PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume IV, Issue 1122, 19 June 1867, Page 5

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

TUESDAY, JUNE IS.

The Speaxek took the chair at 3 o'clock. The minutes e f ihe previous daj's sittings were rend and confiimrd. PETITIONS. Mr. A. Clabke presented a petition from one hundred and fourteen tettlers, relating to Sir. Butty's land claims. Petition received. i Mr. V ALTms presented a petition from J. J. Stanaway, ae.-ittant pilot at Eaipara, 'respecting his pay fer i ii.e months, during which time he haei received m pay, as the Collector of Pilot Fees had not sufficient funds. Fetition received. Mr. EHEiniN pm-ented a petition from John Power, respecting a claim toland. Petition received. Majoh Ccgpek presented a petition frcin Ji.mre Maed'r aid 'ate of the sMli Begiment, ie>sp>-ctinf.' a claim t" 'ai d. Petition received. Major C ocppr tlso presei ted a petition from Georje Aldiidge, ret peeling a claim to laud. 1 etition received. APPIIC riUATIeiN. Mr. J. O'K etxx atked the following question, pursuant to ne tice: : "Whether it is the intention of the Govejiment to bring down a bill for repealing tlie exißting -- ppropriation A et, and make other proTisicn in lieu thereof ? The Council understood that the revenue v as foiling so low that the province would not he able to meet Ihe public creditor. As it was ) osnble that the revenue would not meet the public diffculty, he whs ansious to give the Council an epi ommity to meet the difficulty by striking out Some cf the larger fish as well as the smaller ones. ~ The Puoviscial tECBETABV. My reply to the hon. n ember's question is " It is not." EITLT TO ins HGNOII's AXDItESS. Mr. Mobhow rose to move, TTo the members of the Provincial Ccur.cil of Auckland tender our thanks to ycur Honor for the speech with which jcu have Opened the twcnfy-iirst session of the Council. Vi'c Bssuie ye ur He nor that we will give cur immediate conside raticn to the matters referred to in vour Speech, ar.d we trust our deliberations will retu'lt in measure? condueive to the prosperity of the Province Mr V.'tnn : I rise to order; the hon. member is leadirg a speech. The SrEAKEii : It i= eut ofor(?er to lead a written speech, 1 ut an hen. member ma3~ refer to notes. Mi.Mcmtow: I am only doing so. ( r Jho hon. men ) er v as proce.e d ing)— Mr. TVtks : J rise to order again, the hon. member is reading a spee«h. Docs he say thai he is not ? The Spfakek : Does the hon. member tay positively that he is not rearing his spcech P Mr. Mobbcw : Most certainly not. But, sir, 1 legrct t} at, as a y< ung member, I should be subjected to interiupticn. However, I tiust that we are not abcut to spend our time idle, or that of tho public, and that the results of this session will le of advantage to this province. The speech which his Honor iiad sddiested to the Council contained many important tuhjeefs, which were of the greatest importance, and he felt sure that tho Council would address itself to those mportant questions. Mr. fcTAiiK seconded the address. At the same time he thoutht it would have been more acceptable to the Council if his Honor's address had indicated a lino of policy lather than alluding to a varietv of ■.opies without saying what were the intentions and mians cf the Goverrment upon the several questions. Allusion had been made to alterations m tlie Waste Lands Act, and it was to be regretted that some alterations of the kind had not been taken long ago. If that had been done there would not be so many unemploj ed artizans and mechanics-walking about the streets. It was desirable that jertens of capital should be induced to Bettle on land, but it wbb not quite clear what was the nature of the proposal, and persons complained tbat facilities l ad ne.t been afforded them. Then, as to the diy dock which was to be constructed at a

