PROVINCIAL COUNCIL

Evening Star, Issue 2869, 30 April 1872, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL

The thirtieth session of the Provincial Council was opened at noon to-day by His Honor the Superintendent. A good deal of interest appeared to be taken by the public who crowded the strangers’ gallery and the seats behind the Speaker’s chair. A few ladies were present. Three new members were introduced, Messrs Macassey, M'Dermid, and Tolmie, who represent respectively Wakari, Port Chalmers, and the Peninsula. His Honor read the address, as follows : Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Provincial Council, — The present seems a befitting occasion on which briefly to refer to our progress as a Province during the past financial year, and to take stock, of some few of the more important incidents which have marked that progress. I am happy to say that, although there has been no very startling-or spasmodic advancement, yet there has been a steady growth in the settlement of the country, which must be more or less satisfactory to all of us. The number of additional agricultural holdings, or homesteads, created during the year amount to six hundred and forty-seven (647), that is, irrespective of town and village occupations. The number of immigrants who have been landed in the Province for the same period has been 4092; of this number 527 statute adults have received assisted passages. The number of emigrants, on the other hand, amounts to 1508, leaving a balance in favor of immigration of 2584, The number of births throughout the Province for the year ending 81st December last was 8074, the deaths for the same period being 809. The total value of Colonial produce exported from Dunedin and Invercargill during the year ending the 24th of the present month, is close upon L 2,000,000, the exact figures being L 1,990,000. This is irrespective of what may have been shipped to the neighboring Provinces of New Zealand, and making due allowance for that portion raised iu the Province of Canterbury, gives a rate per head of the population, double that of the Co'.ony of Victoria. It may be interesting to note, that of the foranentioned amount L 147.000 has been shipped to the United States of America, the residue having been sent to the United Kingdom, foi which sixteen large first-class ships have cleared out during the year from Dunedin and Bluff Harbour. 1 need scarcely say that a considerable proportion of our exports baa consisted of the produce of our gold fields. The duty on gold shipped during the year amounted to L 21,415 IGs 4d, as against L19.0G9 2s 9d iu the previous year. A return will be placed before you, showing the total amount of gold received in Dunedin from the various gold fields by i scorfc during the past two years. From this return it will be seen that the quantity received during the year ending 31st March, 1872 was 156,026

ounces, being 104 ounces less than that re ccived by Escort during the previous year The deficiency, trifling as it is, must be attributed to the great scarcity of water which has resulted from the late most unusually dry season. These returns, compared with those of previous years, go to show that gold mining has become a settled and permanent industry. An abundant and cheap supply of water is, 1 believe, the one thing needful to afford permanent and profitable occupation to a very large mining population. Besides the alluvial deposits from which our gold exports have hitherto been chiefly derived, there are numerous quartz reefs throughout the Province, some of which have been yielding very handsome returns. With a view of enabling the discoverers of quartz reefs to ascertain accurately the value of their discoveries, the Government has now in course of erection in Dunedin a quartzcrushing machine, which, it is hoped, will be in operation in Die course of a week or' two. It is proposed to work this machine in connection with the School of Mines in the Otago University. While upon this su'oject, I may remind you that the Gold Mining Commission, called together last year to take into consideration the general question of the legislation affecting Gold Fields, amongst other valuable suggestions, reenmmendod to the favorable consideration of the Colonial Legislature the establishment in this Colony of a branch of the Imperial Mint, by which means the miner would obtain the exact and full value of his gold. A mint, however, is a matter involving great pecuniary outlay, and much time, before it could be made available.

Pending the establishment of a mint, 1 am of opinion that an assay and melting department in connection with the School of Mines under Professor Black would be a great boon. The cost of a very efficient plant would not exceed L3OO. To this place miners and others might bring their gold for the purpose of being melted and assayed, and arrangements could be made by the Government for having the gold coined at the Sydney or Melbourne Mint,—the owner of the gold in the meantime receiving a deposit receipt which would be as good to him as cash. I would recommend this matter to your favorable consideration, and whether you concur in the recommendation or not, I am persuaded you will agree with me in thinking that an assay etfice would be not the least valuable part of Professor Black’s department, in connection with the other branches of chemistry taught by him. During the year there have been established throughout the Province nine public schools, making in all at the present time 119 schools (including the male and female High Schools, and -School of Art), with a teaching staff of IS4 teachers. In addition to these there have been sanctioned and are in the course of being established other nine schools in various parts of the Province. There are moreover fifteen applications for schools which the Government has not seen its way to grant, but which I trust may be provided for in due time. The total amount for the year expended by the Government on education has been L 23,059. Although it is hoped that the Province will be able to continue the existing scale of school allowances for years to come, I am disposed to think that District School Committees should have power to levy rates. Should yon be of the same opinion, a short Ordinance may be passed during the present session to this effect.

