PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Evening Star, Issue 3248, 18 July 1873, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Wednesday, July 16. PETITIONS. Petitions were presented from the inhabitants of Hyde and the neighborhood, praying for the construction of a bridge over the Taien river (Mr Oliver); from Mr F. C. Fulton, landowner, and Ephraim Maohin, leaseholder in the neighborhood, complaining of the closing up of the Mam North RoadQUESTIONS. In answer to questions, Government stated that they had obtained a report on the flooding of and damage to the Main Central Road, caused by the silting up of the channel of the Silverstream, and the Engineer recommended that a careful survey should be made, in order to determine the best means of providing for the escape of the flood waters of the Silverstream. In the meantime, the Government had placed a sum on the Estimates to afford temporary relief until the necessary survey could be made.—Government thought they would be justified in subsidising Boards of Conservators out of the Provincial subsidy, and on the same footing as the Road Boards. The Secretary of Lands moved (in reply to Message No. 9)—“ That this Council having had under consideration his Honor’s Message No, 9, relative to the proclamation of _ Hundreds, approves of the recommendation as therein contained, and respectfully requests his Honor to take the necessary steps to jgive effect thereto.” He said there was an impression abroad that the Waste Land Board were inclined to act in opposition to the Government. He could not believe it, but that all they desired was that they were expected to act independently of any influence. The Board included men whose interests wore bound up in the prosperity of the Province, and therefore would act with the Government if there was no attempt to go beyond the law. With regard to Hundreds on runs 185 and 250, the ground was between Deep and Lees streams, and, according to the chief surveys, half of it was ploughable and fit for cultivation in grasses, and therefore suitable for stock. The Hundred on 74 and 165 was between 400 and 1,000 feet • above the level of the sea. It was in the neighborhood of bush and the next Hundred was extensively settled. The block on runs 137 and 123, 300 to 1,300 feet above the level of the sea (of 15,000 acres) had in addition about 5,000 acres added, and was set apart for purchase on deferre d payments. More than one-third of it was capable of cultivation, and it was determined to throw it open on deferred payments, to give the settlers upon it the advantage of grazing rights within Hundreds. Mr M'Kenzie moved that the House consider the resolutions in Committee. Dr Menzies moved the adjournment of the debate till to-morrow, to enable contingent notices of motion to be put on the notice paper, Mr Reid asked the Secretary of Lands what was to be sold on deferred payments ? The Secretary of Lands complained of inconsistency in the plans of the Government, which he held were altered from day to day. With regard to some of the Hundreds, he had heard they were not adapted for settlement, but were worse than the Traqnair Hundred. At the time it was proclaimed it was not considered good land ; but was better than some about to be proclaimed. In the Crookston Hundred choice land was surveyed and laid out, and when brought into the market was bought up by the runholder at one pound per acre. He wished that to be avoided by setting aside a quantity of land on each Hundred in deferred payments. It had been regretted that not more than 30,000 acres could be opened up on deferred payments in one year. It was possible, however, to extend this by giving compensation to runholders on the goldfields, and opening it for settlement under the Agricultural Lease system. On the Crookston Hundred there was no settlement, but had that been settled on deferred payments, it would be better than at present. Another provision of the Land Act was that land which had been open for sale could be sold at 15s an acre on deferred payments, and he thought it would be a great advantage to the country. He should not agree to opening Hundreds if sold as the Clarkston Hundred was. Mr Shand said the Government had put 20,000 acres of the best land in the country into blocks on deferred payments, a course which had been complained of bitterly by qld settlers. From his knowledge, not half of the land proEosod to be proclaimed into Hundreds was the est in the country; but, although 1,200 feet above the level of the sea, if sold at 20s per acre, it would be put to a better purpose than at present. Mr Stout said, if the land was so valuable as represented, the Government would do well to reserve the whole on deferred payments. The Secretary op Lands asked how Hundreds could be declared unless one-third was agricultural land? The land in Hundreds was not so good as that reserved for sals on deferred payments. Mr M‘Kenzie supported the adjournment. Mr Haggitt would not fee prepared to support the Government unless convinced the Hundreds satisfied the 97th section of Act 1872 read with 97 A, It provided that one-third of the area should be suitable for agriculture. He was not acquainted with the character of the land in two of the proposed Hundreds, but on the reports of persons held reliable by the Government. If the other Hundreds were of the same character, the Government would be as likely to have sold as if the whole Province was proclaimed a Hundred. Amongst the land proposed a Hundred in 1871, was that called the Beaumont Hundred, of which only 1,500 acres out of 10,000 acres was suitable for agriculture. Therefore the chances of having it proclaimed were very remote. If that were the case, how could the Executive persuade the Governor there was one-third agricultural land. The opinion was found on the evidence of Warden Simpson, Peter Robinson, and others of all classes, If that was the class of land, the Government could not have thoroughly oonsidered the matter. Either the country had altered in its features, or the evidence of the witnesses was not reliable. He could not believe that the Government had stated it was their intention to reserve all the agricultural land for settlement on deferred payments. Mr M'Dkrmid thought the question had not been put fairly and clearly before the House. He could not support the Government without further information. The debate was adjourned. TREE PLANTING.

