AUCKLAND.

Thames Star, Volume IIII, Issue 1703, 18 June 1874, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

Auckland, Wednesday, In the Provincial Council messages were received from the Supermtendejit, transmitting copy of application received from Mr. W. Stowe and Mr, Jpayne, Grahamstown, requesting that 'the' Wairaka Block in the Upper Thames be set apart as a special settlement. It. wag agreed that the application 'should be printed and affixed" to the appendix to evidence obtained by the Waste/.Lands Committee. . .

The Superintendent theu read the prorogation speech. He referred to the measures passed, during session, which he hoped would prove beneficial to the province. He would endeavour to carry out the various recommendations of the Council. He thanked the Ccuucil for the appropriations, and said that friendly relations between the ; Provincial and General Governments would continue. The subject of immigration would occupy hi a attention in the supervision of the; General Government immigration, and; the appointment, where desirable, of im-'j migration agents specially for the pro-' vince. Referring tq the Education Bill,; he said—l must express my ; regret that you have not approved of the principle embodied in the Bill originally submitted by me, namely, to commit the charge of education to a commissioner representing the Council and the Government rather than leave it to be managed by a Board possessing large discretionary powers of administration, and yet constituted in! such a manner as to attach almost but a partial measure of responsibility to its proceedings. It is also matter for regret that no -provision has been made in the Amendment Bill for charging the Board which administers the funds with the duty of collecting the tax. There are, as you are aware, other serious objections entertained >by me to the Act of 1872, but as I understand; the present measure is designed only as an experiment, I would not wish; to prolong the session by returning" the" bill to you for amendment in this and other respects. As, however, it is proba-: ble that adjustment of the whole question of taxation (direct and indirect) in^this; colony must soon take place, I hesitate; to give my assent on behalf of the Governor to a measure; which will increase the direct taxation of this province,; lest its effect should prejudice or embarrass any action which may be taken by the Colonial legislature towards equalising the taxation of the country, embracing, as such action no doubt will, provision for,the educational requirements of the colony /without the necessity for the imposition by the Provincial Legislature of a direct tax upon sections of the community. Notwithstanding., T these objections, I am nevertheless unwilling to exercise the power vested in me under the Constitution Act of withholding the Governor's assent, and I have therefore reserved the Education Act for the signification of the. Governor's pleasure thereon. -The qther Acts of the session have received my sanction. . This day. In the Resident Magistrates-Court this morning Alexander Brown; was charged with incendiarism. Mr.. Brookfield appeared for the prosecution; Mr. Joy for the defence. The prosecutor asked for ; a remand till Thursday: granted> bail being allowed—surety, ,;,;■-■ ■.-■; ,;":._: ; ' o;'v.--.{ : ■ Thirteen summonses for the education rate against Thames people were called. Counsel for tht,Government stated that, the weather having been so rough, it was impossible; for the defendants to attend. The cases were adjourned. r ;