PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 26, 30 June 1874, Page 3

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Monday, June 21). The Speaker took the chair at 5 p.m. MESSAGE FROM HIS HONOR THE SU RE RINT END ENT. The Speaker announced that ho had received a message from His Honor the Superintendent, forwarding the Lyttelton Harbor Reserves Ordinance, 1574, On the motion of Mr Maude, the message was ordered to be taken into consideration next sitting day. PETITIONS, Mr JEBSON presented a petition from several persons praying that the Council would c'iusc provision to bo made for roads in the Malvern district, and to Hart’s coalmine. The petition was read and received. Mr Maskell presented a petition signed by 555 residents and travellers in the Northern district, praying for the abolition of the toll-gate now existing at the Weka Pass, The petition was read and received. PAPERS. Mr Maude laid several returns and papers connected with his department on the table. LYTTELTON AND KAIAPOI REGATTA. Mr Webb asked the Secretary for Public Works, without notice, whether the Government intended to place a sum of money on the supplementary estimates for the Kaianoi and Lyttelton regatta. The Government promised to do this last session, but he failed to find it on the supplementary estimates. Mr Maude said that the Government intended to put this amount on the estimates, but it had been omitted from the estimates by mistake. HEN PHEASANTS. Sir Cracroft Wilson called the attention of the Government to the fact that a hen pheasant had been publicly exposed for sale in the shop of Mr Lane, butcher, Cashel street. ASHBURTON BRIDGE. Mr Maude said that before proceeding with the business of the day he would desire to reply to several questions asked at last sitting, which he had not had time to reply. In reply to the question of the lion member for Ashburton (Mr Walker) viz, “ What communications have passed between the Provincial Government and the Minister for Public Works on the subject of the embankments leading to the Ashburton bridge ; and if the Minister for Public Works has announced his decision,” he might say that a reply was he believed now on its way from Wellington, the purport of which was that the Chief Engineer was decidedly of opinion that no danger need be apprehended from the railway works now in course of construction. In reply to the hon member for the Bay (Mr Pilliet), who asked on Friday whether the claims for compensation of T. Fades and another, arising from a wrongful sale of waste lands at Okaiu’s Bay, and also of T. Priest, arising from unofficial error of survey at the same place, have been recognised with a view of speedy settlement? he might say, as regarded Fades and Fluty, that they had bought a section, No 20,523, which the Waste Lands Board found afterwards had been sold previously. They accepted refund of purchase money, £SO for 28 acres, and subsequently rendered a bill for £3O 9s 2d, claiming compensation for travelling, hotel expenses, and loss of time. The Waste Lands Board had the claim under consideration, and would report to the Government upon it. Respecting the second part of the question, he might state that the Chief Surveyor recommended, upon the report of the District Surveyor, that the sum of £l2 should be paid to Mr Priest, and a voucher had been passed for this sum. SAVING BRIDGE, PERRY ROAD. Mr Fisher asked what provision the Government intended to make now that the tolls on this bridge had been removed ? Mr Maude replied that the Government intended to make provision on the supplementary estimates for a man to attend to the bridge. [Hear, hear.] LUGGAGE CHARGES ON THE RAILAVAY. Dr Rayner asked the Government if they intend to provide truckage accommodation for transit of passengers’ luggage from ship’s side on arrival and departures of steamers from Lyttelton to Christchurch and from Christchurch to Lyttelton, 2. To reduce charges for transit of passengers’ luggage by rail to and from Lyttelton to Christchurch. 3. To reduce and revise storage charges at station for passengers’ luggage, 4. To license the porters plying there for hire and compelling them to wear distinctive badges ; also a fixed scale of charges for carriage of luggage, regulated according to size of packages and distance of conveyance. Mr Maude replied, as regarded No. 1, that he might say the Government had given instructions, a few days since, to have a truck ready to take passengers’ luggage from the steamers at the Gladstone Wharf to the station, [Hear, hear,] In answer to No. 2 he might state that the Government had been lately in communication with the engineer respecting the carriage of passengers by a carriage to and from the Gladstone Wharf. The engineer had represented that there was a curve in the line to the Gladstone Wharf which would require easing before it would be right to run carriages upon it; and this it avus intended to carry out. [Hear, hear.] Respecting the last portion of the question, the Government had been in communication with the Borough Council of Lyttelton on the subject, and the Government had made the proposition to the Borough Council that, if they licensed porters, the Government would assist them preventing other persons coming Avithin the grounds of the station premises unless licensed by the Borough Council. The matter of licensing porters, however, was a municipal matter, and one that the Government could not interfere with. It rested entirely with the Borough Council to take steps in the matter. subsidizing omnibuses. Mr W. C. Walker moved —“ That the Government be requested to make arrangements for subsidizing omnibuses so long as the passenger station is as far as the town belt from the centre of Christchurch, to mu between the railway station and the postoffice, in connection with each train, the railway faro to include the omnibus fare.

