PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 588, 25 July 1873, Page 2 (Supplement)

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Monday, Idly 14. DEVELOPMENT OP COALFIELDS. Mr M’Glashan moved “ That in the opinion ©f tins Council, it is desirable that immediate efforts be made, by boring, to develop the coalfields of tho Province, more particularly that portion of coast hue between the Molyneux and Mataura Rivers, which, on the geological map issued by Dr Hector, is shown to be of carboniferous formation, and in which sexeral thin seams of coal have already been discovered. That a respectful Address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to place a sum of money ou the Estimates with that object.” He said that during the twelve months ending March last, there came into Port Chalmers alone 20,000 tons of imported coal, which, valued at L2 a tou, represented L 40,000; besides which, Oaraam and the Bluff were large importers. In 1870, the total imports of coal into the Colony were 93,424 tons, and of coke 919 tons, or 94,343 tons in all: in 1871, 93,867 tons of coal, and 889 of coke, the declared value of which was, in 1870, L 130,612: in 1871, L 151,151. But this amount did not represent the actual value which he thought he was justified in computing at L2 a ton, and in that case there went out of the Colony for coal alone, in 1871-72, the large sum of L 374.582. He wsut on to show that large and valuable coal deposits, some of which were equal to Australian coal, existing in the Province, and only required to be developed After some debate, the resolution was amended, and adopted in the following form : “That in the opinion of this Council, it is desirable that immediate efforts be made, by boring, to develop the coal fields of the Province. That a respectful address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to place a sum of money on the Estimates with that object.” toll-bars. * Mr Pish moved—" That, in the opinion of this Council, it is desirable that the toll-bars known as Hill Side, Anderson’s Bay, Wakari, and Water ql Leith be removed from their present position to a distance of not less than three miles from the boundary of the City.” _ Mr Davie seconded and supported the motion, as he believed the greatest benefit should be given to the greatest numbers. Dr Webster opposed the motion, on the ground that the minority should not be neglected, and that there were districts that would gladly pay tolls, provided they would have passable roads. Mr G. P. C. Browne would consent to the motion, provided the City of Dunedin would maintain the roads for three miles beyond the City. Mr M'Glashan proposed, as a contingent motion—" That tolls should be abolished throughout the Province.” He considered it a remnant of barbarism which was rapidly disappearing from England, Ireland, and Scotland. It was time that they were done away with, and a tax imposed on homes and carriages, which would produce a larger revenue. Mr Shand opposed both motion and amendment, as he considered that the toll was not too heavy for tho advantages conferred on tho town. Mr Allan opposed the motion. Mr Stout intended to propose the removal of the tolls to one mile beyond the City boundary, as it would remove many of tbe objections urged. Mr Turton opposed the motion, for he thought those who used the roads for pleasure could afford to pay the toll, and that those who lived beyond the City boundniies saved more in gas and City rates than the extra toll cost them. Mr Oliver considered the motion of the member for Caversham met the case. It was a hardship for those who wished for a ride on the Ocean Beach, and used a road for 200 yards to be taxed for doing so. Mr Lumsden opposed the motion, as lie considered it a motion for the advantage of Dunedin, as opposed to the country. Mr Pish would accept the amendment of the member for Caversham (Mr Stout), as it would to a great extent meet his views. Mr Reid would not consent to one mile being made the distance; for if alterations were made he should propose the distance to be ten miles. He considered the matter a mere electioneering cry, and he did not see why he should not make a bid for the suffrages of his constituency ou such grounds. lie looked upon it that it was an eudeavor to give an advantage to the people of Dunedin at the expense of the people of the country. Mr Pish condemned the spirit of the remarks of Mr Reid. He considered that it was time the cry of town versus country should be done away with. He did not consider it right that on a metalled road, thirty-five miles long, two or three toll-bars should be within nine miles of Dunedin. Mr Mollison opposed both motion and amendment, as being an attempt to benefit Dunedin at the expense of the country. Mr Hallenstein opposed tho motion. The .Goldfields Secretary suggested the withdrawal of the motion, and the appointment of a Commission to endeavor to substitute some tax in lieu of tolls. Mr Wood opposed the motion, as lie thought it unfair to tax drays and horses for floundering through the mud, and spending the money on good roads near Dunedin. When all districts had good roads, it was time to do away with tolls. Mr Pish asked leave to withdraw the motion. Mr Stout opposed the withdrawal of the motion. The amendment to remove the toll-bars throe miles from the City, on condition of Dunedin maintaining the roads for that distance was put and negatived. Mr Stout proposed the amendment that tollbars be removed one mile from tho City. The loss to the revenue would not be great, while tiie beuefit to the citizens of Dunedin would be great. Mr M’Glashan seconded the amendment, and intended to ask leave to withdraw that of which he had given notice. He maintained, at any rate toll-bars should not be within the City boundary, and yet tho AVukari and NorthEast Valley toll-bars were within the Town Belt. The tax upon agricultural and dairy produce was very heavy. Mr Oliver hoped that residents in country districts would see that mere justice was asked by the citizens of Dunedin, who really had it in their power to compel tho removal of two toll-bars. Air Kinross was prepared to support the amendment. Mr R. Clarke thought it would bo better that the motion should be withdrawn. Dr. Webster cousidered tho removal of tollbars would cost a considerable sum of money, and that they should be informed as to the expense. Mr Reid combatted the idea that there was any injustice in the present position of the tollbars near Dunedin. He bad no intention to sot country against town, but merely replied to lection speeches. Mr Pish did not think the removal of the toll-bars one mile would benefit the City, and would prefer the withdrawal of the motion. The House divided as to whether the distance of one mile should be substituted for three miles:— Ayes, s— Messrs Davie (teller), M’Glashan, Oliver, Stout, and Tolmie. Noes, 26—Messrs Allan, Bastings (teller), J. C. Brown, G. F. C. Browne, H. Clark, R. Clarke, Gumming, Daniel, Do Lautour, Green, Hallenstein, Hazlett, Ireland, Lumsden, Menzies, Mills, Mollison. M’Kellar, M’Lean, M’Neil, Reid, Rogers, Shand, Turton, Webster, Wood (teller). Mr Pish asked leave to withdraw his motion, but was opposed. Air Oliver moved, as the amendment, that the toll-bar at Hill-side should be removed to a distance of not less three miles from the City. The amendment was not seconded and the original motion was negatived on the voices. amendment of the fxectoral laws. Mr Fish moved— “ That, in the opinion of this Council, it is desirable that tho Electoral Laws of the Colony should be amended during the ensuing session of the Colonial Parliament, and that such amendment should embrace the following resolutions ;—lst. That any person proposed as a candidate for the office of Superintendent of any Province shall days before the day of nomination deposit with the Chief Returning Officer of the Province the sum of

