PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Evening Star, Issue 3493, 4 May 1874, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

, Monday, May 4. ''£;js«feitions were presented from the Hon. Major Richardson, praying that the Council would take into consideration the grant of 1.500 towards the Reference Library, and take such measure as to it might seem’expedient to enable all classes of society, with out distinction, to partake freely of the benefits of the! grant; from 100 settlers at the .'wake, Gldnomaru, and Cat)in’s River, praying that roads might be opened up, so that they might enter into possession of the lands lately purchased by them. (By Mr Henderson.) From fifty residents at Tuapeka and Waitahuna, praying that inquiry might be made into the closing of certain roads. (By Mr Brown.) From settlers at Popotunoa, asking that certain blocks might be thrown open for sale on the deferred payment system. (By Mr ,'M‘Neil.) • : From William Latham, praying for a consideration of his case. (By dr Green) From Christopher May, ia respect of a residence area at Switzers, (By Mr Ireland.) , From the inhabitants of Naseby, protesting against the proposed granting of the naseby recreation reserve for gold-mining purposes. (By Mr Oliver.) From W. Williamson, manager of the Kakanui Waterrace Company, praying for,inquiry into the matter of the company’s water rights on the river. (B\r Mr de Latour ) Message; No, 2 invited, in terms of a letter from the Colonial Secretary j an expression of opi lion, by the Council in regard to the Goldfields Bill which lapsed .last session. Mr Turnbull moved the, adjournment of the Council till 2 p.m. to morrow ; and, in seconding the motion, Dr Webster explained that he had unsuccessfully tried to form a Government, and had recommended the Superintendent to send for Mr Reid, in the hope that he would be able to form a strong Government which would give satisfaction to all parts of the House 1 , Mr Reid supplemented Dr Webster’s statement by saying that on Saturday he received a message from the Superintendent requesting him to come to Dunedin as. soon as convenient, with a view to undertaking the task of forming a Government. He complied with that message, and this morning waited upon his Honor,, and after conversation with him, had agreed to undertake the task of forming a new Executive, He had not been able to make very much progress yet, having only been in, Dunedin a. few honrsi He. had to request that the House would; adjourn till tomorrow. He was not prepared to say that progress would then be made, but it would be well for the House to meet from day to day, so that in the event of success attending his efforts, they might proceed with business. The Council then adjourned.