LAST NIGHT'S COUNCIL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VII, Issue 105, 2 May 1872, Page 2

LAST NIGHT'S COUNCIL.

The Council met at 7 o'clock. On the motion of Mr. Donne a Select Committee consisting of Messrs. McMahon, Reid, Luckie, tbe Speaker, and the mover was appointed to prepare a reply to the Superintendent's address. Mr. Gibbs moved for the appointment of a Petitions Committee consisting of certain members whom he named, whereupon a discussion ensued, some of tbe members objec ing to the constitulion of so important a Committee being left to Mr. Gibbs, and others to its being appointed by lot as provided for by the Standing Orders. A wish was very generally expressed that ihe members slould be balloted for, but this, it appeared, was contrary to tho Standing Orders. Eventually, the debate was, on the motion of Mr. Tarrant, adjourned until Monday. Mr. Gibbs moved. "Tbat a Committee be appointed by lotto take in consideration the question of Members' honorarium." There being no seconder, the resolution fell to the ground. On the motion of Mr. Gibbs it was resolved " That his Honor the Superintendent be requested to furnish the Council with a return, showing how the various Road Boards of the Province have been classified under the Payment to Provinces Act, 1871." Mr. Gibbs mov.ed for a return of all moneys received by the Government on behalf of patients in ihe Lunatic Asylum for the last two years towards their maintenance, showing the amount paid in each case. This, after some discussion, was negatived, on the understanding that a Select Committee be appointed to enquire into the whole question ofthe management of the Asylum. In reply to Mr. Donne, the Provincial Solicitor stated that it was not the present intention of the Government to introduce a Bill to amend the Goldfields PublicaDs' Licensing Ordinance. The Provincial Solicitor moved for leave to bring in Bills to consolidate and amend the law relating to highways iv the Province of Nelson, and to provide for the making and maintaining of roads, streets, and other public works in certain towns in the proviuce. Leave was grauted, and the Bills were read the first time. Ou tbe motion of Mr. Tarrant, a Select Committee was appointed to take into consideiation the expenditure of the Charitable Aid Fund. The Council then adjourned until this evening at five o'clock.