fifty pounds sterling, such sum to be absolutely forfeited to the State should suoh candidate fail to secure one-fifth of the total number of Votes polled on the day of election, 2nd. That any person proposed as a candidate for the office of Councillor in the Provincial Council of any Province shall previous to the day of nomination deposit with the Returning Officer of the district in which he seeks election, the sum of twenty-five pounds sterling, such sum to be absolutely forfeited to the State in the event of such candidate failing to secure on the day of election one-fifth of the total number of votes polled. 3rd. That the franchise be extended to afi male persons, being subjects of Great Britain, of the age of twenty-one years, who shall have been bona, fide residents in the Province for a period of six months previous to the date upon which claims are received for enrolment. That such persona when enrolled shall vote only in the district for which they are enrolled, and no other-except for the election of Superintendent, when they shall be allowed to vote in any district in which they may for the time being be residing. 4th. That the foregoing franchise shall extend to the election for members of the Heuse of Representatives, of the Provincial Council, and of Superintendent. sth. That the law at present in force regarding the voting of miners by virtue of their minors’ rights be abolished, and in lieu thereof all miners be brought under the operation of the 3id resolution. 6th. That Mr Speaker be requested to forward a copy of these resolutions i to the General Government, with the respectful request that they will introduce a measure during the ensuing session of Parliament to give effect to the same.” His object was to prevent persons becoming candidates who were not in a position to command a certain number of votes. The necessity for such a course was illustrated by the late election, in which, but for the candidature of Mr Gillies, the Province would have been put to heavy expense because of the candidature of one who could not possibly be returned. He thought the time had come when all men should be allowed the franchise. The consequence of the present restrictions was that a great number of well qualified persons were excluded from voting, because they were not housekeepers. Manhood suffrage had been for many years the principle ln and had been found to work well. It had been said that manhood suffrage might be conferred, provided men of property had a number of votes in proportion to the value of their property. That might dp in a municipafity where property was heavily rated, but the same argument did not boar upon men as inhabitants of the Colony, where probably each contributed pretty nearly a similar amount to the revenue. He thought there would be no hardship, under the sth resolution, in abolishing votes in virtue of mining rights, and thus compelling that miners, equally with other people, should have their names placed on the Electoral Roll. The Goldfields Secretary seconded the resolutions. It was found necessary to pass similar resolutions in Victoria, to prevent a system growing up of candidates presenting themselves and consenting to retire on receiving ten or twenty pounds. The eraainder of the resolution was an affirmation of the principle of universal suffrage, to which he considered there could be no objection. With regard to the abolition of voting on miners’ rights, it was a fact that some miners had voted through their names being on the roll in the district, and then gone to another and voted in virtue of their miners’ rights. Such a course was manifestly never intended by the Legislature, was unfair, and should be prevented. He thought the Province much indebted to the honorable member for bringing forward the resolutions. Mr Stout expressed surprise at the Government supporting the resolution. The Goldfields Secretary : I may say I supported the resolutions in my individual capacity, not as expressing the opinions of the Government in the matter. Mr Stout commented on the absence of the word _ “ Irish ” from the third resolution, by omission, he said, no Irishman would be allowed to vote. He condemned the idea that, because a man had no money, the conclusion was that he had no brains. He would oppose the first and second resolutions, because he objected to hedge round any person and say that the man of means only should be a candidate. The resolutions seemed to embody an attempt to limit the choice of the people in selecting their representatives. Dr Webster considered that as the matter was likely to be discussed in the Assembly, it was simply wasting time to discuss the resolutions, and he moved the previaus question. Mr Pish, in intimating that he would withdraw his i esolutions if the feeling of the House was in favor of that course, that he thought a person standing for the Superintendency should be able to produce LSO ; because if he had not the means, and he was thought by a party to bo a desirable candidate, the money could be easily raised. But the main thing was the principle of universal suffrage, upon which question he would like to have heard the Council express its opinion. Mr Reid spoke against the resolutions. _Mr Ktxuo s moved an amendment, to tho effect That it is expedient to enable every male person, a subject of Her Majesty the Queen, and who has attained the age of twentyone years, to vote at the Supcrintendenoy, House of Representatives, and Provincial Council elections ; and that the Speaker be requested to forward the amendmeht to the Colonial Government.” The Hon. Dr Alenzies also addressed the House on the subject, and suggested that the resolutions should be brought down in an amended form. After some honorable members had addressed the House, The Council divided on the amendment of Mr Kinross, with the following result Ayes 9 • noes, 12. 1 ’ FREE SCHOOLING. Mr Browne’s motion ve free schooling was negatived on the voices. LAND IN INVERCARGILL. Mr Lumsden moved—“ That this Council resolves to ask the concurrence of His Honor the Superintendent in the following resolution, uz* • That the remaining unsold town land within the southern division of the town of Invercargill, extending southward from tho Puni Creek, be offered for sale in sections of one-half acre each, at the upset price of LlO per section, m terms of Clause 2 of the Southland Waste hand Amendment Act, 1872.”’ Carried. AMENDMENT OF THE IMPOUNDING ORDINANCE, tii- ii Ulove d—“ That in the opinion oi this Council, the Impounding Ordinance now in force in this Province should be amended so as to put a stop to the practice of turning out horses and cattle to graze and wander within the limits of towns between the time of sunset and sunrise, which has in some places become a dangerous nuisance; and that the Government be requested to introduce such amended Ordinance this session.” Carried. SCIENTIFIC REPORT UPON GOLcPIBLDS. Mr De Lautour moved— “That in the opinion of this Council it. is desirable that a respectful address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to. take such steps as he may think necessary to obtain the services of such competent scientific direction in his opinion sufficient to examine and report upon the probable lines of deep leads and quartz reefs throughout the Provincial Goldfields.” Carried. DISPOSAL OP THE WASTE LANDS. Mr Stout moved—“ Ist. That a Committee, consisting of the Hon. Hr. Menzies, Hon. Major Richardson, Mr G. P. C. Browne, Mr Lumsden, Mr Driver, Mr H. Clarke, and the mover, be appointed to inquire into and report upon all questions relating to the management and_ disposal of the Waste Lands of the Crown in this Province that may be referred to it. 2nd._ That it be referred to such Committee to consider whether it is possible and desirable to provide for the profitable occupation of the Waste Lands, by leasing instead of selling them.” Carried.

