PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Southland Times, Issue 1049, 2 November 1868, Page 3

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

FOURTH SESSION. ♦ EBIDAY, 2nd OCTOBER, 1868. MORNING SITTING. The Speaxeb took the chair this day, at noon, and opened the proceedings with the usual prayers. • Present : Messrs Blacklock, M'Clure, Armstrong, Dalrymple, Howell, Clerk, Johnston, Daniel, Ross, Stuart, Basstian, Pratt, Hately, Pearson, and Monckton. . The minutes of previous sittings were -read and confirmed. Mr M'CiiTtbe laid on the table the reply to the address, which, on his motion, was read and adopted. THE RAILWAY TENDERS. The PBOYUfciAii Tbeastjber said the order copies for the day had not come to the House, and that even though they had been on the table he would movA a matter ifthich would take precedence of everything, it was a matter of great regret that" grave suspicions were cast upon an officer of the Government, in whose charge the railway tenders had been placed. With the view of enabling hon. members to form an opinion for themselves he moved the suspension of the standing orders, so that he might at once move that the House go into Committee on the tenders for- the Railway, and that strangers and the representatives of the press be ordered to withdraw. (Murmers of disapprobatian among the public.) The hon. member said that if the motion was . carried, the intention of the Government was to lay the tenders on the table and state what had occurred in relation to them. They would then propose that each tenderer present or in the neighbourhood should be called in and asked whether in his opinion his tender had been tampered with. The hon. member then formally moved that the House go into committee on the tenders and that strangers and the representatives of the press be ordered to withdraw. The motion was then put and carried^ the House cleared and the doors locked. EVENING SIJMING. The House met in the evening at 7 o'clock. Present — Messrs Howell, Daniel, Clerke, Longuet, Johnston, Dalrymple, Blacklock, Swale, Armstrong, M'Clure, Ross, Pearson, Hately, and Stuart; ~Mt Longljet presented a petition, signed by twenty-four settlers, for a road to the Pilot Station at the Bluff. -..;.----«- _. RAILWAY TENDERS. Mjr J>AuaxiEPtß asked the Government what steps were intended to be taken in regard to what had transpired as to the opening of the railway tenders. The Pbovinciai. Tbeasfbeb intimated that the matter was now in the hands of the Provincial Solicitor. Mr Abmstboitg said that the Government felt a great deal on what had been : done with the Oreti Railway tenders. - . He looked on the inability of Governmenlrto accept tenders as nothing, com-—-pared whith the odium which was now attached to them. It would now be their duty to thoroughly investigate the matter through their solicitor. The evil ■was to be regretted, and the hon member did not see that anything else could be said. He concluded some further remarks by saying that if the matter had been left in the hands of the Government this unfortunate afGair— wou^d not have happened^-^ I >3 iros e from the CounciL-<rf^emptmg to do Executive TforS. Mr Clebke moved for liberty to speak on the subject. This was a very important matter, and he thought the statement made by the Government a very lame one indeed. A gross insult had been placed on the Province. The Speakeb here pointed out to the hon member that he had not received leave to speak. Mr Dalbymele seconded Mr Cler&e's motion, which was formally put and carried, and Mr Clebke proceeded. He considered they were suffering under a great indignity, and a disgrace which would hereafter attach to them. It was bad enough calling for tenders when they had no money, and now this indignity was added to that. He looked on the Government as the responsible partj^ and .sb<^^should findfOut who was to blame. ,jphese,jienders had been opened to benefit someone, and what was the usual course in such a case ? It was to r &ppTreK§no?'