilworth) bid therefore felt it his duty to prepare an amendment asking for inquiry into the working of the existing Regulations. K that inquiry should show this code had vvoyked badly, they could then see whether it was open to lemsdy—and if not, they could then fall back upon the proposed code. He believed the existing Regulations were not faultless, that they might be improved. This was the object of his proposed Committee to inquire into, and he thought itthedutv ot the Council to grant that Comipid 'C, which would show whether the fault rested withih- Regulations or i heir administration. It was an opportunity the Executive should d* si’e rather than resist (hear). He would not take on himself to decide whether the best officers had been appointed, or not, to carry out these Regulations, hut ha would remind the Executive that it was broadly charged against them out of don r « that the h.-st men had not been selected (hear) — that the Regulations had not been properly worked ; and he contended that those officers so charged with mal •administration shouli have an oportunity of clearing themselves (hear, hear). If this inquiry—which he repeated the Executive ought to grant—should show that the p.eseut code wai unworkable, he (Mr. Dilworth) would cheerfully support any change that Committee might recommend (hear). He would move “ that a Committee he appointed to inquire into the working of theexisting Land Regulations, with a view to amend the same it found requisite and advisable. Committee to consist of Messrs. hucklaml, Williamson, Redggood, Merrimaa, Henderson, Dignan, Goodfellow, and thj Mover.”

Major GREENWOOD seconded thp amendment, lie woe n considerable land holder and much interested in the working of the present Regulations—which they hud been told had failed, but they were not told why. If they had failed, it was owing to the maladministration of them. Those into whose hands they had been committed liad been adverse to them, and everybody knew that a good law badly administered was worse than a bad law well administered (hear). Ho did not intend to cast any censure upon the proposed Regulations, but wished to hear nn explanation of the objections to the present onec. Instead of this they were only told by the Provincial Secretaiv that he waited to hear what was said in the amendment and would then answer. Such conduct seemed to him (Major Greenwood ) more characteristic of the manreuvre of a thimblerigger than of the representative of Government (hear, and laughter). Mr. MAY sail! that ns n member of the Executive he was equally as anxious to give any explana'ion ns lion, members opposite were to receive it ; but be did not think he could give them as much an they wanted, I he new Regulations were not proposed for the sake of chanfe, lie did nor, however, himself object to nor condemn the present hand Regulations to the same extent as. Ins colleagues (hear, heat), but it was scarcely possible to find four men to he united upon nil question* (hear, and laughter). The existing Regulations, with a few alterations and a supply of land, might possibly be made workable (hear, hear), but for want of land, it was impossible to carry them out, as every one of the provisions required a great deal of land. The next question was, what a'tera'ions had been made? There were in the present Regulations five classes of land—town, suburban, rural, general country, and speaial occupation; in those proposed, only three—town, suburban, and general country ; hut out of one of these, two more would arise, making the number the same as in the present Regulations. The only class really left out ‘vns the Special Occupation (hear). 'lhere was another improvement :—That inferior land should hj« put up to auction at ss. an acre, which was quite necessary, a* there was a great deal of land in the country not worth 10s. an acre. Tt had been bandied about that by the proposed Regulations tlie Superintendent would he invested with supreme power. This was because he was considered responsible to the Council— (laughter)--hut if the Council con-idered it Wesirulde that the word* ■‘by tlie advice and consent of the Ex cutiva Council” should be added, he believ'd no object on would he Offered. It had been said that tie- proposed Re>;illations were intended to benefit the moneyed man; hut ihonly alteration appearing to do bo was that purchasers of land should pay down one-half, instead of one-temh, at the time of auction, and the remainder in a month ; end if a man wanted to buy land for se tling upon, what difference could this make—(ironical cries of “ hear.") He would now say something of what would he considered one of their sins of omission—the omhsion of the Special Occupation clauses (hear). The reason was simple—they had not land enough. As to the principle of selling land on credit, he did not disapprove of it in itself, or say it was a sham—but it was a sham when they had not land enough. As to calling ■them the working settlers’ and poor men’s clauses, he called that n sham, when it was equally open to the capitalist, who, indeed, was in a position to lake the ftreniest advantage of them. The rich man could take Jiia 500 acres, and his wife and sons the same, under these clauses, which hon. members who professed so .much sympathy for the working classes were so fond of Supporting. Mr. WILLIAMSON; Would the hon. member say that it was only the rich settler who look advantage of * teae clauses (hear) I Mr. MAY would come to that. He considered one drawback of the present system, was allowing parties to claim 500 acres each under those clauses—(hear, hear, from