PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 6, Issue 1, 29 June 1865, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

WEDNESDAY 21sr JUNE. The Council met at 3 o’clock. Present — the Speaker and all the members. His Honor the Superintendent laid the following papers on the table:— 1. Estimate of Revenue. 2. Correspondence respecting Taipo Road. 3. A Petition from the discharged members of the Defence Force, for compensation. 4. On dipping Sheep. Mr Dulbsl presented a petition from the sellers at Meanee. in favor of the original line of road.—Read and received. Mr Stuart asked the Superintendent Whether the Government intend disposing of the blocks of land in the Wairoa, lately acquired from the natives, by deferred payments. The Superintendent replied that the General Government had refused to sanction the principle. Mr Dolbel asked the Superintendent:— Whether ho is aware that several creeks on the bridle track from Napier to Wairoa are impassible in wet weather; and would particularly draw bis attention to the Waita creek, the bridge over which was washed away in 1863, and lias not yet been rebuilt. His Honor laid a Provincial Engineer’s report on the table, by which it appeared that timber was not available for a wooden bridge, and a suspension bridge weuld ccst i£2oo, but he had authorised £IOO for the improvement of the existing track. Mr Dolbel asked the Superintendent:— Whether it is the intention of the Government to appoint a pilot for the Mohaka harbor, and whether his Honor is aware of the great dulicultes the settlers have to submit to, for the reason that no masters will charter their vessels for that port, if not certain that assistance will ba rendered to them on their arrival there. His Honor replied that a whaleboat ha’d been ordered at General Government expense for use in cases of danger, he would confer with the lion, member as to what could be done in the matter. Ml Colenso moved : For leave to bring in a bill further to amend the “dnb’ican’s Liceusng Ordiance,” No. XII, Sess. ‘2, o ' the General Legislative Council of New Zealand Granted.

Major Lambert asked the Superintendent : —► Whether the Government intend to bring forward a Bill or take any steps for the regulation of watermen plying at the Port of Napier, and for charges for the landing and embarking passengers, and also for landing and embarking goods and stock. His Honor replied that the matter was under the control of ths marine board. Major Lambert moved and Mr M‘Leau seconded:— That this Council take into consideration a -resolution for a vote of thanks to the chiefs and their followers at Te Wairoa and Table Cape. Motion postponed till next day (Thursday) 22nd. Mr Stuart asked the Superintendent:— Whether ha is in possession of information relative to the arrival of a body of the hau hau fanatics last week in the neighborhood of the town, and, if so, what measures have been taken to enforce the late proclamation of the Governor relative to such bodies. His Honor replied that under existing citcumstances, he must decline to give an answer to the question. The Council then went into Committee on Mr M‘Lean’s resolution, (viz): — That this Council hereby authorise His Honor the Superintendent to carry on the expenditnr of the province at the rate set forth in the estimates for the year ending 30th June, 1865, until the adjeurned meeting of this Council shalltakeplace orovided that such adjourned meeting be heldnot more than two weeks after the approaching session the General Assembly. It being also undeostoed that any necessary public works the execution 0 f which is urgently called for, shall be proceeded wit h by the Executive at thei-i discretion. Mr Colenso moved as an amendment : That the words after “that” be omitted in order to insert “His Honor the Superintendent be requested to prepar and Jay upon the table of this Council the Estimates of the Province for the next three mouths.” A rather warm discussion took place on this amendment principally between Messrs Colenso and Ormond, which was not concluded when the Council adjourned till next day [Thursday 22ud].