AUCKLAND PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

New Zealander, Volume 9, Issue 797, 3 December 1853, Page 3

AUCKLAND PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

TUESDAY, November 29, 1853. The Council met at 3 o’clock. The Speaker in the Chair. Minutes of last meeting read and confirmed. Ihe Speaker stated that he had had a conversation with the Superintendent respecting the language which had been objected to in certain lenders for the North Shore Ferry forwarded by His Honour to the Council. His Honour explained that those Tenders had been sent to him in answer to advertisements, and be had forwarded them to the Council as they had been received. Appropriation Bile.—Estimates. The Speaker laid on the Table a Message from the Superintendent forwarding a statement of the Revenue and Expenditure for the current quarter, and for the year 1854 ; also the Appropriation Bill, which, with the accompanying documents, were ordered to be printed. We subjoin the Estimates for 1854, with His Honour’s explanatory Memorandum ; Message I.—Enclosure No. 1. Superintendent’s Office, Auckland, 29th November, 1853. The Superintendent lays before the Provincial Council, a “Bill to appropriate the Revenue for part of the year 1853, and for the year 1854.” Two sets of Documents accompany this Bill:

Ist. An Estimate of the probable receipts, and of the probable amount required to defray the expense of the Provincial Government, from the Ist of October hist, to the 81st of December next; with an explanatory statement attached. 2nd. Similar Documents hi ving reference to the year 1854. It appears to the Superintendent that it would be convenient that the regular appropriation of the Revenue should commence with the Ist January, and end with the year; and he has therefore divided the Estimates into two portions, and now proposes to the Council to vote a gross sum to cover the expenses to be incurred, up to the Ist of January, 1854; and to vote the Estimates in the usual manner for that year. A considerable portion of the sum required for the part of the year 1853, has already been expended in carrying on the Provincial Government. The amount now proposed to the Council to be voted, is probably more than will be required ; but the object in fixing this outside limit, is to cover any unforseen contingencies, which may arise from the present unsettled state of the Provincial Government, and thus avoid being compelled to ask the Council to make a further provision for this broken period. It does not, of course, follow that the whole of this sum will be expended; and it will be the object of the Superintendent to bring the amount required to cover the expenses, as far within the limit as practicable, —so as to cany over as large a surplus as possible, to the credit of the year 1854. The probable receipts to the Ist of January, are estimated at £7,700, and the limit proposed for the Expenditure £3,738 14s. 2d,, leaving a surplus of £3,961 ss. 10d.; and such further sum as may remain unexpended of now asked to be voted. As regards the expected Revenue for 1854: from documents already laid before the Council, it will appear that the Customs Revenue has for some time been gradually upon the increase; the Land Revenue has increased much since the relaxation of the Land Sale regulations,—and the other minor receipts may be fairly expected, at least, not to fall off. As the Estimate for 1854 is mainly founded on the amounts realized in 1853, it is but reasonable, therefore, to hope that the amount actually available will exceed the Estimate. This, of course, rests on the assumption that as liberal an appropriation of the Provincial Revenue to Provincial control, as now exists; will continue, and although there is no reason, that the Superintendent is aware of, to fear that it will be otherwise —yet it should not be forgotten that there is a Legislature of superior authority unrestricted in the amount it may appropriate from the Revenue of the whole Colony. The Superintendent has found considerable difficulty in forming any satisfactory Estimate of the expense necessary to be incurred in carrying on the Provincial Government for the ensuing year. The amounts to be voted for Salaries should, of course, be proportioned to the work expected to be performed; but as an entirely new Government has to be formed, the experience of a former year is not available to assist in the calculation on this point. Some time since, the Superintendent forwarded to the Council, information in detail, on the subjects of the Establishments of the Provincial Government, and in his opening address, he stated his opinion that the Officers usually attached to a Colonial Government, would be required in this Province. The Superintendent still adheres to the opinion he then formed—confirmed as it is, by a little further experience, that the work to be performed by the principal Officers of the Provincial Government, will not be less onerous, and the duties as responsible, as those attached to the corresponding Offices under the former Government. The most obvious course, therefore, was (and the safer one, having a due regard to the efficiency of the public service), to create that form of Government, which experience has established in almost all the Colonial possessions of Great Britain. The Superintendent at the same time is ready to admit freely, looking at the altogether novel character of the whole form of Government established by the Constitutional Act for New Zealand, that it would not be right to look unfavourably on any system proposed for carrying that form of Government into operation, merely because of the novelty of the proposal. He has given therefore a very careful consideration to the proceedings of the Committee appointed by the Council to enquire into and report, “ as to the officers required for the Provincial Government &c." In some of the conclusions of that Committee, the Superintendent is not prepared to express his concurrence. The matters on which he differs are noticed in the detailed explanatory notes attached to the Estimates, and on these points he recommends to the Council a reconsideration of the subject. The arrangement proposed for superseding the usual Colonial Government offices appears to the Superintendent to have some obvious disadvantages, and doubtless on the other hand some equally obvious advantages. It must not be overlooked that the Superintendent will be deprived of the advice and assistance of the usual Executive Council, that highly important and responsible duties, hitherto performed by heads of Departments, will necessarily devolve on Clerks, and that perhaps too much responsibility for detail will be accumulated on one head ; on the other hand, there can be little doubt that the concentration of the Executive will ensure more vigour and despatch in the conduct of public business, that time and trouble will be saved in avoiding the necessity for official communications, passing between the different distinct offices underthe usual Colonial system, and that the expense of carrying ou the Government may be less; though with regard to the last it should be kept in’ mind on all occasions, that an inefficient Government ■would be too dearly paid for, of however little cost it might be. Upon the whole the Superintendent ip not prepared to press objections to the adoption of the _systern proposed, and in no way opposed or disin-

