PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

New Zealander, Volume XXIV, Issue 2611, 14 March 1866, Page 3

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

[Saturi>a.y.] The Speaker took the chair at twelve o'clock, at which time there were thirteen members present. MISHEPORTING. Mr. Carleton said, before the business of the day commenced, he desired to call the attention of the Council to a serious case of misreporting in the Neio Zealand Herald. Ho had been reported to have said the day before, "I may state, for tho information of the hon. gentleman, that tho doings of the Private Grievance Committee are an organised hypocrisy." He (rusted he would never be considered guilty of such a piece of gross discourtesy to the gentlemen constituting that committee. What he had said was, " That the system of reference to a Private Grievance Committee was an organised hypocrisy. Petitions were presented by Mr. Pall and Mr. Newman and were received. PAY OF THE POLICE FORCE. Mr. Sheehan moved, " That an address be presented to his Honour the Superintendent, asking him to place the police force, as far as it regards pay and emoluments on the same footiug as last year." After some discussion, on the motion being put, the Council divided :—Ayes, 5 ; noes, 10. The motion was consequently lost. SUHSIDY OF A STEAMER. Mr. Taylor moved, " That a respectful address be presented to his Honour the Superintendent, requesting him to place oil the additional estimates a sufficient sum to subsidise a steamer to run between Auckland, Coromandel, aud the North during the remainder of the year." He said the late Council had granted a subsidy to a steamer running to the North, aud as a feeling had got abroad that tho subsidy would be shortly discontinued, he had put the motion on the notice paper. Mr. Cadman seconded the motion. Captain Cooper moved, as an amendment, "That the following words be added after the word 'Korth' —'including Waiwera, Mahuraugi, Matakana, Mangowai, and Mangapai.'" After some observations from Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Cool&han, Mr. McLeod, Mr.Swansou, Mr. Dignan, Mr. Grahftm, and Mr. Taylor, the motion as amended was agreed to.

REPAIR OK BRIDGE. .Air. Coolahan moved, "That his Honour the Superintendent be requested to place on the estimates a sum of one hundred and fifty pounds, or a sufficient sum, to put in repair the bridge near the junction of the Woitakerei and Great North Roads." Mr. McLeod seconded the motion, and said the bridge had been erected seven or eight years ago ; but as it had been built too low, it had been injured by repeated freshes of the river, and had lately been entirely swept way. It was now necessary for travellers to go round a distance of four or five miles. Mr. Creighton desired to bo informed whether there was not a road board in existence in Waitakerei.

Mr. McLeod said the road in question was the main thoroughfare and Government road. The motion on being put was carried. irmtßY SERVICE. Captain Cooper moved, " That an address he presented to his Honour the Superintendent, respectfully calling on his Honour to phtce on the additional estimates the sum of £2OO for the ferry service between Auckland and the North Shore, including the Flagstaff

and Stokes' Point." lie believed, if| the ferries were regularly continued for a short time longer, that the Government would be able to let them at a profit. Mr. Sheehan seconded the motion, and it was carried. ROADS AND BRIDGES. Mr. McLeod moved, " That, a respectful address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to place on the additional estimates the sum of £5,000, for the purpose of improving and constructing roads and bridges in the districts north and west of Auckland" He said the inhabitants residing to the north and west of Auckland had contributed largely to the revenue, and yet ho did not Hud a single shilling set apart ou the estimates for the repair or construction of roads and bridges to the North. The whole of the revenue was being absorbed in Auckland, whilst the settlers were unable to get to or from their land, in consequence of no roads being formed ; or, where formed, being in.such a bad state of repair. The interests of the North, and particularly the interior, bad been much neglected, and be would ask the Council that some alteration should be made. Mr. Sheehan seconded the motion, upon which considerable discussion took place. Captain Cooper said the country was as much shut up for the want of roads and bridges at the present time as it was some ten or twelve years ago, and it was high time that some change should be made. He had risen to move an amendment, as an addition, "That such roads and bridges as may be recommended to he made by the Northern District Works Committee be considered as a first charge upon this sum." Mr. Sheehan seconded the amendment. Mr. Dignan said the Government would gladly support the motion were the Council prepared to say where the money could be taken from. It was out of the power of the present Government to provide the means to meet the case. The hon. members were merely throwing dust in the eyes of their constituents in asking for such a sum of money when they well knew it could not be obtained by any means. Mr. McLeod said, in bringing forward the motion, he had been under the impression that his Honour the Superintendent had the ways aud means at his command ; and in spite of what had been said to the contrary, he believed that the means would be found. He diil not believe any member of the Council would attempt to carry such a motion if he entertained the opinion that the money could not be procured ; and he was satisfied during the recess the money would be forthcoming. He was willing to accept the amendment moved by Captain Cooper. The motion was agreed to, aud, as amended, was carried. TERRY SERVICES. I Mr. McLeod moved, "That nn address be presented to his Honour the Superintendent, requesting him to add the words ' aud Waitemata' to the word * Kaipara,' designating a specific service under the head ' Ferries,' in the estimates." Seconded and carried. ROAD BOARD FOR PARNELL. Mr. Coolahau moved, " That an address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, respectfully requesting him to have a bill prepared and sent down to this Council, for the purpose of establishing a Board for the management and improvement of the roads and streets in Parnell." Captain Cooper seconded the motion, and it was carried. Tho Council was counted out at half-past three o'clock. [Mo.sr.Ar.] The Speaker took the chair at ten minutes past twelve o'clock. Tho minutes of the preceding sitting were read and confirmed. RAILWAY LAND COMPENSATION.

