PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Evening Star, Issue 2880, 13 May 1872, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Friday. THE UNIVERSITY. The Hon. Mr M'Lean moved—“ That an address be presented to his Honor the Supers intendent, requesting him to reserve and set apart 100,000 acres of pastoral land as a further endowment for the Otago University.” The hon. member pointed out the extreme unlikelihood of anything ever being obtained out of the general vote of L3OOO, so long as the so-called “ New Zealand University ” remained in existence. The Hon. Mr Holmes agreed with the mover of the motion, and referred to the prospective increase of the working expenses , of the Otago University, on account of the establishment of additional classes, &c. Mr Browne moved—“ That the debate be adjourned till after the Endowment Committee have brought up their report” which was supported by Mr Tkomspp ape) Mr Hutchisou. Mr Bathgate could see no object to be gained from delay, and thought that one moment’s delay should not be allowed longer than would be absolutely necessary. While we had the land to dispose of, we should see that a fair proportion of it was set apart for the purpose contemplated by the resolution. Mr Macassey referred to the varions prejudices and difficulties with which the Otago University had had to contend. These amongst other reasons were urged why the Council should at once proceed to do its very uttermost to properly eudow its own institution, aud also why the proposition for adjourning the debate should be withdrawn. Tke hon Br M envies’ apd several other hon. members spoke strongly ip favor of the motion.

The question for the adjournment of the debate was then put and lost on a division. The numbers being, ayes, 11, n cs, 20. Mr Shepherd proposed, as an amendment, to reduce the quantity to 50,000 acres, which was opposed by Mr M'Glashan, and lost. Mr M'Dermid proposed to add to the motion a request to set aside 5,000 acres as a further endowment for common schools ; but subsequently withdrew it. The original motion was then agreed to as moved. THE SOUTHERN MARKET RESERVE. Mr Reynolds moved “That a respectful address be presented to his Honor the Supertendent, requesting him not to sanction the leasing of any portion of the Southern Market Reserve for other purposes than that of a public market.” The motion was opposed by Messrs Bathgate, Allan, Reid, and ai'Glashan, and negatived on the voices. DUNEDIN HOSPITAL. Dr Webster’s resolutions respecting the Dunedin Hospital were brought under discussion last evening; and upon the first of them being put and l»fet, the remainder were withdrawn. [The substance of the resolutions will be found in our issue of Thursday.] BLUFF HARBOR WHARF. On the motion of the Hon. Mr Holmes, it was resolved—" That in the opinion of this Council, additional wharf accommodation is required at Bluff Harbor; and that the Government be requested to take the steps necessary to secure the early completion of the work.” FREE SCHOOLS. Mr G. F. C. Browne moved—“ That there be laid on the table a return, showing the number of children attending the free schools in Dunedin, and the cost of maintaining the same; also, the number of destitute children attending the different district schools, and what fees are paid by the Government.’ The motion was put and affirmed. The Provincial Solicitor laid on the table several new Bills, and the House adjourned till Monday at 2 p m. This Day. The Speaker took the chair at 2 o’clock. REPORTS ON C. W, ADAM’S PETITIONS, The report of the Committee on Private Petitions stated that they had examined into the circumstances complained of by the district surveyors in the matter of the survey pf land purchased by Mr Clarke. The regulations required that except in peculiar urgency, the Surveyor, Mr Clarke, should be entitled to all surveys in the district, but as one of the conditions of purchase was that be should employ bis own surveyors, it mutt be considered a peculiar urgency. The Committee recognised the necessity for some regulation to protect district surveyors. PETITIONS. Several petitions were presented, which were referred to the Private Petitions Committee. RETURNS, The Provincial Secretary laid reports of the Dunedin and Invercargill Gaols on the table, as well as the correspondence and teleframe referring to the sale of land at Moa lat. AX3WEKS TO QUESTIONS. In reply to Mr Shepherd, the Provincial Secretary said the pa; ers and documents iu regard to the Oretl Railway were not in possession of the Government, but were at present in the hands of the committee inquiring in.o the subject. He therefore could not answer the question. In answer to Mr Henderson, the dredge was still under the control of the Roads and Works Department, but that some members of the Government were of opinion it was cheaper to do the work by contract than by day labor. No tenders had been and of course the dredging would have to he done as formerly. In answer to Mr G. F. C. Browne, it was stated that Mr Smith, of Glenfield Station, had no permission from the Government to fence in block 7, Waitahuna. Correspondence was going on with Mr Smith on the subject, who intended purchasing the land necessary for fencing, in reply to Mr Sumpter, the Provincial Secretary said in consequence of there being three departments connected with the Crown grants, the return moved for would not only be a long one, but very probably incorrect. It was therefore not thought desirable to proceed with it. REPRESENTATIVE VOLUNTEERS. On Mr Cuttcn’s motion, a resolution was adopted, requesting Mr Speaker to convey the Councils thanks to the Otago representatives for the able and successful manner iu which they represented the Province at the recent Colonial prize firing. MOTION, Mr Daniel moved “ That in the opinion of this Council the construction of a tramway, or light railway, from Riverton to Orepuki gold field, would open up a largo area of good agricultural land, and render the same available for settlement ; also enable the extensive coal deposits in that neighbourhood to he worked ; develop large tracts of the finest tiiuuer for railway purposes, and obviate the expenditure of some hundreds of pounds, which must be spent upon the present road to make it available ; and that the proceeds of a portion of the Crown lands, whicn would bp rendered available by said works, would suffice for its construction. Resolved therefore, that the Superintendent be requested to toke the necessary steps for the construction of same, by payment, in laud as provided by the ‘ So thland Waste Lands Act.’ 1865. He showed that very little money had been expended in the district, that such a tramroad would open up fine agricultural and mineral districts. There wpre coal, wood, apd gold. The' cogt of frpight pf necessaries for two horns’ sail was 1-5 to L 6 a ton, and occasionally provisions were scarce and dear Were land opened up for sale, it would he bought by the miners?. A memorandum was read from Pr lessors Black and Sale, pointing out the value of the district, and that a tramway to Riverton would be a great advantage. [Left sitting.]