Tuesday, July 15. QUESTIONS. In answer to questions, the Government saidlnstructions had been given to the Home_ Agent to engage a vessel or vessels, to land immigrants at the Bluff.—Government were not vet in possession of what business was transacted by the Southland Waste Land Board on the 9th and 10th inst., but when they received a report would communicate it to the House. Tho applications put in on July 8 were refused, but it might be a matter to bo decided hereafter by a Judge of the Supreme Court

whether the applications then made could be refused.—No report as to the state of the road between the Mataura Bridge and Switzers had been received, but tho necessary provision for the road had been made on the Estimates.— The Government were prepared to recommend the extension of the telegraph to Mosgiel and Outram. NIGHTCAPS COAL RESERVE. Mr Ldmsden’s motion affirming that it was inexpedient to grant any lease of the Nightcaps Coal Reserve until the projected tramway or railway baa been earned out, and thereafter that the land should only be leased in small areas and by auction, was negatived by 14 against 12. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. Mr Oliver moved—“ That in the opinion of this Council, it is very desirable that the Geolo gicalSurvey of the Province, which wasbegun by Dr Hector, should be completed, and that the Government be requested to obtain as soon as possible the services of a competent Geologist for that purpose. It was seen that in many oases mining enterprises were undertaken without any means of estimating success, and such scientific examinations would tend to render investment more certain. Similar work was done in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, the Cape of Good Hope, and the Province ofCanterbury. The necessity was seen early in the Colony, and Dr Hector was engaged, but through his appointment by the General Government it had been interrupted. Had that survey been completed, it would have led to more accurate observations by miners, and have led to discoveries being estimated at their true value. He considered the work would pay if undertaken ; but if not, it would be a valuable contribution to science. Mr R. Clarke opposed it on account of the expense, which he thought should not be incurred until roads were made. The motion was carried. RIVERTON FERRY, Mr Daniel moved—" That whereas it is found that the leasing of the ferry at Riverton is an impediment to the traffic on the river, and otherwise detrimental to the public interest, it is expedient that the lease to the Corporation be cancelled. That an address be presented to His Honor the Superintendent, to initiate the legislation necessary, or to take such steps as he may lit, to obtain a surrender of the lease in question.” He urged it because the Government had leased land belonging to the Maoris; secondly, that it interrupted traffic, and would throw a number of men out of work; and thirdly, the ferry was not needed, as a bridge was to be erected. Dr Webster said the Government agreed with the resolution, and would take steps to get the agreement cancelled. The motion was carried. A SHEEP TAX. Mr M’Lean moved—" That to prevent contagious diseases being introduced amongst the flocks in this Province, now happily all clean, by sheep imported by sea or introduced by land into the Province, this Council is of opinion the Sheep Ordinances now in force in this Province should be amended, so as to provide for au efficient system of inspection, and levy such tax upon sheep so imported or introduced as will be sufficient to defray the cost of such inspection, and that the Government be requested to introduce such amended Ordinance this session.” He considered much was owing to the ability of the inspector that that there so favorable a state of the flocks, and that arrangeshould be made to provide agaiust infection in imported sheep, whether by sea or from Canterbury. 48,685 sheep were purchased from Canterbury last year. So careful were they in Canterbury, where inspection was very imperfect, that to pass one sheep from Otago cost 40s for inspection. He thought it time the various Acts were consolidated. Air Tolmie seconded the motion. The late Government took particular care to provide dips for imported sheep, and trusted provision for that purpose would be continued. He thought there was time to consolidate and amend tho existing Acts, and trusted it would be done. Hr. AVebster said tbe Government agreed with the resolution, and would he glad of the assistance of competent men in framing an Ordinance. The motion was adopted. MISCELLANEOUS. Air Lumsden moved—" That the Government be requested to give directions for the survey of the extension of Tay street, Invercargill, westward from its intersection by Dee street, so that the same shall run in the form of a crescent towards the railway station. That the width of said extended street be one and a half chains. Th.t the laud abutting on the south and south-western side of the said crescent be surveyed in sections of one-half chain each in frontage, and two chains in depth. I hat a roadway be laid off at the rear of said sections one chain wide, and the upset price of said sections be LSO each.” Carried. Air. Daniels moved—“ That in the opinion of this Council it is expedient that certain disbetween the Alaoris and Europeans, touching the claim of the former to a certain portion of the foreshore at Riverton be inquired into, with a view to a definite settlement thereof. And that his Honor the Siqierintendent be respectfully requested to solicit the General Government to institute such inquiry without delay.” Carried. Air Kinross moved-" That there be laid upon the table a statement of all revenue derived from, all sources within the late Province of Southland from the date of re-union of Provinces up till 31st Alarch, and the sources from which they have been derived, and also bow money expended had been laid out,” Agreed to. The Secretary for Goldfields and AVorks moved—“ That an address bo presented to his Honor tho Superintendent, recommending that 1 and 2, block 1, Ophir, be set apart as a site for an Athenaeum and Public Buildings.” Agreed to. The Secretary for Goldfields and AVorks moved —“ That an address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, recommending that section 1, block 24, Arrowtown, be sot apart as a reserve for a Aimers’ Institute.” Agreed to. Air H. Clark moved—“ That the petition of John Richardson and that of the Committee of the Otago Alusoum, both bearing on the one subject, that of the management of tho Aluscum, he referred to the Private Petitions Committee, with power to call for persons and papers, and to report within six days.” Carried. ACREAGE RATING. AIrKiNROSS moved —" That in the opinion of this