PROVINCIAL COUNCTL.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2581, 26 May 1871, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCTL.

Tins Day,

Tho Speaker took hia seat a few minutes after two o’clock. An explanation was tendered that an error w.n made in computing the numbers who voted for Mr. Reynolds’ which should have been 12 instead of 11. Mr Reynolds then, by leave of the House, explained that the allusion made by Mr Barton to Mr Grant’s not being allowed to sit in the Speaker’s gallery was incorrect. It appeared tliat Mr. Grant having arranged a formidable deputation in the Stranger’s G dicry, walked into the Speaker’s Gallery without an order from the Speaker. Intimat:on had been given to the Government that it was intendid to over-awe the Council, and the police ha I instructions to watch his proceedings. Mr Grant had signified his intention of del vering the petition personally on the Hoor of the House, and under the circumstances, wlien asked by Mr Green to sign an order for his admission to the Speaker’s gallery, he was refused, and told he could not be allowed t) remain there. Mr Barton called the attention of the Speaker to an action pending in the Supreme Court which in liis opinion involved the privileges of tho House. He alluded to the case of M'Kenna v. Brown, an action for libel. Mr Barton did not go into the particulars of the action, but his argument went to shew that he wished it to be ascertained whether the privileges of free speaking extended to the tour outer walls of the building, or were merely c -nlined to tho arena of the Council Chamher, and not to confidential communication :n the refreshment and committee rooms. Aft< r several notices of motion had been given, in ac.ordance with the standing orders of the Jlouse in quo tions of prhilcge, MrKeid and Mr Duncan, by rising together, contendid for priori yin seconding the motion. The Chief Secrcta’y considered that it would be p'a ing the Council in a curious position in relation to the Supreme Court by such a course. Tho better plan would be to wait until judgment was given in the rule applied for, as nothing could he gained by appointing counsel to watch the proceedings. The only interest the Council had in tho nutter was in the result, aid when that was kunvn it was time to take action. Mr Reynolds and Mr Cntten thought it premature to taki action. The latter recommended the motion should ba withdrawn. Mr Barton said he believed the expense involved would hardly r be more than live guinea 1 ’, but would consent with leave of the House to withdraw the motion, Mr Reid, before consenting to its withdra a), did not c insider it wise to adopt the suggestion, as the Coun il would he in a better position to protect itself ; and as the defendant had been entrapped by an influential member to use tho words which wore attributed to him, the Council should interfere to arrest proceedings. He would not oppose the withdrawal of the motion, but hoped it would be brought forward at a future day. Mr Bart<ui gave not ce he would bring the motion again bef re the House on Monday, when as a question of privilege it will take precedence of all others. A message was read from his Honor the Superintendent, suggesting the expediency of determining tho necessary expenditure in connection with tlie Council, and that the honorarium should be fixed by Ordinance, in order to prevent the animal discussion on the subject. Mr Haughton presented a petition, signed by the chairman of a working men’s meeting, asking that a commission may be appointed to inquire into the distress of many of the working classes, urging the prosecution of public work’, and protesting against immigration as likely to increase the distress by competition in the labor market. Mr Thomson, the member for the Clutha, was appointed Cnai. man of Committees nem. con. A Riming Committee, a .'Standing Orders Committee, and a I’rivatj Petitions Committee were appointed ; and the Order Papir being cleared the House adjourned at 3 35; the discussion of his Honor’s message being adjourned un'il Monday, to give opportunity for the arrival of tho ■'•onthland members. In the course of the afternoon the Chief Secretary gave an account of the circumstances which led to the acceptance of office by himself and colleagues, which we have not had time to transcribe, and which we purpose giving to-morrow.