LAST NIGHT'S COUNCIL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 109, 8 May 1874, Page 2

LAST NIGHT'S COUNCIL.

The Council met at 5 o'clock. Present—All tho memhers. Mr Pitt moved for leave to introduce a Bill to constitute a Harbor Board for tho port of Nelson. Some people might contend that the constitution of a Harbor Board would lead to the harbor dues being raised, but he did not think so himself. It was proposed under the Loan Act to borrow £15,000 for haibor works, and he felt sure that even a larger sum might be spent in reproductive works, and this wonld be expended by the Board, The Board as constituted in j Auckland did not work satisfactorily. It was composed of thirteen members, three of whom were nominated by the Superintendent, three by the City Board, three held oflice as chairmen of District Boards, one as chairman of the Chamber of commerce, and three were elected by the ratepayers. He proposed to confine the Nelson Board to six, two to bo nominated by the Superintendent, and four by the Pro- ; vincial Council. It might possibly be i argued that it should be an elective \ body, but he preferred that they should I be nominated, one of his reasons being that it would be extremely difficult to form an electoral roll. The Bill was then read the first time, and the second reading ordered for Wednesday. — On the motion of the Provincial Treasurer it was resolved, " That His Honor tbe Superintendent be authorised to expend a sum not exceeding £6000 for public works, salaries, and contingencies."—On the motion of the Provincial Treasurer it was resolved, "That an address from this Council, signed by the Speaker, be transmitted to His Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to send to this Council a recommendation to grant a sum of money out of the Provincial revenue to meet the unauthorised expenditure amounting to tbe sum of £2212 ls 3d." Thip, it was explained, was a purely technical proceeding required by the Audit Act.— The Council then adjourned until This Morning. In reply to a question from Mr Kerb, Whether the Government intend to continue the present rond in the Buller Valley between the Grip and theHppe, the Provincial Secretary replied tbat such was the intention of the jGovernment. — On the motion of Mr Kelling it was resolvee*, That a select Committee be appointed, with power to call for persons and papers to enquire and report which side of the Buller river it would best serve the public interest to continue the dray road downwards from the Government clearing; such committee to consist of the Speaker, the Provincial Treasurer, Mr Wastney, Mr Parker^* Mr Bo.se, Mr Macleau, and the mover. — In reply to a question from Mr Corbett, Whether tbat portion of the sum ..-accruing to Road Boards, and reserved for expenditure on the South-west Goldfields. under tbe 'Payment to Provinces Act, 1&72," haa been expended, and, if so, on what wq/k. ? The Provincial Secretary/ replied that tbe money had been expended, a portion onHhe Cape Foulwind road, and the balance tnr*the road between Westport and Addison's Flut.— The Council then adjourned until Monday evening, at 5 o'clock.