Council the ‘ Otago Roads Ordinance, 1871,’ should be so amended as to allow Road Boards the option of adopting the acreage system of rating, and respectfully requests the Government to bring in a Bill to give effect to this resolution at its earliest convenience.” Air W ilson seconded the motion. Air Allan opposed the motion, on the ground that the system had been tried and found not to answer.' Air Reid thought it would he better for Government to state that it was a waste of time to discuss the question, as there was an Act of the Assembly prescribing the mode of levying assessments. The Secretary for Lands agreed with Mr Reid. Air Stout suggested that Boards should have the power to add an acreage to a valuation rate, as it would enable them to tax large holders of land fairly. He moved tbe adjournment of the debate to the evening. The Goldfields Secretary hoped the amendment would not bs passed, as the discussion was merely a waste of lime. Mr Stout moved that the motion be altered, so as not to ask the Government to bring in a Bill. Air Stout’s amendment was carried so far as the alteration in form of the motion. Mr Al’Dermid supported the motion, as the present system operated unfairly in assessing property. The Secretary for Lands opposed the motion. , . . .. Air Lumsden supported the motion, because it was a way of sliding in a land tax. Road works improved all the lands in the neighborhood, which should be made to pay a fair share of tho cost. This would be best secured by an acreage rate. Mr AVilson considered that it would only be fair to levy an acreage rate. Mr Gumming supported the motion. Mr Kinross replied. The House divided Ayes, 11—Alcssrs Gumming, Daniel, Fish, Green, Hazlett, Ireland, Kinross, Lumsden, Al’Permit! (teller), Stout (teller), Wilson,

Noes, 17—Messrs Allan, Bastings (teller), H, Clark, K. Clarke, Davie, De Lsutour, Hallenstein, Merizies (teller), Mills, Reid, Roberts, Rogers, Shand, Tesohemaker, Tolmie, Webster. PORT CHALMERS AND BLUESKIN ROAD. Mr Stooi, forMrM‘GLASHAN, moved—“ That the petition of 180 owners of land and settler-sin Port Chalmers and N orthern part of the District bo referred to the Government, with the view to give effect to the prayer of that petition by placing a sufficient sum on the Estimates to complete the road line between Port Chalmers and Main North Road, Blueskiu.” Mr Green seconded the motion. Mr M‘Dermid supported the motion. It wouldbea saving of money to put LI,OOO on the Estimates. Mr Reid would support the vote. The Goldfields Secretary said the Government had placed as large a sum on the Estimates for the completion of the road as they were justified in expending in justice to other districts. The motion was carried. Wednesday, July 16. PETITIONS. Petitions were presented from the inhabitants of Hyde and the neighborhood, praying for the construction of a bridge over the Taieri river (Mr Oliver); from Mr F, C. Fulton, landowner, and Ephraim Maohin, leaseholder in the neighborhood, complaining of the closing up of the Main North Road. QUESTIONS. In answer to questions, Government stated that thoy had obtained a report on the flooding of and damage to the Main Central Road, caused by the silting up of the channel of the Silverstream, and the Engineer recommended that a careful survey should be made, in order to determine the best means of providing for the escape of the flood waters of the Silverstream. In the meantime, the Government had placed a sum on the Estimates to afford temporary relief until the necessary survey could be made. —Government thought they would be justified in subsidising Beards of Conservators out of the Provincial subsidy, and on the same footing as the Road Boards. The Secretary of Lands moved (in reply to Message No. 9)—“ That this Council having had under consideration his Honor’s Message No. 9, relative to the proclamation of Hundreds, approves of the recommendation as therein contained, and respectfully requests his Honor to take the necessary steps to give effect thereto.” He said there was an impression abroad that the Waste Land Board were in clined to act in opposition to the Government. He could not believe it, but that all thoy desired was that they were expected to act independently of any influence. The Board included men whose interests were bound up in the prosperity of the Province, and therefore would act with the Government if there was no attempt to go beyond the law. With regard to Hundreds on ’ runs 185 and 250, the ground was between Deep and Lees streams, and, according to the chief surveys, half of it was ploughable and fit for cultivation in grasses, and therefore suitable for stock. The Hundred on 71 and 165 was between 400 and 1,000 feet above the level of the sea. It was in the neighborhood of bush and the next Hundred was extensively settled. The block on runs 137 and 123, 300 to I, feet above the level of the sea (of 15,000 acres) had in addition about 5,000 acres added, and was set apart for purchase on deferred payments. More than one-third of it was capable of cultivation, and it was determined to throw it open on deferred payments, to give the settlers upon it the advantage of grazing rights within Hundreds. Mr M’Kbnzib moved that the House consider the resolutions in Committee. Dr Menzirs moved the adjournment of the debate till to-morrow, to enable contingent notices of motion to be put on the notice paper. Mr Reid asked the Secretary of Lands what was to be sold on deferred payments ? The Secretary of Lands complainsd of inconsistency in the plans of the Government, which he held were altered from day to day. With regard to some of the Hundreds, he had heard they were not adapted for settlement, but were worse than the Traquair Hundred. At the time it was proclaimed it was not considered good laud ; but was better than some about to be proclaimed. In the Crookston Hundred choice land was surveyed and laid out, and when brought into the market was bought up by the runholder at one pound per acre. He wished that to be avoided by setting aside a quantity of land on each Hundred in deferred payments. It had been regretted that not more than 30,000 acres could be opened up on deferred payments in one year. It was possible, however, to extend this by giving compensation to ruuholders on the goldfields, and opening it for settlement under the Agricultural Lease system. On the Crookston Hundred there was no settlement, but had that been settled on deferred payments, it would he better than at present. Another provision of tile Land Act was that land which hail been open for sale could be sold at 15s an acre on deferred payments, and he thought it would be a great advantage to the country. He should not agree to opening Hundreds if sold as the Clarkston Hundred was. Mr Shand said the Government