THE COUNTY COUNCIL.

West Coast Times, Issue 758, 27 February 1868, Page 2

THE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Tuesday, February 25. The Council met at 7 p.m. The Hon. the Chairman presided. All the members were present. The minutes of the previous meeting wero read by the clerk and confirmed. Several notices of motion were given. ItESERA'ES IN HOKITIKA. Pursuant to notice, Mr Shaw asked the lion, the Chairman when the Government would bo prepared to hand over tho Reserves in Hokitika to the Corporation. It was understood long ago that the only thing wanting was confirmation by the Governor, very great mischief was caused 'by the delay. There were many parties living on them, between whom conflicts and quarrels were continually arising, and appeals were constantly being made to the Corporation, and as long as it remained so, the unsatisfactory state would continue. Tho Chairman was not quite aware what Reserves Mr Shaw alluded to. Mr Shaw explained it was tho3o of a municipal character. The Chairman said thore wero largo numbers of what might be termed Municipal reserves, in fact ten per cent of the sections were such. These would be inado over to the Corporation as soon as the Crown Grants were ready, but at present there was no power to issuo Crown Grants. He would, however, give a letter to the Corporation for them to enter upon the reserves immediately. SELECT COMMITTEE. Mr Harbison in moving ''That a Select Committee consisting of the Hon. the Chairman, Messrs. Whall, Barff, Shaw, and the mover be appointed to consider and report on tho petition of the inhabitants of Greymouth, with regard to tho re-appointment of an Inspector of Police at Greymouth." — observed that he was well aware of the incouveniouce attaching to a motion of that nature. In the present case, however, he •thought that a serious wrong had been committed, and that the petition, coming as it did from 150 of the principle inhabitants of Greymouth, was entitled to some recognition of the kind at the hands of the Council. Mr Whall, in seconding tho motion, said that ho thought something would be brought to light connected with the transaction of which the Government were in ignorance. He could not see how Inspector Jaine3 could have consented to a reduction in rank, as those iut acquainted with the circumstances would impute such reduction to some fault on the part of the Inspector. In justice to Mr James and to the service he hoped tho couiini;tee would be appointed. The CnAißiriN said that that was a motion which he hoped the Council would see was of a very unusual character Though it was the province of the Council to see that the functions of *k?. Executive Government were properly carried on, yet as it had been decided that the Police was one of tin-" items peculiarly coming under the General Government, they must have the control of the whole service, and it was not in tho province of the Council to interfere in the matter. He hoped the Council would not take the control of the police out of the hands of the Executive Government. In fact, that Government could not, ouglit not, and would not abandon their functions. If the motion were carried, he must request that his name be struck off. Mr Shaw said, that although he should oppose the motion, yet he was glad that it had been brought forward, as it gave him an opportunity to state the reasons why he had declined to bring forward similar grievances. No slight pressure had been put upon himself on several occasions, but he had invariably declined to entertain such matters, as ho considered the course now sought to be adopted injurious to the service and lowering to the Council. Ho trusted that the Council would see that tiui3 to interfere with tho {unctions of the Executive Government would be very disastrous to the service, and productive of serious inconvenience, and by refusing tho appointment of tho committee establish a precedent for future cases of a similar nature. After a few remarks from Mr Hoos against the motion, Mr Harrison replied, and the Council divided. Ayes, 2. Noes, 6. Mr Harrison, Mr HOO3, Whall. Shaw, Keary, Clarke, Barff, Bonar. The motion was consequently negatived. HOSPITALS. On the motion of Mr Harrison the Council wont into Committee on the Resolution of the Select Committee on Hospitals, when tho clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 wore read and passed seriatim. Mr Bonar, on moving that clause 6 staud part of the resolution, said he thought it would bo too much to ask that Hokitika should bear the whole expense of the cases brought down from the various districts, and he was quite sure that the several Hospital Committees .would see tho fairnoss and justice of the arrangement. Mr Barff said he was not aware whether any up-country members had sat on the Committee, but; ho felt sure they would not have sanctioned such a clause as No. 6, which was most unjust to the up-country people. Mr Harrison said the remarks of Mr Barff might apply if tho hospitals wero to rernaiu on the same footing as formerly, but as tho