Mr Maude said the Government could not accept this resolution ; there were plenty of cabs and omnibuses running to and from the station, and the Goverumeutcould not undertake to carry out what the hou member required. Mr Walker ultimately withdrew his motion without further discussion. BRIDGE over the gorge of the kakata. Mr Walker moved the House into committee to consider the following resolution ; —“ That a respectful address be presented to his Honor the Suporinlciideut, to place a sura not exceeding £3OOO on the supplementary estimates for the purpose of erecting a wire or iron suspension bridge at the Gorge of the llaknia. Mr Jebson seconded the motion.

Mr Maude said that ho hoped the bon member would withdraw his motion as it was premature. When the time arrived the Government would, if they saw their way clear, wish to elect a substantial bridge for cart or railway trallic, and would then ask the Council to vote a sum for that purpose, so as a bridge similar to that erected over the Waimakiriri Gorge might he put up. The Government would therefore ask the hou member to withdraw the motion, as if they spent the money now asked for it would be thrown away. Mr Walker said he could sec no necessity for withdrawing his resolution. Perhaps some year or two hence- the Government chest would not lie as full as it was now, and the money would not be at the disposal of the Government to do the work. The motion for going into committee was then put and declared to bo negatived on the voices. i Mr Knight called for a division which took place as 'follows : Ayes 13 Noes 17 Majority against the motion ... 4 The motion was therefore negatived. Ll AND No. 2 RIVERS. Mr Knight moved the House into committee to consider the following resolution : —“ That his Honor the Superintendent be respectfully requested to place on the supplementary estimates a sura not exceeding £ISOO, to renew the vote of last session for the LI and No 2 rivers.” Mr Maude said that the Government would place a sum of £3OO on the supplementary estimates as a grant in aid of the works necessary to render these rivers available for the drainage of the district.

Mr Knight said after Avhat had fallen from the Secretary for Public Works he would ask leave to withdraw the resolution.

Leave was given and the resolution was Avithdrawn. PURDIC BUILDINGS IN CHRISTCHURCH. ‘

Mr Maude moved —“That the resolution of this Council, dated the 13th May, 1873, referring to the site for public buildings in Christchurch, be reconsidered, and that the Resident Magistrate’s Court-house and offices be erected on land belonging to the Provincial Government, adjacent to the Supreme Court buildings.” In moving the resolution he might point out the convenience which would result from the Magistrate’s Court being built in proximity to the Supreme Court, as the library might be open for consultation easily by the profession AvhCH engaged in both Courts. He hoped, therefore, the House would agree to the resolution. On the motion of Mr Knight the report of the commissioners on public buildings Avas read as folloAvs ; “ Christchurch, 25th June, 1874.

“ Sir, —We have the honor to submit to the Provincial Government objections, which we feel it our duty to make, to the site that has been proposed for the public ouildings in Cathedral square, immediately opposite the Cathedral.

1. “The site, as hitherto proposed, Avould necessitate a very handsome and expensive building with four faces ; any building that was not far beyond the means at the disposal of the commissioners would be dwarfed by being placed immediately under the Cathedral, and Avould look moan and out of place.

2. “ Even if there were means to erect such buildings, as would be suitable to such a site, it AA’ould be unadvisablc to place them where they would be surrounded by narrow streets, and where there Avould be no convenience for yards or back premises.