Mr. Merriman, and others) and that the bon. gentleman who proposed that alteration, made the Regulations worse than ns they were hronght in by the mover, and did an injury to the poor man (hear, hear). As to (he omission or the Military Settlers’ clauses, he could see no reason why the military should have any advantage over oilier people. He did nor consider they made better settlers—he did pot think they made so good, consequently they were worse—(no, no!) —and lie did not think the Province was ever benefited, either iti its moral or political atmosphere, by their introduction into it (ol), oli ! and dissent). He would place the retired soldier on the same footing as other settlers, and no other ; and if one class of immigrants had ft) acres allowed, military settlers also should be granted the same. Up found Hint, undei the Military classes, 17 otders had been issued, hut no land had been selected at all. The land for which these orders were issued was 1600 acres in all of which two were for 800, thus showing that one-half was monopolised by two rich men, and the other half distributed among fifteen poor men. Yet we were told there should not I e one law for the rich and another lor the poor man (hear). The hon. member then prged the advantage of the plan of assisted passages over the Immigration clauses, which were partial in their effect, as agriculturists could take advantage of them when men in tr do could not. Rut them was not land enough to cairy out these Immigration clauses, and the lioard were therefore unanimous that they could not appoint agents, as, if the Immigrants had arrived and not been able to get land, they would have had a fair claim for damages which the whole land revenue would not have i-atisfied. Of the two evils, therefore, they chose the least. He would now refer to a few figures by way of satisfying the Council that the Board had done all that lay within its power. The total quantity of land handed over to it by the general government was 282,678 acres, an enormous number of figures, but representing comparatively little that was really available Of this quanti y 90,000 were situated on the north of the Manukau ; and were of so impenetrable a nature, that the general government had not been ah o to get sutveyota to survey the external boundaries. Of this, 5"*,000 acres had been open since May last, yet only 2‘rO had been sold. The total quantity sold by the Board had been 22,54-0 non s, of which 5061 were Special Occupation. Orders had also beet, issued fjr about 2000 more of the latter class. The total quantity left at ti c disposal of the Board was thus 260,138 acres. Of till-, 21,000 were on the north and west

shores of the Wait.emata, on which there were private o'aims, and the classification of which could not. therefore, he sanctioned by the Superintendent (hear). An lion, member opposite said ‘‘ hearbut that hon. member must be perfectly tiware of a resolution passed by the General Assembly, that Government should refrain from selling lands on which such claims existed. That resolution was afterwards aflimed by the Provincial Council, and when, in a subsequent session, it came down to them for reaffirmation, they laughed at the idea of doing what they had already done. In Waieku, 35,00¥ acres had been surveyed, and although not yet in the market, the Koard had done all in its power to accomplish this. The principal difficulty arose from claims being revived by the Natives, who had now plenty of money in their pockets, Pnult had been found for this delay, hut it was easy to Mud fault, u!-

though difficult to suggest a remedy (hear). The quantity of Special Occupation Land originally set aside was <12,428 acres, of which only 13,084 had been open lor selection. Of what was not open 30 000 acres were in the impenetrable tract at the north of Manukau. All the general country land on baud that could be said to be really available was 30,000 acres in Hunua, Wainui, and Waiuku, which was tolerably fair land. Of the Special Occupation lands, several selections had been in quantities ol 400 or 500 acres ; and a considerable quantity of fair land of this class was yet open in the llnnua block. —Mr May then referred to the statement made by the retired soldier Flynn at Onehunga, as a sample of the complaints made against the Land Board, and said that if Flynn ready wanted land, he could now go on to Hunua and get 500 acres for himself and his wife under the Special Occupation clauses ; concluding by saying that ha hud endeavoured to discharge his duties to the best of his ability, and without fear or favour. Major GREENWOOD said that after the statement they I.ad just heard, he would suggest that; to shorten the debate, the hon. member should vote (or the amendment, and give the Committee the benefit of that information if which he find just given a ponion (hear). Mr. J. O’NEILL had listened attentively to the speech of the hon. Land Commissioner, which was a very curious one. The reasons he assigns! for a change in ilie present Regulations were not at all sufficient to warrant the Council in assenting to his motion. He said lie bad endeavoured to do all the law required him to do, yet lie did not establish agencies, as the law certainly required him to do. The fact vtas that the carrying out of the Regulations had hi en entrusted to those who were not anxious to carry them out in the spit it that the framer designed (hear). Mr. May said a want of land whs the only reason for the proposed change; and vot admitted in the sune breath, that 282,000 acres had been handed over to them, and that 260,000 remained