had put 20,000 acres of the best land in the country into blocks on deferred payments, a course which had been csraplained of bitterly by old settlers. From his knowledge, not half of the land proposed to be proclaimed into Hundreds was the best in the country; but, although 1,200 feet above the level of the sea, if sold at 20s per acre, it would be put to a better purpose than at present. Mr Stout said, if the land was so valuable as represented, the Government would do well to reserve the whole on deferred payments. The Secretary of Lands asked how Hundreds could be declared unless one-third was agricultural land 1 The land in Hundreds was not so good as that reserved for sale on deferred payments. Mr MVKenzie supported the adjournment. Mr Hacgitt would not be prepared to support the Government unless convinced the Hundreds satisfied the 97th section of Act 1872 read with 97 A. It provided that one-third of the area should he suitable for agriculture. He was not acquainted witii the character of the land in two of the proposed Hundreds, hut on the reports of persons held reliable by the Government. If the other Hundreds were of the same character, the Government would be as likely to have sold as if the whole Province was proclaimed a Hundred. Amongst the laud proposed a Hundred in 1871, was that called the Beaumont Hundred, of which only 1,500 acres out of 10,000 acres was suitable for agriculture. Therefore the chances of having it proclaimed were very remote. If that were the case, how could the Executive persuade the Governor there was one-third agricultural land. The opinion was found on the evidence of Warden Simpson, Peter Robinson, and others of all classes. If that was the class of land, the Government could not have thoroughly considered the matter. Either the country had altered in its features, or the evidence of the witnesses was not reliable. He could not believe that the Government had stated it was their intention to reserve all the agricultural land for settlement on deferred payments. Mr M'Dermid thought the question had not been put fairly and clearly before the House. He could not support the Government without further information. The debate was adjourned. TREE PLANTING. The Secretary of Lands moved— I “That a respectful address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent requesting him to make application to his Excellency the Governor to declare ‘ The Forest Trees Planting Encouragement Act 1872,’ to be in operation fin the Province of Otago.” Mr Reid said in the Waste Lands Act of Otago provision was made for a like purpose better calculated to ensure the object. Were people aware of the regulations, land would ha extensively taken up for the purpose. More planting was required. He believed people were deterred by an idea of the expense. Dr Menzies concurred in the object, but suggested that the Government should consider which Act was most conducive to the encouragement of planting. VVere it possible to have the sandhills planted on the Ocean Beach, the climate would ho much improved. In certain parts of Europe, where sandhills drifted on to agricultural land, it had become stable by planting certain plants. The same might be done in order to grow forest trees. Mr Allan thought if L2OO or L3OO were § laced on the Estimates for seeds for gratuitous istribution, it would do much towards seeming planting.

Mr M’Lean thought that as many persons had planted expensive trees largely, the Act should be brought into operation for their protection. Mr M’Ghhhan thought the provisions of the Act were nut sufficiently liberal. It was brought forward by Mr Rolleston, Superintendent of Canterbury, where laud was worth L2 an acre. He thought three or four aeres should be giveninstead of one to one, for planting was an expensive process with trees at L 5 a thousand. Mr Stout thought the object was not to pay for planting, but to encourage it, and therefore one acre to one was sufficient. Dr. Webster said that for every acre planted a bonus of two acres was given. Mr Reid explained that the provisions of the Act gave power to purchase eight acres instead of one. The motion as amended was carried. Mr Wood moved; —“That an address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, re- j questing that he reserve from sale and set apart | all that piece or parcel of laud shown on tire record map of tire Green Hills township as block 4;-also the land situated between the said block and the Bluff anl Invercargill Railway, together containing 6a 2r 16p, more or less, as a Stone Reserve for the use of the Municipality of Invercargill.” \ Mr Lumsden seconded the motion, and said that although it was fifteen or sixteen mites from Invercargill, it was the only means of obtaining stone for road and street metal Dr Webster said the Government would prefer that instead of counting the advantages to Invercargill, the motion should be altered to make the reserve applicable to public purposes. Mr M'Glashan thought the reserves of gravel and stone for road purposes should be placed under the control of road boards. Dr. MenzieS supported the motion. A few years ago stone for road metal cost 17s 6d a yard. The Government made an arrangement with a person at 10s a yard, and now that the railway passed through the proposed reserve, stone could be obtained at reasonable prices, and in unlimited quantities. Mr Wood explained. What was askjd was only a small area compared with the quantity of stone, and there would be ample supply for all purposes. The motion was carried. miscellaneous. The following motions were carried :—That the petition of the inhabitants of Harrisville be referred to the Government; that sections 25 to 31 inclusive, btsck 7, Western District, be set apart as a coal reserve. construction op railways. Mr Bastings stated, with reference to the series of resolutions standing in his name proposing the completion of the main line of railway from Waitaki to Invercargill, and the construction of several branch lines, that he had drawn up another set of resolutions, and therefore wished to allow the resolutions on the Order Paper to lapse. HARBOR RECLAMATION. Mr Bastings moved tire following resolution: —“ Referring to his Honor’s Message No. 7, this Council concurs with tire Superintendent in respect to the expediency of the proposed reclamation of the mud flat at the head of Dunedin Bay, provided the works can be accomplished within the limits specified in the report of tire Provincial Engineer, attached to the Message. This Council furtlrer hereby empowers the Government to take the necessary action accordingly.” The hon. member said it was anticipated that if this laud were reclaimed and put up for auction it would realise L 2,500 per acre. Thursday, July 17. PETITIONS. Petitions were presented from the Mayor and Town Council of Lawrence, praying that certain land should be set aside as a corporation reserve.