MEETING OF THE COUNCIL.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 93, 27 February 1863, Page 3

MEETING OF THE COUNCIL.

The new Council met yesterday pursuant to notice given by the Returning Officer. Present—Capt. Carter, Messrs. Hitchings, Take, Dolbel, Wilkinson, Russell, Curling, Smith, McLean, Kennedy, Fitzgerald, and Tiffen. Absent—Messrs. Rhodes, Ormond, and Wood. Prior to the admittance of the reporters and the public. Dr. Hitchings was elected chairman on the motion of Mr. Tiffen, seconded by Mr. Smith ; and Mr. Fitzgerald then proposed that Mr. Wilkinson be Speaker, which was seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried. Prayers were then read, and the public admitted. ELECTION OF CLERK TO THE COUNCIL. Capt. Carter rose to move that Mr. Fannin be Clerk to the Council, and in doing so spoke of that gentleman as being an active and efficient servant, and having’ fulfilled the duties of the office with satisfaction. Mr. Tuke seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously, and Mr, Fannin took his seat. ELECTION OF SUPERINTENDENT. Mr. Curling rose and said they had to perform the important duty of electing a Superintendent, and, without reference to the services of the late Superintendent, he would submit to the Council the name of a gentleman whom he thought would be acceptable that of Mr. Donald McLean. It would be superfluous for him to mention that gentleman’s capabilities, for he was well known to them. He had taken great interest in the welfare of this Province, and he (Mr. C.) thought he would be welcomed by both Europeans and Natives as Superintendent of the Province. Capt. Carter seconded the motion. After a pause, Dr. Hitchings said that on an occasion like this, the retiring of one Superintendent and the election of a new one, it called for something more than a silent vote. It would be almost casting a reflection on the services of the retiring Superintendent were they to pass this motion silently. With respect to Mr. M‘Lean, that gentleman’s position and his stake in the Province eminently fitted him for the Superintendency, and he hoped under his guidance and influence, that the Province would progress, and flourish, and that they would have no reason to regret their choice. He thought a vote of thanks was due to their late Superintendent for the manner is which he had conducted the affairs of the Province. He had left a very good balance in the treasury. His gentlemanly demeanour and urbanity whilst fulfiling the duties of that office entitled him to their thanks. The motion was then put..and carried. Mr. M'Lean rose to return thanks for the confidence reposed in him by thus electing him their Superintendent, and especially to the late Superintendent, for his kind and courteous conduct towards him. Perhaps a great deal might be expected from him, but he would endeavour to carry out their interests and wishes, and do all he could to benefit the Province.—(Applause). The Clerk then read the minutes of the last meeting, which were confirmed. STANDING RULES AND ORDERS. Mr. Fitzgerald moved— That a Committee bo appointed to report upon the Standing Rules and Orders. Such Committee to consist of Messrs. Tiffen, Hitchings, Wood, Smith and the mover. Report to be brought up on the 27th March. NOTICES OF MOTION. lylll FiTZGEEALB to liiO vc — For leave to ask his Honor the .Superintendent what unexpended balance (if any) remained from each amount voted last session. Mr. Tiffen to move — For leave to bring in a bill to amend or repeal the existing Acts relating to sheep and scab. ADJOURNMENT OF COUNCIL. Mr. Tiffen moved that the Council be adjourned to Wednesday, the 2 5th March, at 12 o’clock, which was seconded by Mr. Fitzgerald, and carried.