dined to giving it a trial, especially as the arrangements under it will oppose no obstacle to any change that may hereafter be thought desirable. Should the expectations which the Council have formed not be realized, another system may be substitute! at the next meeting of Council, and in the meantime, that now proposed to be adopted shall receive a fair trial. The Superintendent has thought it more convenient to give his opinion upon the details of the Estimate in the explanatory notes which accompany them, and it will be found that he has there entered somewhat minutely into the consideration of the different items of the proposed expenditure. There is however one subject on which he wishes to add a few words of explanation. A blank is left for the proposed salary of the Superintendent. This has been so left in deference to the views of Sir John Pakington, who considered it a “Subject best left to the decision of the Provincial Councils." The Superintendent however does not desire to evade expressing his own opinion, so far as he feels that he can wiih propriety do so, and this opinion he expresses the more freely 7 as “ fortunately in his own case, he is unbiassed by any considerations personal to himself” and whatever may be the amount decided on, it will not be the subject of any personal disappointment The Superintendent therefore has no hesitation in expressing his decided opinion that the office at the head of the Provincial Government of Auckland will be found to be a most onerous and responsible one; and that in his estimation, it would be most unwise in the Council not to fix a salary commensurate with its importance. it. 11. Wynyard, Superintendent. ESTIMATE OF THE REVENUE OF THE PROVINCE OF AUCKLAND FOR THE YEAR 1834. Probable Receipts from tbeOrdinary Revenue, after authorised deductions.. ..£20,203 7 6 Probable Receipts from the Land Fund, clear of all deductions .. 4,656 12 10 Probable Surplus from the Quarter ending 81 at December, 1833 3,961 5 10 £20,901 6 2 N.l3.—The above is independent of the Balance that may become available horn moneys received prior to die Ist of October, 1053, specially alluded to in the Estimate for the current quarter. R. H. Wynyard, Superintendent. ESTIMATE OF THE EXPENDITURE OF THE PROVINCE OF AUCKLAND FOR J HE YEAR 1834. £ s. d. I.—The Superintendent .. 2. Provincial Council. Speaker .. .. 250 0 0 Clerk of Council .. 50 0 0 Contingencies, as per detailed Statement of the Speaker ~ .. 5000 3. —Superintendent’s Office. Chief Clerk I ... .. 300 0 0 Treasury t lerk .. 3UO 0 0 Audit Clerk .. .. 250 0 0 Second CleA ~ ... 230 0 0 Third Clerk .. .. 180 0 0 Fourth Clerk ... .. 145 0 0 Messenger .. .. 72 0 0 4. —Provincial Engineer .. .. 400 0 0 5. Public Works. Carpenter, Bs. per day .. 12.5 4 0 Labourer, 3s. 6d, per day 64 1.5 6 Panmure Ferry, 2 men, at 3s. each per day—lo97. 10-., and repairs—4o/. 1 Os. .. .. 150 (1 0 Contingenci-s .. 200 0 0 —- 529 19 6 6.—Road Department. Carter, 4s. per day ... 73 0 0 1 Labourer, 3s. 6d. per day 54 1.5 6 6 Ditto, 2s. 6d, pr day each 234 15 0 Fotage for 2 Horses .. 109 10 0 Coiuingeucies ... .. 100 0 0 7.—Harbour Department. Auckland — Harbour Master & Pilot ... 200 0 0 Boatman, 4/, per month 48 0 0 Signalman, 4s. per day 73 0 0 Contingencies 80 0 0 Manuka u Pilot ... 100 0 0 2 Boatmen, til. ech per month .. 144 0 0 Contingencies 50 0 0 Russell— Harbour Master (also SubCollector) 0 0 0 Coxswain .. 60 0 0 2 Boatmen, at 3s. each per dav... 109 10 0 1 Native do. at 2/. per month .. 24 0 0 Contingencies 5 0 0 Hohianga— Pilot ... .. 48 0 0 — 94.1 10 C 8. Police Department. Commissioner (also Resident Magistiate) for forage allowance .. 54 16 0 Sub-Inspector, also InspecWeights and Measures, and Inspector of Nuisances, with forage allowance ... ... 204 T5 0 Sub-Inspector at Mongonui (also Resident Magistrate and Sub-Colleetor) with forage allowance.. 204 15 0 Sergeant Major, at 7s. per day .. •• 127 15 0 2 Sergeants, 6s. 3d. per day each .. .. 228 2 6 4 Corporals ss. 6d. per day each .. .. 401 10 0 23 Privates, ss. per day each .. .. 2.098 15 0 Contingencies, including gratuity for clothing, Rations for Lockup, Rent. Forage for Horae for Mounted Policeman 229 15 0 — 3,530 2 6 9. —Medical Department. Surgeon .. ••• 200 0 0 Ilcuse Surgeon and Dispenser ... •• 150 0 0 Nurse, 2s. Gd. per day .. 45 12 6 Matron, 2s. 6d. per day .. 43 12 6 Cook, 2s. per day ... 36 10 0 Messenger, 2s. 6d. per day 45 12 6 Rations and contingencies 680 0 0 1,203 7 6 Lunatic Asylum. Head Keeper, 4s. per day 78 0 0 Under ditto, 25.6 d. Pr day 45 12 6 Matron, 25.6 d, per day .. 45 12 6 Cook, 2s. Gd. per day .• 45 12 6 Rations and contingencies. includ-’ ing medical comforts, bedding,Stc. 376 0 0 10. —Judicial Department. Registrar ofSuprcme Court 300 0 0 Crier .. ... 72 0 0 Contingencies ... 20 0 0 t — 392 0 0 11. —Law Officer. .. ••• 400 0 0