Mr. Cheesemau asked the Provincial Secretary, whether the statement appearing in the New Zealand Herald respecting the umpire having sent in an award in the Dilworth claim were true, and if so, when the report would be laid before the Council. The Provincial Secretary said that lie believed there had been an ad interim report in, but he was not aware whether it was the intention of his Honor to submit the report first to the Council or the Railway Board, at least he (the Provincial Secretary) had had uo instructions in the matter. MIS-REPOItTIXG. Mr. Carletou complained of a case of mis-reporting in the Daily Southern Cross, in which said the lion, gentleman, " The very contrary is stated to what I was most anxious to impress upon the Council." WAIKATO MILITIA SETTLERS. On the motion of Mr. Newman, a petition from the Waikato Militia Settlers was read.

Mr. Newman moved that a respectful udJress be preseutcd to his Honour the Superintendent requesting him to place on the additional estimates to be sent down to this Council, the sum of £4,000 to meet local contributions and rates for public works in the country. He felt that there would not be found any member of the Council to oppose the motion, and he had hoped that some money would be found to meet the request indicated by the proposition. It was of the greatest utility that persons who were disposed to pay half the expense of improving internal communication, should be met in a liberal spirit. There could bo no misspending of any money voted for this purpose, because the Government would send their engineer who would see that the works were such as would be of general utility. Although there had remained certain claims against the Proviuce by the General Government still the balance of the three-eighths, or, at least, a considerable portion of it would be to the good. If this vote were not passed, it would have a paralysing effect upon local industry and m irorement. To him (Mr. Newman)

the Government appeared to have bocil acting like a physician who represented the condition of a patient to be worse, in order that the merit of the cure might he enhanced. He (Mr. Newman) thought that the Province was on the eve of greater prosperity than it had experienced for the last twelve months. There was no vote that gave greater encouiagement to the outlying districts than the vote lie then proposed. The Provincial Secretary said that the lion, gentlemen had referred to certain cheeseparings that had been saved. It would he found that those cheeseparings had been already appropriated. The amount saved had been £3405, and this, as would he seer, by a message from his Honour, would be expended on the Great North and South Roads.

Mr. Ball said he was glad to hear from the hon. the Provincial Secretary that the finances of the country were not so hopeless as some hon. gentlemen appeared to think. No more judicious vote could be passed by the House. Mr. Newman thought that expenditure of any saving that might be made in the direction indicated would be more productive and generally beneficial than for expenditure upon the two main roads. PETITION REFERRED. Mr. Ball moved, " That the petition of Colin Munrobe taken into consideration by this Council on Tuesday nexti" Carried. ALEXANDRA SETTLERS. Mr. Newman moved, " That the petition signed by W. Otty and W. A. Gray on behalf of the military so.tiers of Alexandra, be taken into consideration during this day's sitting." So far as back pay and rations, the Province has no share in that responsibility, bun it was right the statement should have been set forth in the petition, because it showed the case to be urgent. It was necessary to bring the matter before the Council, for these people were in destitution on account of the withdrawal of public works. They were not paupers who asked for money without an equivalent, but (hey wera in a position of extreme difficulty, reduced to live upon the produce of their gardens, and left to their own resources, as yet not at all or partially cultivated. It was imperative to take action in this matter at once, and he (Mr. Newman) would be glad if the Council were to suspend its sittings for a week in order to enable the Government to proceed to this work of relieving a very numerous body of settlers at once. There was no doubt whatever that these persons were reduced almost to destitution by their being no public works such as had been promised as one of the conditions of their settlement. It had been stated that £IOO,OOO had been lent to the Government from this source or some other source, which might with a little examination bo found. He (Mr. Newman) begged that the Government would find the means with all haste of relieving these people. lie proposed that no further delay than that day should be allowed to take place. Mr. Creightou seconded the motion. The motion was agreed to.

Mr. Newman then moved that a respectful address be presented to the Superintendent, requesting him to give employment to the men ou public works iu the Waikato, with a view to removing the present distress. Mr. Creightou seconded the motion. lie said that the position of the settlers belonging to the Militia regiments in the Waikato were quite as badly off as had been represented. There was a population of nearly 4,000 persons in the Waikato stations who were reduced to destitution. In Cambridge there were 843 men, S7 women, 193 children ; til Hamilton, 432 men, 282 women,and 751 children, the remainder belonging to Alexandra. There were two remedies suggested, one that these

people should be employed on public works, another that their Crown grants be given for them. If they had their grunts persons would purchase who would be likely to become permanent settlers. The men had not been able to commence farming on their 50 aero sections, and the Crown grauts not having been issued they were unable to raise money. It' some influence were exercised with the General Government to issue grants immediately, it would relieve both the Province from considerable outlay and these men from the pressure now weighing upon them. In the meantime 4,000 souls were reduced to dependence on the bounty of the Province. In Hamilton the women and children had made an appeal to the ladies of Auckland, which would be responded to, Indeed, they were at starvation point, if they had Hut gone beyond it.

