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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume I, Issue 8, 22 August 1861, Page 2

Our last files from Auckland contain a debate -which took place in the House of Representatives on the 26th ult, on the Steam Postal Service, in the course of which the following motions were put forth : Mr. Frith in committee moved that the Report of the Select Committee on the Steam Postal Service be adopted. Mr. Russell moved, as an amedment to the adoption of the Report,—That until better arrangements can be made, the Government be authorised to revert to the arrangements existing before the Report of the Steam Postal Committee of last Session, and to provide a Steamer direct to Auckland and to Rapier. Mr. Dick moved as an amendment, —That until arrangements can be made to carry out that part of the Report which refers to “Time Table No. 1 ” the Steam Postal Setvice be allowed to remain as at present. Mr. Ward moved—That this Committee deem it de: Fable that a Steam Service should be established between Auckland and Sydney direct, provided that the total charge upon the Colony do not exceed £3,000. Mr. Russell obtained permission to withdraw his amendment in favour of Mr. Ward's. Mr. Dick's amendment put. Committee divided. Ayes 36 ; Noes 8. Mr. Domett moved, That a subsidy be given for a direct steamer between Sydney, Auckland, and Napier, and that contributions paid by the several Governments of Canterbury and Otago be borne on the general estimates of the Colony. Whole Report put and negatived. Mr. Ward's amendment put against Mr. Domett's. Mr. Wai l's adopted. Separate resolution, moved by Mr. Ward. That this Committee strongly recommend that the Steam Company be requested to provide as soon as possible for the various services subsidized by the Colony steamers better fitted for the passenger traffic than those at present employed. Mr. Dick moved, as an amendment, That the following words be added : “That the General Government shall pay .£2OOO towards carrying out a direct line of coramnnication ■ between Melbourne, Otago, and Canterbury.” Question put. House divided on Mr Dick’s amendment. Ayes, 14 ; Noes, 25, Dr. Muuro moved. That the contract steamers should be required on their passage through Cook’s Straits to call at Picton, weather permitting. The only fatal point against the motion was that it would entail the loss of a day by the steamer, if she called at this port ; and, as that time could not be spared without serious inconvenience and danger of disarrangement, Dr. Muuro obtained permission to withdraw his motion. Mr. Ward’s resolutions were reported to the House and adopted.