>thfe custodian of the box in /-which these jtteiwlers were. The hon 'membej^a ! nte,4' the;- whole truth brought put . be/ore~4|b% Jjß«'sident „ Magistrate, * ihoiigh 3 he doubted r if 'even ' that would clga? 9 our ? fair faW.- 'Still the effort bS^&de^'T^ey' 4i&d madentfbols •j bf"..themselyesi •«; ' i m \ 4 _> a^ .<-■ ■>- > > . ■■ -i •'■'■••. < „ {■■ 9sig' PBoy^NiCiA^ .TBEAspBEB callecLthe „hon member ,|o order,, fi) . ,„., T , v l ' J ! Mr ' was perfectly in order. '•He &rt whlar'h'evfras Saying. ' Thef had ' made 'fools of •themselves/and were now -afe thei.ftdne'iO'f.rdisgraee by. these docuPBen^dgWJben in^. -%hfi\ custody of the ,. Governments He did not care waiel^e o person ! who" 'a'aa" 9 charge 'oPthifr 1 7 be * urlder : res'tfaini tintil -it -was fgeeaq who was "to blame. -^iEt im§& ae*c«Bffici^rit fto:^uspe_nd aft ; ,oflScer> •It wgjs^i c^se o^cr^mina^^glexjt ofi.di^ty, and' unless .the Government, indicated a course to" WBffl&WS£?ti& do m^rijA^Je^hßmtmg -the ,publ^);:co?ii'!ficn?o R.ir .i "I" /.' oif .r.f3>'a." *\ T^e OQ I^pv^fci/sj.^ ToKß^sp'pEU, . . . pfek^ed 'tnat the Twin. • member [',] had. "liriade ;na oiiBlaupt > '' o;t tne Wnt/vrntt waf; imfc : tinii^feasary? % -eoriclnßiontiadrijeeagumped : atutha^ bthe v \ . : ; ~ &^y ■■- ; at,^ll about it. r , I --Wei PEbvWciii ?R a^^Eß^-Well; 'WrGtythe Krovfefci3al'BBlicit6'r iß'th^better JndgeiiniOfecbuxße ifoer&rstras>a.»gdi)d deal | 9^, q^um. u pn^Tthe (! GoY.erflm^n;t.,|or i ;,upt sim wnM coula tney do better than mv&iK&m : ah' 1 official -"vr(2o biuo'iv iloiiiW yi/nii'/oi io snul oHj

in their service ? If the fixed head of a department could not (be trusted who could? . Mr Djllbymple— Well, the Executive are responsible. The Pjroyinciai. Tbeastjbeb— The Executive are only responsible for their political actions. •Mr Hately asked the leave of the Hou.-e tor the suspension of the standing orderd to enable him to move for a select committee to enquire into the matter, and that the tenders be not returned to the tenderers until the report of a select committee be received. Mr Daniel secon 1 d the motion, which after some discuss.. m was put and negatived without a division. IMMIGRATION SCHEME. Mr Peabsoit, in rising to move his scheme of Immigration, on the Order Paper, said he would not take up the time of the House, as his whole arguments had already been given in a series of letters which had appeared in the the public press. He held it was absolately necessary for a new couutrf to go forward, or its whole commercial world would go bankrupt— a case of stagnation was its death. That it should go ahead it is necessary to have an influx of fresh capital, and fresh people. America was a remarkable instance of what Immigration had done. Victoria was now the same, and he thought they could not do better than follow their example. He would wish to have it distinctly understood that he had no desire to reduce the price of labor here. If laborers could obtain 8s a day, and employers could afford to give it, he would be very glad to see such a state of matters. He had seen when labor was worth much more, -but, as he had shown in some of his letters, the demand and supply of labor was at present unequally balanced. After some other remarks the hon. member said he recollected of a man asking him for some work. He asked the person if he thought he was worth 8s per day, and he said he was not. Then said the hon. member, how can you expect any one to give it ? The man said it was the usual rate of laborers pay here, and if he did not get it he would go