in their hands unsold (hear). He ought to have formed agencies in the colonies for the disposal of some of that land, ns the law directed, hut he did what the law did not contemplate—lie kept his place and pay without discharging the duties imposed on him by the Regula lions (hear). The lien member asked wbat was to hinder a ricli man, and the whole of lit* family, from taking 500 acres each of -Special Occupation land! It was immaterial who took the land, so long ns it was cultivated. The intention of the Regulations was to have men in the colony instead of cattle, fields of wheat instead of fern, and so make the Province what it might become—a great exporting country (hear, hear). There was no difficulty in perceiving that the I amendment of the member for the Southern Division ] recommended itself to every unbiassed person. To his mind, no line of conduct on the most important subject of the session could he so judicious and straightforward as that proposed by the amendment. lo turn the U aste Lands to the most beneficial account, and make them subservient to the real, and not io the sham, progress ol the Province, would become ihe hounded duty of members, unless they were willing lo be directed by the dogmatical opinions of others. A code of Land Regulations embodying the great principle of selling land to industrious poor men on credit, hid been absented to by an overwhelming majority in the Council, and was now the law of the land. They were framed with the greatest care, so as to meet the requirements of the Province; and if they had been administered properly, they would soon have brought a large agricultural population among us (bear). It was very unreasonable to attempt to abrogate those Regulations, without giving them a fair trial, to supplant them by a crude and ill.digested code, without one redeem ng quality, and whirh were designed for the direct benefit of the land-shark against the working settler. The majority of the colonists so regarded the proposed Regulation* : the Provincial Government, it seemed, thought otherwise ; and the only satisfactory way of set.ling tlie matter would be by adopting the course proposed in the amendment, without a division (hear). I Mr. 110 VLAN said that to judge from ‘he ominous • silence on the part of the Executive, it was evident to i what foregone conclusion they had arrived. But he : would warn them not to place too much reliance upon j their small majority, which was not enough to satisfy the country. They must not look upon the amendment , as party opposition ; its object was merely to institute | an inquiry into the existing Regulations, which he acknowledged might be amended. At the same time it was acknowledged on the part of the Executive, that they were not unanimous in agreeing to the proposed | Regulations, which had been brought forward so ! hurriedly that the Provincial Secretary himself had to I propose ten amendments upon them (hear, hear), lie trusted that this question would not be regaided as a party one, and that the Executive ivould act in a more i becoming spirit than take advantage of the accidental 1 absence of Mr. Powditeh, and so evade the inquiry that was asked from them (bear). Mr. GOOD FELLOW denied that the proposed Regulations were for the benefitof the land shark. \ The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said that his hon. colleague (Mr. May) bad given such a clear and lucid explanation, that it left him little to say. Hon. member* said it was right lo refer the matter to a select Committee, and to this, perhaps, much exception could not be taken. He would prefer a Committee of the whole Council; but had the amendment formed an original motion, it might have been carried, even w.th the support of members on his side. On lo.iking, however, a’the form of the amendment, it was evidently intended to supersede the original motion. Before he saw it on the Notice Paper, he had understood it to have been given as an original motion (no, no) and there was evidently some misunderstanding. He would like to know why the old cry of ’* rovstery ” was raised ? It was very easy to assert such a thing but not to prove j it. He presumed hon. members wished to hear what their (the Executive) side had lo say, aud then with- i draw or bring forward the amendment as they liked. : After such an explanation as they had received from Mr. May, the charge of “mystery” must explode. With regard to the working of the present Land Regu- j lations, though not long in office, lie had been behind j the seem s all the time (he-r, and laughter) and knew , everything that was toing on during the lata Superin- , tendency ; and he could assert that when these Regulations became the law of the land, Mr. Brown did all he could lo carry them into operation, and used every exertion to overcome difficulties; he, himself (Mr. Carleton) had examined line by line, to try lo evade those difficulties ; but they weto, iu fact, like a cart without wheels, that had lo dragged through the mire with main force. The Superintendent had appointed competent Commissioners, and he would take upon himself to say that no men could have done more than they did ; but the Regulations were unworkable, and fell from their own inherent defects (no, no). Mr. DILWORTH rose to take advantage of the Provincial Secretary’s proposition to make the motion a substantive one but was called to order, having spoken. Mr. MERRIMAN was prepared (for the hon. member) to stale that what he proposed, was to the effect, taking advantage of the hon. the Provincial Seortury’s proposition, lo make it a substantive motion.