The Secretary of Lands moved—“ That a respectful address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent requesting him to make application to his Excellency the Governor to declare ‘ The Forest Trees Planting Encouragement Act 1872,’ to be in operation in the Province of Otago.” Mr Reid -said in the Waste Lands Act of Otago provision was made for a like purpose better calculated to ensure the object. Wore people aware of the regulations, land would be extensively taken up for the purpose. More planting was required. He believed people were deterred by an idea of the expense. Dr Menzies concurred in the object, but suggested that the Government should consider which Act was most conducive to the encouragement of planting. Were it possible to have the sandhills planted on the Ocean Beach, the climate would be much improved. In certain parts of Europe, where sandhills drifted on to agricultural land, it had become stable by planting certain plants. The same might be done in order to grow forest trees. Mr Allan thought if L2OO or L3OO were placed on the Estimates for seeds for gratuitous distribution, it would do much towards securing planting,

Mr M‘Lhan thought that as many pSrsofaS had planted expensive trees largely, the Act should be brought -into Operation for their protection.' , Mr M'GlasSan thought the provisions of the Act were not sufficiently liberal. It was brought forward by Mr Rolleston, Superintendent of Canterbury, where land was worth 1/2 an acre. He thought three or four acres should be given instead of one to one, for planting was an expensive process with trees at L 5 a thousand.

Mr Stout thought the object was not to pay for planting, but to encourage it, and therefore one acre to one was sufficient. Dr. Webster said that for every acre planted a bonus of two acres was given. Mr Rbid explained that the provisions of the Act gave power to purchase eight acres instead of one. The motion as amended was carried. Mr Wood moved:—“ That an address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, requesting that he reserve from sale and set apart all that piece or parcel of land shown on the record map of the Green Hills township as block 4 ; also the land situated between the said block and the Bluff ani Invercargill Railway, together containing 6a 2r 16p. more or less, a Stone Reserve for the use of the Municipality of Invercargill” . ’• Mr Lumsden seconded the motion, and said that although it was fifteen or sixteen miles from Invercargill, it was the only means of obtaining stone for road and street metal. Dr Wkbstkr said the Government would prefer that instead of counting the advantages to Invercargill, the motion should be altered to make the reserve applicable to public purposes. Mr M‘Glashan thought the reserves of gravel and stone for road purposes .should be placed under the control of road boards. Dr. Menzies supported the motion. A few years ago stone for road metal cost 17s 6d a yard. The Government made an arrangement with a person at 10s a yard, and now that the railway passed through the proposed reserve.

