Provincial Council.

Lyttelton Times, Volume X, Issue 621, 20 October 1858, Page 5

Provincial Council.

■ • * Friday,-OoroßKit 15th. The Council met at 5 p.m. Present—The Speaker, Messrs. Ollivier, Cass', Dobbs, Higgins, Fooks, White, Rhodes, Bishop, Miln, Harnyin, Ward, Ross, Templef, Hall, Thomson, and Wyatt.

l'rayers being read by the chaplain, and the minutes of thq preceding meeting having been

Mr. Speaker announced the reception of a message (No. 1) from his Honor the Superintendent, forwarding the petition of Samuel Barwan late corporal in the Ist battalion Rifle Brigade', who had been wounded in the Crimean war, and discharged iti consequence, with a pension. His Honor recommended the favorable consideration of his case according to the terms of the Land Regulations of 1854, though the particular clause affecting such cases had been omitted in the subsequent revision of the law. Mr. Oi.livier gave notice that he would move i the consideration of the above message on Tues- I day. RESERVES. Mr. Oi^ivier then moved that an address be presented to his Honor asking for certain reserves at Akaroa to be made for sites for church and cemetery for the use of the Ifree Church of Scotland at that place. Also for a reserve of 100 acres on the north bank of the Rangitata and 100 acres on the south bank of the same river, for ferries and the erection of an accommodation house for travellers. Also for a reserve of 160 acres on the north bank of the river Ashburton for the erection of an accommodation house. Also for a reserve of 10 acres on the Springs road for a gravel pit. Also for a reserve of 640 acres on theWaitangi river for the purposes of a township. The resolution requesting the Superintendent to make these reserves was carried. Mr. Ollivier then rose to ask leave for the introduction of an 'Immigrants' Barracks Bill.' It was short, but he thought, adapted to meet the requirements of a constant and systematic immigration. There were certain evils which lion, members might be aware had arisen from the want of surveillance over the public buildings appropriated to the shelter of immigrants arriving ; they had been the scene of depredations, of licentiousness, and other enormities ; to prevent which was the object of this bill, by placing them under proper control. An Immigration officer was to be appointed, who would take charge of the buildings ; and a power was to be given to the Superintendent to issue such orders and make such regulations for the proper management of the barracks and of the people who from time to time made use of them, as should be required. The Immigration officer would have power to remove persons trespassing, and to assist those using the barracks in keeping strict order. Another clauae provided that no stranger should be permitted to remain on the premises after the hour of closing for the night ; or who should at any time be guilty of any misconduct. Another clause gave power for the removal of any immigrants who, after a reasonable offer of employment being made them, refused to leave the barracks ; this provision was necessary to prevent people from hanging about the place in spite of receiving a good offer, under the idea that shelter was always open to them at Government expense. Another clause prqvided for the printiug and circulation of the barrack regulations. Leave given ; bill brought in, read a first time and ordered to be printed. The Canterbury Armed Police Force Bill was then read a second time. •

On the motion for the Second Reading of the Trespass of Cattle Amendment Bill, Mr. Dobbs, in pursuance of notice, moved that it be previously referred to a select committee. The subject was of too great importance to be decided on without the fullest information.

Mr. Ollivier was very sorry to take any objection to what would, under other circumstances, be a very. reasonable request of the hon. gentleman. But the facts of the present case were that evidence had been copiously taken on the subject in previous sessions. Committees had sat, enquired into numerous points suggested, and reported fully. With this inftvrma-' tion before them, it would be idle for them to commence their investigations all over again. The reports were all in favour of the provisions of the present bill." Under the circumstances he did not think Mr. Dobbs had shown sufficient cause for the Council to acquiesce in his motion.

Mr. Thomson and others desiring that the amendment should be withdrawn, Mr. Dobbs assented, and the bill was read a second time.

Mr. Oixivier stated that his intention had been to go into committee at once on those bills which had been read a second time that day, but he' found that such a course was contrary to standing orders. He would therefore take the committal on Tuesday. He also gave notice of an amended Scab and Catarrh Bill to be introduced'on Thursday. •••■.

After other notices of motion the Council adjourned till yesterday evening.