elsewhere. It did not seem to occur to him that it was better to remain here on the certainty of work at a small wage, than incur expense by paying his passage, &c, and going elsewhere on an uncertainty. The hon. member, after reading some extracts from Trollop's work on America, submitted that the laboring classes were much better here. After comparing the climate of Otago with that of Southland, showing that the latter had the advantage, he sald"uTwaisrnot4jossible for farmers here to pay 8s a day7~ana~tbo»<»fiire_ it was necessary to adopt some way of introducing people into the province tc such an extent as would neutralise that. It was a pity people here would not take a less wage instead of going elsewhere, but that was their matter. Labor in Victoria was now much cheaper — from 4s to 6s per day, yet they considered it necessary to introduce fresh immigrants. It had been said that farming here would not pay. He again quoted from Trollope as to the production of cereals in America, and contended that the same would pay here if the price of labor was reduced. In one instance — barley — there had been a remarkable increase, and as for a market, there was no doubt about that now, as Mr Buchanan was open to take 100,000 bushels a year. The introduction of labor, too, would reduce taxation -America had besnablo-to carry on its gigantic war, simply from its large population. The city of New York alone, paid more taxaI tion than the whole revenue of Canada came to, and Mr Trollope said the State never dreamed of not being able to pay. The hon member then entered upon the resolutions seraitim, supporting each by a few remarks. Mr Lowgttet, in seconding the motion, felt he was only doing justice to the place. Mr Steuabt asked from what source the proposed annual payment of £10,000 was to come from ; failing a sufficiency of the block reserved being sold in any one year to meet the payment ? Mr Peabson introduced the sum, because he had heard that certain gentlemen were prepared to give some £40,000 or £50,000. in the purchase of land. They would not do so, however, unless steps were taken to bring people into the country. Mr Basstlot always had an idea that if men had an opportunity of marrying and settling down here, our prosperity would commence. Families here wanted the comforts servants gave, and men wanted wives, and so he was disposed to support Immigration. Mr DaiiBYMPIiE had always noticed that the hon member for Oteramika never did things by halves. He, with others, had endeavored to get a bit of road in the ! Eastern District, when the hon. member did not make his appearance at all, and then to his 1 (Mr Dalrymple's) surprise, he, came down at once for £32,000 for making roads. ,As he. was a slow coach, he was glad to see the hon member come forward so boldly: -Now^bowever, something more extensive, still was asked tor. "ilea^kig^vra^ehon; memb^?!^ mption rejainded him^of what he .had read some years ago about the Sea .Serpent." How_eyer;itwas a s%p in the right direction,and hV Would not bppose^itv* He'intended quoting from Adam Smithy but the, hon. meipaber h,ad. forestalled : him. (laughter, 6*9lll, jfi^r JPearsonV). /The 'hon. member/might ' laugh,' but he (Mr Dalrymple'") '-would' quote -frdni DeTbcquevme,^thiit>; population • was the iirst element jM iweaithbin e^ery* country. They / wejre^:. agreed^, -qn .^hat point, but when the, hon. member found such ! a uu unotertafeing' ! ' :prodotsu' tbinotnihg'ji v?Henapprdvfid; going upi'i thei iJadde^ ustep -a by : t step, ; %n J nqlf jump;inff fo^.the. top as.,pnee. f , Whajt he wished, was for. theGovernmeht to carry on [ a 1 pyatem: o^lmmigrMen 0 wW ! tn.e mei&^iV^tnW 1 -'eomfialna- ' iioiu'3. ittii ido'ii i>[io» k> vbsyJ ,£,??'. i „;.. v,,;,. n t^r, -„.;r!,, „:.u ~.,r>..,, 1.,.,.