cost of £20,000, which was to be borrowed at a of £800 a year. That dry dock was to be on the waters of the Waitemata. He confessed he would Tory much have preferred to boo the design carried out on the Manukau. (Ironical cheers.) Thoclianne of the Manukau was as good as that of Auckland. (Loud cheers.) Then there was the natiTc question, for which his Honor deserved great credit. It was no doubt desirable that the unlives should bo rewarded for bringing in offenders. There appeared to him to bo an inconsistency between the proposal of his Honor to borrow £20,000 at a cost of £SOO, and tho seventh paragraph of the address. It appeared to him that tho language was somewhat vngue, and that his Honor might give more information. [J "— * - Mr.'Wvxx said ho :vould~ move the adjournment of tho debate, after tho extraordinary speech that had been heard from tho seconder of the address. Mr. Kowe opposed tlie motion for adjournment. There was only a limited period within which tho subjects im'ie.ttcd could he discussed. Mr. "W. JUuckland I.l', considerable sympathy with his hon. friend (Mr. Stark). He thought tho speech vague, that tho measures referred to would be abortive, and for himself ho would ho obligee! to tako time to consider whether any gratitude wns due for the address. Ho complimented the pcoplo of Oneliuuga on the choice they hud made of a representative, whose first speech was, " Onehunga for ever ! " Mr. J. O'JN'eii.i. also thought that no policy was indicated as legards some of tho pressing wants of the province, such, tor instance, the mode of dealing with distress. There wero various endowments belonging to religious bodies upon which somo portion of the burthen of maintaining tho widow and tho orphan should fall. He highly approved of tho proposal to fix capi'al upon land. There xnust be an end of giving land away. It should bo sold, and sold cheap. The natives, also, should ho encouraged to sell their land to Europeans in every possible way. This would, in all probability, again start the province afresh. Ho hardly thought that there would bo time to digest a code of laws during tho few days the session could last. Mr. Coor.AiiAN said that the hon. member deprecated the laud laws, but he had nothing to supply their place. For himself (Mr. Coolahan) ho could only pay that it was immigration that was the hope of the province. Persons with thousands of pounds to invest in land had left the province in consequence of the unfavorable land regulations. Mr. J. O'Neiix said the gist of his speech was that the Government should have no part in dealing with land, hut that the natives and Europeans should deal in the land. Mr. "Winn said he could scarcely thank his Honor for his speech. The omissions in it were more remarkable than anything contained in it. There was, for instance, tho question of responsible Government: nothing was said on that subject. There was tho hon. gentleman opposite (Mr. Eowe) —tho champion of responsible Government — who was silent on the matter. He rend passages from the Blue Book, showing that Mr. Dignan Who was in the Executive once voted for it. (Mr. Dignan: " Hear, hear.") Then there was a requisition to Mr. Williamson on a former occasion to increase the members of the Council, which was done, and the intention of the Council Was that tho increase should be for the purpose of responsible Government. There was a statement that the time was very short, whose fault was that ? Then again there were recommendations for " dry docks," and the " Waste Lands Act," both of which were to go to a select committee, and tbero was not a scrap of paper before the Council respecting them. Mr. Dignan : You will have them in due time. Mr. : Do theee gentlemen expect us like a parcel of bullocks— Mr. Dignan : That is language that ought not'to be allowed, if applied to the executive. I call upon the hon. gentleman to withdraw it. Mr. "Wtnx: I was saying that we were not to be driven like a parcel of bullocks. I shall not move an amendment, but the addition of the words "Nevertheless the Council regrets that no reference wa9made in his Honor's address to Responsible Government." Mr. Digs A If: Oh, that is right. Colonel Feacocke thought tho hon. gentleman aimed at enlivening the House. There was no doubt that Responsible Government was a very important subject- and would almost require a session of much lorger duration, so that so far from that being asin of omission, would have been a sin of commission, had it been inserted. As to the delay in convening the Council it was probable that was occasioned by his Honor's visits to the 1> ative districts. But these visits had been productive of the greatest amount of good. It was more than probable that his Honor intended to indicate what me asures should have the consideration of the Council on the eve*of the