Tha PROVINCIAL SECRETARY denied having made any such proposition (oh ! oh !). Mr. MERRIMAN, after expressing his surprise at the declaration of the Provincial Secretary, continued ; The granting of the proposed Committee of inquiry would be far more prudent and businesslike than to sweep away an existing law, without inquiry into its defects, and substitute an entirely different one. lie had heard the exposition of the Land Commissioner, which was designated as being so lucid and clear, but the time taken up in giving that clear and lucid explanation was half lost, for it merely amounted to this ; that the present Regulations required amendment, which was not denied by uny one (hear). No one could deny that some of the clauses had worked well ; if any were objectionable, let the Committee be formed, and evidence could he introduced that could not he taken in full Council; and he (Mr. Mernman) would ask, was it possible to come to a correct and satisfactory determination in all matters in connection with such an important measure without ascertaining the opinion of others out of the Council, who were in a position to give reliable opinion, perhaps much better than could be given in the Council. lie trusted that th-re would be no Ot position tu the Committee being formed. I lie marked difference between the piesent ami proposed Regulation*. jo expunging tin* tqiecial Occupation clauses was n sufficient argument in larour of the amendment (hear ).

Mr. BUCK LAND said hj“ question before them was whether the original motion or the amendment was to he adopted. He strongly deprecated tho manner in which the hon. member for the Bay of Islands had insimiHted that the members on his (Mr. Buckland’s) side had no other intention hut to delay all measures brought forward bv the Government. (The Provincial Secretary, hear, hear.) He could assure him that Lis intentions were as good as the lion, member’s or bis supporiers. He bad no other motive but to secure snen measures as in his opinion were for the benefit of the Province, No doubt the pre-eni Land Regulations were faulty, hm still he would much prefer them to those proposed. T he mover had said he did not object to the Special Occupation clauses, provided the 1 e was plenty of land; hat if the hon. member had studied the proposed Regulation*, he must know that to work them out, more land would be required than I y the present Regulations (hear;. The ."pedal Occupat on • Inu-e.s were 10 be superseded by that rumr.us system of lessing land lor I I i years fur grazing purposes. Now, it was not the great ! quantity of land that was so much to the advantage ot j a country. In the neighbouring colonies of New Sou hj 1 Wales and Victoria, where they had millions upon millions of acres, they were in a complete state of anarchv inconsequence of the same injurious s stem being introduced, that of leasing large tracts of land for sheep and cattle runs. Accenting to the proposed Regulations a man could procure land to graze 5' 0 (sheep, and use it for that or any other purpose as he thought i proper; that was the ricli man’s Special Occupation ; and that was the principle, he presumed, the Executive meant to adopt in all their Bills (hear). Let the two codes be thoroughly analysed, and no doubt out of the two a good one might be framed. It would be much better to «llow the amendment to be adopted, so as to procure the best evidence. He decidedly objected to a. Bill that would give to the rich man plenty of land, and to the poor man—none : ha should like to see all their little differences amicably settled, so that they could work together; and why not have a Committee to do this, without coming to a division (hear). Mr. WILLIAMSON had anxiously waited for the member in the'executivechair, No. 4, (Mr. Henderson) to express his views upon the subject; for on the hustings he declared for “cheap land for the poor man, and plenty of time allowed to pay fur it.” How was it that such a change had taken place in his opinions ? He (Mr. W.) had paid a ttenton to the speech of the hon. member of the Executive (Mr. May), which was really an arguraenta- • live one in favour of the amendment. H - had staled | that the Special Occupation clauses were fur the capitalist, but when called upon to prove it, he could not. lie | had admitted ihat the Board bad neglected to appoint agents, al hough the Regulations had piovided that such should be done. They hud evidently not under- ! stood their duty (bear). An agent should Lave been app inted in Loudon, and the immigration land reserved (or which he wa- empowered to grant