PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1865, 7 May 1863, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

LAST NIGHT'S PROCEEDINGS.

Wednesday, 6th May, 1863. The SPEAKER took the chair at 5 o'clock.* Absent— Messrs Sptnks and Crawford. Mr HEWETT begged to withdraw the motion standing in his name, since the Government were pledged to readjust the representation of the Province. He then moved " For leave to bring in a bill to authorise the construction of a bridge over the Wanganui River, and levying of tolls on traffic over the same." He considered it of vital importance that with the iucrease of traffic it was highly necessary that a bridge should he erected across the Wanganui river. He alleged that £1200 was annually spentonferriesandseeingthat the settlers wished to help themselves, he hoped the Council would assist them. Mr TAYLOR briefly seconded tho motion. This bill was read a first time, ordered to be printed, and to be read a second time to-morrow. The PROVINCIAL TREASURER moved that the house go into committee of Supply." The hon member entered into a long financial statement the peculiar features of which we shall fnlly notice when the house is in committee of supply. After a few remarks from Mr ALLEN, the house went into committee. Mr VV. TAYLOR, in the absence of Mr Wallace took the chair, and on tho motion of the Provincial Treasurer,, reported progress, and asked leave to sit again. Mr WATT moved— «• For a return of alimonies expended on public works in the Wanganui and Rangitikei District from May 21, 1862, to April 28, 1863. Also, for all contracts entered into but not completed, and the respective amounts ofthe same." He did so in consequence of dissatisfaction of the his constituents respecting the expenditure in the district he represented. The returns would satisfy the complainants. Agreed to. CAPTAINSMITH pursuant to notice, without remark, moved— •» For a Select Committee to consider such amendments as may bo necessary in the Scab Act, and to extend the powers ofthe Scab Inspectors with regard to the examination of brands on sheep, with power to call for persons and papers ; Ihe committee to consist of Captain Rhodes, Messrs Carter, Hunter, Watt and the Mover." Agreed to. The COMMISSIONER OF CROWN LANDS moved — "For a select committee to enquire and report on the best system of Immigration applicable to thia Province; to consist of Messrs Taylor, Duncan, Carter, Dransfield, Hewett, McEwen, and the Mover.*' He considered with his Honor's address that some Immigration scheme was desirable, and he asked for a belect committee to report thereon. Mr W. TAYLOR suggested that Mr Hunter's name be added to the Committee. Agreed to. The house then adjourned at half-past 7.