12. Resident Magistrate’s Department. Howick — Resident Magistrate .. 50 0 O Clerk, @ 3s. per day .. 541 5 0 Contingencies. 13 0 0 Ouehunga — Resident Magistrate 30 00 Clerk, .. , 60 0 0 Contingencies. 10 0 0 ~ 120 0 0 13. —Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff .. .. 300 0 0 Gaoler .. 160 0 0 Turnkey, ss. per day .. 91 5 0 Assistant do os. fa’d. ... 82 2 6 Overseer of Hard Labour 75 0 0 Contingencies .. 3SO 0 0 14. —CORON ER's DEPA R I'M ENT. Fees to Coroners, &c. .. .. 30 0 0 15. —MISC ELLA N FOU S. Printing and S ationery... 700 0 O Relief of Sick and Destitute ... 350 0 0 Aborigines (presents, See.) 200 0 0 Boat lor Pilot of the Manukau .. ~ 250 0 0 Buoys for the Manukau .. 500 0 O North Shore Ferry ... 150 O 0 Improvements, &c., to Lunatic Asylum .. 215 10 O Rent of Public Offices .. 70 0 0 Repairs of Pier and Public Buildings, Firewood, Ac. 300 0 0 £14,953 10 0 16. —Special Works. For City of Auckland .. 3,000 0 0 Pert of Auckland .. 2,000 0 0 Ouehunga Road .. 2,300 0 O Howick Road .. 1,300 0 0 Road to Waikato through Otahuhu .. 1,200 0 0 Kyber Pass Road .. 1,200 0 0 Bridle Road to Kaipaia and Bay of Islands .. 1,000 0 0 £26,953 10 0 R. H.'jWYNVARD, Superintendent. Memorandum to accompany the Estimate, fob the Year 1854. 2. The amount required for this service is explained by the accompanying statement received from the Speaker. 3. The message forwarded herewith explains this part of the estimate. A fourth Clerk is estimated for, not for the purpose of increasing either the expense or the establishment; but, in case of any pressure calling for clerisal assistance. 4. Seeing the importance and responsibility attached to the Office and duties of Provincial Engineer, and looking to the salaries recommended to other Officers of trust, I have placed the sum of £4OO, on the Estimates, as what 1 conceive a proper salary for the Officer holding this appointment, exclusive of travelling expenses. I have hud several applications for this office; when I am made aware by the Council what salary they will vote I propose to adopt some mode of investigating the qualifications of all these who may be available for the service; I think so much of the importance of this office, that I shall use every effort to secure the most efficient person. 6. The estimate for the Carpenters and Labourers, under the head of Public Works, does not exceed the ordinary and corresponding rates of wages of a similar class of men in Auckland : and the many minor repairs they perform in the public Offices, —the Gaol, —the Hospital,—the Police Station. &c., must necessarily effect a saving to the Province, more than if such things were done by contract. 6. In like manner the services of the cart, horses, and carter, and the Labourers placed on the estimate under the Head of Road Department, will be found for the many services they are required to perform more economical than if the same work were done by contract, bearing in mind the other advantages derived. The cart conveys the dead from the Public Hospital to the graveyard; all materials required by the Carpenter and other public servants, and establishments; all the stoi c for the prisoners, to break in the Gaol, and when broken carries it on to the roads for which last purpose it is invariably employed, if not otherwise specially engaged. The labourers are well employed in the repair of roads, drains, sewers, &c., and the contingencies set down at £IOO are to cover the repairs of the cart, harness, tools, the shoeing of horses, &c. 7. The Harbor Department shews an increase to the salary of the Harbor Master and Pilot of Auckland, an increase which present circumstances appear to me fully to justify, as also the expenses of a pilot, crew, and contingencies for the Manukau.