sittirg of the Assembly. He would, therefore, oppose the addition of the words. Mr. A. Mabtyk said he could not he thankful for the address, which omitted all mention of responsible Government. Tbe hon. member (Mr. Bowe) had converted him (Mr. Martyn) to responsible Government in his eloquent speech made n few months before. It was a grave omission. Had the hon. member for Kewlon changed his views. Mr. Bucelani) said he did not think that the members of the Executive were opposed to responsible Government. Still the question ought to have been indicated for the consideration of the Council. Mr. Bowe said that the hon member (Mr. Martyn) hid fallen into several errors. In the first place he (lilr. B owe) hud not changed his opinion in respect of responsible Government. Neither had his Honor the Superintendent, whose opinion was well known. But his Honor Buid lie would leave that question entirely to the Council, whom it alone concerned. If tho Council de>irc-d responsiblo'Goverxment they will get it. There appeared to bo an imputation that his Honor was insincere, hut that was a sin of which lie was very unlikely to be guilty. As to the short time left to discuss various subjects in the speech, he (lilr. Bowe) thought there would be ample time f or tl eir consideration so as to indicate the mind of the C ouncil on the matters which would he brought t efore the session of the Assembly. Look at the state of the country. It had been in a state of war, large bodies of men had been employed in warlike opeiations, troops had been brought and sent back ; »nd it was probable that had there been proper land regulations, while troops were going away immigration was flowing in. But if nothing | was done when it ought to have been done, then was the country to sit down and do nothing. There had been reference made to destitution, tut if labor was to he employed and destitution diminished, then BOirething must bo dene to introduce capital so as to give employment. It was stated that Government ought not to deal in land, the ratives ought to he left to sell. What was the fact? There were largo blocks of land upon which deposits bad been paid. "When offered for sale tliey had not been bought, and the presumption was that there was no money to buy them. (Oh.) Yes. But his Honor said that one of the great means towards the protperity of the country was peace —n permanent peace. He (Mr. Bowe) hed the means of knowing the visits of his Honor had done a good, and that every word spoken by his Honor at Tauranga was spoken and respoken a hundred times throughout the whole of the VVaikato before a fortnight had elapsed. Ho would inform the Council that if tbere vas to be permanent peace, it mußt have n oro to do with the native question tlmn hitherto, for so long as the natives were to be governed or dealt with through the Wellington Government, there would be no certainty of a permanent peace. As to the introduction of capital from Australia, he knew that there wore hundreds of pertons in the Australian colonies with very considerable capital, who would take advantage of liberal land regulations. Now, to tell such people having three or four hundred pounds to go and deal with the natives was cruelty. As to the addition of the woids, they were not necessary, inasmuch as the time that remained for the discussion of it was not sufficient. But ho (Mr. Bowe) would tell the Council, if they wished for responsible" Government he would assist the Council to get it, Air. "Wynn begged to withdraw tho motion. The oljeet ot the motion was to elicit an expression of opinion upon the Buljeet. He believed he had extracted the opinion of the Executive. Captain CoorEn said that the hon. and learned gentleman had succeedcd in drawing the badger, and he hoped the time would not he occupied in the lengthy discussion of His Honor's address. He would net give any opposition to the Governmentin rcspect to the Waste Xands Act alterations, but there seemed something like haste in tho proposed legislation. The present, however, was a good time to introduce a change. Was glad to hear tho hon. and learned member proposing to withdraw the amendment. I'hß 1-itoviNciAL Secbetary said that ho would not prolong tho debate, but he rose to give tho member of the City East the information ho wishtd , respecting the endowments and tho sick and destitute.

