THE COUNTY COUNCIL.

West Coast Times, Issue 859, 24 June 1868, Page 3

THE COUNTY COUNCIL.

« "Tuesdat, June 23, 1868. The Chairman took his seat at 7 p.m. Members present — Mr Shaw, Mr Barff, Mr Harrison, Mr Clarke, MrKeary, Mr Hoos, Mr Carey, and Mr Whall. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. PAPEES. The Chairman laid the following papers on the table : — A map of the town of Hokitika, together with a schedule of all town sections that had been sold, and the price they were sold for. Aiso, a comparative statement of the amount expended, &c. PETITION. Mr Shaw presented a petition from the Committee of the Literary Society, setting forth the operations of the society, and asking the Council to devise such measures as would enable the society to achieve much greater ends than it had hitherto done. Petition received. The Chaieman said that he had received a letter from the Secretary of the Literary Society, placing the use of library at the disposal of the members of the County Council during the session. HOKITIKA AND GBEYMOTTTH TVHAEVE3. Mr KJEAET asked leave to move, -without notice — " That the resolution of the previous night, for a memorial to the General Government for the sum of LBOOO to be expended on the wharves of Hokitika and Greymouth be rescinded." The Chaieman ruled that notice of motion must be given. Mr EJEABT said that he would give such notice. THE AEAHTTEA BHID&E. Mr Baefp asked the Chairman whether the Government are in possession of any information concerning the amount of tolls collected during the past six months on the Arahura bridge ? He said that he had been given to understand that the Government were not in possession of the information nor were they likely to be. He had been given to understand, on good authority, that the tolls on the bridge were to be raised. At the same time, he would say that he was in favor of all persons, who had spent large sums of money on such works, getting a fair protection. The Chairman said that the Government waß not, nor was it likely that it would be, in possession of the information required. The only information he could give the Council was the rate of charges approved of and fixed by the GovernmentTHE LATE DISTUEBANCE3. Mr Hoos moved — " That this Council regrets the occurrence of the late disturbances which have taken place during the recess of its sittings ; and that this Council is of opinion that it ought to have been called together to render that advice and assistance to the Chairman of the County Council, as prescribed in the Westland County Act, Clause 13, with the object of adopting measures to suppress that disturbance, and to make provisions for any emergency that might arise; and, secondly, that in the opinion of this Council it is desirable that the above resolution be brought under the notice of his Excellency the Governor's delegate, with a view to assert that the functions of this Council, can on no pretence, be dispensed with for the future." He said that in moving that motion, it was not his intention to make it a vote of want of confidence, and although it bore that impression, yet that was not the end he had in view. His only end was to as3ert the authorif y of the Council, and he should be able to show from Hansard that on the passing of the Westland County Acl, it was distinctly stated that the Council should advise the Chairman on all matters. He would not make any remarks on the first part of the resolution, further than saying that he thought if the Council had been called together, these disturbances would never have taken place, for the measures adopted by the Council would have checked them. He must again express his belief that if the members of the Council had met together and debated the matter over, they would have adopted such measures as would have left no room for any disturbances in Westland. He hoped that the Council would unanimously pass this motion, for it was not intended as a vote of •' no confidence," but its aim was simply to assert the functions of the Council. Mr Hoos then quoted extracts from two speeches delivered by the Hon. John Hall in the Assembly, in proof that the County Council was to advise the Chairman on all matters, &c. He would contend that there could not be anything more conclusive than this, that the powers of the Council were always necessary tn the exercise of government in Westland. 1^ would mako no further remarks except to say that he hoped the resolution would be carried unanimously. * Mr Harbison seconded the motion. Mr Keaby would support the motion, and fully endorsed the opinion expressed -by the mover — that if the Council had been convened at the time of the disturbances — as they were called — Westland would have been much more grateful to the Council than it was at present. At such a time it was most natural to suppose that the Chairman ought to have convened the members of the Council for their advice. The members of that Council wero

