PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

New Zealander, Volume XXIV, Issue 2610, 10 March 1866, Page 3

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

[Wedxesdat.] Tae Speaker took the chair a few minutes past three o'clock. 'toe hay of island settlements. In answer to a question, the Waste Lands Commissioner said the Government had learned that dissatisfaction extsted among some of the immigrants owing to the delay in the completion of the survey. ACCESS TO THE LIBRARY. Mr. O'Neill moved, " That Justices of the Peace have liberty to use the books of the Provincial Library, under the same restrictions as members of the Council.'' Mr. Carleton moved as an amendment, " That Justices of the Peace be allowed access to the books of the Provincial Council Library for the purpose of reference, but not to remove books from the library." Ultimately, the amendment was put aud carried. EDUCATION BILL. Mr. Newman moved that the adjourned debate on the question, " That a respectful address be presented to his Honour the SnpcrLiUsuJeui,, lutjueotiug him to send down to the Council an amended Education Bill, as recommended by the Education Board," be resumed. Mr. Cheeseman seconded the motion, and it was carried. Bui, after some discussion on the subject, the mover consented to withdraw it. THE NEW LUNATIC ASYLUM. Mr. Ball moved, in referanco to the reply of the Provincial Secretary to a question respecting a Governor for the new Lunatic Asylum, " That an address be presented to his Honour the Superintendent respectfully requesting him to furnish this Council with a copy of any written correspondence, or the result of any oral communication betwocn the lato Superintendent and the General GoveruuientrespeeiingthenewLuuatic Asylum being made a colonial institution." After some discussion the motion was put and carried. MESSAGE. Mr. Carleton brought down Message No. 34 from his Honour the Superintendent, enclosing a bill to amend the Tamaki Bridge Act, 1364. The bill was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow (Thursday). LAPSED LAND ORDERS. Mr. Ball movod' "That in the proposed Waste Lands Act Amendment Bill.. 1860, it is desirable that provision be made for the investigation of lapsed

land orders, by the establishment of a board of appeal." The motion was carried.. CONSTRUCTION OK ROADS. Mr. Ball moved, ''That provision bo made in the Waste Lauds Act Amendment Bill for allowing compensation in scrip to persons constructing roads or other public works at their own expense." Seconded by Mr. McLeod, and carried. ACCOMMODATION HOUSE 3. Colonol Peacoeke moved, (1.) " Tltat the licenses to accommodation bouses beyoud miles radius from Auckland shall permit only the sale of beer amongst fermented stimulants, and not •pirits of any kind. (2). That all licenses in town or country shall, in the first instance, be granted by the local magistrates, but require the confirmation of the Superintendent." lie paid lie had placed tiie motion on the notice paper to meet the requirements pointed outby the member for the Northern Division, Mr. McLeod, during a previous debate. It appeared to be necessary, in order to lessen drunkenness in the country districts, that accommodation houses should be opened and licenses to be granted only for the salo of beer. By the granting of licenses to accommodation houses a heavy tax upon the hospitality of country settlers would be removed, and a great convenience afforded to travellers. It had been said, however, that licenses which would bo granted only for beer, and not for sprits, would not be applied for. Ho would admit so long as they granted spirit licenses, that such mijlit be tho case, because tho "nobbier institution" was at times all-powerful in tlecountry. Tho granting of bush licenses involved a matter of very great social evil in the country ; and it was their duty to protect, as far as possible, country settlers from the great evils which resulted from drunkenness in the out-districts. Captain Cooper moved, " That the resolutions be taken seriatim." Seconded by Mr. McLeod, and carried. After some discussion, the debate was adjourned. THE LAND BILL, The Bill was recommitted and amended, and ordered to be read a third time the next clay. Tho Council counted out at Seven o'clock. [Thursday.] The Speaker took the chair at three o'clock. The minutes were read and agreed to. TAMAKI BRIDGE AMENDMENT ti11.1.. Tho Tamaki Bridge Amendment Bill was ordered to be read a second time. LAND BILL, Mr. Wiliamsou moved, " That tho Land Bill, 1806, be read a third time." Mr. Bueklaud moved that the bill be i read a third time that day six months. | He was sorry to see that any Government should ask them to pass such a | bill. The member who voted tor the I third reading became, ho thought, a traitor to the community. They were sent there to make laws for the province, and the Executive hail to administer the laws made by the Council. Mr. O'Neill seconded the motion. He thought it would be wise if the Government would withdraw the bill. It was high time the Government gave up jobbing in native land, and confined themselves to their proper functions. When a Laud Bill was brought iuto the General Assembly, it was usually passed if it was stated that the regulations had passed the Provincial Council; but here they were going to give up j their power. After some discussion, tho Council divided, when the third reading of the* bill was carried, by 17 to 7. The bill was read a third time,"and passed. MESSAGES. Messages were brought up from the. Superintendent, one of which recom- ; mended a visit to the Tauranga and Waikato districts, by a member or members of the Executive. ESTIMATES. The Council went iuto committee on the estimates, when the different items were considered.

