PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1432, 19 June 1868, Page 3

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

In the Provincial Council yesterday Captain a question relative to the regulations fcTr the new wharf at the North Shore, and was answered by Mr. Creighton, that Captain Burgess had been instructed to carry out the intention of the wharf committee, as expressed in a letter from the chairman. He likewise intimated that general harbour regulations had been prepared, at a conference of harbour masters hold in Wellington last January, and would como into operation on being published in the New Zealand Gazette. Captain Burgess had boen instructed to prepare regulations for all the wharves in the harbour, and also for the regulation of passengor boats. Mr. Webster made a few remarks in explanation. Mr. James O'Neill moved a resolution to the effect that the offices of the Provincial Government be removed to the new Custom-house and Post Office building. His object was to save the rent. Mr. Creighton replied that the present offices had been taken for tvro years from the Ist of June, 1867, and that, therefore, the resolution could not be given effect to if carried. The Waste Lands Department would be removed from the provincial buildings to tbo offices in Princes-street, as valuable maps and records were now being destroyed by wet. Captain Cooper moved a resolution for a select committee to devise machinery for constituting county boards. In the course of his observations, he dwelt upon the necessity for some such measure as he proposed being passed, as it would give the out-districts all the advantages of local government at a small cost. If they went to the General Assembly to pass such a measure, it would entail much greater expense, aud be of less advantage to the settlers. He reprobated the notion of abandoning provincial institutions, and exposed the corrupt practices of the Colonial Ministry by buying off opposition members, either by the creation of new offices or of paid commissions. Mr. Martin seconded the motion. It was generally approved of by Mr. Creighton, who thought, however, that there was not sufficient time for a select committee to take evidence aud bring up their report this session. Mr. Maclean supported the motion in an admirable speech, in which he advocated the principle of local government, and urged upon the provincial authorities the necessity that existed for giving effect to the Highway Act throughout the province. Mr. Buekland followed in support of the motion, after which the resolution was agreed to. A long and animated discussion followed on a motion by Captain Cooper, condemning the Protection of Certain Animals Act of last session. Messrs. Wynn, Buekland, McLeod, Uheeseman, Creighton, Hurst, Martin, Clark, Dignnn, and K. Graham, spoke in support of the motion. Dr. .Nicholson did not oppose it, but conceived that undue censure had been passed npon the Auckland representatives in the Assembly, for not opposing the Act with greater vigor. Perhaps no debate could more clearly show the inability of the General Assembly, meeting in Wellington, and dominated by a Southern majority, to legislate for the wants of the province of Auckland. The motion was agreed to. The Gold-field Representation Act passed through committee. After disposing of some routine business the Council adjourned.