Friday, May 15.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume III, Issue 114, 15 May 1868, Page 2

Friday, May 15.

The Speaker took the chair at 11 o'clock. All the members were present. Mr Wastney'B motion for a select committee to consider Mr T. Mackay 's report on the exploration for a practicable route for a drayroad to connect the provinces of Nelson and Marlborough by the Happy and Rue Valleys, was carried. The motion by Mr Gibbs for a return of the probable amount of expenditure in conducting the Waterworks, and the amount derivable from the rates, and also requesting the Superintendent to inform the Couucil what provisions are made for managing the Waterworks, was carried. The sum of £20 was Toted, on the motion of Mr Parker, to be paid to Mr B. Crisp, to aid him in providing a public tea for the children of the province, in celebration of her Majesty's Birthday, the Council pledging itsell to vote the amount when the Estimates are passed. - Mr Wastney's motioaior a return of the names of all persops receiving charitable aid from the Government since the Ist January, 1867 to the 31st March of the present year, with the, amount paid per week for each, together with the names ot those who have recommended that ; ,such aid be given, was, after some discussion, negatived by a majority of 16 to 6, an amendment being carried that a select committee be appointed consisting of ihe Speaker, Messss Wastney, Parker, Macrnahon and Burn, to examine the Relieving Officer, and inspect the accounts of the Charitable Aid Fund, and that the said committee report to the Council. Mr Donne's motion that a sum sufficient to purchase and throw open for traffic, free of charge, the Nile Bridge, on the outskirts of Charleston, was negatived, the Provincial Secretary having stated that the ownership of the bridge was at present under litigation, and that therefore any attempt to purchase it under present circumatances would be unwise, and his amendment, to the effect that the Council is of opinion that the JSile Bridge should be opened to the public, free of charge, aad that the (Superintendent be re-*--quested to take the necessary steps to effect that object as soon as practicable, was assented to. The Council then adjourned at 25 minutes past 12 until 5 o'clock on Tuesday.