Ho might inform the hon. gentleman that the endowments were invested, and the proceeds were divided between tho three religious sections. He could inform tho hon. member that his Honor had been planning night and day how ho might relievo tho distress by both procuring employment for the unemployed, and feeding and clothing the sick and destitute. As to the natives, his Honor had visited tho natives, and his reception was tho best proof that the Maoris wore most tractable, which would afford a security for tho permanence of peace. Ho could assure the Council that nothing would bo neglected that would contribute to the prosperity of tho province. (Hear). g

Mr. Cheighton said ho would not have addressed tho Council but for tho speech of tho hon. Provincial Secretary, who said that tho proceeds of those endowments wero divided between tho Episcopal, tlio Soman Catholic, and tho dissenting communities. How eamo it that the trustees require a payment of £10 a year for every child that is admitted to those refuges. But he (Mr. Creighton) contended that it would appoar that theso endowments wero not approprinted to tho purpose for which they were intended. Those trusts were given by Sir George Grey, as Governor, for tho children of tho European and tho nutivo races without distinction. Ho (Mr. Creighton) believed it would be found that the trustees had disposed of some of theso trusts for denominational purposes. Ho hoped that tlioso trusts would be dealt ■ with by tho Council beforo separating. As to tho peace with tho natives ho thought his Honor's hands ought to bo strengthened in this matter. If the matter was left with gentlemen in Wellington, who spent a considerable portion of timoin writing secular letters, thero was a probability that somo day or another tho country would be surprised by an outbreak where, perhaps, least expected. As to tho probability of capitalists being limed hero to occupy lands, it ought to bo known that thero wero lands suitablo for location. The residuo of tho land appropriated from tho commencement was something about 480,000 acres, somo of which were in the Kaipara, others in the Great Barrier, others at Waiheki ; hut whether they would bo ablo to induco capitalists to como and settle upon theso lands, some of which wero mero sand hills. Mr. John. MacleoD wbb glad to hear that there was so much land remaining. He knew much of tho land in Kaipara, Waiheki and Mercury Jiay. He could say that somo of theso sand hills wero composed of soil, and became somo of the finest land to be obtained. Mr. Joseph May said that any alteration in the land regulations would only bo calculated to mislead and deceive capitalists. They had no land to off er to capitalists which would bo suitablo to them. It looked something like throwing dust in tho oyes of tho capitalists, which would involve them in expenso. As to tho dry dock ho thought that would be beneficial. As to the statement of the financial position of tho province, which ho greatly regretted, and furnished tho ground for a very comprehensive reduction of expenditure. As to thanking his Honor, ho (Mr. May) did not soo a great deal to thank him for, but ho concurred in tho desire expressed that the Council should addreßS itself to tho consideration of the weighty matters contained in the address. Mr. Newton wished to correct a statement mado by Mr. Creighton as to trust estates. He knew of ouo of these trusts where not ono farthing was misappropriated. Tho address to His Honor was passed without addition or amendment. WASTE LANDS ACT ALTERATIONS. The Provincial Seceetary, in moving that the Council do resolve itself into a committee of the whole to consider certain alterations proposed to be mado in the Waßte Lands Act, eaid ho would ask that, if the committee were granted, that it should Bit to-morrow (this day). He would aßk tho committee then to agree to certain resolutions which would bo submitted. He would take care that before that time there should be in the hands of members, printed in double column, ono containing the Act itself, and the other the proposed alterations. Ho might take it as allowed, that there were several persons who had mado money in the other colonies who would he attucted by climate or nature of the foil, or by tho want of desirable means of investment in his immediate neighbourhood, who would bo glad to come to a country liko New Zealand, to invest his earnings. Many had been successful in tho gold-fields, others in various branches of trade or business. Now, tho effect of these clauses would, by the insertion of tho woid " elsewhere" after the words United Kingdom, which would let in persons coming from any country, including the Australian colonies. It was proposed that it should be binding to present the orders within three months after arrival in the colony. There were other alterations in respect to