work to those who came, if it should be but bringing stone from the Bluff at 4s or 5s per day. That would be something, but to his knowledge there were numbers of men who could not find work, and therefore, dare not stop in the place. When a man was earning even 4s or 5s per day, he was in a position to drive a bargain with the squatter or settler — he was not forced to take such terms as they may choose to offer. The hon. member knew the labor markat well. The laborer in this country had no chance whatever where there were no Government works< As a proof, the House could see that they could not keep labor in the Province when it was brought into it. He thought properly farming the means at our disposal was the right course, but it seemed to some hon. members that this was not the right course. Nothing short of a Herculean effort was to do. , If they looked at the other provinces • it would be found that they retained their laborers by finding them work to do, at some wage or other. Otago did so, and had a steady flow of Immigration. The last time they had a few immigrants— if he remembered rigtftly-^it was those* Girvan weavers, (laughter), he had heard them spoken of as paupers, (laughter), but he would state for the information of the House that these people were all thriving, and formed a considerable portion of the population. He would say that there was not a pauper among them, and they were all now occupying a respectable status among us.. If instead of great railway undertakings, the money at the disposal of the House was farmed, i the Province would now be in a good i situation. But no, nothing but a tremendous scheme was going to do. It was madness. He begged the House to remember that he was not opposed to Immigration, but he could nob agree to such a gigantic scheme. His mind would not reach it. He was particularly opposed to bringing in such outlandish people as Germans — all here were Scottish or English. He knew- many of the people in Lancashire and Cheshire, and if the affairs of the Province were managed in anything like a reasonable way, he would be only too glad to encourage these people to come out here, but he had never asked one. He dared not do so, owing to the reckless way things were carried on, and so long as that .was the case, it was not possible, in his opinion, to bring people to this country. Mr M'Clube considered that the Government were doing very well under the present arrangements. He held in his hand a petition from his constituency (New River) praying for a scheme of Immigration, and at another meeting in that district these resolutions were unanimously rejected. Of course he could not support both, and he therefore thought that the system presently pursued by the Government fuUy met the wants of the Province. Mr Abmstbong was not prepared to support the resolutions of the hon. member (Mr Pearson) but he was not opposed to Immigration. He agreed with Mr Dalrymple that we wanted "capital just at present more than labor, and he thought it would be a dangerous thing indeed, at this moment, to introduce extensive Immigration. He was prepared, however, to support the other portions of the hon. member's resolutions for a colonial scheme. Mr Johnston admitted that the principle of the resolutions was good. There were plenty of capitalists in the country who would find the money if the labor was found for them. He proceeded to combat at some length the idea that a large sum was necessary ,*o commence farming here. It was a total fallacy. He would not be afraid to go into the bush with nothing but an axe and three month's -tucker. He, did not see the necessity, however, of a Board of Commissioners. He thought that the Superintendent and Executive were quite sufficient to manage all that would be required. He considered that from £40 to £50 was too much for farm servants. If wages were less farmers who were now without one might employ two. Alluding to bush contracts, and the inability of some to make wages out of them, he pointed out that it was not reasonable to expect that a tradesman could make the same wages at that work aa those accustomed to it. As a proof that in proper hands such coatracts paid he instanced a case where the workmen after paving everything, had a balance of £2 3s a week. Of course a great deal depended on the workmen knowing exactly what to do, and so in any system of- Immigration great care would have to be taken that the Immigrants were a suitable class — fit for the country. Mr Peabson, then replied at length to all the arguments