collected from ovcry part of Westland, and represented evory shade of political opinions and every religion, and he believed, had they been called together, that they would have framed such measures as would Lave tended to allay any bad feeling. He believed tliafe bad feeling did still exist. (Mr Harrison — No!) Well, he hoped that there was not. At any rate, it would soon subside ; because common sense must ultimately triumph. He had much pleasure in supporting the motion. Mr Haebison said that he had seconded the motion, and, in doing so, he could cordially reciprocate the expression made use of by the mover of the resolution that no vote of " want of confidence" was intended, indeed, if the mover had intended any want of confidence in the officers of the Government, he (Mr Harrison) would not have supported the motion. He conceived the resolution had been brought forward to assert a principle, and these particular proceedings had been selected simply to assert that the functions of the Oouucil ought not to bo set a3ide. The Council was not a legislative body, but an executive one, and as the mover of the resolution had stated it was the intention "of the framers of the Westland County Act to give to the County Council as much power as they could without trenching on the functions of the Government officers. With regard to the late disturbances that took place in this district he did not intend to be mealy-mouthed. What were the facts of the case ? A certain number of individuals sympathised with a particular movement, and in order to give expression to that sympathy they planned, and ultimately carried into effect, a particular course of action which was calculated to disturb the peace of the country. The act itself consisted in a procession to the Hokitika Cemetery for a particular purpose. He (Mr Harrison) would say that, had the Corporation of Uokitika been possessed of the slightest selfrespect and firmness, that procession would never have been allowed to take place. Ho believed that, had the Corporation of Hokitika taken a dignified stand, and had clearly explained to those engaged in the movement that they were taking illegal action, which, if persisted in, would necessitate an application to the Government, that the disturbances would not have taken place, and all the expense that had been gone to would have been spared. But the Corporation of Hokitika did not do so, but — to use a vulgar phrase — they funked. The Government of Westland — consisting of the Chairman of the County Council, backed by his very able adviser the County Secretary — had no doubt acted, as they thought, for the beßt ; but vrh&i there was a Council elected by the people, it would have been far better to have called that body together, and to have allowed them to take such measures on the several emergencies as they might arise. It would have been more satisfactory, and hare added more to the dignity of the Council had they been consulted. Ho considered that as a matter of policy, it would have been better to have called the Council together, for the very fact of a member of the Council being an influential person amongst those who were about to engage in what was a breach of the law — hearing the arguments used in the Council, and bringing them to bear on those who looked up to him, would he (Mr Harrison) believed have put an end to all disturbances in the. County of Westland. With these remarks he begged strongly to support the resolution. Mr Siiaw was not at all surprised at another kick being made at the Corporation of Hokitika, for they generally got more kicks than halfpence. The member for (Mr Harrison) seemed either to have been misinformed, or not to understand the circumstances which led to this mistaken movement. He (Mr Shaw) was sorry that this motion had been made, for now all was over, the sooner everything was forgotten the batter. It was very well known that application had been made to the Corporation for a piece of ground, and that the gates of the Cemetery might be opened. The Corporation took the matter into consideration, and believing they were not entrusted with the Cemetery for such a purpose, they referred to the Government for advice, and the opinion of the Government was, that they were not authorised to grant the use of the Cemetery for such a purpose. The Municipal Council immediately passed a resolution that they could not agree to the request that had been made to them. It was not becoming, although it might read very well in a novel, or storybook, to say that the Corporation should have gone down to those persons and have tried to pacify them — it would have been useless to have attempted it. forit was openly proclaimed by those persons that there would be a riot — that there would be bloodshed. (Mr Harrison — Question.) He was speaking to the question, and replying to an attack that had been made on the Corporation, whom he believed had acted in every way in the matter worthy of the confidence of the Government. The Corporation here was wholly different from a Corporation in the old country, that had charge of the police, the only thing they could do was to apply to the Chairman of the County Council to swear in a number of special constables, that was done and the peace was preserved, a