stone could be obtained at reasonable prices, and in unlimited quantities, Mr Wood explained. What was asked was only a small area compared with the quantity of stone, and there would be ample supply for all purposes. The motion was carried. MISCELLANEOUS, The following motions were carried That the petition of the inhabitants of Harrisyiile be referred to the Government; that sections 25 to 31 inclusive, black 7, Western District, be set apart as a coal reserve. CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAYS. Mr Bastings stated, with reference to the series of resolutions standing in his name proposing the completion of the main line of railway from Waitaki to Invercargill, and the construction of several branch lines, that he had drawn up another set of resolutions, and therefore wished to allow the resolutions on the Order Paper to lapse. HARBOR RECLAMATION. Mr Bastings moved the following resolution: —“ Referring to his Honor’s Message No. .7, this Council concurs with the Superintendent in respect to the expediency of the proposed reclamation of the mud fiat at the head of Dunedin Bay, provided the works can be accomplished within the limits specified in the repeat of the Provincial Engineer, attached to the Message. This Council further hereby empowers the Government to take the necessary action accordingly.” Thehon. member said it was anticipated that if this land were reclaimed and put up for auction it would realise L 2,500 per acre. Thursday, July 17. PETITIONS. Petitions were presented from the Mayor and Town Council of Lawrence, praying that certain land should be set aside as a corporation reserve.—(Mr Brown.) From certain freeholders in Lawrence, praying that steps should _be taken to prevent the flooding of their sections through the operations of the Blue Spur miners.—(Mr B^stjqgs,) QUESTIONS. In reply to questions the Government stated that it was their intention to let the maintop nance of the main roads by contract ; and they also intended to have better supervision—to employ more foremen to overlook the contractors. Government were not aware that, during the last few days, 700 acres of land in the neighborhood of Maerewhenua, and supposed to be auriferous, had been sold to the Hon. R. Campbell at 10s per acre : but the Secretary of Lands would make himself acquainted with the facts, and would answer the question next day. CONSTRUCTION OP RAILWAYS.

The Secretary for Works, in moving that the House should take into consideration his Honor’s Messages,. No 5 and 6, re railways, asked leave (which was granted) to add the following words to the resolqtion :—■* Provided that no block pr parcel of land should be sqld for the above 'purposes of rail and tramway development situated on the goldfields of the Province, until a report has first been obtained from the Warden of the district, and also an independent report from two gentlemen appointed by the Central Miners’ Association, setting forth that the land proposed to be sold is not payably auriferous, nor likely, by becoming freehold, to impede mining enterprise; the cost of such reports to be defrayed by the Government. And in no case shall any land be sold for the purposes specified in the above resolution without being advertised, in accordance with the 81st section of the ‘ Otago Waste Lands Act, 1872,’ not less than one month before being sold by auction, or being considered by the Waste Land Board, iq a newspaper circulating in the district in which, the block or parcel proposed to be sold is situated, as well as in the Government Gazette.’’ After alluding to the necessity that existed for completing the main lines, if Dunedin wished to retain its position as the first City in the Colony, the hpn. 'member said the only point of difference was the means of carrying out the object desired. From the feeling against the sale of land lately expressed by the Council they knew many members would strongly object to the proposals now made, but many politicians who had thought oyer the matter argued that if the Province did not sell, as it would be justified in selling, such an amount of land as was necessary for the construction of public works, the Colonial Government might step in and sell the land for them. With regard to the Green Island banchlet it would not only effect such a saving in road maintenance as to go a long way in a few years toward* paying for the cost of construction, but would yield an enormous profit to the Government. It had been stated by some hon. members that they should -endeavour to induce the General Government to construct those branchlets; but he might say that this matter had been mooted between the late Executive and the General Government, and they had received a distinct answer from the latter that it was not their intention to construct those branchlets. He knew that it was the opinion of some hon. members that the Government should allow those branchlets to be constructed by private enterprise. He disagreed with that He might say that the Government had a private offer to construct this line, but they declined to accept it. He had no doubt that a great many private people would be glad to construct these lines, as they would prove to be payable speculations. But that was all the more reason why the Government should retain the power of carrying out those very desirable works. The next line was the Waiareka Valley. ‘ With regard to this line he had collected some reliable statistical information, which he would now lay before the House. He might state that if a light railway were not made down the Waiareka Valley, it would be necessary to make a road there, because it was a fact that for years past the farmers could not get the produce of their farms to market. The Waiareka Valley passed through the garden of the Northern District, and contained 35,000 acres of fine agricultural land. The estimated traffic for the first year was as follows .’—Grain and flour, 8,000 tons ; wool, 2,240 tons ; stone, 7,000 tons; lignite, 2,000 tons; merchandise, I,soo—making a total of about 00 tons per day. This would give a revenue, at 5s per ton, of L 5,285. The present cartage was double that price. This estimated revenue was exclusive of passenger traffic, and would pay eight per cent, upon the outlay after deducting the working expenses. If the railway were constructed, there would be a probable increase of all kinds of traffic.* The next Hue was the Riverton and Orepuki branch. The estimated cost of that line was' L 60,000. A portion of it had already been assented to by the Council last year. L 5,000 had been voted and expended upon the construction of a bridge over Jacob’s River, and some of it upon the survey of a portion of the line. Although he did not agree as a rule with the principle of paying for public works in land, yet he thought this was an exceptional case. It was only requisite that a light railway should be put through this portion of the country in order tor open up a very valuable timber trade; and unless this portion of the Province was made accessible by means of a railway, it was probable that it would He dormant for many years. The Warden of the district had also informed him that if this portion of the country were opened up, they wo\d(|