Gentlemen, —I need scarcely say that the question of education is at present exciting considerable interest throughout the Colony, You are doubtless aware that a measure has been framed, and will be introduced into the Colonial Legislature next session, having for its object the removal of the control of the education of the people from the Provinces to the Colony. While fully admitting that the means of education should be brought within the reach of—and, if need be. enforced upon—all, and that in the cas • of those portions of the Colony in which this is neglected, it is the duty of the Supreme Legislature to make the necessary provision—l am at the same time of opinion that, as regards this Province at least, no Colonial action is likely either to improve or extend the means of education more than we ourselves can do, and are actually endeavoring to accomplish. Seeing, therefore that no transfer of the educational function of the Province to the Colony is likely to be for the better—and may, perchance, turn out to be very much for the worse—l venture to hope that you will concur with me in deprecating and resisting any interference from without with our educational arrangements. lam far from saying that these arrangements are perfect, they would not he human if they were so, but 1 do maintain that we have in Otago the most perfect—the nearest approach to a national non-scctarian system in these colonies—a system which in practice has worked well and has been participated in by all religious denominations, for twenty years. 1 maintain, moreover, that wc ourselves are best qualified to deal with whatever imperfections there may be in our educational system. Gentlemen, — Let us by all means improve the administration, by going in for a thorough inspection let us elevate the qualifications and status of the teachers, let us eliminate from our Class books whatever may be contrary to truth, or calculated to give reasonable offence to any paaticular section of the community, but don’t let us countenance any system of education by which our childern will be taught to stand aloof from each other—each on its own sectarian pedestal. You will, 1 am sure, he gald to know that there are points which have been occupying much attention on the part of the Education Board, and that henceforth the inspection will be much more regular and effective than it has been, also that all public school teachers will require to posses certain scholastic acquirements, and produce certificates of competency, Moreover the Government has ordered a complete set of all Class Books in vise throughout Great Britain, Ireland, and America, with a view to selecting the mostcosmopolita.ii forthe public schools of the Province.

Gentlemen, —I have to congratulate you upon various important public undertakings which have been brought to an issue during the past year. I would allude especially to the successful establishment of the Otago University, the completion of the Otago Graving Dock, and the t alifornian Steam Service.

As regards the University, its curriculum in the meantime may be said to be so far complete. While ample provision has been made for literary, mental, and moral training, the School of Mines and of Chemistry cannot fail to exercise an important influence upon the development of the material resources of the Province, The chief thing

that is wanting now is a suitable library of reference for students. This is the cope stone which is required to complete the edifice ; and I trust that your substantial concurrence will not be wanting towards such completion. It is much to be regretted that the Colony as a whole has prematureley set up a rival university—supported to a large extent out of the revenue of this Province. I trust our representatives in the General Assembly will be unanimous in their endeavors to secure that portion of the Colonial revenue which is derived from Otago, and applied to University purposes, shall be devoted to the Otago University. A Bill will be submitted to you for the purpose of constituting the Professors ex-officio members of the University Council, which proposal will, it is hoped, meet with your approval.

As regards the Otago Graving Dock, you will be glad to learn that since the date of its opening, the revenue shows an excess over the working expenses to an extent which warrants the anticipation that the Province will be fully recouped in respect of the cost of construction. Ic will be advisable, in order to the more effective and economical working of the dock, to incur a further expenditure towards procuring necessary working plant. Upon this subject a report from the Dock Board will be laid bef. re yon. With respect to the Californian steam service, although the terms which have been arranged between New Zealand and the Colony of Victoria have not yet transpired, I believe I am correct in stating that under that arrangement the proportion of subsidy payable by New Zealand will be very much less than it would otherwise have been; also, that this Port will be the New Zealand terminus of the line. Our outward-bound mails will be carried right through to San Francisco without transhipment. Although, owing to unforeseen circumstances, the Dunedin and Port Chalmers Railway has not been completed within the stipulated time, yet I understand that the whole of the plant is now on its way from England. Should it arrive in due course, the promoters expect to have the railway open for traffic in July next, with the exception of the pier, which will probably take some months longer to erect.