ordeis. Tnev Lad been accused of mal-administia ion, and yet had made no explanation to clear themselves in the eye of the public. Had lie (Air. W.) been a member of that Hoard, and been so charged, he would have prayed tor such an enquiry; ami he b Sieved had the hon. member for the Bay of i»latids( the Provincial Secretary) been one of that Hoard, Le would have courted the inquiry; he (Mr. William son i was therefore surprised the lion, gentleman should instruct the membeis ot his Executive to oppose it (hear). He did not quite agree with the hon. member (Mr. Dilwortli) in bringing bis mo don forward as an amendment; but if the Execute were sincere in their professed wish to have an inquiry, the mo ion could easily he postponed and the committee be appointed. If such »n inquiry were granted, he (Mr. Williamson) was prepared to prove that there were persona now in this ciiy who had been tempted out here, and Chat there were o'hers about to come out, on (lie faith of the existing Regulations being in operation (hear ). Even the luu. member (Mr. May) who had been on the Laud H»ard, and thus had opportunities of learning where all the best laud was, said be approved of these Regulations, tl there were plenty of land ; but because there waa not plenty just now, ha proposed to upset (beta altogether. Because there waa not an f abundance of land just now, was that any reason why that should always be the case ? The General Assembly would no doabt make provision for fresh purchases, and if the clauses were good, why not let them stand, until the supply was adequa'e to meet the demand. Sir I George Grey's Regulations were an improvement on the I former Regulations, but they gave an advantage to the lich man, who had time to travel about the country j and make himself acquainted with} the best land, — ! while tho poor man, not having tins opportunity, bad j •o be satisfied with the chance, which was only . a rare one, of obtaining any End lie put in | for. It was to remedy this state of things j that the Special Occupation clauses were devised— to | give the poor man the opportunity, by lb j reservation ] of a certain portion of land in every block, of obtaining some land of the average quality, and of investing bis small capital in improvements and stock, by allowing him five years in which to pay for the land (hear). This would attract to our shores intelligent men with small capital who would prove a blessing to the Province They would not land disappointed men, but would become happy and useful possessors of the soil (hear). He agreed with Mr, May, that the system of assisted passages worked well; and he knew that under it a great many persons had sent tor their friends to come out, impressing upon them that land was to be had at 10s. an acre- When they came here, they found that nearly all that land was taken up ; but had half that land been reserved for immigrants, they would not

have had to say that it was a sham part of the country from which he (Mr. \V.) small freehold system was found to wort hew 1 and make a contented and happy people; system, that of keeping the land in the yll large holders, who rented it to poor pi on short leases, resulted in disconuß squalid misery, (hear.) He had Dot Jp that lion. gentlemen wbb had rai s# )f|;; selves from the labouring class by thei || industry, and by the facilities they had hid to fp land, would have came there to depri,,® of the opportunity they had enjoyed (bear.) disposed Regulations, which had been broughtfohS J\lr. May would have come with ,'I grace from the hon. the Proviuciil for they were framed in the gpi r ;. class to which he claimed to belong. (hcJ'fii at home there were hundreds in contented —mere serfs to their landlords whom they accustomed to respect. In the colonies itwa,^p£ : The labouring man found that there prietors of the soil possessed of no telligence than himself, and he put himself in the same position. Islands. It was the earliest settled part ofthiiyfc What was it now ? It had been destroyed very system of immense holdings which thefgjp Secretary' —one of its representatives—was establish through these Regulations (bear). different system that would have encouraged tion, instead of its 180 voters, the fertile j,- ’ of the Ray of Islands would Lave bj | thousands of settlers, and instead of feeding hundred cattle and sheep, it would have been 11145,** voted to agriculture, and so have added to the ex* ' the Colony (hear). Let them contrast iu eipwla those of Auckland, the youngest of the settieauji ; 105 >, He found on looking into the published * tor 1 lie past year