find at the extreme end of the line a Very mluSble goldfield. The district was also veiy rich fn other resources. The line from Riverton to OtaUtau passed through a very large agncul1. 1 ™,n*rv and the Government would be obliged to construct through the district either a main or a hght railway. The cost of the railway would be very little more than L 20.000. In answer to Mr Ireland, The Goldfields Secretary said the Government intended to dispose of the pastoral land in blocks of not more than 2,500 acres and upwards, but not more than 5,000 acres in one block. Mr Reid admitted the necessity for the completion of the main trunk lines, even if the Province had to do them; but thought their energies ought to be concentrated on the completion of the line from Dunedin to Moeraki, which was the more important of the two. It was impolitic for the Province to go on constructing a number of lines at once, as the effect would be to paralyse the labor market. He was of opinion that the only way they could get those railways constructed was by means of a loan in some shape. He did not believe they would be able, even if desirable, to sell a sufficient area of land for the construction of those lines. He would propose an amendment, but he did not do so from any hostile feeling towards the Government. He would propose the following amendment : —“ That all the words in the first resolution after the first word ‘ That ’ down to and including the words * hereby given ’ be omitted, with the view of inserting in lieu thereof the following 1 That in the opinion of this Council it is expedient that the extension of the Southern Trunk Railway from Balclutha to Mataura and the Main Northern line from Moeraki to Dunedin, should be at once proceeded with, and that the General Government be respectfully requested to take steps under the Immigration and Public Works Acts, with a view to|the construction of these lines.’ In the event of the General Government not agreeing to undertake the immediate completion of these railways, and in order to place the Provincial Executive in a position to do so, this Council resolves—(l.) That the whole of the unsold agricultural lands through which the lines are to be constructed, and such areas of pastoral lands contiguous thereto, as may be calculated to yield sufficient revenues to repay the cost of constructing the works, be set apart, and that the revenues to be derived from the sale and occupation of such lands be placed to a fund for repayment of principal and interest on any sums which this Council may sanction for the construction of the said railways. (2.) That the whole of the agricultural lands inr eluded in the areas s.o set apart shall he alienated on the system of deferred payments only. (3.) That the pastoral lands (in the event of any being sold) shall be expesed for sale in blocks of net more than 2,500 acres, due care being taken to reserve auriferous lands.” The difference between this amendment and the resolution would be that it would be clearly understood that the lines were to be constructed out of borrowed money. Dr Menzies seconded the amendment. Mr Bastings said the Government would

consider the proposal of the lion, member for Taieri jn tfye spirit in which it was brought forward. He would propose that the debate should be adjourned, in order that the amendment might be printed and considered by hon. members. The debate was then adjourned, and made an order of the day for the next sitting. MAIN BOAD FROM PALMERSTON TO SHAG POINT. Mr M'Kenzie moved —“That in the opinion of this Council the Government should take over the main road from Palmerston to Shag Point, and provide for the maintenance of the same as a main branch road.”—Carried. DAILY MAIL TO OAMABU. Mr Stout, in the absence of Mr Mills, moved —“ That an address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, requesting that he will urge on th# General Government the great necessity that exists for the establishment of a daily mail between Dunedin and Oamaru, calling at intermediate Post Offices.”—Carried. IMMIGBANT VESSELS TO CALL AT THE BLUFF. Mr Kinboss moved —“ That this Council is of opinion that the recommendation of the Reunion Commissioners, under the head Immigration, * That at least every third vessel should make the Bluff an advertised port of call, or oftener if found necessary,’ should be carried out; and requests the Government to take steps to carry the recommendation into effect.” —Carried.