Gentlemen, —Another incident worthy of note during the year, has been the addition to our local industries of a woollen manufactory on a comparatively extensive scale. This has been the result of the bonus voted by the Provincial Council two sessions ago. Although this is the only practical fruit which has resulted from the various offers of a bonus on the part of the Government, I am disposed to think that we should still try this means of stimulating new industries, especially the development of our coal fields and the manufacture of paper. It is not very flattering to the commercial enterprise of the I’rovince, that during the past year there have been imported 24,280 tons of coal, representing a money value of L 34 OOt), while equally good coal is known to exist convenient to water-carriage within our own territory. In point of fact, the Province may be said to be one great coal field. Now that the consumption of coal will be so largely increased, in order to supply the requirements of the American steamers, it behoves us seriously to bestir ourselves in this matter.

As regards the manufacture of paper, it will he remembered that a bonus was offered some eight years ago. Had the amount offered been greater at that time, it is believed that a large and flourishing manufacture would have been ere now in operation. We have in this Province an unlimited quantity of raw material suitable for making paper, indigenous to the soil, and the manufacture only rt quires a commencement in order’ to form one of our most staple exports. As i". is, I should propose that we supplement the offer of the General Government by an equal sum. In compliance with your resolution of last session, power has been obtain d. to dispose of laid, on special terms, to the extent of 100,000 acres, on Stewart’s Island, and an equal area between Waikawa and Gatlin’s River.

The great difficulty in practically dealing with the se lands is the cost of survey, an expense which the Province can scarcely be expected to bear iu respect of that portion of the laud propo.ed to he free granted. Regulations have, however, been framed, which it is hoped may lead to the beneficial occupation of the territory in question, which regulations only await the sanction of his Exoellenc}' the Governor, in order to become law. As you are aware, the General Assembly passed an act last session to enable free grants of land to be given by way of encouraging the growth of forest trees. Before, however, the provisions of the Act can be made available in this Province, it is necessary that you should, by resolution, concur with me in bringing it into force.

The Colonial Legislature, at its last session, sanctioned the expenditure of a large sum out of loan towards the construction in this Province of certain railways ; also towards water supply on gold fields, and immigration. I believe that steps are in progress with a view, of giving practical effect to the action of the Legislature in respect of all these proposals. It is much to be feared, however, that, in as far as this Province is concerned the Colonial Legislature has made a mistake in not leaving the practical administration of the matters in question to the Provincial Government. If any one thing more than another is essential te secure the success of the great policy of public works and immigration upon which the Colony has embarked, it is local administration. However expedient it may be that there should be only one national borrowing power in the Colony, such power should be exercised only on behalf of such Provinces or districts as are iu a position to employ the loan advantageously, the administration of the loan being left very much to themselves. It is, 1 think, much to be regretted that this principle did not commend itself to the Legislature, and that instead of creating an entirely new and distinct machinery, it did not make use of that already in existence. It will be fortunate for the Colony if it does not yet see cause to regret its determination to administer local undertakings from one remote centre. In conformity with your resolution of last session, a Hill has been prepared with a view to the formation of Shire-Coun-cils. Probably, however, this measure may be deemed premature, until such time as the new Roads Ordinance, which it is proposed to bring into operation in June next, shall have had fair time to develop itself. A Bill will be submitted to you for the purpose of securing to Municipal and Shire Councils the whole of the Publicans’, Auctioneers’, and other licence fees levied within their respective boundaries, on condition that the main roads, when formed within

