LAST NIGHT'S COUNCIL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 129, 3 June 1870, Page 2

LAST NIGHT'S COUNCIL.

0— On the Council meeting, Mr. Donne proposed, that in the opinion of the Council some better method than is now in practice in the colony, for taking the votes of Electors, should be adopted, and that such votes should be by ballot. He wished to see the ballot introduced in all elections, both for deliberative bodies and of Superintendents, and his object in moving this resolution was to strengthen the hands of those who might take the matter up la the General Assembly. The motion was carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr. F, Kelling, it was agreed that the sum of £300 should be placed on the Supplementary Estimates for altering the road from Waimea West to Dovedale. On tha motion of Mr. Wastney, it was agreed that the sum of £150 should be placed on the Estimates, for securing the introduction on a large scale of the Mo?'us Alba, and in a general way to promote serici-cul-ture ; also, that the sum of £100 be placed on the Estimates in recognition of the services of Mr. Batchelor in the advancement of serici-culture. A proposition that bonuses be offered for the production of cocoons, was negatived. The Provincial Secretary moved, that in tbe opinion of the Council, pending tha settlement of the question of abolition of toll pates, the Wairaea Road Board should not re-let the toll £ate now established for a longer period than three months. la reply to a question from Mr. Kelliog, tho Provincial Solicitor said that the only effect of passing such a resolution would be that if an Act were passed next session to abolish toll gates, the Road Board would have no ground for complaint, and must take the natural consequences if they let the gate for an extended period. Moi tion agreed to. The Council then adjourned until this evening.