used in the course of the debate. He particularly supported the necessity of a Board for expending the money, and was sorry to find that it did not meet with so much favor in the House as he expected. Such a Board he contended would be an independent body who would see that the funds at its disposal were properly expended, and the Immigrants money duly received. Indeed he would not care to see the scheme in operation without such a Board. He would, therefore, rather than push the matter or sacrifice the resolution, ask leave to postpone them till another sitting, and meanwhile, hon. members could thinks over -the subject, and determine whether rto accept hisjproposition or not. i He r would, ; not like a division on his J motion .then,, preferring ; that amDle time 1 should be given! for its 'consideration. Inreply' W Mr Johnston, F>7i!lf The-S^AKEB- sald /D # wouidMib mV- ( possible to eiclude threes -Commissioners from taking, ranynpart, in politics aimless thehr- rights. as. electors,, Wisre $ake : n; from them. * , ■ • •■ „ ?.■<?! i ; •,) ■•".Hi - v/.-j. •■ ■.■■:;•'/ "'■ . ■'.y ■ i --J ' j ; After some discussion on .points .of order ftn amendment, that consideration of 'the subject be postponed Ml Monday's sitting; was put and carried; 1 ' ™' i -; f - !tV '"

COAL FIELDS. j Mr Peabson asked if the Government had placed on the estimates any sum for testing the coal fields of the Province ? The Provincial Tbeasubeb intimated that Dr Hector would be here in February, and on his report action would be taken. OREBUKA ROADS. Db Monckton and Mr Daniel then withdrew their motions for sums of money for certain road works from the Orepuki road and Dallas' Point. This was done on the understanding that before next session Government would have a report from the Road Engineer, and place sums on the estimates. _ • RIVERTON STREETS. Mr Daniel moved— "That a respectful; address be presented to Sis Honor the Superintendent, requesting that the sum , of be placed on the Estimates for* ! : the construction of Paddock-street, to- j wards the beach, so that an available road be made to and from j Riverton to Invercargill." He said, in bringing, forward this motion, I may mention to this House, that Riverton possesses no road or outlet, but by the sea beach and that only at low water to and from Invercargill, excepting through private lands. I may mention for the information of hon members that our former Superintendent was apprized of the same, also the Chief Surveyor, Mr Heale, and they replied that they were expecting the Native Reserve adjoining the town of Riverton to be purchased by the Provincial Government ; then Paddock-street would be continued on through the said reserve, and join a road that would also be laid off from the Jetty passing by the lower end of Havelock-street, continuing on till it meets, Paddock-street ; thence to the sea beach were a small stream empties itself. Mr Clark, the Native Commissioner, came down, and arranged with the Maories, who own the land that Pad-dock-street would go through, to allow the Government to do so, and arranged with the two head, chiefs (Toby and Paitio) who own the land above stated ; this took place over five years ago. About twelve months ago, Mr Watt called the attention of the above two chiefs to the necessity of - getting the same confirmed when the Native Land Court sat, seeing it would enhance their property by so doing. I may further state, I wrote officially to His Honor about fiye months ago, of what had taken place, and begged of him to intercede and get all correspondence from the General Government on the subject. On the second day of this session, myself and Mr Watt waited on the D.eputy Superintendent and his Executive, and Mr Watt stated to the Government, that he was going over to Riyerton in a few days, and if a Government officer was sent over with Mm, with a prepared deed or document,*he would get the Natives to sign it over to the Government, so that when the Crown Grants was made out for each Nativeproprietor, itwould then enable the Government to place a sum on the Estimates ot^nce and open and make the said public road. The Government decided to take the same into their consideration. I may also state, that a numerously signed petition has been sent to His Honor praying for the same. After some further discussion had ensued, the motion was withdrawn on the understanding that a similar one for a grant for the formation of Napier-street, would also be withdrawn. Mr Peabson moved — "That a respectful address be presented to