Council had been invited to consider the whole question, and seeing that it was intended to place them under a new regime, Mr Barff'a objection would not hold good. He thought that cases that had benelitted j most were tho last to pay, not that miners would not pay, but they were accustomed to j look upon hospitals as necessary machines. Mr Whalt. said that, if lie understood tho i clause aright, it had the effect of making tho country districts pay without receiving their [ two-thirds of the funds from Government. Mr Barff said that if the resolution were carried up-country members would not be doingjustico to their eon-tituonte, unless, like I him, they refused LI for Hokitika Hospital without a corresponding amount being voted for the country hospitals. Up-country people formed the most numerous class of patients, and these up-country people would bo pajing twice over. Mr Bonar could not understand why so much indignation should have been ospressod at the resolution. It was manifestly unfair that Hokitika should be called upon to. boar tho whole expense of patients from the country. It was quite fair, he contended, that if hospital districts found greater conveniences and groater facilitios in Hokitika they should pay, Patients .from Kanieri, Artvhura, Wai-

inea, aud the Tereniakau, all come down to Hokitika, at least all the serious cases that tho committee did not wish to bring into their own district hospital. After a few remarks from Messrs Hoos and Ci/ARKE, inaudible at the reporter's table, Mr Shatv said he considered it merely as a question of justice. If any one feature in the policy of their Colonial Government shone out more than tho rest, it was tho great care and attention given to the population manifested in tho large amount set down for hospitals and similar institutions. It had been considered advisable to bring hospitals under a different system of management from what had hilherto obtained — to have hospitals formed in every largo district, to be subsidized by Government. The only cases sent to Hokitika would be such as they would not like to underUke the responsibility of. At Hokitika such cases, it was deomed, would meet with greater skill and better appliances, and therefore it was only a matter of ju&tico that the district sending a patient should be fairly charged with that case, otherwise he thought the Hokitika people would feel that they were being imposed upon, though he was sure they were not so inhuman as to refuse to en' ertain the case even if this condition were not complied with. Mr Barff wished to bring under the notice of the Council one point which he thought had been overlooked. They could hardly look forward to anything more than emergency hospitals for country districts, and he could imagine the Superintendent arguing thus — If I admit this case to-day, and then send it on to Hokitika, tho district will bo saddled with the expense Admission consequently is refused, and life consequently sacrificed. Again, what course, he would ask, would be adopted to find out what district any particular case belonged to. If a similar one to that which was pursued at home, of passing paupers on to their own parish, be thought it would be most objectionable. These were two reasons why, in his opinion, the resolution should not be passed. After a few remarks from Mr Harrison, Mr Hoos moved as an amendment that after the word district, tho word " hospital" should be inserted, when tho claim would read as follows — " That patients may be sent from any district hospital, provided," &c. Mr Whall seconded the amendment. If tho country districts were placed on the same footing as Hokitika, it^would stimulate them to get a hospital of their own. Rofprriug to Greymouth Hospital, which had been most successful under the local management,-- awd had bcou worked vry economicaur, he thought that tho residt would bo that ifWaimea were -in earnest it would soon possess a hospital of its own. Mr Barff said thore had not been a greater failure on the West Coast than the Greymouth Hospital. (No, no.) Well ho reineuiborod sensational telograms being sent all ] over the country at a great expense to the gontleman who had just boasted of tho success, of that undertaking, complaining of its utter failure, notwithstanding special grants of something like L2OOO. (No, no.) After such a signal failure of the attempt to carry on a hospital by means of private contributions, he was very much, surprised that it should have beeu instanced ns a success. (Laughter.) Mr Whalli explained that the only failure was in obtaining the Government subsidy. (Laughter). ( Mr Bonar, must set the hori. member for Greymouth right as to not being able to obtain — Mr Whall said that he was alludiug to a time antecedent to Mr Bonar's connection with the Government. The Chairman suggested that they hadgone quite far enough into the history of the Greymouth Hospital. (Laughter). He thought that if the resolution had been more explicit' no objection Vould have been raised. He thought the country should be divided into