time. Then, again, there was a new clause for the purpose of offering intelligent persons possessing capital to authorise tho issue of land scrip, in the proportion of 10 acres to every £100 that the immigrant could prove ho had deposited in any bonk to tho satisfaction of tho Government. These would be in force in six months after arrival. According to this there would he six months to mature the order, six months to prepare to go on the land, and the remaining two yearß must be fjent in occupation. If tho Council would ogrco to tho resolutions there would be plenty of land lor the purpose. Mr Wilitam BrcKLANP said ho hordly knew whether he should express sorrow or anper at the speech they had just beard.. Hero was an attempt, after ahthe evilß xbieli bad hem caused by over immigration, to extend it. He protested against the liasto, tho indecent haste, with which the proceeding was brought down. He protested against it. Mr. Wynn : I would like to know whether, if the resolutions should he passed, that the Superintendent will carry them out in tl.eir full meaning. '1 he Pbovinciai. Skcnetaiiy said that lie wculd bo glad to hear \he policy of the hon. and learned gentleman. He could not say. Mr. CnEiGHTON : After all tlint has been said about responsible Government- by tho gentleman, who is the " tail" of the Executive, that if tho Provincial Secretary was right there was an end to the matter, and there was no use in the House sitting any longer. Had that been known one half an hour before, thon the Executive might rely upon it tho address to the Superintendent would not have hi-en passed. Mr. B owe: What doeß all this mean ? 'J he Superintendent indicates certain measures for the approval of hon. members. It -vns for tho Countil to approvo or not; thero was no reason or ground for proceeding further. Mr. Dignan wished to know whether the hon. member (Mr. Creighton) was in hiii Eilf the Council? If there was to be responsible Government, li t i£ not be a sham. He (Mr. Dignan) whb pre) med to go to his constitutors to accept responsibilitj, and so was his colleague, whenever that was the wish of the Council, and tbewhole question will be for thoCouncil. Mr. Wy>'n said tho scbenio was entirely unintelligible to him. It was attempted by resolutions to commit the Council to prii ciples not to agreo to tho basis of rccommcndntionß to the committee. What part of tho hon. Secretary's speech ho could hear he disagreed with. Was tho Council to submit to tho edicts of tho Superintendent. It was fair to presume that the Supciint> nde-nt will do this if tho Council do not agree with him, and if they do agree with him then he will be ttrc-npthened. What was tho use of any opinion of the Council il tho Superintendent wou'.d still go down to tho AfSembly and get his measurrs passed there. They were asked to go into committee without having a sing e principle before them. He (Mr. Wynn) thought if tho Council were asked to approve this measure, it should be in their handß ill tlio form of a bill at tlio t.imo thoy were asked to discuss it with a licw to approving of it. Colonel Peacocke said all the Council was asked to do was to give their opinion upon certain alterations. Ihere could not be a doubt that his lie nor's courso in Wellington would be guided by that opinion. Mr. Wynn: That is what I asked, and what I could not get an answer to. Mr. Ball thought that it would bo as woll to postpone tho consideration of the principles, for thero were several clauses required very grave i eliberation. Ho had glanced over bouio of theso clauses, and became convinced that tho information beforo tho Council was very scanty and. nicagie. Ho believed that thero was not sufficient land of a suitable kind to offer to persons possessed of capital. Mr. Newman believed that the forty-acre system bad dono good in its time, but tho time had passed. It might bo the best means to -suspend it, than to persist in forcing it upon the Council. Ho agreed there was not a sufficiency of gocd arable and other available land to attract capitalists. He thought it it would be only common honesty fo wait until tho province was in a position to fulfil what their policy implied. Then thero wore certain military clauses. Tho Provincial Secretary thought the military clauses had been expunged ; but if not they will ho. Mr. Newman : I hear that they have been repealed from March last. He (Mi - . would oppose these alterations in all their stages. t

