PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2383, 21 November 1870, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

This Day.

At this afternoon’s sitting the Government, in answer to Mr Turnbull’s question, “ By what authority the toll-keepers refuses to give checks to enable travellers to pass through (free of charge) another gate within seven miles, unless such gate is particularly specified at the bar where the ticket is issued,” said that the various toll-keepers were under the authority of the Government, and the Government gave the instructions referred to in terms of 8 and 1.5 of the Turnpikes Ordinance. And in answer to other questions, that it was the intention of the Government to proceed with the formation of the road between the Woolshed and Havelock, on which a large number of men had been employed during the last two months ; and the road would be completed so soon as the revenue at its disposal would justify the Government in proceeding with the The men employed on the work had not, as had been asserted, been employed because of the “unemployed” agitation, but because there was a certain amount of distress which then existed, and in order to prevent the necessity of some of the men leaving the Province. That the report of the Retrenchment Commission was in'the hands of the printer, and would be laid on the table to morrow. In answer to Mr Fish’s question, “'Whether the Government paid a sum of L4OO held by the Government as a deposit from Walter Bell for the fulfilment of a contract to John Gray on the Bank of New South Wales—legal notice having been’givon that the money belonged to the trustees iu Walter Bell’s estate ; and if so, under what circumstances,” that the contract for the execution of the Otepopo bridge was let to Mr Walter Bell, and he deposited L4OO as security for their due construction. The Government was at all times prepared to assist contractors who had deposited security, or who wished to transfer contracts, or get money to carry them out. M r Bell wishing to transfer that L4oi), the Government agreed to honor the order for its transfer. In accordance with that promise the money had been handed over to the Bank, but not before the work was completed, and not without the Government obtaiirng a guarantee from the Bank to refund the amount, if Little’s trustees took action to recover it.

Mr Ashcroft presented petitions from Mr Hardy, as clerk to the Lambton and Lamborne Road Board, and by Mr Thomson from settlers in tlio Mataura district, praying the House to adjust the boundaries of the district, so as not to extend across the Pornahaka district, nor include the Tapanui district, Both petitions were received.^ Mr Shepherd’s motion “ That it is desirable that a preliminary survey for a line of railway from Winton’s bush to Kingston be made as early as possible : and that it be an instruction to the Executive Government to cause same to be made,” was seconded by Mr Johnston, who in a short speech pointed out the advantage likely to result from such a railway being constructed. Messrs Wilson, the Secretary for Land and Works, and Mr Hanghtou followed. Ultimately the matter was withdrawn. Mr MTndoe’s motion, that the provisions of the Volunteer Act should be extended to Fire Brigades, was carried without discussion. [Left sitting.]