8. In the Police Department, Ihave still adhered to the employment of a Sub-Inspector for Auckland, who should act as the immediate link between the Commissioner and the Force, and be at all times available, day or night, to prosecute any inquiry or search. Be responsible to the Commissioner, that the posts and beats are visited constantly during the day and night, and at the same time act when required as Inspector of Nuisances, &c., &e.

The Sub-Inspector at Mongonui acts in this capacity over all the Northern Districts, which embraces the Bay of Islands, Hokianga, &c., for which lie is also Resident. Magistrate. The scale or rate of pay fur the police force, has been recommended by the Commissioner. On due consideration, I cannot but think the sum required under this head, very high, but I am not prepared to say that the service can he efficiently provided for with less.

9. In the Medical Department I submit for the consideration of the Council, a new scale of salaries. The general increase of prices and the increase of duties required of those employed in this Establishment appear to me to require an alteration, and I have availed myself (as to subordinates) of the opinion of the medical officers. The duties also of the Dispenser or House Surgeon have been considerably increased. 10. The Salaries for officers of the Judicial Department 1 lay before you as received by me, excepting that of the Messenger and Crier to which I recommend a slight increase. Less than 4s. a day does not appear to me to be more than sufficient at present to secure the services of any efficient person as messenger. 12. The salaries for the Resident Magistrates at Ouehunga and Howick, are placed on the Estimates on their present scale. I cannot concur in the propriety of abolishing these Courts, especially the one at Howick. The number of the inhabitants in both districts appear to me to require some provision for the disposal of petty offences and small debts on the spot. I cannot but think, to compel all the inhabitants of these places and the districts around them, to resort to Auckland on all occasions would be a hardship. The expense of these Courts is not large and the convenience to a considerable population great. I propose therefore to retain them. 13. The officers of the Sheriff’s Department have been recommended for an increase of salary, and looking to the corresponding position in other Departments, I think the Council will approve of the sums I have affixed to each in the accompanying detail. The Gaoler’s salary I have increased £25 a year. 14. The Coroners I have estimated for at the sums heretofore granted, but it will rest with the Council to increase this sum if they may deem it advisable. I am not prepared to recommend any increase, but I refer the Council to an appeal from the Officers, which 1 have already forwarded. It will be seen that no provision lias been made or proposed in the Ordinance which this memorandum is intended to accompany, for a Provincial Chaplain, as such an appointment it is understood might lead to great difference of opinion and no comparative end gained, therefore it may be con* sidered more advantageous for all parties that each persuasion should arrange for the spiritual

