LAST NIGHT'S COUNCIL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VII, Issue 140, 13 June 1872, Page 2

LAST NIGHT'S COUNCIL.

Tbe Council met at 5 o'clock. The reports of the Doran's Reef Company, and Westport Sea Encroachment Committees were brought up and read. — On the motion of Mr. Baigent, seconded by Mr. Wastney, it was resolved, " That, iv the opinion of this Council, it is highly desirable, for the eflectual carrying out of the "Highway Boards Empowering Act 1871," that his Honor the Superintendent be respectfully requested to alter the boundaries of small Road Boards, so as to form larger districts. — Tbe Goldfields L : cenßing Bill was read the third time and passed. — The Provincial Secretary moved, (1.) That, in the opinion of this Council, the proper development of the Brunner Mine coal trade depends entirely upon the coal being delivered at the Port at the lowest possible rate, and the supply being regular and equal to the demand. (2.) That, iv order to maintain and extend the trade of the Brunner Mine until a locomotive railway can be constructed, a wooden tramway should be laid down between the Brunner Mine aud the Town of Cobden, provided ihat the cost does not exceed the sum of £5000." A lengthy discussion ensued, every member who spoke admitting the desirability of some steps being taken to keep up the supply of coal at the port, although some doubts were expressed as to the advisability of constructing a tramway ou the north side of the river, when the General Government line was promised to be undertaken on the southern bank. The objection was also raised that the sum asked for was too much for the work. On the assurance of the Provincial Secretary that the line, which it was intended to commence without delay, would be carried out in the most economical manner, tbe resolutions were carried on tbe voices. — The Appropriation Bill was theu passed through Committee, and read the third time. — The Council adjourned till this evening. J

The man Hawthorn, who was recently given a £10 instead of £1 note when being paid by Mr. Moukman, of the s.s. Wellington, has since his arrest refunded the money. He has accordingly been released from custody. In the sporting world a curious little fluke has thrown £500 into the haDds of that well-known Victorian horse-dealer, Dr. Bathe, in a very easy manner. The correspondent of the Otago Daily Times says: — " Some time ago, about seventeen stallions were nominated for the V. R. C. Sires Produce Stakes of 1874. When the time came for entering the foals, all of the owners, with the single exception of Dr. Bathe, seemed to have forgotten the fact, and the consequence was that bis five youngsters were tbe only ones entered. So the stakes are altogether booked for him, and one of his young horses will, if no compromise is effected, have au easy walk over for the £500 in 1874."