3. “It would be a serious loss to thctoAvn to block up with buildings the whole Avestcrn side of the square : and we arc satisfied that the architectural effect of both the public buildings and the cathedral Avould be altogether spoiled by such an arrangement. 4. “We propose that the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Avhich was to have been built ou section No. 702 on the south side of the square, which now belongs to the Government, should bo built instead, on the site adjoining the Supreme Court, and that the public buildings be erected in two blocks, one on section No. 703, and the other on section No. 735 opposite. For this purpose it Avould be necessary to purchase section 736,

“The telegraph and post offices might be built on one block, and the oilier offices required, such as those of Customs and Registration, might be built ou the other. This separation would not cause any inconvenience, and would have the advantage of dividing the risk from fire. It would be far easier, ou these sites, to erect handsome and suitable buildings at a moderate cost than on the central site, and there would be greater facilities for providing back premises. It would not be necessary to build more at the present time than is immediately required ; whereas, no building could be put upon the central site which was not complete in its architectural design. “ It will be scon, from the plan forwarded herewith, how advantageously the square could bo laid out, if the sites avc propose were adopted. Ample space Avould be secured all round the public buildings, all sharp corners would be cut oil, there would be room for any amount of traffic that may be created in the centre of the town, and full justice Avould be done to any buildings that may be erected there. It is a question of fronting the buildings on a handsome square, instead of on a narrow thoroughfare. “As avc think the change of site as proposed of such importance for the successful carrying out of the scheme for public buildings in Christchurch, we arc anxious to lay the plan before the Provincial Government at once, with a hope that the Provincial Council Avill have an opportunity of considering it before the close of the session. “ We have the honor to be sir, “ Your obedient servants, (Signed) “ F. D. Bell, “ Chas. C, Boaven.

“The Provincial Secretary, Christchurch.” Mr Knight then moved that the Council go into committee to consider the resolution. Mr Harder seconded the motion,

Mr Montgomery said that whether the House went into committee or not, the Government would oppose very strongly any change of the site as settled by the late Council for the public buildings. He trusted the House would not agree to any alteration of the site. It was the best that could be selected, and he thought that the west side of Cathedral square should be adhered to. After some discussion, the motion forgoing into committee was agreed to. In committee, Mr Maude moved the resolution. Mr Knight moved as an amendment that the following words bo added to the resolution :—“ And that a sum of money be placed on the supplementary estimates to enable the Government to carry out the recommendation contained in the report of the Public Buildings Commission.” After some remarks from Messrs W. 13. Tosswill and Kennaway, Mr Montgomery said ho desired to point out that in the last Council the resolution fixing the western side of Cathedral square as the site for public buildings was agreed to by a majority of 2!} to 11, After a lengthened and desultory discussion, the question of the addition was put, and declared to be negatived on the voices. Mr Knight called for a division, which took place as follows . Ayes 13 Noes 1!) Majority against the amendment 6 The amendment was therefore negatived. The following is the division list : Ayes, 13 —Messrs Gray, Parker, Jebson, Knight, Maskell, Pillict, Potts, T. S. Tancred, J.N Toss will, Walker, Westcura, White, and Sir J, C. Wilson. Noes, 19—Messrs Andrews, Buchanan, Buckley, Dixon, Fisher, Healey, Higgins, Jollie, Joyut, Kcnnaway, Maude, Montgomery, Raynor, H. J. Tancred, Teschcmaker, W. B. Tosswill, R. Turnbull, Williams, I. Wilson.

The original resolution was them agreed to, reported to the House, and adopted.

DEER IN THE DOMAIN. Mr Knight asked the Government without notice, if they could inform the Council whose property the deer was which was slaughtered some few days back in the domain ?

Mr Jollie ; I know nothing about it, [Laughter.]

ROADS IN THE MOUNT SOMERS DISTRICT. Mr Walker moved that the House go into committee to consider the following resolution “ That a respectful address be presented to His Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to place on the supplementary estimates the sum of £IOOO for roads in Mount Somers district.” Mr Maude said the district had already reoeived a very large sum of money out of the general revenue, and the Government seeing that the sum of £GSOO had been placed on the supplementary estimates for the erection of a bridge, were not disposed to accede to the request of the hon mtmber for a further sum of £IOOO. The motion was negatived on the voices. BRIDGE OVER THE SELWTN. Mr Jebson said with regard to the resolution in his name—“ That his Honor the Superintendent be respectfully requested to place on the supplementary estimates the =Sum of £OSOO, for the purpose of erecting a bridge over the River Selwyu at the Bluff ” —he fouuj.l that the Government had placed the sum on the supplementary estimates, and therefore he would ask leave to withdraw the motion. The motion was withdrawn. COMPENSATION TO ROAD BOARDS. Hon Mr Buckley moved that the House go into committee to consider the following resolution :—“ That his Honor the Superintendent be respectfully requested to place upon the supplementary estimates a sum not exceeding £SOOO, to be paid over to the various Road Boards as required, to meet claims for compensation for the alteration and deviation of roads in their respective districts.”