wants of such of the prisoners and sick as may belong to their respective denominations. The Estimates for Printing and Stationery may appear high, but I may observe the sum set forth under the head of miscellaneous is regulated by the Provincial offices for the past year. The Relief for the Sick and Destitute is also a heavy item, and one on which many and incessant claims are being made on behalf of women and young children who have from time to time been left unprovided for by their husbands and fathers. During the present year the outlay under this head amounted to £SOB 6s. It is worth consideration how far it may be expedient to make some provision for securing the repayment of sums expended a iinder thish ead; in some cases such a provision might be advantageous, but on the other hand it must not be overlooked that the fear of reimbursement may keep some of them away who have left their families an encumbrance to the Province, and thus increase rather than decrease what is already a great evil. The sum proposed under the head of presents to Aborigines is, as has already beenobserved, to enable the Executive to reward the Natives, in case of valuable services or assistance rendered by them to wrecks on our Coasts, to vessels in distress, or otherwise, as may appear deserving of notice. The Boat for the Pilot on the Manukau, I have been given to understand, might be provided for, at a cost of from £2OO to £250. And for the Buoys, it appears the Council is anxious that £SOO should be set aside. The North Shore Ferry will, according to the Tenders, which at present is the only guide on which the Estimate can be made, amount to, at least, the sum detailed; and, considering the advantage to be derived by opening the communication more regularly with the North Shore, may not, under existing circumstances, be deemed unreasonable. The Lunatic Asylum requires some supplies, as well as some alterations and improvements, all of which are set forth in the memorandum from the Assistant Surgeon attached, and which will amount to about the sums recommended. For Public Offices no convenient building can be at present obtained for a less sum than has been placed on the Estimates. The consumption of Firewood for the past twelve months, it appears, on inquiry, has amounted to £100; and that, at the ordinary rate of the article at present in the market, would fully require the sum on the Estimates. 16. The Public Works which I recommend to he undertaken, are specified in the Estimate, and the sum I propose to grant for the purpose affixed. If Local Boards should be elsewhere established for particular places by the Council, the sums appropriated for the location may be handed over to them for expenditure. The sum for the principal Roads will, of course, be expended by the Provincial Government, through the Provincial Engineer. The Council will observe that the whole of the expected Revenue is not appropriated. A surplus is left to cover the Superintendent’s Salary, and other expenditure, which it may be necessary to provide for. I have delayed for some time, with a view to make the Estimates as complete as possible; but even now “Acts” appear to be contemplated by the Council, which will involve some expense to carry them out, but which expense cannot at present be estimated. As soon as I am in possession of sufficient information, I will transmit, should it he necessary, for the consideration of the Council, a Supplemental Estimate. R, H. Wynyard, Superintendent. The Speaker, in accordance with the Standing Rule authorising him to name some member to take charge of Bills sent down by the Superintendent, requested Mr. Gilfillau to take charge of the Appropriation Bill. Mr. Gilftllan, in consenting to do so, reserved to himself the right to discuss the several items according to his own views. He then gave notice that on Thursday he would move the first reading of the Bill. CoMI’JLAINT AGAINST THE ACTING CuERK. Mr. Lewis brought up the Report of the Committee appointed, to enquire into the complaint made by Mr. S. E. Hughes, a reporter of the Southern Cross, charging the Acting Clerk with having refused him access to Council Papers. The Committee reported that the charge was groundless, the complaint having arisen out of the withholding of accommodation which had previously been afforded the complainant without the sanction if the Council. Steam Communication. Mr. Derrom brought up the Report of the Committee on this subject, which was read as follows : “ Your Committee beg to report that they have carefully considered the subject of Steam Communication as entrusted to their enquiry, and after mature deliberation have unanimously decided to recommend this their Report to the Council for adoption. “Your Committee are of opinion that in the rapidly rising importance of this Province, a quick and regular Steam Communication with England and the Australian Colonies would prove of incalculable value to the Commercial, political, and social interests of its colonists. The great advances that have been, and are being made in the agriculture and commerce of the Province generally, the high estimation in which its produce is held in the adjacent colonies, and the extended favourable opinions with which it is now regarded in England as a profitable field both for emigration and the investment of capital, render i t a matter of primary importance that the friendly disposition evinced towards this Province should he warmly responded to, and that the advantageous and substantial inducements which, it holds out for a remunerative return both f&r labour and capital should be as widely made known as possible; and your Committee are not aware of any better means by which so desirable ends could be so readily and so effectually attained, as by rapid and regular Steam Communication, both with the mother country and the colonies. Feeling convinced of this, your Committee are of opinion that a subsidy, consistent with the resources of the Province, should be granted to the owners of the first steam vessels that establish a regular line of communication between tliis Province and England and the Australian Colonies.

