CLERK TO THE COUNCIL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 139, 26 April 1862, Page 5

CLERK TO THE COUNCIL.

Mr.'DICK brought up the report of the select committee appointed "to make arrangements for providing- .1 Clnk of Council," recommending that Mr. Charles Smith be appointed to the office, and gave notice that he would move the adoption of .the, report on Monday next. ; — . ,

THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT AND THE POLICE : ' FOKCE. ' :

Pursuant to notice, the following address of his Honor the Superintendent was taken into consi-

deration :—

MESSAGE NO. 1. Dunedinj April'24th,

: The Superintendent .forwards, for the information of the Provincial1 Council, a copy of a Bill, intituled, •'AnAct for regulating the Constabulary Force," which Bill, he understands, is intended to be submitted to the General Assembly at the ensuing; session. ', ■■ " '.' ' : ; ' , .'.. ■' ■■

The Superintentendent regards this Bill as ia. cautiously worded attempt to control the power of tlie Provincial Governments in then- police .arrangements, and the introduction of which into the statute books will inevitably: lead to the destruction of the efficiency of a 'department on which very important interests depend. He therefore invites the" expression of the Council's opinion on the subject. ' i i .-■■■ (Signed) J. BiOHARDSosr, ' Superintendent J

Mr. DICK remarked 1 hat it would be Jevi<lent;to tlie House, that the object of the Bill submitted for their consideration was to remove the-police force ironi their immediate control through his Honor the Superintendent, a result which he had no doubt they ' would all oppose, as lie believed they could manage their own ; local, .force for' themselves"' better than the General Government could do for them. They would nil readily admit that to a large ' extent the good order that had been ■ preserved was.owing- to the very efficient and well dc&ciplined police force of the Province, but if they surrendered its control to the General Government they would no longer have any guarantee tliat.it would continue in the same state of efficiency. The . interference of the General Government "with their local affairs had already caused a general eiy for separation to be raised : and he thought it became them at once cleavjy to express their opinion respecting the att( nipt put forth in the Bill before them, j He'should, therefore, submit to the House a resolii- ' tion embracing three resolutions upon the subject, which, he had no doubt, would meet with general approval, and he need, therefore, say no more, bat content himself by moving the following:— " The Council having had submitted to Ihem a copy of a Bill cntituled ' An Act. for regulating the Constabulary Force,' which they learn it is the intention of the General Government to introduce in the ensuing Session of' the General Assembly, and having duly considered the same, arc of opinion : — 1. " That it is^absolulely necessary to the efficiency of the Constabulary Force of the I'rovince, that under all circumstances, the power to control and direct its action, to increase or decrease its strength, to enforce its discipline, and to regulate its distribution, blioulu rest in an officer connected 'with .the Provincial Government residing in the Province. 3. " That as the proposed Bill transfers some of these powers to the Colonial Secretary, its principles are opposed to privileges and powers hitherto held by the Provinces oi New Zealand, and which, in .the case of this .Province, have hitherto been exercised in a most efficient manner, and have resulted in the organization of a Constabulary Force of generally admitted excellence.. 2. " Regarding therefore, the alteration proposed in the Bill as eminently calculated to injure this Province, by impairing, if not destroying, the eiliciency of its Police Force, it is the duty of the Province to use nil lawful means to prevent' the Bill becoming law; and with this view,it is, resolced that a respectful Address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to forward these resolutions for submission to His Excellency the Governor, and to take such other steps as to him may appear necessary." . . Mr. M'GLASHAN seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr. Howorth, aud carried unanimously. .■■'.' I PUBI-IC BUILDINGS. The SPEAKER read Message No. 12. from llis Honor the Superintendent, transmitting a map of the town of Diincdin, showing the sites available for public purposes, and suggesting that sites should be finally fixed upon for a Hospital, Gnol, Lunatic Anylum, Provincial Buildings, Market-place, College, and Pound. COUNCIL PAPERS. Mr. M'GLASHAN laid oil the table a copy of the Government Gazette, containing copies of the Edu cation Report, and Police Report. ItOAES BILL. Upon the Order of the Day being called for going into Committee on the Reads Bill, Mr. M'GLASHAN informed the House that he found the Bill would require several important amendments, which would render it necessary that he should consult a variety of Acts and Ordinances, which, owing to a pressure of business, he had been unable to do. He should, therefore, not be able to proceed with the Bill now. It was then resolved that the Bill be committed on Monday next.

The House adjourned till four o'clock on Monday.