Mr Walker seconded the motion. Mr Maude said that the Government had placed the sum of £2OOO on the supplementary estimates, for the purpose of providing for diversion of roads, which he thought the lion member would accept as sufficient. Hon Mr Buckley said that he had not seen the amount on the estimates. He would ask leave to withdraw the motion. The motion was withdrawn. HONORARIUM TO LATE CLERIC OP THE COUNCIL. Mr Weed moved—“ That the House go into committee to consider the following resolution; —That a respectful address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to place on the supplementary estimates a sum not exceeding £2OO as an honorarium to Mr Quinn, late Clerk of the Council.” Mr Gray seconded Hie resolution. Mr Knight moved the previous question. Mr Andrews seconded the amendment for the previous question. On the voices the motion for the previous question was negatived. The motion for going into committee was then agreed to. Mr Barker was moved into the chair as chawman of committees pro tom. In committee Mr Weed moved the resolution . ffir Cracropt Wilson moved as an amendment that the words “as an honorarium to” be struck out, and the word “for” inserted. The amendment was agreed to on the voices. The resolution as amended was then put and declared to be carried, when Mr Andrews demanded a division which resulted as follows : Ayes 26 Noes 2 Majority for the resolution ... 24 The nocs were Messrs Andrews and Isaac Wilson. The resolution was agreed to, reported to the House, and adopted. INCREASE OP WIDTH OP ROADS Mr Gray moved that the House go into committee to consider the following resolution : —“ That his Honor the Superintendent be respectfully requested to place on the supplementary estimates a sura not exceeding £ for the purpose of erecting a new fence on one side, where narrow roads exist, provided the owners of land having frontage on such roads are willing to give land to increase their width to one chain. This only to apply to roads originally laid out by the Government, or where roads have been taken in exchange for Government roads.” Mr W. B. Tosswxll seconded the motion.

Mr Maude said the Government could n< it see 1 h>'i-r way clear to assent to the motion of the h "i member. Afler ■ 'tno discussion Mr Gray obtained leave to withdraw the motion. RAILWAY FROM CHRISTCHURCH TO PAPANUI STATION. Mr Isaac Wilson moved that the House go into committee to consider the following resolution:—“That his Honor the Superintendent be respectfully requested to place upon the supplementary estimates a suilicieut sum of money to survey and obtain, an estimate for constructing a line of railway as near straight as possible from the Christchurch railway station to the Papanui railway station. The motion for going into committee was negatived on the voices after a short discussion.

GOODS WAGGONS ON THE RAILWAY, Mr John Tosswill moved that the House go into committee to consider the following resolutions: opinion of this Council each goods waggon upon the Canterbury railways should be provided with a tarpaulin branded with the same number and always travelling with it. (2) That in order to give effect to this resolution, ;.his Honor the Superintendent be respectfully requested to place upon the supplementary estimates a sufficient sum for the purchase of tarpaulins, • Mr Maude read a report from the Railway Engineer, pointing out the impractical bility of carrying out this resolution. He hoped the lion member would withdraw the resolution leaving the matter in the hands of the Government. After some discussion Mr Tosswill obtained leave to withdraw his resolution.

DRAINING THE OXFORD ROAD DISTRICT. Mr Higgins moved that his Honor the Superintendent be respectfully requested to cause au examination to be made of the Oxford road district by a competent surveyor, who will be required to report on the best means of effectually draining the district. Mr Dixon seconded the motion.

Mr Maude said the Government would accept the resolution of the hon member, and would see that an engineer was sent up to report upon the matter. The motion was agreed to on the voices. SALTWATER CREEK BRIDGE.

