COCNTY COUNCIL.

Grey River Argus, Volume XI, Issue 942, 3 August 1871, Page 2

COCNTY COUNCIL.

[fkom the westland independent.] Tuesday, August 1. The Chairman laid on the table a report on the gold sent to Melbourne for assay ; also, on ferries in Westland, and correspondence and telegrams relating to Warden Schaw. Mr Hoos asked — " Upon what the prisoners are employed at present, and what it is intended to employ them during the current six months?" — The Chairman said they were at present employed repairing a portion of the Arahura road, in splitting firewood, and he had also allowed them to make alterations to the butts. As he before stated, he intended them to entirely maintain the Arahura road. It would be also necessary to have a powder magazine erected, as the old one had been carried away. He intended to have the terrace excavated near the gaol, and have a magazine erected there. If possible, other arrangements will be made with regard to the lunatics, and prison labor will be required then. SCHOOL " COMMITTEES. Mr Bakjfk moved — "That inasmuch as the appointment of the various School Committees throughout the County were illegally made, this Council requests the Chairman to rescind such appointments." Mr Guinness seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr Barff then moved— "That in the opinion of this Council it is advisable that steps be taken forthwith for the election of School Committees throughout the County, under the provisions of the Canterbury ' Education Ordinance, 1864,' and the ' Education Amendment Ordinance,' 1865,' and in accordance with the resolutions contained in a report of a select committee adopted by the County Council on the 3rd July, 1868." He spoke at some length, and said he was aware the Council had no power to order and direct that such School Committees should be appointed. It was merely a suggestion. He thought if it had been done before, the Board of Education would have accepted the suggestion.— Mr Scanlan seconded the motion.— Mr Robinson thought the member for the Arahura should have informed the Council as to the leading features of the Ordinance in question. If they appointed committees under the Canterbury Ordiuance, they would have to adopt it in its entirety, and he considered that it would be a retrograde movement. — Mr Bonak considered that any steps likely to advance the cause of education deserved the most careful consideration of the Council. Still he would not like to act too hurriedly. He would be more liberal than the Canterbury Ordinance. One clause in it referred to religious instruction, and in that instance he would be more liberal, rendering it optional. He considered it expedient to give a little more time to the consideration of the matter. He did not wish to retard the election of Education Committees, but would like to see them a success. — Mr Button's greatest objection to the Canterbury Ordinance was the 41st clause, referring to religious instruction. — Mr Guinness would like to see a further postponement.— Mr Hoos would likely bring in an Education Ordinance shortly, applicable to the whole of the Colony. Several other members spoke to the motion, which, on being put, was carried. Mr Guinness moved— "That in the opinion of this Council it is advisable to recommend an amended Public-house Act for the consideration of the General Assembly, and that a committee, consisting of Messrs Hoos, Button, and the mover, be appointed to consider a draft Act." The Act, as at present in force, was very conflicting. He had taken the trouble to draw out a number of suggestions, which he would submit to a committee. The principal objection to the present Ordinance was the uncertainty with which licenses can be granted. A Bench of Magistrates have in some instances refused to grant a license, which has afterwards been given to the applicacant by the County Chairman. He also touched upon other matters, such as dancehouses, bottle licenses, <£c. By leave of the Council the mover amended the motion by adding the name of Mr Barff. A considerable amount of discussion ensued, after which the motion was carried. Mr Bonar moved—" That this Council expresses its satisfaction at the statement submitted by Mr Inspector James ragardiug rumors with reference to irregularity in the matter of promotions and alterations in the police force." The members would recollect that Owing to some misunderstanding in the police force a letter had been sent by the Inspector, and he considered it, in justice to the Inspector, that the satisfaction of the Council should be expressed. There had been a iemporary reduction of one sergeant for one month, and afterwards reinstated. One first-class sergeant was reduced owing to a breach of duty. Ho has since been reinstated, no reduction in pay having been made.— Mr Button seconded the motion. —Mr Hoos could not support the motion. He could not make an oflicer blameless when he was not wrong, the County Chairman being to blame. The Inspector had to report all circumstances to the Chairman, who was not responsible. The Chairman had made an assertion which was untrue.— The Chairman had never made an assertion which was untrue. The Inspector had informed him he had failed in his duty by not informing him (the Chairman) of the reduction.— Mr Hoos would ask Mr Bonar to withdraw the motion, and he would table a motion, asking for all correspondence between the police and the County Chairman for the past six months.— The debate was postponed, and the Council adjourned.