districts, and then if the patient did not go into the local Hospital, but was sent on to Hokitika, the dis-trict should be charged with the expense ; if not, he was very much afraid that the Hokitika people would consider it unfair. He would suggest to Mr Hoos that tho word " Hospital" be inserted before " district," so that it would read " Hospitul district,," instead of " district hospital." Mr Hoos having acquiesced, the cLiuae as amended was carried on division by 5 to 3. Ayk3, 5. Noes, 3. Mr Uoos Mr Keary Harrison Clarke Whall Barff. Shaw Bonar. Clause 7 having been carried, Mr Bonar moved, "That copies of these resolutions be forwarded to the Mayor of Hokitika, tho Wardens of the several districts, and the Hospital Committees, requesting them to take such steps as are best calculated to give effect to the same. The resolution to come into operation on the Ist July next." Mr Harrison seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr Bonar moved, seconded by Mr Hahri« sox, " That the report now passed be adopted." Mr Barff expressed surpriso that two points had been overlooked iv the report — viz., the appointment of visiting surgeons and tho imperfect means of communication with tho Hospital. He would suggest to Government that it would be advisable to expend for completing tho foot-bridge and providiug conveyance for patients. The Chairman thought Mr Barff could not have forgotten what ho had explained to tho Council several times, that the Government could not spend any money on such works. He (tho Chairman) had spent some on his own responsibility, but, as he had said, ho j would not do so again. i Tlie motion was then put aud carried. Tho Council resumed, and immediately went into committee on tho Land Resolutions, when, Mr Hoos moved that clauses 5 and 6 be struck out, prior to moving the substitution of another in lieu of them. He said it had struck him that some underhand, work might be going on with l-espect to the two classes of land, aud he had brought forward the motion with the view of moving auother, that the land should be all of one class. Mr Keahy seconded the motion. Mr Bonah could not sco how tho fact of their being two classes of land could open the door- to fraud or underhand .work, as the Board would have to specify the class before sale. Mr Siiaw thought it was most ungenerous to impute frand, and could not see how it could bo prevented by having one instead of two classes. Mr Barff suggested that before any rural lands were brought into the market, a small map should be issued by the Chief Surveyor, showing the acreage and position of the lan 1 for sale. The Chairman did not see the connection of tho two subjects, but thought it a very good suggestion. Mr Uoos having replied, the motion was lost, on the voices. Mr Harrison moved, seconded by Mr Shyw — "That clause 4 be recommitted." Carrie I. Mr Harrison moved, seconded by Mr Shaw— " That the pri.-eofland bo restored to tho original amount of L 5 per acre." The motion was negatived on the voicos. The Chairman said he supposed lie must report tho resolution without amendment. (Laughter). The Council then resumed. DISTRIBUTION OF SURPLUS BEVENUB.. The Council then went into Committee on the Distribution of Surplus Revenue. EXIGENCY FUND. ' Mr Barff moved, " That, in the opiniou of this Council, one-twelfth share of the surplus rover.ue of tho County bo set apart to form a fund to meet any special exigency which might arise," observing that, owing to t\\e shifting uature of the population, a wwu>

sand men might move then? position in twentyfour hours, and, uuless some such provision were made, tho Boad Boards or the Government itself might find themselves in a great fix without any available fuude. Mr Keary seconded the motion. Mr Harrison thought that, with LIOOO voted for contingencies, LIOOO for reward for gold discovery, and LI 000 for a steamer to the Southern Ports, Government would have sufficient funds available, as, in his opinion, little of the L3OOO voted would be required. Mr Shaw said that Mr Barff was very fond of looking about for objects for which to vote sums, but now he had actually proposed to vote a sum. for nothing. (Laughter.) The Chairman thought it would be undesirable to withdraw so lai-go a sum as onetwelfth f"om the amount to be divided amongst Cne Road Boards. They would have to hear what those gentlemen had to say. He thought I that when thoy found their revenue cut down from L13.0U0 to L6OOO they would not be well pleased. Motion was put and negatived. GREY RIVER PROTECTIVE WORKS. Mr Whall moved — "That it is desirable that a special appropriation of the sum of L3OOO be appropriated to the Grey Boad Board for tho continuation of the Grey Biver protective works, in order, to protect the town from further destruction, and to prevent the entrance to tho port being endangered." In doing so, he said he need not observe that this was purely a county question, as the works, when completed, would benefit the country, and not the town alone. He thought that a special sum ought to be set aside for the