Provincial Council.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 175, 3 December 1868, Page 2

Provincial Council.

Wednesday, Dec. 2. . The Speaker took the chair at 5 o'clock. TIMABU ELECTORAL. Mr Ormsby asked the Provincial Solicitor what course the Government intended to pursue with rogard to Timaru not returning a member to the Provincial Council. Mr Ormsby said his Honor's writ had" been.exposed to indignity by some insignificant politicians.. : Mr W. Williams said he was not in a position to Bayi what would be, or ought to be done uuder the circumstances. , ; '■•■••' LOCAL ''INDUSTRIES. 'Js»lt Potts rooyed, '• That in the opinion of this Council it is desirable that encourage-: ment should be given to local industry, and, with this view, the Government be requested tjo offer premiums : for ttveed cloths, blankets,: aad beetroot sugar manufactured within the ; province." Manyreasons had jnduqed.him to place this motion on the notice paper. If the hon. members would look to what their neighbours were doing — thnt local industries obtained tbe fosteriug care of the Govern-! ment of Victoria, and the manufacture of cloth appeared to,be attended with success in: that colony, where" two manufactories had already been established. In Otago, the' same system of offering bonuses had been initiated by the Government, who were prepared to give premiums to personß who intended to enter into the manufacture of clothj mi'rjz *ay -wt? yi«- .*-■■ -* I

;. -y~ .^ " - *** ■ ■ * and beet-rltspt sugar, and who could give a satigf actoryfassurauce that they would carry outZthe-uodertaking to a successful consummation. i A. long and very interesting discussion ensued,, in which it was clear that a majority .of the Council were in favour of tbe motion. Mr Potts, in reply, asked leave to amend his resolution by the insertion of the words, "or other manufactures for which the province offers natural advantages," after the word sugar in the fourth line. Leave was given to amend the motion, which was put and agreed to on the voicetv / railway to the north. \. Mr Brown moved the House into com-^ mittee to consider the following resolutions : — " 1. That New Zealand and foreign capitalists be invited .to undertake .the construction of a cheap railway from Christchurch to Leithfield, and to furnish the necessary roß^ ing stock, buildings, &c, and to worjc.the same under the supervision of the Commissioners appointed by the Government and contractors. 2. That the sura of £30,000 of the unexpended balance of the loan be vested in three trustees; to loan the same in the province of Canterbury, at not less than 8 per cent per annum on freehold property, and as required for a period of ten years, to apply principal and accrued interest in liquidating any deficiency under 5 per cent per annum on the net returns on said railways on all expenditure not exceeding £150,000. 3. That before any tender be accepted, the sanction of the Provincial Council be obtained. 4. That it be a special request to* the Government to give effect in every necessary way to these resolutions." Mr Montoomeby said the Government would not rof use to allow this matter to be discussed in committe, but they would not thereby biud themselves at all to the whole or any part of these resolutions. The motion forgoing into committee wan agreed to. Mr Brown moved the first of the series of resolutions. Discussion ensued. Mr Montgowbby moved as an amendment, " That all the words be struck out after the word *■ that,' in order that the following may be inserted in lieu thereof — * It is expedient that capitalists be invited to undertake the construction of cheap railways or tramways in the Northern portion of the province." Ultimately, Mr Montgomery withdrew hie amendment by permission of the Council. ' A^er .some further discussion, Mr. Brown obtained leave to alter his motion by striking out the word « Leithfield," and inserting in lieu thereof " South bank of the'Kowai." The' hon. Mr Lbs moved that the words "New Zealand" and "foreign" be struck out. ■ Agreed to. Mr Brown's motion, as amended, was put and agreed to. Ifc reads thugyfe That capitalists be invited to undertakeAlre construction of a cheap railway from Christchurch to the south bank of the Ko wai, and to furnish the necessary rolling stock, building, &c?f On the motion of the hon. memblJHfor Rangiora, progress was then reported, with leave to sit again next day. CAPTAIN SPROUL. Mr Wilson moved that . the Government be respectfully requested to lay upon the the table of the House copies of any correspondence from Capt. Sproul, the pilot at the Heads of Lyttelton Harbour, regarding leave of absence, and also with regard to a retiring allowance to that gentleman, together with any replies furnished by the Government to such enquiries. The motion was agreed to. Mr Jollib laid the correspondence on the table. THIRn READINGS. On the motion of Mr W. Williams, the Diversion of Roads Special Bill, 1868," and the "Reserves, No. 254 a Bill, 1868, were read a third time and passed. KAIAPOI BRIDGE BILL. On the motion of Mr W. Williams, the House went into committee on this bill. The bill was reported with amendments. The third reading was fixed for Friday,, on the motion of Mr W. Williams. COMMITTEE OF BUPPLY. The House resolved itself into Committoo of Supply. The Railway estimates were proceeded with, and the following items were passed : — general working expenses, £2535 ; Lyttelton and Christchurch line r £1953 7s. Some discmsion took place as to the advisability of reducing the salaries in this department. It was also objected that the staff was more numerous than was necessary. Ultimately, Mr Maskell moved that progress be reported. He complained of the action of the Government in asking 'the committee to proceed with the estimates in this department. He had ho- objection to their going on with the remainder of the ordinary estimates, but it was necessary' that hon. members should be allowed some time' to consider the items in connection -with the railwaydepartment. ... A long and rather animated and personal discussion- ensued, and ultimately the motion for reporting progress was agreed tb on the voices, Mr Jollle previously intimating his 'consent to this course, i" ? Notices of motion were then given, and the House adjourned at 10.40, until 5 p.m. this j day (Thursday.)