peace which he hoped and believed would | prove a lasting peace. Coming now to the action taken by the Chairman of the County Council in the matter, he (Mr Shaw) thought they must treat this as no ordinary disturbance against the law and in such au emergency it was absurd to talk of calling the Council together to coHsult on it. In times of sudden emergency it was customary to confide the supreme authority to some person who had to act, as he deemed, for the best j for there was no time for debating in putting down a disturbance. There was nothing in this case which required political discussion — it was a case of breaking tho law ; and no doubt the Chairman could, if in doubt, refer to the AttorneyGeneral'; and he, as tho conservator of the law, could advise to bring all the civil and military force at command to put down that disturbance. It would bo no use calling the Council together for a matter which was of a purely executive nature. Tho action taken by the Government was very prompt and the result had been satisfactory, even to those who had been implicated in it, for they had been lightly dealt with. He thought they ought to congratulate the Chairman on the success which had attended his efforts, and he (Mr Shaw) was sorry that any member of that Council should have reflected on the Chairman, for he had acted with wisdom, discretion and courage, and in a manner which was highly to be commended. He moved as an amendment—" That this Council regrets the occurrence of the late disturbances which have taken place during the recess of its sitting, and congratulates the Chairman on the prompt measures adopted by him and the General Government in suppressing the same." The amendment was not aecondod. Mr Whall was somewhat surprised to hear the mover of the resolution say that it was not levelled at the Chairman. Ho (Mr Whnll) believed that, had tho Council been called together instead of having had one of themselves placed in the position ho had been, that gentleman would have used his influence to have prevented any disturbance. He believed that had that gentleman's influence been brought to bear, the procession would have been proented taking place. Ho dil not approve of the blamo attempted to bo cast upon the Corporation by his colleague, the member for Greymouth ; for, if the Government were not in a position to prevent the procession, he did not think the Corporation could do so. He thought very great blamo waß to be attached to tho person who had charge of the peace of the town — ha meant the chief of the police. If that officer had been on the ground at the time of the procession with a large body of bis mon, even if ho could not have prevented what took place, the result would have been that the offenders could have been dealt with in the Resident Magistrate's Court, and the large expense they

had been put to spared. And as to tho bloodshed alluded to by the Mayor, he (Mr Whall) did not think there was causo for apprehenBion of that kind. The Ciiaibmak Baid that he had listened with great astonishment to tho remarks made by the various speakers with reference to this motion, which the mover of it stated was not intended to show a want of confidence in the Chairman of the County Council or the Government of Westland. and yet the motion distinctly set forth that an erroneous step had been taken in not calling the Council together. He was surprised at members trying to throw the onus of that on the Chairman when two-thirds of the members by presenting a requisition to the Chairman could compel him to call the Council together. He would contend that the matter had to be dealt with was one of a purely executive character — it was a matter to be dealt with not by the County Council, but by the Government and the Magistrates. With regard to what had been said respecting a gentleman who was engaged in the disturbance, and 'who was a member of the County Council, he (the Chairman) would state that it was not until after the first act had been performed the Government were aware that that gentleman bad anything to do with the matter. Ho would distinctly state that, in his opinion, the 13th clause of the County of Westlaud Act did not apply, in any shape or form, to the present case ; and in the opening Address of the Chairman, it was distinctly set forth that it was only on important matters affecting the general welfare of the district that the County Council would be called on. But, at the time time of the disturbance, it would have done serious harm to have called the Council together for matters required to be dealt with as they rose, and as they rose to be disposed of. He would maintain that it was matter for very great congratulation that, notwithstanding the feeling which did exist, there was not a single blow struck, and the peace of the County was not actually disturbed, that was the best argument to prove that the measures taken were taken with discretion and had the desired to effect. The Chairman concluded by vindicating tho conduct of the Inspector of Police, who had (Continued in -paae 4.J

County Council — Continued from Page 3.

