PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 2070, 23 December 1869, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

This Day. The House met to-day at two o’clock. The Government gave a reply in the negative to Mr M‘lndoe’s questions—lf a clause has been affixed to the land certificates issued to Volunteers, requiring that the land to which they are entitled must be taken within three months from date of issue ? and if the laud scr ip issued to Volunteers is negotiable or transferable to any party disposed to purchase? Messages 6 and 7 from the Superintendent were read. The expectancy of the House was at once gratified by a ministerial statement. Mr Gillies rose and delivered himself as follows :—I desire to make a statement with regard to the arrangements which are contemplated on the retirement of the present Provinsial Treasurer. At the present time the Treasurer lias not sent in his resignation, but he has intimated to-day, I believe, that it was his intention to resign his present office before he left the Province, which he expects to do shortly (An Iron, member : “He left today.”) I trust, sir, that hon. members will have a little patience in hearing the statements which I have to make. I am not aware that the Treasurer has left Dunedin ; at all events, I make statements simply as members of the Executive found them. I was remarking, sir, that, intimation has been given to the mcmbe.is of the Executive that it is the intention of the Provincial Treasurer to resign. It was due to the Council that upon receiving such intimation, that the remaining members of the Executive should come to some understanding as to how they intend to carry on the government of the country, and how the position of Provincial Treasurer should be filled up. Wo also consider that it is due to this House, now assembled in session, that the arrangements contemplated by the Executive should be known before prorogation. In considering the question of filling up the anticipated vacancy, the members of the Executive felt—l might almost say they were bound to one course—on reviewing the whole circumstances of the position in which they were placed at the present time, and considering the confidence which has been manifested by a majority of this Council in the present Executive, was in itself sufficient to justify us in filling up that position. And, Sir, we'also considered that we were shut up to this necessity, to show not only to the Council but to the country that we felt every confidence in the course we, have pursued and the position vre have taken up in regard to the matters which have been brought forward this session. It was demanded of us that we should not shrink from tho responsibility which may be entailed by our course of conduct; and considering the very gloomy picture which has been laid before us by some hon. members, the assertions which have been made by other hon. members that we have nearly reached —if we have not already reached it—the limit of the overdraft at the bank which can be obtained, the appointment should be filled iij) from the remaining members of the Executive. I have to intimate that the arrangement which has been come to is this. I will myself take the position of Provincial Treasurer. (Applause.) Sir, I know that this statement will give some hon. members an opportunity of indulging in those personalities which have been so often used by some hon. members in this House, and which, I can assure them, will only lecoil on their own heads. I fed confident that nob only will a majority of the Council support me in the position I have taken, but I shall also receive the support of a large majority of the public of this Province. (Question.) Sir, 1 know it may be said, and said truthfully, that at one time I said I would not accept such a position in connection with the present Superintendent. I remember that statement, and those to whom I made it. I intend to appeal, and I am quite prepared to submit to, their verdict as to tho course I have pursued. Circumstances have arisen of a most extraordinary character, which demands that any man placed in the position of the representative of an influential community, should not shrink from standing forward, notwithstanding that the basest imputations may be cast upon his character. I have no wish to make any remarks of a personal character. I think it will be sufficient to explain the position which the Government intend to take in regard to filling the office of Treasurer. I may be permitted to make a few remarks regarding the present position of the Province, especially in regard to the statements which have so strongly been made with regard to the Province having overdrawn its overdraft. I am happy to inform this House that such statements are entirely without foundation. At the present time, instead of having reached the limit of our overdraft, there is scarcely an overdraft at all. Nay more, Sir, had wo our Customs revenue for November, which are not yet paid, we should actually have a sum to our credit. Our overdraft at the present time does not amount to more than LIOOO. I may also state for the information of lion, members that during the next thirty days we shall be perfectly certain to have an income of something like LIB,OOO, which is quite sufficient to carry on those works which are being proceeded with. I have no doubt members will agree with me, that by judicious management, notwithstanding the reductions that have taken place and are likely to continue for some time in our land sales, we shall be able to carry on the business of the country until the Hundreds Regulation Act is altered. I have the public as well as the private assurance of his Honor that he will heartily co-operate with us in endeavoring to get the alterations in the Act agreed to by the House.” Mr Shand’s motion that no honorarium should be paid this session, was lost by 17 to 3.