Mr. Joseph Mat agreed with a saying of Dr. Pollen, tlie forty acre Bystem had had its day. It would not he advisable to go into committee until the wholo' scheme was before the Council. He would more the adjournment of the Council until to-morrow. He thought the province waß not chargeable "with the surplus labour and destitution but the General Government, who had brought out people hero and carried out their scheme of settlement partially, by which numbers of immigrants wero thrown back on the labour market. After a few words from Mr. Creighton, the debate was adjourned until to-morrow (this day). DIXY DOCK. Mr. Gilfillan's motion, that tlio Council resolve iteelf into a committeo of the whole, to consider that part of his Honor'saddress relating to the construction of a dry dock in the harbour of Auckland, was ordered to be postponed. GENEIIAL ISUSINES3. —StINISTEEIAL EESrONSIniXITY, Captain Coopeb to movo, That it is desirable that the principle of ministerial responsibility, for the conduct of public affairs, should be established in the Executive Government of the province. He would not occupy tho Council at any length, as the subject had been referred to at great length during the previous discussion. It was well known that party Government had tho effect of eliciting the real merits of any question. Under responsible Government better men would be found to represent the constituencies. Thero appeared to be a necessity of affording inducements to professional lawyers, who would be an acquisition. The Provincial Solicitor ought to bo in the House to advise tho Council, for an incident had occurred that day that could not have happened if thero had been responsible Government. Ho believed his Honor had the real welfare of the province at heart. There had been a clashing of provincial interests, for tho want of responsible Government. Mr. Bain opposed tho motion. Mr. Newman supported tho motion. Ho thought the time was como when that mode of Government might ho tried with advantage. Colonel Peacocke voted against the motion as incompatible with the peculiar constitution of Provincial Governments in New Zealand. It could not be carried out in its integrity, and wculd give rise to personal partizanship. Mr. W. Bttcklaud supported the motion, combatting tho several grounds taken up by Colonel Peacocke. Mr. WtKK supported tho motion. Mr. liowE said that he had not changed his opinion upon tho subject. Ho wsb prepared to abide by tho decision of the Council should thoy be in favour of responsible Government, and bo far as he was concorncd ho would himself vote for the motion. Tho only difficulty he could see in the way was the introduction of tho native clemont into tho working of the constitution, but that, by n little management, and with a little patience, might be got over. At the samo time he quite approved of giving tho native race an interest in public affairs. Mr. Dignan said if the majority of tho Council were prepared to carry the proposal for responsible Government he would not object, hut would recommend his Honor to abide by that decision. The Pbovinciai, Secretary said he was not prepared to vote. He had never been able to perceive any analogy between the Provincial Council and tho Imperial Parliament. Mr. Cheighton thought that while there might be no analogy as pointed out, still, responsible Government would save a great deal of bickering and heartburning, and relievo the Superintendent himself from much unpleasantness. Mr. Sheehan* supported the motion in favor of ministerial responsibility. Mr. BwaNSON opposed the motion. Responsible Government would reduce the Superintendent to a peifect nonentity. It was alwayß well known that Mr. Williamson was long and systematically opposed to this system. "Why the province was not even of the comparative dimensions that tho frog had in proportion to the bullock; mutual concessions and conciliation were wise. Mr. J. McLeod thought the Council was hardly in a position to decide the question. It was very doubtful whether thero was scope for tho developeznent of the principle. Captain Coopbiihaving replied, tho Council divided with the following results : —Ayes, 17; noes, 0. The following aro tho names in tho division lists. Captain Cooper and Colonel Peacocke being tellers :— Ayes: Ball, Bucklanel, Clark, Coolahan, Cooper (Major), Creighton, Dignan, Martin, Maclean, Monro, Newman, O'Neill, Eowe, Sheehan, Taylor, Webster, Wynn. _ Noes : Bain, Gilfillan, McLeod, Morrow, Peacocko (Colonel), Swanson. Peovincial Council Papers. dry dock. Tho PnoviNclAX. Secretary laid tho following papers on tho table : — "Report of tho Provincial Engineer on tho subject of tho construction of a dry dock in tho harbor of Auckland. " Public Works Department, " Auckland, Juno lltli, 1867. "Sir, —Tn compliance with your Honor's directions, I have had under consideration tho proposal to construct a dry dock in the harbour of Anckland, and having mado such examination and survey of the harbor as were necessary, in order to enable me to form an opinion on tho matter, I have now tho honor to submit the following preliminary report:— "The first questions that arise in entering upon tho subject of a dry dock naturally are : I. The best site or position for such u work. 2. Its probable cost. My instiuctions