always been prompt and ready to carry out the orders of the Government whatever those orders might be. Mr Barff regretted to a certain extent that that his colleague had brought forward the motion, -which certainly bore on its face a vote of want of confidence. He did not object to tho first part of the resolution, but he was sory that the second part had not been more mildly worded. As to the Inspector of Police he thought that officer was not to blame. With regard to calling the Council together, lie must say that be was almost divided in opinion respecting it, but with the principle of the resolution he entirely agreed, and as such, should vote for it, at the same time stating that in doing so he did not intend to endorse a " no confidence " motion. Mr Hoos briefly replied, contending that if two-tliirds of the Council had called on the Chairman to summon the Council, it would have been a mark of want of confidence in him, whereas his (Mr Hoos's) motion was not, but merely to assert a principle. The House divided on the resolution. Axes 6. — Mr Hoos, Mr Harrison, Mr Whall, Mr Clarke, Mr Keary, Mr Barff. Noes 2. — Mr Shaw, Mr Carey. So it passed in the affirmative. HINnfG AND "WATER-RACE COMPANIKS. Mr Harrison moved — "That, in the opinion of this Council every possible encouragement should be given by the Government to public companies for the construction of water-races, tramroads, and bridges in the County of Westland j and as one means to that end this Council recommends that the credit of the Government should be extended to such companies in the form of a guarantee of interest (charged against-the County revenue) on the cost of the works constructed, subject to the^ following general conditions : — 1. The amount of interest to be guaranteed to be ten per cent, per annum. 2. No guarantee to be given in the case of works costing less than L3OOO. 3. Every company or association applying for the guarantee to be registered under the Mining Companies Limited Liability Act. 4. Every application shall in the first instance be lodged with the Wai-den of the district within which the proposed work i 3 to be constructed, who shall report upon the same to the Chairman of the County -Council. Such application to be accompanied by a full description of the works proposed to be constructed, an estimate of its cost, and of the probable benefit to be derived from such work. 5. If it shall appear to the Chairman of the County Council that the -work proposed is of a desirable character, he shall instruct the County Engineer to mapect and report on the same; the cost of such inspection to be paid by the company applying. 6. If the County Engineer report favorably upon the proposed work the Chairman of the County Council shall submit such application to the County Council ; and if the Council approve of such application, such, approval shall entitle the company to a guarantee of ten per cent, per annum upon the actual cost of the work proposed for such a time as may be agreed upon, subject, however, to the following conditions :—: — A. Copies of plans and specifications to be ! lodged with and approved by County Engineer. B. County Engineer to inspect and certify as work progresses. C. Company's books to be open to inspection by Government. D. TS profits of company be ten per cent, or over, no interest to be paid by Government ; if uuder ten per cent., Govern- . _menfc to ray deficiency. E. Governmencmay**purchase ■workß-afc-a valuation. P. Government may withdraw guarantee if conditions not observed." The lion, member, after explaining the the objects aud proposed operation of the scheme proposed in the resolution, said he believed that if the required guarantee was given, it would have the effect of inducing capitalists to invest their money in works of great utility, and be the means of increasing the general prosperity of Westland. On the motion of Mr Hoos, the resolutions were considered in Committee, amended, the rate of interest being reduced to 8 per cent. — reported to the Council, and the report adopted. MOTIONS "WITHDRAWN. Mr Keaby, by leave, withdrew the following motions standing in his name — "That copies of tho correspondence between the Chairman of this Council and the Executive Government in connection with the late political excitement in Hokitika be laid on the tab]e, for the information of the members of this Council." — " That, iv the opinion of this Council there should be three metalled tracks made inland from the sea beach, with tlie view of opening up the country, said tracks to be 15 miles in length, and to be made in the following Road Board districts — namely, one in the Totara, one in the Arahura, and one in Greymouth. Contingent on this motion being carried, to move — That tho sum of one thousand five hundred pounds be recommended by this Council, to carry out the above works, Baid works to be under the control of the County -Council." THE POIiITICAI, TRIALS. On tlie motion of Mr Caret, the Council went in*o Committee to consider the memorial to the Executive Government' brought up by the Select Committee in reference to the expenses connected with the recent disturbances at Hokitika. On clause 1 being read, ■ Mr BaicFF moved as an amendment on the first clause of the memorial the following words : — " That your memorialists pray that a Bum may be placed on the colonial estimates sufficient to defray tlie cost incurred by the Government of Westland during tlie late political disturbances ; thecoßts alluded to, being under the head of ' armed constabulary,' special constables, and increase of police force; and costs of prosecution of political prisoners.' " The amendment having been seconded, Mr-HAKBISOX said that the memorial would have very little effect indeed without it was accompanied by sufiicient reasons showing the grounds upon which the charges were made. If this was not done, it would deprive memorial of any merit it possessed. Mr Caret said the reason for co doing was an endeavor to prevent any ill feeling by , making as little allusion as possible to tho \ recent disturbances. Mr Hoos thought it was ridiculous to bring the matter forward -when no charge had been made upon them. It would; be quite time enough when a demand -was made. Mr Carey stated that the report, upon the table Bhowed that tho money had been paid. Mr Hoos did not recognise the report. The money had no right to have been paid. - The Chairman said that Mr H/)os did not seem to understand the meaning of tho County of Westland Act. The Governor had power to pay moneys without obtaining the consent of the Council. The amendment was about to be put, when Mr WhaUi requested tho memorial to bo read in its entire form, which was done. Mr WHAMi said that he had not had sufficient time to make himself master of the contents of the memorial, and moved, th .t the Committee report progress, and obtain leave to sit again ; and that instructions be given to the Printing Committee to get the memorial printed in the meanwhile. Mr Shaw seconded the motion. j Mr Baeff drew attention to his amendment j which was before the Committee. The amendment was then put, and the Council divided with the following rwult i— '

Ayes, four— Mr Hoos, Mr Barff, Mr Clarke, and Mr Keary. Noes, four — Mr Harrison, Mr Whall, Mr Shaw, .and Mr Carey. The CHAiKaiAN gave his casting vote in favor of the noes, stating that his reason for so doing was that a full explanation of all the circumstances in connection with the memorial shauld accompany it. Mr Whaix then moved — " That the Committee report progress, and obtain leave to sit again, the Printing Committee to get the memorial printed in tho meantime." Mr Shaw seconded the motion, which was put and passed. HOKITIKA TOWK SECTIONS. Mr Caret moved — That tho following motion stand over, and be made the first order for nest day :— " That tho Council resolve itself into Committee bo consider the petitions relating to the price of town sections in Hokitika," , Mr Shaw seconded tlie motion. It would take a long time to discuss, and he was certain they would not get through with it that evening. Under those circumstance ho thought it would be better if it stood over. The motion was then put and passed. PASTORAI LICENSES. Mr Hoos moved — " That a return bo laid on the table showing tjie areas taken jup under pastji'al licenses, and where situated." The Chairman stated that Mr Hoos would find all the information he required in tho Surveyor's report. Mr Keart seconded the motion, which was put and passed. HOKITIKA HOSPITAL FEES. Mr Hoos moved — " That a return be laid on the table showing tho Hospital fees received from Ist January up to the present time in Hokitika Hospital." His reason for making tlus motion was that miners, both at the Groy and Ross, had to pay a fee beforo they were admitted, and he wished to see if the same practice was carried out in the Hokitika Hospital. Mr Keary seconded the motion. Mr Whall moved, as an amendment, that instead of the words "Hokitika Hospital," tho words " All Westland Hospitals" be inserted. The amendment was not seconded. The Chairman eaid that all miners, who were able to pay, wore charged fees in the Hokitika Hospital. Mr Barff suggested the striking out of the word "hospital" before" fco3," which having been agreed to, the motion was passed. MAINTENANCE OF LUNATICS. Mr Hoos moved — "That a ret urn belaid upon the table showing the total sum from the initiation of the County of Westland expended upon sending patients to the Christchurch Lunatic Asylum, aud there maintenance there." Tho object of the mover was to ascertain the cost of lunatics to tho County of Westland, by sending them to Cliristchureh^ Mr Shaw seconded the motion, observing they had a great many lunatics jusfc now in Westland. (Laughter.) The Chairman said the County of Westland had nothing to complain of in regard to the cost of lunatics at Christchurch. At Sunnyside, where the Asylum was situated, the inmates were well maintained, and the . Government charge was the same for Westland as for Canterbury. He should be able to furnish the return shortly, as he had written about it some time since. The motion was theu put and passed. WHARFAGE DUES. Mr Hoo? moved — " That the County Council's proceedings alluded to iv a letter by the County Secretary to the Mayor of Hokitika with regard to the Wharfage Dues be laid on the table." His reason for doing this was that the wharfage 'dues ought to be settled by the County Council, and that the proceedings alluded to in the letter were not in existcuce. * Mr Harrison seconded the motion. The Chairman thought *tJiej had:^h,ad enough of asking for returns. "He was surprised to hear Mr Hoos asking for a return like this, seeing that the proceedings referred to were on the minutes of the Council's proceedings. It would be almost impossible to get through the business if returns were asked for in this manner. Members could get the information asked for by merely looking