work, and hoped the Council would take into consideration the great benefit it would be to the country at large. TheCHAIRMAN said it would get them into difficulties if they set aside specific sums for such purposes. He thought that when they came to the allocation of the surplus revenue they might make provision for the work being proceeded with. Iv the Grey it was true tbere was great difference between town, but that might bo got over by imposing conditions that a certain proportion should bo spent in the Grey Eoad District. Mi- Hoos hoped Mr Whall would withdraw the motion. Mr Barff said their surplus revenue was gettiug small by degrees aud beautifully loss, and soon there would bo none. He could not support the resolution. Mr Whall, having replied, obtained leave to withdraw his motion. j ALLo&ma^^pßau^jcvEyufi- | l^^^^nsn^v^^aaiTna^aiS^neaoiecnam^ pionship of Mr Whall, he might be allowed to say a few words for Uokitiku. He was quite sure the Grey would require all it could get, and Hokitika the same. He considered tho wharf works most necessary for the preservation of the town, and the Corporation could not be expected to carry them on unless provision were made. Hokitika was the metropolis of Westland, and money spent there would be more immediately productive. He hoped that the scale of allocation of tho surplus revenue, as suggested by the Chairman, would not be altered. All the proceeds of the land sales would be absorbed by expensive river 'works. He should be sorry to see the Corporation deprived of the means of carrying on those works winch were for the benefit of the whole county. Mr Harrison was quite convinced that j .Groymouth and Hokitika required great sums. Hokitika had absorbed large sums already. He says that in three years L 22,000 had been spent ou the wharf at Greyniouth. They had no reserves to fall back upon. If they had reserved the coalfield they would been independent of votes of the Council. Mr Bonar said they had heard a great deal about Hokitika and Greymouth. Hokitika people had taxed themselves to the extent of LIO,OOO, which had been spent on the town, and now they were told that they have had so much spent they ought to be conteut. He saw from the Engineer's report that L 5500 was necessary for works to wharf and protective rivor works, and thought they were fully entitled to three-twelfths. Mr Whall thought that ' Hokitika had made out a good case They had taxed themselves to improve their property ; Greymouth had done the same. • Mr Hoos contended that the works should be carried on by tho Council. He had no confidence iv entrusting the work to the Corporation, and moved that figure 3 be struck out. Mr Shaw said the allusion to the enormous sum spent ou the wharf made him more desponding, for it showed that a groat deal more had to be done. The roads could wait — the wharf could not, without proving a great obstruction. He regretted the Corporation had not accepted tho Superintendent's offer to them. He thought it an act of great injustice that the wharf dues should be put down as County revenue. He hoped . the Council would consider the wants of the different districts. The motion was then put and carried. Mr Hoos then moved, t and Mr Keary seconded — " That the figure 2be inserted in the blank." — Carried. Mr Hoos moved, seconded by Mr Harrison — " That after tho words two-twelfths the words ' to be expended on the Hokitika wharf aud making approaches to the Hokitika Biver punt, and erecting a foo£-brirlge across tho bow hern branch of tho liokitika Biver," be inserted. ' Mr Shaw said he would content himself by expressing his surprise at the audacious proposition ; although they had had quite as good before. Mr Bonae thought that Boad Boards would be of no use if the Council was to tell them how tho money was to ( be spent. Mr Harrison thought that if the amendment were carried the Council would soon find itself in antagonism to the Boad Boards. Mr Whalii thought that they ought to show the Corporation the respect of aUowing them to manage their own affairs. Motion put and negatived. Mr Harbison moved, seconded by Mr Whail, that the figure 3 be struck out after the words, " Grey Eoad District." Carried. Mr Harbison moved, seconded by Mr Whaiili, that tho blank be filled up with the figure 4,

The Council divided — Ayes, 4. Noes, 4. Hoos Shaw Harrison Keary Whall Clarke .. Barff. Bonar. The Chairman gave his casting-vote with the ayes. Amendment carried. Mr Whaij; moved, seconded by Mr Habrison, " That after the words ' Okarita Road District one-twelfth, 3 the following words be inserted— That one-half of the sum to be distributed to the Grey Eoad District be expended by the Eoad Board in the construction of the protective river works, and that in the event of the town of Greymouth being declared a municipality, the above distribution shall be modified so that two-twelfths of the surplus revenue be paid to the Municipality of Greyniouth and two-twelfths to tho Grey Boad District. Motion put and carried. Mr Hoos moved, seconded by Mr Whale — " That the