His Honor the Superintendent, requesting the sum of £1000 to be placed on the Estimates as a reward for the discovery of a payable goldfield within the Province of Southland, which shall within six months after discovery yield not less than 8000 ozs of gold, with power to the Government to apply the whole or part of the £1000 as a reward for the discovery of a goldfield outside, but adjacent to, the boundaries of the Province, from which it will derive a direct and exclusive commercial benefit." Dr Monckton seconded the motion. - The Pbovincial Tbeasubeb moved as an amendment, that the Government be requested to offer a reward &c, not that the sum be placed on the Estimates. Mr Peabson had no objections and the motion as amended was put and passed. The hon. member then asked and obtained leave to withdraw a motion that a certain quantity of land be reserved as an endowment for educational puposes. Mr Basstian's motion for a return of all sheep having crossed the border from Otago into this Province during the last three years, was also withdrawn after some explanations were given by Government. , [ Mr Basstian moved for a return shewing the value of all goods having arrived into this Province during the last three years, on which duty has been paid in Otago. Mr Abmstbong said,, he had written to the Collector of Customs to supply the information, and he was told that to be satisfactory, it would take a considerable time. A tabular' statement was now being drawn up for the Government, and in it would be found all the information which the hon member w*anted. Mr Basstian merely asked for it in order to checkmate the Otago Government — meet them with their own weapons. He had no objection to with- ! draw the motion. Mr Dalbymple's motions on the ' Cattle Trespass Ordinance,' and manner of electing the Superintendent were, with the leave of the House, postponed till Monday. - Mr Abmstbong moved for leave to bring in a Bill intituled "The Roads Diversion Ordinance, 1868." ; Leave granted, the Bill was read a^rst time,and-seeond reading appointed for Tuesday^morning's sitting. Mr ABMsoSEbHiisO ,w&\red — " That a Select Committee be appointed,..consisting ■*# Messrs Ross, PrattJJohnstone, And '■ the jnover, to- enqrfi f rb Oi n!lM L and . i

report upon a claim made by Mr Alfred Eccles upon the Provincial Government." The motion was agreed to. Mr Abmstbong asked leave to 1 bring in a Bill intituled " Alteration of Eoads Ordinance, 1868." Leave was granted, the Bill read a first time, and the second reading appointed for Tuesday morning's sitting. Mr M'Clube asked leave to bring in a Bill entituled " The Amendment Fencing Ordinance, 1868." Leave was granted, the Bill read a first time, and the second reading appointed for Tuesday morning's sitting. ' The Pbovhtcia.l Tbeasubeb asked leave to bring in Bills intituled respectively, "Sale of Reserve Ordinance, 1868," "Oreti Ferry Reserve Leasing Ordinance, 1868," " Appropriation Ordinance, No, 3, 1868." Leave was granted, and the Bills read seriatim. The second reading appointed for Monday evening's sitting, NEW RIVER PILOT SERVICE.. Mr Ross asked the Government to lay on the table any correspondence they may have had with the General Government, (during the last six months), relative to the withdrawal of the New River Pilot service. He said he was induced to ask for this in consequence of a current report that it was in contemplation to withdraw the New River Pilot service. He hoped the Provincial Government would try to deter the General Govern ment from withdrawing this service. The Pbovincial Tbeasubeb asked leave to bring in a Bill entitled the " Tolls Ordinance, 1868," "Amendment OrdL nance 1868." Leave granted, the Bill was read a first time, and second reading appointed for Alonday evening sitting. Mr Clebke asked the Government how much money they have received as fees under the Bth clause of the " Sheep Ordinance, 1866 and 1867," since the same cam^ into operation. He was induced to do so, because he had heard that no such sums had been paid into the Treasury. He had managed after some trouble to find out that something like 31 ,000 sheep had passed over the boundary, and he could not see that any of the fees consequent had reached the Treasury. To his knowledge, a certain gentleman had tendered his fees at the proper oflice, and the clerks there were quite astonished at it — did not know what to make of it, It seemed to the him that these fees were retained as . a perquisite by some one. Of course he did not say so as a fact, but that was what appearances would justify him in believing. The Pbovincial Tbeastjbeb in answer said that it appeared from the books that £35 19s 4d had been paid into the Treasury, but he reminded the hon. member that such sums went to the Sheep Board. ; PROVINCIAL OFFICERS SALARIES.