for it. Mr Bonar then read from tho minutes of the Council the proceedings alluded to. Mr Hoos maintained that the wharfage rates were not fixed by tho County Council, which, he contended, ought to have been done instead of leaving il to the merchants of Hokitika themselves. Ho had mentioned this to ' the Hon. John Hall at the time the subject was under discussion. However, he would' withdraw the motion. Mr Shaw said that his friend the member. for Ross "seemed determined to givo the Council some work to do. < The motion was withdrawn. SALE OF WASTE LAND RE3ERVE3. Mr Hoos moved — " That in tho opinion of this Council it is inexpedient to advertise, sell, or dispose of any lands being reserves by tho Waste Land Board without an express voto of the County Council to that effect." His reason for moving this motion was that the Waste Land Board should not make a mistake and sell the reserves, as they had sold one adjoining the Islay Hotel a short timo since. Mr Barff seconded the motion. He was not aware that any reserve had been sold by the Government, if they had done so they -had exceeded their duty. Mr Shaw supported tlie motion. It was an irregular proceeding on the part of tlie iQovernment, for all reserves in the Municipal . boundaries should be made over to the Corporation, and if sold the money should bo ilpvoted to Corporation purposes. The land waa originally reserved for officers' quarter,;, and it now seemed that the land had not been ' applied to the purposes for which it was originally intended, but had been sold, and the money paid into the County fund, whereas it should have been paid over to the Corporation. Tli^'Chairman said the proceeds of the'salo of the reserve alluded to were never intended to be handed over to the Corporation. The land had beeu'reserved for offlcei-s' quarters, and tho Qotj&nment was the onty^iiwexQiftini arttiud deal with it ;- and tlie reason* why it was sold was that? it was not required. The reserve in question had never conic under (he head ofj^Town land," and therefore il conlfCnoT^ohaiicled over to tho Corporation. The power under which it was held was never delegated, but held by the Govornor-in-Council. Mr Hoos contended that, as the Provincial Council of Canterbury had power over all reserves, tho same power was possessed by tho County Council. The Government had no power to sell it. Mr Whall asked, as a question of principle, whether the reserve had been sold. The Chairman replied in the affirmative, and that it had been gazetted. Mr Whall wished to know if it had been' sold by order of his Excellency the Governor, and if so, who advised him as to the sale. Mr Hoos rose to a question of order, and wished to know where Mr Whall derived liis privilege from. Mr Wjiail replied, from the Standing Orders, but having failed to show where, he was ruled out of order. The motion was then put and passed. OKARITA PETITIONS. Mr Barff moved — "That a Select Committee bo appointed to consider and report upon tho three petitions presented to the Council ■from the District of Okarita, such Committee to consist of Messrs Clarke, Hoos, aud the mover, to report in three days." The report would be brought up in less time than three days, and as ifc involved tiio vitality of the Okarita district, he hoped there would bo no objection to its being granted. Mr Kkahv seconded the mptiou,

On tho suggestion of Mr Hoos, Mr Whall and Mr Kcary were added to the Committee, and the motion was passed. UTILISATION OF PRISON LABOR. Mr Shaw moved — " That the Government be requested to utilise prison labor on the Hokitik'i River bank and other public works, under the control of the Corporation of that Town." Mr Shaw thanked the Government for the assistance of the prisoners in clearing Weld street, and bore testimony to the -willing manner in which they seemed to work. He intended to move a resolution in the Municipal Council, to the effect that the Corporation hand over a small sum to the authorities to be given to the prisoners when they were discharged, in order to enable them to start in an honorable course of life. Prison labor could be advantageously used in repairing the wharf and river bank, where labor was tho chief thing required. After again bearing testimony to the good conduct of the prisoners, Mr Shaw concluded by requesting the Council to pass the motion. Mr Carey seconded the motion. Mr Harrison moved that after the words " other public works," the words "in Hokitika or Greymouth." be added. Mr Carey seconded tho amendment.. Mr Hoos moved, that the Corporation pay for the use of prison labor one half the current wages per adult per day, so as to cover tho expenses of their maintenance. Mr Harrison seconded the amendment. After some discussion, in which Mr Shaw stated that he did not wish to have his resolution so amended as to nullify its action, the Council divided, when there appeared for tho amendment, Mr Hoos and Mr Harrison ; against it, Mr Whall, Mr Shaw, Mr Clarke, Air Keary, Mr Barff, and Mr Carey. Tho amendment was lost. Mr WhalTj moved that all after tho words "public works" be struck out, which was agreed to, and tlie original motion in its amended form passed. Mr Barff complained of the lateness of the hour at which the notices of motion and orders of the day were supplied to members. Mr Harrison drew attention to the want of a committee room, and also to the want of a place of deposit for books, papers, &c. The Council adjourned at 10.30 till seven p.m. (his day.