having been to consider both these points, with a view to securing such an approval of the proposed work from tho Admiralty as would obtain for the provinco a fair claim for assistance from the Imperial Government, as provided for under tho 1 Colonial Docks Loan Act, 1865.' My investigations throughout have been conducted with this object. "(1.) In request to site: On a carofnl examination of tho harbour on this (south) sido, it will, I think, bo apparent to almost any ono acquainted with tho construction of such works, that the large extent of shoal water along tho shoro from Bastion to tho Sontinol renders any site that fan bo fixed upon extremely expensive, which even if there wero | no other objections on the ground of exposure would lead naturally to a prefererce being given to one of the sites on tho North f-hore, where in more than ono instance the great desiderata of the bold water and facilities for the construction of such a work almost entirely inside of high water mark, continued with a sheltered position may bo obtained. " Having theso advantages in viow 1 examined the North Blioro of the harbour, and was led to the con- | elusion that either Stanley Point or Cracroft Point would ho found to be the least expensive and most convenient position for a dock. « The interest which Captain Hope, P.N. (H.M.S. Brisk), has taken in all matters connected with the harbour, led me to seek an interview with that gen-, tlemen for the purpose of consultation, more especially in regard to those poiritß which the Admiralty would consider indispensable before recommending that Imperial aid should bo granted. "I am glad to ho ahlo to report that the result of that consultation with which I was most courteously favoured by Captain Hope, was in entire confirmation of my own opinion as to the very important question of site, and I am therefore in a position adviso your Honor that fctanley Point, on the North shore is under all the circumstances the best position for a dry dock in this harbour. " (2.) As to the probablo cost. It is difficult to estimate tho probable coEt of anj T work, tho designs and details of which have not been decided upon, and more especially so when tho work is of such a character as to require peculiar care in its construction, and is, moreover, particularly liable to unforeseen contingent expenses in foundations and other details. "The construction of a permanent dry dock of e masonry of the dimensions which it is expected th Admiralty would require, and fitted with all the necessary appliances, must always be a work of very coniiderable cost. " It will be more especially so in Auckland, where tho extreme rise of tide is only 12 feet, and where masonry of the description required in such a work (which must bo cxceptionably good) is the more costly, owing to the character of tho materials available. Before any close approximation to the cost of such a work can bo made, it will be necessary to arrive at the minimum dimensions and class of work that would bo satisfactory to tho Admiralty and sufficient to entitle the £ rovince to tho assistance of tho Imperial Government. , "To this end I trusted that every opportunity I would be afforded me of obtaining the very best imformation in reference to all the recent improvements in works of this magnitude, as well as in regard to the views of the 1 home' government, before the designs should be finally submitted. In face of the experience of the cost of the docks in

Sydney (with which I am personally acquainted), and of those in progress or projected in Melbourne, Otago, and other places, it is not probable that any dock of masonry which would be satisfactory to the Admiralty, could be constructed at the site nameel for lesß than from £60,000 to £70,000 ; and while this amount might possibly be increased when full imformation should have been obtained and designs prepared, I would suggest that it might also be reduced by a judicious application of prison labour, which might especially be employed in excavation, and also in preparing stone when a quarry ofßuitable character and a convenient locality had been decided upon. " It is perhaps necessary that I should repeat that all tho foregoing remarks have been made on the assumption that the work shall be of such a character as to suit tho requirements of the Admiralty, and to entitle the Province to the Act before referred to. Wero not this the case docks of a very different and much cheaper construction might bo built, but which, while providing accommodation of equal extent, could hardly bo considered permanent works. To this class of works I need not now particularly refer, further than to direct attention to the necessity of arriving at the exact class and description of work which would probably meet with the necessary approval to bring it under the Act before mentioned. Tn conclusion, I have only to