following words be inserted after the words Totara Road District two-twelfths — a portion to be expended on the tracks about the Mokinui and Bold Head." After a slight discussion the motion was negatived. The Chairman stated that Westland had received L 5120 9s 4d, and had spent in surveys, &c., L 5148 17s Bd. He might remark that the 25 per cent, which, in his motion, he had deducted from tho amount of the land sales, would go to the payment of the surveys. Mr Shaw said that after the explanation the Chairman had favored them with, lie should content himself with sitting down, and not bringing forward the motion standing in his name. — Motion withdrawn by consent. CATTLE TRESPASS ORDINANCE. Mr Harrison moved — " That it is desirable that the town of Greymiuth, as defined in the schedulo to the Provincial Council Extension Ordinauce, be proclaimed to be under the provisions of the Cattle Trespass Ordinauce." Mr Barvjf seconded motion. The Chairman said he was under the im- ' . pression that the Ordinance could not be extended to any other towns than those named therein — but there were other Ordinances that would apply. Motion negatived. W. COCHEANJj's PETITION. Mr Babbf, in moving "That a' Select Committee be appointed to consider the petition of William Cochraue, such Committee to consist of Messrs Bonar, Clarke, Hoos, and the mover, to report to-morrow," said that he thought he had made out a very strong case on the part of Cochrane, who had bean mulcted in a penalty of L9O, for delays over which he had no control, and moreover, he had lostLsoo by the contract ; and he thought, under the circumstances, that it would be a very hard case if the penalty were inflicted simply on the diction of the engineer. Mr Kearx seconded the motion, which was carried. WEST COAST ROAD. Mr Shaw obtained leave to withdraw the following motion standing in his name:— " That the large expenditure involved in the maintenance of tho Overland Road, and in carrying the Mails over it, demand the serious attention of this Council. In the event of tho motion being carried, to move — That a Select Committee, to consist of the Chairman, Mr Bonar, Mr Keary, Mr Whall, and the mover, be appointed to report on the subject generally as to the advisability of maintaining such road." GOLD RETURNS. Mr Hoos, in moving that in the opinion of this Council it is desirable that more accurate returns of tho quantity of gold from each digging in each district be quarterly obtained ; and that this Council respectfully requests the Hon. the Governor's delegate to bring the foregoing under His Excellency's notice, with a view of His Excellency causing legislation in the General Assembly to be enacted to ensure these returns, said the present state of information obtainable on the subject was jnost jinsatisfaotory . Mr Keary, in seconaTng~the~motion, saidsuch returns were desirable, but in his opinion unattainable. The Chairman said, that if the motion were carried, he would take steps to give effect to it, but considered the object very difficult of attainment. Motion carried. RECOMMITTAL OF THE ESTIMATES. Mr Hoos, in moving the recommittal of the Estimates, observed that he did so in order to place on them allowance for rent for Warden's Clerk at Boss. It was a very hard case He was a married man with several children, and moved that the Estimates be recommitted. ' The Chairman said that he had a very unpleasant duty to perform, not only in this, but in all similar cases, and that was to oppose the motion. If the motion were carried, it would be saying that Government must raise a particular clerk's pay when all the others had been reduced. He must ask the Council to reject the motion. He was sorry the clerk iv question had a wife and children. (Laughter.) But if the Government had to provide for theso — especially the latter — it would be very invidious to interfere with the question of salary iv this particular instance. Council divided — Ayes, 5. Noes, 3. Hoos Shaw Harrison Keary Barff Bonar Clarke Whall. Motion carried. Mr Hoos then moved — "That five Wardons' Clerks ho struck out for the purpose of inserting four clerks L 375, The Chairman said that was a case which brought out in strong relief the unadvisability of interfering with details. In fact, it was nofc competent to vote a sum larger thau that proposed by the Government. The motion was negatived on the voices. TRIBUTE TO GOVERNMENT OFFICERS. The Chairman, in moving — " That in the opinion of this Couucil, suitable tombstones should be provided at the expense of the County of Westland to mark the site of the graves of George Dobson, Henry WJiitcombe, and Charles Townsend, whose lives were lost in- the service of the Government of this portion of the Colony during the period of its early exploration and settlement," paid a warm eulogium to the characters of the gentlemen mentioned. Mr Barff, in seconding the motion, regretted that it was not now comprehensive so as to include that of Mr Ollivier. The Chairman promised to have' Mr Ollivier's grave also attended to. The motion was carried. DISTRICT COURT SESSIONS. Mr Babff moved, " That, in the opinion of this Council, it is desirable that Quarterly Sessions of the District be held at Stafford Tewn and Boss. Mr Keary seconded the motion. Mr Shaw moved " an amendment, to the effect that, instead of Quarterly Sessions, Sessions of the District Court should be held at those places as frequently as practicable. Mr Bonar seconded the amendment, which was put and carried. WAIMEA. HOSPITAL. Mr Barff, in moving " That in the opinion of this Council, it is desirable to place upoa the Estimates tho sum of LSOO, for the erection and maintenance of a hospital in the .