Great discussion took place upon the sum set down for the police force. With regard to the salary of the Commissioner, Mr. Williamson was of opinion that the sum set down against his name was not one shilling too much. Ho was one of the most active and indefatigable officers the Government possessed. lie worked early and late, had the control of the whole police force throughout the'province, and wa» always to be found at his post, often under the mo ? t difficult circumstances. The hou. member also spoke highly of the services rendered by the Commissioner in time of war, when he established a line of patrols around the city, and when he was to be found night after night at his post, let the weather be ever so bad or the danger ever so great.

Ultimately the sum was voted. £S.()'il was agreed to for the Gaol, and £3,772 for the Hospital, £1,963 for the Lunatic Asylum, and £320 for Inspector of Sheep and Slaughterhouses. The House then resumed with leave to sit again. superintendent's increase of salary HILL. Mr. Carletou moved that the bill ba read a second time. Mr. O'Neill said he thought whatever increase was made should be by resolution. Mr. Carletou said the Council hatt' asked the Superintendent to send down a bill. Some discussion took place on theclause that the bill should continue in. force as long as the present Superintendent remained in office. The bill was read a second time, and passed through committee without amendment. The bill was then read a third timo and passed. THE CASK OF MRS. BKEB. The report of tho committee on the* petition of Mrs. Beer, recommending