—(Mr Brown.) From certain freeholders in Lawrence, praying that steps should be taken to prevent the flooding of their sections through the operations of the Blue Spur miners.—(Mr Bastings.) QUESTIONS. In reply to questions the Government stated that it was their intention to let the maintenance of the main roads by contract; and they also intended to have better supervision—to employ more foremen to overlook the contractors. Government were not aware that, during the last few days, 700 acres of land in the neighborhood of Maerewhenua, and supposed to be auriferous, had been sold to the Hon. R. Campbell at 10s per acre ; but tire Secretary of Lands would make himself acquainted with the facts, and would answer the question next day. CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAYS. The Secretary for Works, in moving that the House should take into consideration his Honor’s Messages, No 5 and 6, re railways, asked leave (which was granted) to add the following words to the resolution: —“Provided that no block or parcel of land should be sold for the above purposes of rail and tramway development situated on the goldfields of the Province, until a report has first been obtained from the Warden of the district, and also an independent report from two gentlemen appointed by the Central Miners’ Association, setting forth that the land proposed to be sold is not payably auriferous, nor likely, by becoming freehold, to impede mining enterprise; the cost of such reports to be defrayed by the Government. And in no case shall any land be sold for the purposes specified in the above resolution without being advertised, in accordance witii the Slst section of the ‘ Otago Waste Lands Act, 1872,’ not less than one month before being sold by auction, or being considered by the Waste Land Board, in a newspaper circulating in the district in which the block or parcel proposed to be sold is situated, as well as in the Government Gazette.” After alluding to the necessity that existed for completing the main lines, if Dunedin wished to retain its position as the first commercial City in the Colony, the hon. member said the only point of difference was the means of carrying out the object desired. From the feeling against tire sale of land lately expressed by the Council they knew many members would strongly object to the proposals now made, but many politicians who had thought over the matter argued that if the Province did not sell, as it would be justified in selling, such an amount of land as was necessary for the construction of public works, the Colonial Government might step in and sell the laud for them. With regard to the Green Island banchlet it would not only effect such a saving in road maintenance as to go a long way in a few years toward paying for the cost of construction, *mt would yield an enormous profit to the Government. It had been stated by some hon. members that they should endeavour to induce the General Government to construct those branchiets; but he might say that this matter had been mooted between the late Executive and the General Government, and they had received a distinct answer from the latter that it w.as not their intention to construct those branchiets. Ho knew that it was the opinion of some hon. members that the Government should allow those branchlets to be constructed by private enterprise. He disagreed with that. He might say that the Government had a private offer to construct this line, but they declined to accept it. He had no doubt that a great many private people would be glad to construct these lines, as they would prove to be payable speculations. But that was all the more reason why the Government should retain the power of carrying out those very desirable works. The next line was the Waiareka Valley. With regard to this line he had collected some reliable statistical information, which he would now lay before the House. He might state that if a light railway were not made down the Waiareka Valley, it would be necessary to make a road there, because it was a fact that for years past the farmers could not get tire produce of their farms to market. The Waiareka VaUw_passed through the garden of the . Northern District, and contained 33,000 acres of fine agricultural land. The estimated traffic for the first year was as follows :—Grain and flour, 8,000 tons ; wool, 2,210 tons ; stone, 7,000 tons; ligriite, 2,000 tons ; merchandise, I,soo—making a total of about 60 tons per day. This would give a revenue, at »s per ton, of L 5,255. The present cartage was double that price. This estimated revenue was exclusive of passenger traffic, and would pay eight per cent, upon the outlay after deducting the working expenses. If the railway were constructed, there would be a probable increase of all kinds of traffic. The next line was the Riverton and Orepuki branch. The estimated cost of that line was L 60,000. A portion of it had already been assented to by the Council last year, L 5,000 had been voted and

expended upon the construction of a bridge over Jacob’s River, and some of it upon the survey of a portion of the line. Although he did not agree as a rule with the principle of paying foxpublic works in land, yet he thought this was au exceptional case. It was only requisite that a light railway should be put through this portion of the country in order to open up a very valuable timber trade; and unless tins portion of the Province was made accessible by means of a railway, it was probable that it would lie dormant for many years. The Warden of the district had also informed him that if this portion of the country were opened up, they would find at the extreme end of the line a vei-y valuable goldfield. The district was also very rich in other resources. The line from Riverton to Otautau passed through a very large agricultural country, and the Government would be obliged to construct through the district either a main or a light railway. The cost of the i-aiiway would be very little more than L’20,000. In answer to Mr Ireland, The Goldfields Secretary said the Government intended to dispose of the pastoral land in blocks of not more than 2,500 acres and upwards, but not more than 5,000 acres in one block. Mr Reid admitted the necessity for the completion of the main trunk lines, even if the Province had to do them ; but thought their energies ought to he concentrated on the completion of the line from Dunedin to Moeraki, which was the more important of the two. It was impolitic for the Province to go on constructing a number of lines at once, as the effect would be to paralyse the labor market. He was of opinion that the only way they could get those railways constructed was by means of a loan in some shape. He did not believe they would be able, even if desii-able, to sell a sufficient area of laud for the construction of those lines. He would propose an amendment, but he did not do so from any hostile feeling towards the Government. He would propose the following amendment :—“ That all the words in the first resolution after the first word ‘ That ’ down to and including the words ‘ hereby given ’ be omitted, with the view of inserting in lieu thereof the following‘ That in the opinion of this Council it is expedient that the extension of the Southern Trunk Railway from Balclutha to Mataura and the Main Northern line from Moeraki to Dunedin, should be at once proceeded with, and that the General Government be respectfully requested to take steps under the Immigration and Public Works Acts, with a view tojthe construction of these lines.’ In the event of the General Government not agreeing to undertake the immediate completion of these railways, and in order to place the Provincial Executive in a position to do so, this Council resolves —(1.) That the whole of the unsold agricultural lands through which the lines are to he constructed, and such areas of pastoral lands contiguous thereto, as may be calculated to yield sufficient revenues to i-epay the cost of constructing the woi-ks, be set apart, and that the revenues to be derived from the sale and occupation of such lands be placed to a fund for repayment of principal and interest on any sums which this Council may sanction for the construction of the said railways. (2.) That the whole of the agricultural lands included iu the areas so set apart shall be alienated on the system of deferred payments only. (3.) That the pastoral lands (in the event of any being sold) shall be exposed for sale in blocks of net more than 2,500 acres, due care being taken to reserve auriferous lands.” The difference between this amendment and the resolution I would be that it would be clearly understood that the lines were to be constructed out of borrowed money. Dr Menzies seconded the amendment. Mr Bastings said the Government would consider the proposal of the hon. member for Taieri in the spirit in which it was brought forward. He would propose that the debate should be adjourned, in order that the amendi ment might be printed and considered by lion, members. The debate was then adjourned, and made an order of the day for the next sitting. MAIN ROAD FROM PALMERSTON TO SHAG POINT. Mr M’Kenzik moved —“ That in the opinion of this Council the Government should take over the main road from Palmerston to Shag Point, and provide for the maintenance of the same as a main branch road, ” —Carried. DAILY MAIL TO OAMAKU. Mr Stout, iu the absence of Mr Mills, moved —“ That an address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, requesting that he will urge on the General Government the great necessity that exists for the establishment of a daily mail between Dunedin and Oamaru, calling at intermediate Post Offices.”—Carried. IMMIGRANT VESSELS TO CALL AT THE BLUFF. Mr Kinross moved—” That this Council is of opinion that the recommendation of the Reunion Commissioners, under the head Immigration, ‘ That at least every third vessel should make the Bluff an advertised port of call, or oftener if found necessary,’ should be carried out; and requests the < lovernment to take steps to carry the recommendation into effect.” —Carried. GOLDFIELDS COMMITTEE. Mr Mackellar brought up a report by the Select Committee on Goldfields, respecting the Cardrona Arbitration Case (Cottar and others). The Committee stated they were of opinion that it was not competent for the Government to take the stand of saying that no compensation would be paid by them ; and further that the Government were bound to pay the award, or to take steps to have the award set aside, and a fresh arbitration entered upon. He also brought up a report by the same Committee, upon the petition of forty-two miners and shareholders iu mining companies in Manuka Creek District. The Committee reported as follows “ Ist. Your Committee is of opinion that the prayer of this petition should be granted, and that an arrangement should be made with Mr Murray, of Glenore, in the same friendly spirit that gentleman shows iu his letter herewith attached. 2nd. That an absolute exchange of ground should be made if possible—uou-auriferous land being given for the auriferous land now in Mr Murray’s possession. 3rd. That, however, the said land should first bo ascertained to lie undeniably auriferous. Your Committee would also draw your attention to the desirability of the whole i question of mining on freehold property being dealt with by the Legislature, and your Committee would urge upon your attention the immediate necessity of introducing a clause into the Waste Lands Act reserving all minerals in the soil to the Crown.” suri’LT, On the motion for the House going into Committee of Supply being put, Mr Reid said, as he intimated on the previous day, he considered that in dealing with the salaries of the Civil servants, the Council should fix some scale that would be fair to all of them, so that those who might have friends, and so that outside influence might not be exercised in favor of some officers, while others, perhaps equally deserving, wore left at the reduced rates at which their salaries were placed some two years ago. He moved; — “ That it is inexpedient to increase the salaries as voted on last year’s Estimates, except in such special cases, if an} - , as may be shown to require alteration ; and in the event of any increase being made other than those specialty referred to, this Council is of opinion that the whole of the salaries should be reinstated as they were before the reductions were made iu 1871.” Mr Lumsdkn seconded the amendment. Mr Turnbull intimated that the amendment would be accepted by the Government as a Government question, and reminded the House that they stated on the day previous that they were not disposed to raise the salaries all round, but considered the officers should he paid according to their qualifications and the work done. He did not see that because one man was worth L 25 a year more, the Government therefore must raise the salary of every other officer. Such was not the practice carried out iu private affairs, nor should it obtain in public affairs. A great deal of time and attention had been given to the Estimates, and the Government were not prepared to remodel them in the manner indicated. After some observations by Messrs Fish, Stout, Davis, Haggitt, and Roberts, a division was called for and taken with the following result: — Ayes, 12 Messrs Allan. Green, Ireland, Kinross, Lumaden, Menzies, M’Kellar, M’Keuzie, Reid (teller), Stout (teller), Wilson, and Wood.

