PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

New Zealander, Volume XXIV, Issue 2612, 17 March 1866, Page 3

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

[Wmdnksdat.] The Speaker took bis seat in the Council at ten minutes past twelve o’clock. After waiting until fully a qunrter-of-an-liour after the time of meeting, the Council was counted out for want of a quorum. Tbe following members were present; —Messrs. Williamson, Webster, Cooper, Hunter, Ball, Dignan, Swanson, Ridings, and Newman. The Provincial Secretary (Mr. Carleton) was not present. There was a good deal of business to be disposed of, judging from the notice paper.

[Thukshav.] The Speaker took the chair at twelve o’clock.

THISTLE HILL, 186 G. This liill came up for socnml reading. Mr. Ball moved that it he read that day six months. After some discussion, it was read a second time, and referred to a select committee. TURNPIKE ACT. The bill was re-committed and clause six amended. The third reading will take place this day. THE IIOWICK PARK RILL, 18(56. The second reading of this bill was further postponed. the prevention of fire bill. ’ This bill was read a third time and passed. RURAL POLICE RILL. This bill was re-committed for the purpose of inserting two sub-divisions in clause 2. Mr. O’Neill in the chair. The clauses were to compel owners to have their names printed or written legibly upon cans ; also to prevent carters and others riding on the shafts or on the public highways. The clauses were inserted, and the bill reported with further amendments. The bill was ordered to bo read a third time on Friday. DISTILLATION PROHIRinON AMENDMENT HILL, 1866 —1N committee. This bill passed through committee. Mr. James O’Neill in the chair. This hill was reported without amendment, and read a third time and passed. the highways’ act amendment bill. The Provincial Secretary moved (he second reading of this bill. He said that the time was approaching when rates would be compulsory. The Superintendent asked power to amend boundaries. The rates should be levied on the “value to sell,” instead of upon the acreage. It was not intended lo make any sweeping alteration at present. The Superintendent was desirous to close the Council with as little delay as possible,and therefore it was thought better not lo introduce any great change just at present. After considerable discussion the bill passed through Committee, and the third reading was ordered for the next day. MR, W. R. COLLETT. With regard to a question that Mr. Cadman had put at the earlier part of the day, in reference to Mr.Collett, J.P., being struck off the list, (lie Speaker informed the Council that lie had con sidered the question proposed to be asked by the lion, member for the Northern Division (Mr- Cadman). It appeared that the question conveyed a serious imputation against a gentleman in the commission of the peace, and the notice paper ought not to bo made the vehicle for imputations of that kind.

RAILWAY COMMISSIONERS’ REPEAL BILL. Tliis bill whs read a first t'mo. On the motion that the “ bill be road a second time to-morrow,” Mr. Rowe objected to the course proposed to be taken by the Government. He had no objection to its being read a second time on Saturday (this day). Considerable discussion took place, in which most of the the members present took part, upon the subject of the railway engineers, their report, and the insertion of an indemnity clause. Ultimately, the bill was ordered to be read a second time on Saturday (this day), and the report and accompanying papers were ordered to be printed. AUDIT. The Provincial Secretary laid on the table the report of the Audit Committee, which was ordered to be printed. NORTHERN DISTRICT WORKS, Captain Cooper brought up (he report of the Northern District Works Committee, which was ordered to bo printed. ROAD BILLS. The Land Commissioner brought up the report of the Committee on Road Bill No. 2. The Council adjourned at half past o o’clock. [Fill DA V.] The Speaker took the chair at 12 o’clock. GOVERNM ENT BUSINESS. Mr. Carleton moved, “That Government business do take precedence for the remainder of the session.” In doing so, he said ho was sure the house could not object to this motion, and he hoped it would pass' as the Government were getting in arrear with their busi-

uesg. Considerable discussion took place on (he motion, and on being put it was carried. THE ONEIIUNGA TOWN BOARD BILL. Mr. Carleton moved, “That the Ouehunga Town Board Bill be read n second time.” Mr. Kirkwood said that Ouehunga did not require such a bill, and he mov ed, “That it be read that day six mouths.” After considerable discussion, in which Mr. O’Neill, Mr. Chceseman, Mr. Howe, Mr. Carleton, Mr. Swanson, and other gentlemen took part, the amendment was put to the House, and on a division the numbers were equal. The Speaker theu gave his casting vote in favour of the amendment. The original motion was therefore declared to he lost. THE KOAD BILL. This bill was allowed to lapse. TURNPIKE BILL. This bill was brought up for third reading and passed. HO WICK PARK BILL. This hill was read a second time and ordered to be committed ou Monday.

THE KUKAL POLICE KILL. This bill was read a third time after the House had divided. THE HIGHWAYS ACT AMENDMENT KILL. The third reading of this bill was postponed. MESSAGE NO. 47. This message—which will be found in another column- -was brought up for consideration. Great discussion took place upon (he message, in the course of which Mr. Rowe moved a resolution, which he subsequently withdrew, to the effect that the Executive were in fault, for not dividing the Council against the motions involving an expense of money not at the disposal of the Superintendent.

Major Cooper placed a motion before the House, which he also withdrew, to the effect that the Superintendent should he thanked for placing the state of the province before the Council as he had done, hut at the same time asking him to tecast the estimates. After great discussion the subject dropped, Mr Rowe and Major Cooper both witdrawing their motions. Shortly afterwards the House adjourned until Monday.