remark that in addition to the very valuable information and opinion afforded by Captain Hope, and for which I beg to tender my best acknowledgment, I also took occasion to consult Mr. H. J. Kennard and other professional gentlemen on the general question of docks and patent Blips for the and I believe I may say that without exception a preference has been expressed in favour of the site which I have indicated—l have the honor, &c., (Signed) "War. Weaveb, " Engineer-in-Chief." KAWAKATCA COAX, MINES. Correspondence with Mr. John McLeod, M.P.0., of Kaipara, relative to the leasing of the Kawakawa coal mine b, Bay of Islands. The first letter is from Mr. McLeod to the Superintendent, dated the 2nd May, 1867, enquiring terms, &c.: tho writer expressing a belief that he could work the mines with advantage. He proposes to erect houses for workmen and at once commence to tunnel the line shewn by Dr. Hoctor, which tunnel would extend from the landing at tho Waiomeo, effectually draining and ventilating the mine. The writer describes the configuration of the surrounding country. His Honor replies, stating the conditions of lease, which have already been published. Mr. McLeod reports favorably of the experiments upon the coal. Prom the Superintendent, dated the 21at May, 1867: His Honor states that he has given instructions to the Provincial Solicitor to draw up the form of lease. MOUNT EDEN GAOL. " Beport of the state of the gaol at Mount Eden, furnished by the inspectors of gaols and prisons for tho province of Auckland, upon their first monthly visit of inspection to the gaol, 28th of May, 1867:— " Sir, —We have the honor to report that yesterday, the 28th, we made the monthly inspection of Mount Eden Gaol and all connected with it, in conformity with clauso 136 of the gaol regulations. " State op the Gaol.—We have much pleasure in stating that nothing could exceed the good order and cleanliness of every part of the establishment. There were no complaints on the part of any of the prisoners. Their different labors seemed to be carried on "with alacrity and good will, and we received from the acting gaoler a very favorable report of their general conduct. "Hospital.—The patients appeared thoroughly well attended to. The native patients were interrogated, and had no complaints. " Stores.—On inspection of the stores the bread appeared excellent, and the other farinaceous stores, judging from the preparation. The places for washing accommodation water pipes were inspected. " Tho Inspectobs state that there is great need of classification of prisoners. They recommend the stone yard and shed to he converted into a classification yard and mesß-room for the men, and an extension in the direction of the gaoler's house of the buildings in which the female wards are contained, setting apart to their use certain of the premises occupied by debtors. The hooks of the library, the inspectors report, are in a very ruinous condition, and the selection of books does not appear to have been judicious. They recommend that no application for books should he granted, except through the inspectors, and no hooks admitted without their sanction. They recommend that approved samples of contracts ought to be deposited with the gaolers, where the articles are not perishable. They recommend copies of contracts for tho use of gaoler and medical officer. The medical officer speaks unfavourably of the quality of the milk and potatoes supplied. They recommend that the meat Bhould be brought in whole joints or quarters. They recommend the supply of flannel Bhirts or guernsey, as a preventive of colds, coughs, catarrhs, bronchitis, rheumatism. Straw was much needed for bedding, and tho blankets threadbare and in holes ; the red blankets were, however, exceedingly good, and appear to laßt longer than the white kind. As a quantity of military bedding is about to bo shipped for England, it is suggested that the" Government might supply an article of that description at a cheap rate upon application to the Military Storekeeper, as they may be presumed to be in good condition, if it would be wcrth taking them to England. They regret that the situation of the female wards throws considerable difficulty in the way of classification of prisoners. They consider that there is no necessity for shutting up prisoners for debt earlier than sunset all the year round. Tho. Gaoler acquiesces in this opinion. Religious instructions of prisoners was amply provided for. Delay was occasioned in respect to rules and regulations, owing to the want of a room for the purpose of conferring. A report upon the subject of classification had been delayed by this cause. The certificate of the medical officer is appended to this report. The report is signed, "Ponsonby Peacocke, J.P., " Jamhs Nattqhton, J.P." Dr. Philson approves of the recommendations made 1 y the visiting justices.