Browne G. F. 0., Clark H., Gumming, Daniel, Davie, De Lautour, Fish, Haggitt (teller), Hazlett, Mollison, M’Dermid, M’Glashan, MLean, M’Neil, Oliver (teller), Boberts, Kogors, Shantl, Tesohemaker, Tolmie, Turnbull, Turtou and Webster. Mr Reid explained that his amendment had been misunderstood. He regretted the Council had not agreed to adopt some uniform system before going into Committee, and had he had the opportunity he could have shown that the amendment was calculated to assist the Government in getting the Estimates passed without that scrambling which usually took place. The Provincial Treasurer, at a later period of the day, said he was prepared to accept the assurance of the member for the Taieri that he brought forward his amendment in no hostile spirit; but that hon. member must be aware that the Government could not look upon the motion except as an intimation that they were to remodel the Estimates ; and under these circumstances the Government had no option but to decline to do so. The hon. member had referred to the spirit which actuated the Government in framing the Estimates—that they did so with a view to helping friends, or in compliance with the representations of persistent friends of certain officers. He csnld assure the hon. member that the Government had not been actuated in the slightest way by outside influence. They had considered the case of each officer on its merits, and the duties he was called upon to perform. Friday, July 18. QUESTIONS. In reply to questions, the Government stated that they did not intend at present to open up land for settlement on run 309, north of Coal Creek, Mount Benger.—Government had caused seeds of forest trees and ornamental plants, grown in the Botanical Gardens, to be sent to public gardens, cemeteries, and other places, but no private indi riduals bad been supplied with them.—Government were of opinion that the 700 acres at Maerawhenua, sold the other day to the Hon. R. Campbell, was not auriferous ; and it was therefore sold for 10s an ' acre. BILLS. The following were read a first time:—Port Chalmers Reserves Management, Clyde Waterworks Empowering, Education Reserves. The Licensing Ordinance was referred to a Select Committee, consisting of Messrs Bastings, Davie, De Lautour, Fish, M’Neil, Stout, and Turtou. THE RAILWAY PROPOSALS. The debate on the motion of the Secretary of Lands’ resolutions, and Mr Reid’s amendment thereto, was resumed by Mr Gumming, who objected to the whole of the agricultural land, as proposed by the member for the Taieri, being set aside on deferred payments only, as such a provision would only admit of one class of settlers holding 200 acres or less each. Mr M’Dermid, Mr Tolmie, and Mr Bastings also objected to the smallness of the holdings. Mr M’Glashan thought it would be be better to do away with both amendment and resolution, and simply say to the Government, “We want these railways made, and we must have them.” The Goldfields Secretary answered the objection that had been urged that a difficulty would be experienced if the construction of these lines were to be proceeded with at once. He. said private contractors had offered to construct the lines, and procure labor not from Great Britain hut from the neighboring Colonies. Communications had been sent to Victoria and New South Wales, and it bad been ascertained that it would be possible to introduce a couple of thousand laborers if they guaranteed Ss a day. It was also stated that there would be no difficulty in obtaining a large number of laborers superior to those imported by the Messrs Brogden, who would make very good settlers afterwards if proper facilities were offered them. Mr Haggitt did not think it likely that the Assembly would agree to the Province raising a loan. The third resolution of the member for the Taieri was, he thought, entirely unworkable. The hon. member could never seriously think that any innholder would be so mad as to give up his lease and allow the land to be put up for sale in blocks of 2,500 acres. In dealing with the pastoral tenants, they never found them so very liberal as to justify the hon. member in assuming that they would consent to such a motion as that. The Hon. Dr. Menzies thought that the main point of divergence between the resolutions and the amendment was that in the one case the Government might do as they liked, and in the other they were tied down to sell the land which was colored on the map, under a system of deferred payments. But he thought it would not he advisable to tie down the Government to a system of deferred payments, because he was inclined to think that it was not the only system under which they might sell land and yet secure, at the same time, an industrial population. He would like to see the quantity of the holdings under the deferred payment system 320 acres or more. The Provincial Secretary thought that the Government should bo empowered to construct the linos asked, if the Assembly did not agree to do so, though he did not think that contingency would arise. The Government agreed with the second and third clauses of Mr Reid’s amendment, hut not with the first. They were of opinion that blocks of pastoral land might be reduced to 2,500 acres, in order to give small buyers an opportunity of getting those lands if they wished to settle upon them. Of course, if a man wanted a larger quantity, he could buy twice 2,000 acres. In regard to the Mataura Railway, the Government were still of opinion that purely agricultural land should be sold on deferred payments. With regard to the quantity, 200 acres, he could scarcely conceive it * possible that any man could exist on 200 He was not prepared to accept the amcndre cr V\ except so far as the second and third part ,A concerned. The first portion was incon'° v ‘l 31 in their views, and with all respect to j ings of hon. members, he thought thG miss should concede the alternative he had mentioned, otherwise the question might be shelved for twelve months ; because, it the Assembly did nothing in the matter, it would involve the necessity of calling a special meeting of the Council in four or five months from the present time, and which session might last five or six weeks. So far as regarded the labor question, ho agreed with the Secretary for Lands and Works that it was a question which would not stand in the way at all; for, if the contracts were let in reasonable lengths there was no doubt, judging from what they saw in connection with the demand for labor, they would get men to carry out the work within a specified time, and who would also give security. It would not much matter where the labor came bom, seeing that they would be bound to find it. The possibility was that if they offered to pay the passages of men from Australia, _ plenty of labor would he obtained. Then, again, those men, if they could obtain the land on deferred payments, might take up sections; what they received from the railway works would enable them to improve the land, and very probably they would become permanent settlers in the Province. All the Government would have to do would he to import wives for the men, and thus, while carrying out public works, they would at the same time give effect to the immigration scheme. lie was not prepared to resist any reasonable modification of the resolutions, but thought that if there was a general desire to proceed this season with the work, the alternative to which he had alluded should be conceded. No doubt every word of this debate would reach Wellington before the question came up, and it was no use, therefore, the Council supposing that those in b clliugton would not lie aware whether such an alternative existed. He must support the original resolutions, with such modifications as would not interfere with their spirit. After some observations by Mr Allan, Mr Shand, Mr de Lautour, who addressed thorn selves to the main question, and by Messrs M‘ Kkli.au and Hazlktt, who urged the postponement of the debate till the report of the Committee appointed to consider the extension of the Tuapeka railway to Clyde and Cromwell was brought up. Mr Gillies said his principal objection to the resolution of the Government was that they proposed to perpetuate the system of selling large blocks of pastoral hind, which had been condemned by a large majority of the people of the Province. He agreed that it was of importance to construct the main lines as rapidly as possible, and no stone should be left Unturned to have them carried out with ex*