■ Waimea District," Baid that he had already given them his reason for urging the necessity of having a hospital at the Waimea. A sum had been placed on the Estimates, but nothing had been done in the matter. Ho trusted that if this sum were voted they would find a large amount subscribed for its maintenance. Mr Keaby seconded the motion, observing that over LIOO had been subscribed, and no doubt a larger amount would be raited.,

• Mr Hoos moved an amendment to the effect that it was desirable to subsidise a Hospital in the Waimea District to the extent of Ll5O. Mr Bonae seconded the amendment. Mr Shaw said he should bo the last to oppose the erection of a Hospital in tho Waimea, but the fact was a- large amount had bean collected, a great portion of which had been contributed by Hokitika for the Hospital, the establishment of an Irish paper, and for _ some Irish sports. He believed that upwards of LllOO had been raised, and the public had good reason to be dissatisfied if they were told that only LIOO was available now. Mr Keaey said that the amount named by Mr Shaw was more than treble the amount raised — in fact, Mr Shaw's statement was much exaggerated. Mr Larkins was not the treasurer. Mr Clarke, and Mr Owen, publican, of Waimea, were the trustees. Mr Claeke said that all the amount raised was little above a hundred pounds. Mr Harbison suggested tho withdrawal of the motion altogether. No doubt with LIOO to start with, they could meet with parties to erect a hospital for them. On the motion of Mr Shaw, seconded by Mr TVhah, the further debate was adjourned until the next day. EDUCATION. Mr Keaky moved that in the opinion of this Council the sum of LIOOO should be set apart for the purposes of education. Mr Baeff seconded the motion. Mr Shaw thought the question of education might very well be deferred for the present. Mr Baepf was surprised that no report from the Board of Education had been' laid before the Council. He thought the time had arrived when the question must be treated at greater length, as there was none of greater importance. There was no European colony without Stato aid to education. There was no question so weighty, and he regretted that the sum was not double the amount. Mr Haebison moved, seconded by Mr Wiiall — " That the debate on this subject be adjourned till Thursday." Amendment; carried. HOKITIKA CEMETEET. Mr Shaw, in moving — "That a sum of L2OO bo placed on the Estimates for clearing, levelling, and fencing the Hokitika Cemetery, to be made conditionally on a sum of at least LIOO being subscribed by the public," observed that was tho proper way — make the public subscribe and subsidise their efforts. They_had heard some touching remarks about respect to the dead that evening, it was a duty now incumbent on relations. The Cemetery was subject to great desecration. He would not ask the Council to do it if the Corporation had fuuds, but they had not. Mr Baeff seconded tho motion, confirming the great desecration. Mr Haebisok, seconded by Mr -Whall, moved an amount, coupling Groyinouth Cemetery, with that of Hokitika, but withdrew with the leave of the Council. Motion carried. ESCOMJIITTAIi 01 THE ESTIMATES. Mr Shaw withdrew the following motion standing in his name, "Tkit the following items be recommitted, viz., The salary of tho Governor of the Gaol; the salary of the office messenger ; and the withdrawal of the allowances for rent to the following: the County Paymaster, the Harbor Master." On receiving from the Chairman an assurance that the office messenger, the County Paymaster, and the Harbor Master, should have his most favorable consideration. APPOINTMENT OF BEGUSTBAB. Mr Clarke moved "That in the opinion of this Council it is desirable that a Registrar for Births, Deaths and Marriages, should be appointed for the Waimea. District." Mr Eonab seconded the motion, which was o-rried unanimously. W At midnight, on the motion of Mr Bonab, seconded by Mr Hoos, the Council adjourned till 7 p.m. next day. Wednesday, Febrcaby 26. The Chaibman took his seat at 7 p.m. