EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BILL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 201, 22 May 1874, Page 2

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BILL.

; . A Bill to repeal the "The Executive Government Act, 1871," and to make other provisions in lieu thereof. Whereas an Act was passed by the Superintendent and Provincial Council of the Province of. Nelson, in Session XXI., Number 1, intituled the " Ex> ecutive Government Act, 1871. Aad whereas it is expedient that the said Actshould be repealed and .other provisions made in lieu thereof. Be it therefore enacted by lhe Superintendent of the Province of Nelson, with the advice ond consent of the i Provincial Council thereof, as follows: j 1, Tho said recited Act is hen by ! repealed. 2. There shall be an Executive Council for the Province of Nolaon for advising and assisting the Superintendent- in the Government of the Province, consisting of not less than two nor more than four members, nnd comprising persons holding one or more of the following offices, that is is to say: — (1). A Provincial Secretary, who shall advise and assist the Superintendent in the general management of the affairs of | the Province. (2.) A Provincial Solicitor, who ! shall advise the Superintendent and the Executive Council in all matters of law. (3 ) A Provincial Treasurer, who shall receive and pay the public moneys of the Province. (4.) A Secretary for Public Works and Goldfiplds, who shall advise and assist the Superintendent in the carrying .out of tha public works, and the administration of the goldfields of tho Province. (5.) Aud such other person or persons as the Superintendent shall think fit to appoint in the event of two or more of the above-named offices being held by tbo same person, provided tbat the total number of the Executive shall never excoed four, 3. The Council shall be appointed by/warrant under the seal of the Province, and shall bold office during the pleasure of the Superintendent, and (subject thereto) so long as they shall retaiu the confidence oi the Provincial Council and no longer. 4. The Superintendent or DeputySuperintendent shall be the President, of the Executive Council, and shall have a deliberative as well as a casting. vote, aud two members of such Council together with such President, or three members in the absence of such Presidentj^hall form a quorum; ; and the Superintendent shall cause proper minutes to be kept of the proceedings of the meetings of such Council. 5. The Superintendent with the advice and consent of the Executive . Council shall Ox certain periodical days whereupon such. Council shall meet; but the Superintendent or any member of such Council may call a special meeting thereof upon giving to the Superintendent and each member thereof 24 hours written notice specifying the special business for which such meeting is required. 6. The Superintendent shall keep and use the public seal of the province. 7. The Superintendent with the advice and consent of the Executive Council is hereby empowered to issue Government Gazettes for the province, and all notifications published therein with any official signature thereto, shall be considered as official communications to the persons to whom they relate, and shall be obeyed accordingly. 8. The Superintendent with, the like advice and consent is hereby empowered to appoint the? necessary officers for conducting the ifußiness of the. province, and to suspended remove any of such officers, and^fcb /appoint others in their place, anrL^alßo| to make rules for the transaction of. such business, and to alter and rescirfd any of such rules, and to make others in lieu thereof, or in addition thereto, 9. The Treasurer shall Keep true amounts of all moneys received and paid by him, and of the matters for which the same shall be so received or paid, and the books containing such accounts shall at all reasonable times be open to the inspection of the Superintendent and any member of lhe Executive or Provincial Councils. 10. Every officer whose office shall entail the receiving of public moneys shall, before entering upon the duties of his office, give security for the faithful discharge of his trust to the satisfaction of the Superintendent. 11. If, any person other than a member of the Provincial Council, shall deem himself aggrieved by his suspension or removal from office, be may present a petition to the Provincial Council showing that be has been suspended or removed from office without just or sufficient cause, and praying for an investigation into the grounds or charge on which he may have been suspended or removed. 12. No member of the Provincial Council, except members of the Executive Counoil, shall hold any office of emolument under the Provincial Government, nor shall any member of tbe Provincial Council hold any contract under the Provincial Government. : Provided that nothing herein contained shall extend or apply to any agreement or contract entered into by any company, partnership, or association consisting of more than twenty persons, when suoh contract or agreement shall be entered into for the general benefit of

such company, partnership, or association, or to any contract for printing or advertising, or to any contract for which not more than fifty pounds is to be paid, or for the loan of money or to finy security for the/payment of money; only. 13. The short titlo of this Act shall be " The Executive Council Act, 1874," '