the said boundaries, shall be upheld and maintained by them. ~ . , ~ -r. Gentlemen.—'The sum paid into the rrovincial Treasury during the past year, from all sources, has amounted to L‘2SG,23 1 , while the sum expended has been 1/245,000. As, however, this is a subject which will be more fully brought before you by the Provincial Treasurer, I need not enlarge further than to state that the expenditure has been diffused generally throughout the Province, and that your cash votes for last session for roads and bridges, and public works, amounting to L 89.600,' have been expended, or arc in course of expenditure, to the ex Sent of LB2 000. Upon the whole, then, when it is borne in mind that the Province has not during the last year fingered one farthing of its Customs revenue, while it has had to provide for the carriage of its inland mails, for Police, Gaols, Hospita s, Lunatic Asylum, Education, Administration of Justice on Goldfields, as well as Interest on Loans, comparatively small as has been the expenditure on public works, it is satisfactory to find that the amount has been so As respects the future, it is useless to shut our eyes to the fact that the extent to which we can construct mid maintain public works throughout the Province must depend entirely upon the extent to which wc dispose of our waste lands. And while I hold that in administering the Land Act, the primary object must be and ought to be the actual settlement of the country ; at the same time, if the country is to bo rendered accessible and fit for settlement, we cannot ignore dealing with the land from a revenue point of view' likewise. In voting anything, therefore, beyond the absolutely necessary requirements of the public service for the current year it Ibad better be distinctly understood that'the expenditure will be entirely contingent upon the sale of land. I deem it right to lav so much stress upon this, inasmuch as there is a disposition on the part of some to dispose of the whole of our territory by way of free grants. The amendments proposed by you last session in the existing land regulations were, as you are aware, embodied m a Bill which was submitted to the General Assembly. This Bill, with some few alterations, received the sanction of the House of Representatives, but did not pass the other branch of the Legislature. A copy of the Bill as ■will be placed before you. 1 bis Bill will again be submitted to the Colonial Legislature at its next session, with, it is hoped, a more satisfactory result. Gentlemen,—With the prospect of railways superseding, in a great measure, the main trunk lines of road, and of the administration of the district roads being transferred to the District Road Boards ; it now only remains for me to say that we shall be actin'* wisely by as much as possible adapting our Governmental staff to its diminished functions and to the means at our disposal This should be done, not by reducing the salaries of our public officers, but by reducing their number and increasing their duties—simplifying the routine business of the Government by assimilating it to that of a commercial establishment. As indicative of the beneficial results which we _ may confidently look forward to, from the initiation and spread throughout the Province of the railway system, it may be interesting to state that in comparing the traffic returns on the Bluff and Winton Railways, as between the months of February and March, 1871, and the same months in 1872, with a comparatively small population, the passenger traffic has nearly doubled, the goods traffic being nearly trebled, and the revenue increased from L7OO to L9OO, notwithstanding a considerably reduced scale of charges during the latter period. ~ ~ Gentlemen. —I now declare this Council open for the despatch of business On, the motion of the Provincial Treasurer it was resolved that the Address be printed. The Provincial Treasurer laid mi '.he table copies of correspond! uce with the Home Agent, reports of the Police, Hospital, and Education Departments, and of the Industrial School, besides a variety of reports of merely local interest. The usual Standing Committees were appointed, The Provincial Treasurer and Goldfields Secretary gave notice of a great number of formal motions, chiefly relating to certain reserves for various purposes. On the motion of M i Bradshaw, the Standing Orders were suspended for the appointment of a House Committee. The motion was canied, and a committee appointed. The Provincial Trcaflurer laid on the table a report on Stewart s Island by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Invercargill, and Professor Black, which was ordered to be printed. In reply to a question by Mr Mcrvyn, the Speaker oaid it had not been thought advisable to make any alteration in the seats of the t iovincial Council. Mr Barton called attention to the bad ventilation of the House, and attributed to this the gradual deterioration of the speeches, measures, and manners of honorable members as the session progressed. The Speaker said it would be found that Mr Cairns’ report dealt with the matter. Amongst the notices of motion by private members, was one of Mr McGlashan to restrict the evening sittings of the House toll ■o’clock, and one by Mr Tolme, that to-mor-row he would move a reply to the address of the Superintendent. 'pjjg Provincial Solicitor laid on the table the following' Bills :—The Compulsory Land Taking Ordinance/(applicable to certain district roads) ; The Riverton Reserves Management Ordinance, 1872; The Licensed Carriages Ordinances (to be extended to Southland); The Police Ordinance, Repeal Ordinance, Southland, 1872 (to assimilate the Police Ordinance throughout the Province) ; The Invercargill Reserves Management Ordinance ; The Otago Roads Ordinance, Amendment Ordinance, 1872 ; TU<‘ Municipal and Shire Councils Local Revenues Bill. Ihey were each read a first time, ordered to be printed, and days appointed for the second readings. The Provincial Treasurer laul ou the table the Shires Ordinance, 1872, which was read a first time, and ordered to be printed ; the second reading to be taken on Friday. On the motion of the Provincial Treasurer, the House adjourned to two o’clock, to-mor-row.