^ At the request of Mr Johnston, a return shewing the amonnt of salary paid to Provincial; Government"" officers there duties, &c, was laid on the table. The hon. member stated that til! it was read it was a private document, which it would be a breach of privilege for the representatives of the press to report, he asked, therefore, if it would be competent for him to move that it be considered read, and allow the press to take Buch portions as were suitable for publication? The Speakeb said the proper course would be to move that as a Bill it be read a first time. Mr Johnston moved accordingly, and Mr Clebke seconding the motion, it was put and carried. Several notices of motion having been given, the House adjourned at half-past eleven p.m., till Monday at noon. MONDAY, sth OCTOBER. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met to-day at one o'clock, when proceedings were opened with the usual prayers. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed, after some trivial alterations had been made. Mr Johnston presented a petition from C. D. Irvine Esq., regarding the tenders for completing the Oreti Railway, which was read. Mr Swale gave notice that he would ask a certain sum to be placed on the estimates for a road at One Tree Point. Mr Clebke gave notice that he would ask the Government to place on the table a return of all public works done without being tendered for since the first of May last. Mr Clebke gave notice that at next sitting he would ask Government what it intended doing with reference to the conclusion or completion of the Oreti Railway. Mr Hately moved— "That a duty of £2 per ton be levied on all goods received in the province on which duty is paid elsewhere." His object in this motion was as much as possible to protect, the revenue of the province. . Mr Peabson seconded the motion pro forma. The Pboyincial Tbeastjbeb said that j to levy a duty in this shape was beyond their power. They might increase the rate of wharfage duty, but it was a matter for consideration whether it would be politic to do so. . After some discussion, the motion was pat, and negatived without a division. , Complying with Mr Clerke's motion, the Government laid on the table a return of the number of sheep passed by the Chief Inspector, since Ist September, 1867, under clause 3,, of the " Sheep Amendment Ordinance, 1867.".. ;. ■-■ Mr LoNGrtJET asked the Government why Stewart's Island and ' Uiiapuki "were declared^^ected' districts. ' He "diet ,'so, because there . had never been . disease upon the Islands, and the cattle- belong almost exclusively to the ■ Natives,' who ' attribu" teethe 4idt being allowed lS td; dts-. ! pOjSd : . pi, , tneir.. o catse : . more , ,tp >$er£onal. enmity n pf^ 'themselves, .than anything.else..; ilti.may;ubei:said! ikis'.pto .prevent; cattle j being landed -from '"other 1 ' ports li - aiM- | t^ffig^^er^ j .I'ixv.ri-t: ra&J -j-it-.A i.h.oi-i J. ■. ?■->?• tiii ,•'■'*'■'-'< I '.[i;:;ns-.-:i;'i' v ■ i ii ' L' - -

possible, as from -the-pwrimity^of the Island, it could not be done without tha knowledge of the Customs. He- wa* informed the Natives infcead addressing the Governor unless it is altered, therefore he would ask an explanation.' The Pbotinciai. Teeasubee, moved; — " That this Council is of opinion that an endowment for .- the > Inyercargilt Hospital should be made, and with; thia view requests the Government to take the necessary steps to secure the northern half, fronting Tay-street, of an oolong block at present restrved for public gardens for this object, the same to be surveyed in sections to be leased for building purposes, under povirerV to be given to trustees, to be appointed •; for that institution. One section, however, of the piece of land referred to be reserved for the use of the Invewargill Fire Brigade." ; ?l i After some discussion— consideration of the question was adjourned to a future sitting. i Mr Boss moved: — "That in .'the j opinion of this Council the dis-establish-ment of the pilot staff at the New/River Heads will injuriously affect the cdmmerI cial and other interests of the province— | should not be carried into effect/'^ ~ ■-, Mr Lob gtjet opposed theindtion..;ln ' the course of his remarks he* Baid-jthe greatest misfortune to Southland