PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Evening Star, Issue 3808, 8 May 1875, Page 3

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Friday, Mat 7.

When the Council met at 7 pm., the newlyelected member for the Lakes (Mr Mauders) was introduced by the Goldfields Secretary and took his seat.

In answer to questions, thefJG overnment stated -{!.) That there was due on Immigration Bills L44,15f>, of which only LlB5 lbs had been collected during the past year. The Government intended to get the amounts from those known to he able and willing to pay. They expected to take two or three prominent cases into Court if necessary, to let the public know that these fees should be paid ; (2.) the Government had that day received intimation that the area of land required to be taken up under defen eel payments had been taken up, notwithstanding the difficulties and obstructions that had been thrown in -the way, and they were, now legally authorised to set apart land to the extent of 30,000 idfes in the district of Southland. If tne honorable member could indicate, or the •Government found on inquiry, that the country at Waiau was suitable, the Government would throw it open on deferred payments, or under agricultural lease, which would probably suit the residents quite as well. (3.) The last report as to the sanitary condition of Cromwell was dated November 9, 1874. The town was then in an improved state, and tbe health of the inhabitants all that could be desired Further efforts had recently been made to im prove the sanitary condition of the town, and one of the most important aids to that end— a water supply—would soon be given to the Jowftsjiip. ’ The following Bills were read a third time and passed :—Dunedin Recreation Reserve Change, Fairfax School Lands Sale, Roxburgh Reserve Management, Lawrence Reserve Sale, There was quite a field night for the Southland members, occasioned by Mr Lumsden's motion—“ That in the opinion of this Council, the claim of the district of Southland for the direct shipment to the Bluff of a fair proportion of the immigrants now arriving in the Colony under the Colonial schane of immigration, is a fair and reasonable one —in view of the conditions of re-union accepted by the respective Provincial Counula of the late Otago and Southland divisions of the now united Province.” And to which was tacked on a request that the Superintendent would forward it to the Co'onial Government with a recommendation according therewith. The mover, Mr Daniel, and Mr Wood contended that the reunion compact should be strictly observed. The last-mentioned gave Mr Lumsden a rap ever the-knuckles-tor not consulting with the Other member for the district before tabling the motion. Ultimately the discussion was adjourned till Monday. The Council recommended reserves at Queenstown for an Athemeum ; at Oamaru for a town hall site ; at Green Hills and Green vale for a quarry; at Shotover for school buildings ; and at Arrowtown for a municipal endowment.