GOLDFIELDS COMMITTEE.

Mr MacKELLAR brought up a report by the Select Committee on Goldfields, respecting the Cardrona Arbitration Case (Cottar and others). The Committee stated they were of opinion that it was not competent for the Government to tafce the stand o! saying that no compensation would be paid by them ; and further that the Government were bound to pay the award, or to take steps to have the award set aside, and a fresh arbitration entered upon. He also brought up a report by the same Committee, upon the petition of forty-two miners _ and shareholders in mining companies in Manuka Creek District. The Committee reported as follows “ Ist. Your Committee is of opinion that the prayer of this petition should be granted, and that an arrangement should be made with Mr Murray, of Glenore, in the same friendly spirit that gentleman shows in his letter herewith attached, 2nd. That an absolute exchange of ground should be made if possible—non-auriferous land being given for the auriferous land now in Mr Murray's possession. 3rd. That, however, the said land should first be ascertained to be undeniably auriferous. Your Committee would also draw your attention to the desirability of the whole question of mining on freehold property being dealt with by the Legislature, and your Committee would urge upon your attention the immediate necessity of introducing a clause into the Waste Lands Act reserving all minerals in the soil to the Crown.” Mr Reid explained that his amendment had been misunderstood. He regretted the Council had not agreed to adopt some uniform system before going into Committee, and had he had the opportunity he could have shown that the amendment was calculated to assist the Government in getting the Estimates passed without that scrambling which usually took place. The Provincial Treasurer, at a later period of the day, said he was prepared to accept the assurance of the member for the Taieri that he brought forward his amendment in no hostile spirit; but that hon. member must be aware that the Government could not look upon the motion except as an intimation that they were to remodel the Estimates; and under these circumstances the Government had no option but to decline to do so. The hon. member had referred to the spirit which actuated the Government in framing the Estimates —that they did so with a view to helping friends, or in compliance with the representations of persistent friends of certain officers. He csuld assure the hon. member that the Government had not been actuated in the slightest way by outside influence. They had considered the case of each officer on its merits, and the duties he was called upon to perform. SUPPLY. On the motion for the House going into Committee of Supply being put, Mr Bbid said, as he intimated on the previous day, he considered that in dealing with the salaries of the Civil servants, the Council should fix some scale that would be fair to all of them, so that those who might have friends, and so that outside influence might not be exercised in favor of some officers, while others, perhaps equally deserving, were left at the reduced rates at which their salaries were placed some two years ago. He moved That it is inexpedient to increase the salaries as voted on last year’s Estimates, except in such special cases, if any, as may be shown to require alteration ; and in the event of any increase being made other than those specially referred to, this Council is of opinion that the whole of the salaries "should be reinstated as they were before the reductions were made in 1871.” Mr Lumsden seconded the amendment. Mr TURNBULL intimated that the amendment would be accepted by tie Government as a Government question, and reminded the House that they stated on the day previous that they were not disposed to raise the salaries all round, but considered the officers should be paid according to their qualifications and the work done. He did not see that because one man was worth L 25 a year more, the Government therefore must raise the salary of every other officer. Such was not the practice carried out in private affairs, nor should it obtain in public affairs. A great deal of time and attention had been given 1° the Estimates, and the Government were not prepared to remodel them in the manner indicated. After some observations by Messrs Fish, Stout, Davie, Haggitt, and Roberts, a division was called for and taken with the following rtgxlt:— Ayes, 12 Messrs Allan, Green, Ireland, Kinross, Lumsden, Menzies, M'Kellar, M‘Kenzie, Reid (teller), Stout (teller), Wilson, and Wood. NoEB, 25—Messrs Bastings, Brown J. 0., fkowne G. F, 0., Olaxk H. ? Gumming, Daniel,

Davie, Do Lantour, Fish, Haggitt (teller), Hazlett, MolHson, M‘Dermid, M'Glashan, M'Lean, M‘Neil, Oliver (teller), Roberts, Rogers, Shand, Teschemaker, Tolmie, Turnbull, Turton and Webster.