The Provincial Secretary said, if the Government had not mentioned this subject, it was not because it had not felt sympathy with these poor people.' The case of these people had caused the Government the greatest anxiety, and if his conscience did not urge him, having once put his hand to the plough, to remain at his post, lie would he only too glad to go back to his old place. One oi the reasons why the Government had not spoken upon this subject was, that, the question of military settlement rested with the General Government. 15ut ihe condition of these people had caused,and was still causing, the Government considerable anxiety. Their case the Council might lie assured, WOul I UOt i>e lost sight oL After a few observations from Messrs. Swansou, Ball, Sheehan, and Colonel Peacocko, and Mr. Newmau, iu reply, the motion was agreed to. ESTIMATES. The resolution from the Committee) of the Estimates referred to the Committee on the Appropriation, were | reported to the Speaker. ! BUSH LICENSES —ADJOURNED DEBATE. 1. That the licenses to accommodation houses beyond miles radius from i Auckland shall permit only the sale of ! beer amongst fermented stimulants, and not spirits of any kind; 2, That all I licenses, in town or country, shall, in the first instance, be granted by the • local magistrates, but require the soufirmatiou of the Superintendent.

Mr. Sheehan objected to the resolution us restraining the liberty of the subject. Legislation on the subject was not called for. Mr. Bull said ho regretted that he eotil.l not quite concur in the motion, while he had the heartiest sympathy with the object. The present measure pressed in the wrong place, and on the wrong persons. It, was very well to talk about this at the extremity of the Province while Bellamy was licensed; and ou St. Patrick's day he (Mr. Ball) had heard of an lion, gentleman who had indulged to the extent of eight " nobbier.*.'' In bis opinion it was impracticable. He (Mr. Ball) would give all the assistance in bis power. Mr. Taylor opposed the motion in the absence of any petition or request made by tl o out-lying districts. Mr. Gadm m inquired whether it was quite clear that those bouses if inter fered with would not sell spirits without a license ;is well as with one. The mode proposed of remedj iu;.j the evil, if there were an evil, was the wrong one. On being put, the first resolution was lost upon a division of 9 to 4. The second resolvtion was carried on the voices, after some discussion. TIIK TUKNPIKK \CT. This bill passed through Committee, and will I e read a third time this day. The Council adjourned at 6 o'clock. [Tcisd.w ] The Speaker took the chair at 12 o'clock. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. WAIKATO APPROPRIATION BILL, ISGf). This bill was brought up for second readi' g, and the House went into Committee. Mr. Newman moved that the sum of £25,000 he altered to £50,000, as a vote to meet the claims of those who had suffered by the war. What was the use of giving 25 per cent to men who had suffered greatly by the war, and whose claims hail been considered and decided upon. Mr. Buckland thought that a great many claims for compensation were made by those who had nol the slightest right to tin}' Government money, and who had suffered nothing whatever by the war. Mr. May hoped that no money would be paid until till the claims had been re-investigated. Major Cooper thought that in many cases where the sums were small the money ought at once to 1)6 paid. lie believed that the rich men were the ones who attempted to defraud ths Government, and not the poor meu. Mr. Rowe thought it was the bounden duty of the Government to pay a portion ol the awards at once, as many of the settlers would be ruined unless this was done. Of course in a case where tin re was any [doubt they could withhold the money, judging from the evidence given before Mr. Beckham. Mr. Graham was of opinion that the whole of the claims could he re-inves-tigated in a month. The discussion was then continued by Mr. Swai.su., Mr. Carleton, Mr. Dignan, and other gentlemen. Ultimately the sum of £25,000 was agreed to. The sum of £20,000 was allowed for surveys, and £20,00(1 for public buildings ; compensation under the Kew Zealand Act, £lO,l 00; interest on General Government loan, £.1,000; cost of establishment under New Zealand Settlement Act, £3,500; contingencies, £3,500. The preamble of the bill was then agreed to, ami the House resumed, The bill was then read a third time and pasEQ!. TURNPIKE BILL. This bill w.as brought up for third reading, and the House went into committee, and the various sections were further considered. Certain alterations were made in the different clauses, alter which the House resumed, with leave to sit again. Mr. Carleton laid upon the table a paper in reference to Ilowick Park. MESSAGES. Message No. 46 was brought up and read in reference to the New Lunatic Asylum. HO WICK PARK BILL, I SC>5. This bill was ordered to be read a second time to-day. PREVENTION OF FIRE BILL. This bill was further considered in committee, with respect to the different clauses. Considerable discussion took place on the bill, but ultimately the House resumed and reported progress. The bfll was ordered to bo read a third time to-day. THE RURAL POLICE KILL. The House went into committee on this bill, and the various clauses were considered. After some further business the Council adjourned.