Mr Harper moved -■ “ That the House go into committee to consider the following resolution That his Honor the Superintendent be respectfully requested to place a sum not exceeding £6OO on the supplementary estimates for the purpose of repairing the Saltwater Creek bridge, on the North road.’ ” Mr Maude said the Government would accede to the request, and place the amount on the estimates. Mr Harper said, under those circumstances, he would withdraw the motion. supply. On the motion of Mr Jollie, the House went into committee of supply, when the following amounts on the supplementary estimates were passed : Schedule A.—Class s—Police : Commissioner of Police, travelling expenses, £37 10s, ClasslO—Orphan Asylum: Master, £37105. Class 11 —Inspection of Sheep : Inspector, Southern district, £225. Class 13—Miscellaneous: Agricultural societies, £250 ; Christ’s College, £l2*s ; grant to Constable Little, £146 ; cemetery. Eyreton, £4O ; do., Arowhcuua, £l5O. On the item railway fares members of Provincial Council £350 being put, Mr Parker hoped this vote would not pass. Mr Maskell supported the vote on the ground that a resolution had passed the Council, and ho thought it would not conduce to the dignity of the House to give way and rescind a resolution deliberately arrived at, simply because a few people wrote rabid letters to the papers. [Hear, hear.] He thought the matter had better stand over until next session.

Mr Tosswill asked the Government where the other free passes were shown in the estimates.

Mr Fisher said that this was totally opposed to the resolution which was passed. As the seconder of this resolution he decidedly stated that he would not take advantage of the free passes if it cost the country anything. Mr Higgins said they were quite right not to be intimidated by the scurrilous attacks made upon them by the press. He should oppose the resolution, and should divide the House upon it.

After some discussion the item was put, and declared to be carried on the voices. Mr PARKER demanded a division, which took place as follows ; Ayes 22 Noes 8

Majority in favor of the item ... 14 The item passed as printed. Ayes, 22—Messrs Andrews, Fisher, Gray, Harper, Jebson, Jollic, Joynt, Kennaway, Knight. Masked, Maude, Montgomery, Pilliet, Raynor, T. S. Tancred, Teschemaker, J. N. Tosswill, W. B. Tosswill, li, Turnbull, Walker, Wcstcnra, and White. Noes, B—Messrs Healey, Buchanan, Buckley, Dixon, J. 8. Turnbull, Parker, Higgins, and Sir J. C. Wilson.

The following, items were agreed to Class 15 Public Works Department : Subdivision I—Salaries, Cadets. £.‘57 10s. Class 1(5 Harbour : Inspection, &c,, ballast lighters, Lyttelton £ls. Class 17—Public Plantations : Temuka Domain (plantation, &c.) £IOO ; Raugiora Recreation reserve £IOO ; Ashburton Recreation reserve (fencing and planting) £2OO ; Akaroa Recreation reserve (fencing) £IOO ; Tirnaru Recreation ground (fencing) £2OO ; Thnaru Domain (planting) £2OO. Glass 18—Provincial Government Works : West Coast road maintenance £IOO.

Class 19—Subsidies to Ferries : Kangitata (15) months £lB7 10s. Class 20 Railways : Subdivision 1— Ledger keeper £B7 10s ; clerk in accountant’s office, at £IBO, £97 10s ; clerk to assist cashier, at £l2O, £9O ; ticket agencies, £IOO. Subdivision 11 —clerk at £2 10s per week £97 18s Id. On the item Museum —£9000. Mr W. B. Tosswillj moved that the item be reduced by £IOOO. Mr Knight moved that the chairman report progress. The motion for reporting progress was npgatived on the voices. Mr Knight demanded a division, which took place as follows : Ayes 0 Noes 25 Majority against reporting progress 19 ♦The motion was consequently negatived.

Mr Tosswill’s motion for reducing the item was then put, and declared to be negatived on the voices. A division was demanded, with the following result; — Ayes I 2 Noes 2 ® Majority against the reduction ... 8 The item as a whole was then put. Mr Dixon opposed it, aud demanded a division, but did not repeat his demand. The item passed as printed. Schedule B. - Class 1 Waste Lands : Commissioner Waste Lands Board, £75. Class 2. Surveys : One draughtsman, Timaru, £lB 15s; four road engineers at £SOO, £1500; twelve labourers at 8s per diem (235 days), £ll2B, Mr Geay moved that the chairman report progress and ask leave to sit again. The motion was declared to be negatived on the voices. A division was demanded, which took place as follows : Ayes Noes 24 Majority against reporting progress 16 The item passed as printed. On the item of Female Bcfuge £2OOO. Mr Maskell moved that the chairman report progress. The motion was declared to be lost on the voices, A division was called for with the following result: — Ayes ... ... ••• ••• 8 Noes 20 Majority against reporting progress 12 The item was then put and agreed to. Progress was then reported with leave to sit again. Notices of motion having been given, the House adjourned at 1.15 a.m,, to 5 p.m. this day.