that the house, which had been pulled down in keep a lire from extending, should bere-efected,and thai provision Should bo made for such cases in future, was read. The report was adopted, and an address ordered to be forwarded to the Superintendent. PROVINCIAL LAND REGULATIONS. Captain Ccoper moved, "Thai a respectful address be presented to his Honour the Supei intendeut, calling on liis Honor to endeavour to effect a! the next meeting of the General Assembly, such alterations in and addiiions to the provincial laud regulations as will give effect fo the following propositions, viz. :1. To empower Superintendents! to set settlement lauds, for those settlers who have arrived, as well as those who shall arrive in the pro vinee. 2. To authorise aid direct that the Superintendent should set apart certain 1)1 icks of land as free grants to discharged soldiers and sailors who have served in the province and have received no free grants of land. Those soldiers who have only received scrip for forty acres foi special service at the Bay, to be entitled to select from this laud 3. To authorise an I direct the Superintendent to set usi le certain blocks of land for Volunteers who have been on actual service in the province, and have received no free grants of land." On the first of these resolution being put, it was unned that the debate be adjourned, which was negatived on a ■division. The resolutions were carried, with the addition of the words " militia and " before the word "volunteer," in the 3rd resolution. CITY CORPORATION'. Mr. J. Watson Bain moved, "Thai a respectfuladdress be ['resented to his Honour the Superintendent, requesting him to send down to this Council a bill to constitute a Corporation to manage and control the affairs and properties of the city ol Auckland, at present managed by a local City Hoard." Mr. Bain said that the City Board expected to have brought forward a bill, but had been disappointed in being able to git it prepared. They now east themselves upon the Executive to do that for them "which they could not do fa themselves. Air. Diguan said the Government could not, at this late period of the session, undertake to bring down such a bill. Mr. Swanson said the City Hoard did not consider themselves at all to blame in the matter. They had collected the materials , bill had I. en disappointed in getting their solicitor to draw the bill. Mr. Bain then withdrew the motion. ADVANCE TO THE 01 i'V BOARD. Mr. J. W. Bain moved, "That a respectful address he presented to his Honour the Superintendent, requesting him to .-end down to ibis Council an Appropriation Hill for ,t* I i>,t >()(), to be advanced tr the City Board of Commissioners out of the loan of -£-'i0,()0!) appropriated for the purposes of the city out of l lie half million loan." Mr. Bain said that unless ihe Board got this money it would be impossible to go on. The debate was a'jourucd till tomorrow, PRt VAT F. GRI KVANT F. COM M ITT FF. A number of petitions were referred to the Private Grievance Committee. Mr. Williamson asked if the Private Grievance Committee ever met to consider these petitions. Mr. Carleton said that the procedure of referring these petitions fo the Private Grievance Committe was an organised hypocrisy. Mr Swnnson said ihe committee had not done a single piece ol work this session. The Council adjourned at 11 o'clock. [Fkiijay ] The Speaker took the chair shortly after three o'clock. After some unimportant business the House went in committee on the estimates. Some discussion arose on the various items, but no liberation was made, and the estimates were concluded. ROAD BILL. The Road Bill was read a first fime to stop certain roads in the Wairoa, and to open new roads in the same district. FinE BILL. The Prevention of Fire Bill was read & second time. RURAL POLICE BILL. This bill was read a first time. CITY BOAKD. The question of the advance of £lo,oou to the City Board was brought up by Mr. Watson Bain. Mr. Diguan said that the money could not be given at present. The Superintendent would, however, undertake to provide £7,oo<> if the City Board would engage to erect a market place. The House divided on the question, -when there were ayes 7, noes 7. The Speaker then gave his casting vote for the ayes, and the motion was accordingly carried. The Council shortly afterwards Adjourned.

FROM LONDON TO AUCKLAND. BEING THE DIARY OK A PASSENGER BY THE silll' 'ITLCOATS.* [COSTINUKD FROM OL'H I. VST.] JtfAlicji 3rd. Fine «iin.«liiny morniiijr, and wind not so heavy, though .-till from the S.W. Soon after break fast the Emigration Commissioners eame en hoard and made a thorough examination of tlie ship. They paid particular attention to tin: size and convenience of the berths; and if any alteration for the better could be suggested by the occupants they listened very attentively, un<] when practicable gave the necessary orders—an 1 these orders •were invariably carried out. Finding that such was the state of the case, I particularly pressed upon the Commissioner the fact that my cabin received no light, except what came from a bull's-eye partly in the next berth. He immediately ordered one to be inserted ; this was done, and the place fl >oded with light. jQften have I afterwards congratulated myself, as I lay in mt berth rending i' l rough weather, that I hj d the forethought Jo persistently follow the old gentleman

