PROVINCIAL COUNCIL ITEMS.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 270, 9 May 1874, Page 3

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL ITEMS.

Monday, May 4. Petitions were presented from the inhabitants of Nascby, protesting against the proposed granting of the Naseby recreation reserve Tor goldmining purposes. (Hy Mr. Oliver.) From W. Williamson, manager of the Ivakanui Water Race Company, praying for inquiry into the matter of the company's water rights on the river. (By Mr. de Lautour.) Message No. 2 invited, in terms of a letter from the Colonial Secretary, an expression of opinion by the Council in regard to the Goldfields Bill which lapsed last session. Mr. Turnbull moved the adjournment of the Council till 2 p.m. to morrow ; and in seconding the motion, Dr. Webster explained that he had unsuccessfully tried to form a Government, and had recommended the Superintendent to send for Mr. Reid, in the hope that he would be able to form a strong Government which would give satisfaction to all parts of the House. Mr. Reid supplemented Dr. Webster's statement by saying that on Saturday he reeived a message from the Superintendent requesting him to come to Dunedin as soon as convenient, with a view to undertaking the task of forming a Government. He complied with that message, and this morning waited upon his Honor, and after conversation with him; had agreed to undertake the task of forming a new Executive. He had not been able to make very much progress yet, having only been in Dunedin a few hours. Ho had to request that the House would adjourn until to-morrow. He was not prepared to say that progress then be made, but it Would be well for the House to meet from day to day, so that in the event of success attending his efforts, they might proceed with business.

(From the ' Order Paper' of Monday, May 4 )

Mr. Mackenzie to move—"That a respectful Address be presented to His Honor the Superintendent requesting him to cause to be laid upon the Table of this Council, all correspondence, agreements, and other documents in the possession of the Government relative to the opening up of land, and selling of the same on the runs of Sir F. D. Bell in Shag Valley during the last five years."