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A petition was presented by Mr Shaw, from certain inhabitants of North Bevell street, praying for additional police protection. Several Notices of Motion were given. The following - reports from Select Committees of the House were brought up, read and received :—: — " Eeport of the Select Committee appointed to consider and report upon necessary amendments in the County of Westland Act. "Your Committee having considered the question of amending the County of Westland Act have adopted the following resolution which they submit for discussion by tho Council with the view of their being transmitted to the Colonial Secretary, and tho Speakers of both Houses of Legislature. "1. That it is desirable that tho County Council should consist of eight (8) elected members, namely — Two for tho Municipality of Hokitika ; two for the Municipality of Greymouth ; and one for each of tho Eoad Board Districts. "2. That it is tho opinion of the Select Committee that the Westland County Council bo invested with the power to appropriate money out of the County fund for the construction of main roads, bridges, wharves and other public works, and retain the supervision over works thus constructed until euch works have been handed over to the Municipalities or Soad Boards for maintenance. "3. That it is desirable the respective revenues and functions of tho County Council and the Government should bo clearly defined, the expenses of departments which are to be controlled by the Government being voted by the General Assembly, and the revenues which are available for the County Council being placed at its.sole disposal. " 4. That the departments of Justice, Police, Gaol, and Harbors ought to bo entirely under the control of the General Government, and all other departments hitherto under the Provincial Government entirely under the control of the County Council. Subject, however, in the case of tho survey to such control, including the appointment of Chief Surveyor as may be necessary to ensure an efficient survey of those portions of Crown lands for which the Governor may be called upon to issue Crown Grants. " 5. That in the opinion of this Council it is desirable that the Chairman of the County i Council be elected by the members of tho \ County Council. " 6. That the Eoad Boards shall have the control and management of all roads, bridges, wharves, ferries, drains, watercourses, streams, &c, with the exception of main roads, and bridges, and ferries along main roads. "7. That it is desirable that the Municipal Council and Eoad Boards furnish half yearly returns to the Chairman of the County Council of receipts and disbursments of all monies. " 8- That it is desirable that legal provision should be made for enabling holders of miners' rights and business licenses to vote in those districts in which their operations are carried on. a| c 9.c 9. That it is desirable that holders of blfdiness licenses and miners' rights may claim to be allowed to vote at Eoad Board elections. " (Signed) John A. Whall, " Chairman of Select Committee. " February 26, 1868." " Eeport of the Select Committee in aid to Primary Education. "Your committee are of opinion that the subject of Government-aid to primary Education in Westland is of such importance as to demand greater attention than your committee can, under present circunwtemces, give

to it. They therefore recommend that a committee be appointed by the County Council to consider and report upon the question of primary Education in Westland, such committee to sit during the recess, and to report to the Council at its next session. " Your committee are also of opinion that in order to make provision for continuing Government aid to Education pending the future action of the County Council, a further sum of L3OO be set apart for aid to primary schools in Westland, to be placed at the disposal of the Westland Board of Education until further provision has been made by the Council. "War. Hy. Hahbison, " Chairman. "February 26th, 1868." " Report of the Select Committee, to invite the Duke of Edinburg to visit Westland. " The Committee have agreed to the following address : — " May it please your Royal Highness— " The Members of the County Council of Westland desire to assure your Royal Highness of their loyalty to the throne, and of their attachment to the Royal Family. " They bare received, with feelings of the highest satisfaction, information of the cordial ■welcome accorded to your Royal Highness, in tho course of your visit to the several Colonies of Australia. " In the prospect of your Royal Highness's early arrival in the Colony of New Zealand, the County Council desire, as the representatives of the people of this important and populous district of the Colony, to invite your Royal Highness to visit Westland, and to assure -you of a cordial and respectful ■welcome. " They venture to express a conviction that the new settlement of Westland — the youngest iv the Colony of New Zealand, and afc this moment probably its most prosperous district — would afford your Royal Highness an opportunity of rendering yourself more familiarly acquainted with tins important dependency of the Crown, then could be the case if your Royal Highness's visit were confined to the longer settled districts of the Colony. "W. Shaw, " Chairman." £We are compelled to withhold our report of the further proceediuga until our next issue.] _^___^________