appears to be having two harbours. • -We are not in a position to .support them- both. Therefore as long as they work* in opposition to each otheri the prdyihee must suffer. Does the keeping both open increase our traffic or add one, farthing to our revenue ; does the public get the necessaries ot life any cheapfr, or derive 'any advantage whatever, then ; if .not, ! why entail a useless expenditure of at least £1000 per annum, • besides -an immediate outlay buoying, and putting the New River in an efficient condition, i without the slightest prospect of a corresponding return. The many conflicting opinions and interests involved have already cost the Province an enormous j sum, and I attribute the greatest portion of our present difficulties' to it, and if now any action- is taken to again j open up the New River, and draw from the traffic of the Bluff and Invercargill ! Railway, it must seriously effect our best ! interests, and by useless expenditure add to our embarrasment; ; ; . We should economise not increase expenditure. . . After a long discussion the House reserved its decision till another sitting. Mr CiiEbke asked, for the sake of information, what was the cost of the Commission of Enquiry/ appointed by them to report upon destitute and criminal children? . Mr Aemstbong replied that the sum of eight guineas had been paid to Mr Lillicrap as clerk to the committed Mr CiiEeke asked if that was all the expense that had been incurred* or merely the amount paid? .-.;'.-. Mr Abmstbong — The amount paid. One witness had come a distance of ; 50 miles, and a recommendation was made in the report that his expenses should be paid. This. had '-not yet been done; • Mr Dai/BYMPLE asked the hon. member for the New River^ 'whibthe£ lt it L was his intention, during the present session of Council, to • comply .with the desire of his constituents, expressed at a public meeting held at "WaJlacetown last month, that the, representative of the New River District in the Provincial Council, move for a return specifying the respective duties of the officials in the whole of the departments of the Local Government, and also to ask the Executive to furnish particulars of the work performed by each official during the last six months.-' Mr M'Clure laid the document on the table. .'., ; Several Notices of Motion having bean given, the Orders of the Day were postponed till the evening's sitting, and th c House adjourned at 3.15 p.m. MONDAY, sth OCTOBER, 1868. evening sittingl The house resumed this evening at 7.30. Present.— Messrs Blacklock, (Priovincial Treasurer,) Armstrong, M'Clure, Monckton, Pearson, Basstian, Stewart, Clerke, Pratt, Ross, Johnston, Swale, Hately, Daniel, Longuet, and Butler.' > SHEEP ASSESSMENT. '\W> Mr Steuabt asked the Provincial. Treasurer what was ; the ; state of ■ itho Sheep Assessment as prior to the collecj tion of the Assessments ofthisyeais^I what sum do these now amount to; ! whether the amount has been placed t» the separate account of the Sheep Assessment in the Bank, as the Government pledged should be done, upon the formar tion of the Sheep Board. ' ; ' Lv The Peotinciali TBEAsuBEB.ni reptf laid a statement on the table showing the position of the Sheep Assessment account in the Treasury books. The balance "UO the credit of the account at the, |*™^| alluded to in the question was ?espes9r tively £5 5s Id, and £604 llslOd.: [£#$ garding the second part of the question^ he informed the hon. membertf th^t although the introniissions for ?! £|»^ o a^ partment were kept in a distinct^cc^il^t in the books, the monies cbilectedi weja lodged to the general provinciali3acjODiu«ff in the bank. No provision^ was madtffb^ the opening of a special awountf=wM' ( tni£ bank, and if he -(:thb;Tre^ur^^pyl^ deposit to any 'acijount, jbut tbe f geueiral one, he would not.be able. to;d*aißo\ipeni it . when required^ i ; lt < wawq thHrefor^requisite that- the sum Hrttoula' W^fit&w to th$ 4 cj^i-'-^^'^ff^f^^^§% the Audi^Act^providiiig 1 ' t^balljmflniiK drawn By the Treasurer Bhouldcb&dm«n upon that accooint-^otherWiseJit^woiiM 1 inst be ; available^ fo^^tne, Jiyltfte jO f - 'the- . offieeis* of -.; th^^tp« He! , did not ; see._"hpw:;_thjf q saft fa .m aV6iaed >lv .9»d would Jje happy ,toac<%nfer. furtherl< on the matter with the' bo>ks member,'; or pother gentlemen rebrts€ntV in^the^feqjiiktfcing in^reisV^^iii^.^ to ha^ingrthe account- in ,7qu^^qn plac&h in^an entirely. rindenendentcpositdon> :ni'.aW ,xMriSTBUAET-"saia tW^oney- ivas* col-^ lected ri fbr a speeifiiii fturpose^-the;^p%- &