PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 2069, 22 December 1869, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Last Evening. Mr MTudoe, with some reason, called the attention of the Douse to an error which appeared in the Evening Star through a printer’s error, by which the word “not” was omitted, and, in consequence, a wrong impression conveyed. He also corrected the list of seeds sown on the North Hoad, which were as follows 4011). Scotch broom seed ; 40lb. Cape broom seed ; 121b. kangaroo, acacia, and laburnum ; total amount, El 7 Is. The House then discussed His Honor’s message No. 4, on the appointment of Mr Burns as Emigration Agent. It was discussed in committee, and negatived by 16 to 8. Understood that Mr Adams he appointed to that office. On the decision of the committee being reported to the House, it was moved that the fpiestiim be discussed that day six months. The motion was carried. This Day. The House met to-day at 2 o’clock, and no .sooner had the minutes been read than two lion, members jumped up and called attention to misreports in the Do.it g Time*. Then the lion, member for Waikari asked that the debate on Air Thomson’s motion anent the Clutlia Paiiway should be postponed until this evening at 7 o’clock, as ho {.Mr Driver) was obliged to attend tho sitting of the Supreme Court during tho day, and he desired to have an opportunity of speaking to tho question. The proposal was opposed by the Government, especially by the Treasurer, who stated that as ho was to leave the Colony to-morrow ho could not afford to come down to the House to attend each discussion. The Secretary for Laud and Works thought the debate should be proceeded with, and the lion, member could speak to it at the evening’s sitting. It was also pointed out that the Provincial Solicitor who desired to speak to the question, was absent too. Mr Ashcroft brought up the interim report of tho Private Petitions Committee, who reported against Messrs Wilson and Birch’s claim for the bonus for growing malt. After a lengthened discussion, as to whether Air Driver’s request should be acceded to, during which Mr Main gave evidence that it was his intention to speak against time, the motion for postponement was agreed to. 'The following message from his Donor the Superintendent was read : “ Tho Superintendent transmits for the information of the Provincial Council proposals which have been submitted to him on behalf of Aiessrs AUAleekan, Blackwood and Co., of Melbourne, with respect to subsidising a monthly mail service between Melbourne and Dunedin, via Bluff Harbor. Although the Superintendent is of opinion that the amount of traffic between this Province and Melbourne is such that, if left to itself, it will receive pretty regular communication, at the same time, in order to make the matter absolutely certain, and to ensure direct communication, he would he disposed to pay a small bonus. It occurs to the Superintendent that such bonus might ho in the shape of coal delivered at Preservation Inlet, which, as is well known, is one of the safest harbors in the world, accessible in all weathers by night or day, and very few hours steaming off the direct route between this port and Alelbourue. It is understood that the Preservation Coal Com-

pany is about to extend its capital so as to afford facilities for the shipment of coal upon an extensive scale. In the event of any bonus which may be offered taking the shape now indicated, two objects will be attained —the money will be retained in the Province and a fair start will be given to the proposed settlement at Preservation Inlet, the sale of land at which will go far to recoup the Government in respect of the proposed outlay. The Superintendent will be glad to learn the views of the Provincial Council on this subject.” The Secretary for Land and Works moved that L'idO be voted to carry out the recommendations contained in the message ; but the motion was lost by 12 to 11. [Left sitting.]