up, mill linrp upon my want of light till lie gave orders to have the deck cut above my sleeping place and the bull's-eye inserted. All these, and other little matters, , having been attended to, everyone was called up on deck —without exception—for the purpose of finally ascertaining if j all were on board, and likewi.se to make an [ examination between decks to .see that there were no stowaways. And so we I wen- all grouped aft, ami the name of every individual called over. As the I names were called the parties stepped forward, and the doctor briefly examined ! them to see tlir.t they weie free from disca»e, and the Commissioner kindly a.-ked I them whether they had anything to say— I any complaints to make. Of course, several of the women had something to i say on this latter score ; but ultimately all ! were passed, and the ship now pronounced fa and ready for sea.—While at dinner, to my surprise, who should come down the hatchway bill my sister-in-law and a Mr. Shi dill, n gentleman friend of my own. j 1 need not not say that, although the visit ! was unexpected, the visitors were most welcome. About two o'clock, the wind ] having changed for the belter, the pilot I mive the order to made sail, when there was immediately such a scene of confusion »s 1 ha 1 never before witnessed. Men rushing about in every direction, without i any apparent purpose—hauling of ropes, and rushing of chains —and in fact, such j a conglomeration of strange orders and ; actions that the passengers stood by be- | wildered. I'ut out of this seeming chaos 1 we soon had something like harmony established, for in less than a quarter of-an-liour the 'Ulcoats' was covered with | canvas* from true!-; to heel, from I stem to stern. Gradually she began to make way through the water; but slid very slowly, for the wind had fallen to a mere cat's-paw and exerted but little influence upon the ship, which had besides, to force a passage against the tide. Our speed soon increased, however, and it was not very long before we were passing the green fields around Gravesend, where 1 ! had often, in times gone by, had tea and j shrimp." on Windmill ilill,' looking the : while on passing vessels, and little dreaming ; that my own turn would come to quit so ' soon my native land. But as the French j so truly say, rhomme propose mate Dien j di.yw.ie. Finding all going well, the pilot j who has brought the 'Ulcoats' thus far, ; prepare- to leave us, and at the same time all strangers are ordered to qui! the vessel, which is now moving through the water at a pretty smart pace. A few minutes later we are waving our hats and handi kerchiefs to those dear friends and relatives j whom, pe! haps, we shall never see again. I Adieu! ailieil 1 though seas divide us, still '. von are not forgotten.' At dusk we were | off the Nor-, which we had managed to | ri'-u'li with the a sisfanee of our old friend ' Punch ' the tug boat fur the wind had la M i n alinn*t immediately after passing Gravesend and we had again to be taken in tow. Here we resolved to bring up , lor the night, getting ' I'unch ' t > stand by \ ii- till innning, ready lo take us up again lif nccessarv. The anchor was accordingly let go for the first time since coming on board and as the' chain rushed thundering I through the hawse hole some of the pas•sciv_rors were not a little alarmed This h.iiig the first line calm evening on board j we all cr iwded on deck, numbers of u- ! staying up lite to gaze over the bulwarks with admiration at that wide waste of j WHier of wliieh we were so heartily sick before reaching our destination. March 4th. —This morning early we , got the anchor up and started oft' again ! close hauled, the wind being rcry nearly j a head. During the whole of this day ] until (our o'clock in the afternoon we did : nothing but tack, tack, tack, the ship going ; "about" every hour or so. When we I dropped anchor, although we had not adi vanced more' than 25 miles in a direct line we could not have gone over le.-s than 100 miles of ground since starting in the morning. We now remained at anchor till early on March sth. - This day was Sunday, and ■vas the most uncomfortable Si nday that 1 spent during the whole voyage. We got under weigh early, although the wind was anything but fair, and during the morning passed Margate, Rainsgate, Dover, Deal, and other favorite ivati ring places, anchoring in the evening in Dungeness Roads. At Deal we put our second pilot on shore. I'he force of the open sea before us now began to tell upon the ves (-1, the motion of which had its effect upon many of the passengers ; and in the course of the day 1 observed several individuals rush hurriedly I to tiie bulwarks as though on most important j business, and then mounting upon the spars, lean over the vessel's side and appear to hold most earnest conversation with some mysterious personage beneath, but in reality for the purpose of feeding the fishes, who very soon reaped a rich harvest from our sea-sick passengers This day our fresh meat ceased, and we were given to understand tliht for the future salt beef and pork would be our rations, relieved twice a week Iby " preserved beef and bouilli " For :my own part, I thought that on (his day f would try the salt beef which lmd been served out, the day before, and I accordingly conveyed our pound to the cook, hoping that I should be able to relish it when it came out of the pot. It looked a nice little piece, and the sea air an 1 the tion of the vessel, far from making me- feel sick, had given me an appetite. When I say " our .pound," f mean in conjunction with tin; rest, for we l.ad been divided into "messes," and there wi re six persons in ours, so that, bone and all. our piece of beef Weighed uncooked three pounds (7b //- continued.)