that, while the value of export;' p the whole Ray district —Russell, Mongo® ; Mokianga—only hnd amounted to £lß,ooo,then those fiom Auckland amounted to nearly Auckland having exported of agricultural «>p£ jt'-13.273 worth ot wheat, and nearly £45,000 potatoes, while the Ray ot Islands had only seat/ 1 ! shout jfc'l7o 1 worth of wheat, and iloo') t J|| j potatoes, —and between £4001) and £SOOO * ! cattle. This striking differenee ia favour of Am j was to he accounted for by the system of n; ! mnderatalv sized taring into which tUe distrit | divided, whilst that of the Ray of Islandswuo S 1 held by a large proprietary. With reg» the military clas-es —those who had been stig#.. I as the worst of settlers by an hon. member (Mr, I he would make a few remarks. He believed tit; i member who had so stigmatised them, owedhlig ■ the votes of some of them; and that be, uv> | nun; other settlors in the neighlioubood of 6 I villages, had reaped advantages from their |& ! especially at the period when so mis; I our population were leaving the Colon; j California when these men were prevented bii j military engagement from leaving the soil, inui I their iabout became invaluable (hear, h-ar), Audi, lieved it would be admitted by those who bidbm | exporters of our produce for several years back,tb I la rge amount of the exports to which he had pr<W referred had been produced by the I* i sioner settler*. At first he (Mr. Willia* ■ was dispo*ed to think that that bon. as 1 Lad spoken unguardedly, but now that hi s' repeated his aspersion, it wa« time tlratiomefc 1 should be taken of it, —and he (Mr. Williamson ; that in the omission of the Military SettlerT tit, and the reasons assigned theiefor, these om been treated with considerable ingratitude, (I ' hear). Mr. Williamson concluded by callings ■ other members of the Executive, particular!; I lleckliam, to give some explanation of his condai - becoming party to the abrogation of the milium tiers provisions in the Land Regulations, ?.nihy art, upon the Executive the propriety of acced»|Vp motion for inquiring into the working of theera®. Regulations, before attempting 10 force anohettl; upon the country. Mr. BECKHAM differed with bis colleague! v regard to the existing regulations; he believed limit had been a benefit to the Colony, (hear, and laugh; f,r through their impractibili'y. th** Province badb saved trom a state of insolvency (laughter.) Refers had been made to military settlers. He had k«M soldier, and would he glad to see those who badfe« for ib*dr country properly rewarded - , but theynMH j nst before they were generous,—the soldier of vfftfp* dav was not entitled to the same privilege!!)t soldier of thirty years. Had not the early settler) u tlie settlers of the North who had lost their propert) through tin* native war, a claim upon them! soloojt those claims re named unsatisfied, no other das*• *r entitled lotheprivilege(oh-) The system of leasing Iwi), so much complained o*, had been of great benefit ti New South Wales. The export of wool had bemib saving of that country. Had the proposed Reguittiffl been in existence as long, this Colony would not*' be *uffering from depression. It was said that th»uistiog Regulations were for the poor man; but*b£ boon was land to the poor man without bw? (laughter.) An hon. member had said that seltla who came here in poverty soon rose to affluence; »•> if m< n got rich here from nothing, there was little tt for a special occupation clause. The supportetsof® existing Regulations spoke as if no one was entitled. come to New ZeaUn d except working settlers, class of settlers were g „od, no doubt, but he object to any kind kind of class legislation, (laughter.) i»| charge had been made of mal-admini.-tration. R** tainty was not easy 10 administer laws that were ktelligible, as these Regulations were—so much the framer himself did not understand them. (oh,tf laughter.) No charge against the Land Beard Ladb* made anywhere except in that chamber, because 00® could or dare make such a charge. The Reguh® 1 had failed, not because of m 1 -administration, * l from their inherent valuelessness. The amendment having been put, the Council «' ,i ‘ deJ witli the follow ing result ; Ayes—lo. Noes —1?. Messrs. Dienan Messrs. Ca "ketoa J. ONeill Beckham A. O’Neill Henderson Merriman May Williamson Taylor Uilworth Turner Huckland Schultz Greenwood Bedggood Boy lan Hay Brennan Good fellow Brodie Graham The Speaker then declared the Council to b* ® Committee, when the first clause was read pro for* J 4 Committee, the Chairman reported progress, CounciladjoumHuntiKTnesdav^iext^^^^^^^