“ Your Committee would respectfully suggest that there could not be a more fitting opportunity than the present to offer every possible encouragement for the extension of Steam Communication to the Province of Auckland, assured as they are, that whilst in the neighbouring colonies every inducement is being held out for the establishment of Steam Communication with England, it would be a step in the right direction for this Council to take, to show its willingness to co-operate in carrying out the same good work, so far as its revenue would allow, “ Your Committee would therefore respectfully recommend that this Council should pass a resolution to vote a sum not less than £2OOO per annum to the owners of any steamers whose vessels should call at Auckland at least six times during the year, on their passages from Panama to Sydney, or from Sydney to Panama; or, should none of the vessels employed on that line touch at Auckland, that the above sum be paid to the owners of any steam vessels who shall engage to bring the English mails regularly on to Auckland within twelve days after their arrival either at Melbourne or Sydney, bringing also, all colonial mails addressed to the Post office of this Province at the same time. Report ordered to be printed. City Council Bill. Mr. Boylan laid on the Table a Bill to provide for the Alunicipal Government of the City and Suburbs of Auckland, and gave notice that on Tuesday the 6th of December he would move its first reading. Notices of Motion, Air. Busby gave notice that on the Estimates being taken into consideration he would move — A resolution of Council, that any sum of money voted for the formation or improvement of Hoads, or Streets, or other Public Works of a local character, shall be contingent upon the contribution of a like sum by the inhabitants of the

district or locality immediately interested in the object for which such sum shall be appropriated.

Orders op the Bat. Executive Government. Mr. Hill brought forward the motion of which he had given notice on this subject, but it fell to the ground, not being seconded. Foreign Seamen’s Bill. On the motion of Mr. Bain, this Bill was read a third time; and the Speaker nominated Messrs. Bain, Busby, Derrom, Dignan, and Mitchell, to lay it before the Superintendent. Bock and Harbour Accommodation. Mr. Porter obtained leave to bring in a Bill to build a Bock, and give better accommodation to the Port of Auckland. Bog Nuisance Bii.l. On the motion of Mr. Gilfillan this B ill was read a second time. Mr. Gilfillan gave notice that on Tuesday next he would move that the House go into Committee on this Bill, —Mr. Porter in the Chair. Provincial Officers Committee. Mr , Porter moved the further consideration of the Report on (Provincial Officers in Committee of the whole Council. The Speaker retired, and Mr. Porter took the Chair. The clause relating to Public Works which had been deferred was agreed to, and the Report was subsequently brought up by Mr. Connell, and adopted by the Council. Public Roads. Mr. A. O’Neill’s motion—that the Superintendent be requested to procure the use of the Field Books, &c., referred to in His Honour’s Minute, No. 42, was agreed to. Auckland Museum. Mr. Connell, according to notice, moved that the Superintendent he requested to place the sum of £2O on k the Estimates, in aid of this Institution. Agreed to. Board of Works. On the motion of Mr. Williamson the Council went into Committee on the Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into the best mode of conducting Public Works, (which report we have already published.} Mr. Taylor in the Chair. The second clause, which recommended the appointment of a Committee, to investigate the fitness of candidates for the office of Surveyor, was expunged, having been superseded by a recommendation of the Provincial Officers Committee greviously adopted, the remaining clauses of the Lcport were, after considerable discussion, agreed to. There being no business standing for Wednesday, the Council adjourned until Thursday, at three o’clock. THURSBAY, Becember 1. The Council met at the appointed hour, the Speaker in the Chair. Minutes of last meeting read and confirmed. Intestate Estates. The Speaker read a communication from the Superintendent, enclo ing a Return of all Sums of Money in the hands of the Colonial Treasurer on the 31st of October, 1853, on account of Intestate Estates. Return read, and ordered to be printed. Notices of Motion. Mr. Gilfillan gave notice that, on Tuesday next, he would move that the Appropriation Bill be read a second time, and that the Estimates be considered in Committee of the whole Council. Provincial Separation. Mr. Busby rose to say that delay had taken place in forwarding the Petitions on this subject, in consequence of the names of the members of of Parliament, to whom it should he entrusted, not having been decided on by the Council. He wished now to propose that it should be forwarded to — Mr. Gilfillan rose to order. He submitted that Mr. Busby should have given notice of his intention to take further steps with regard to that Petition, The Speaker ruled accordingly. Mr. Williamson gave notice that he would move on Tuesday next, — That the Onehunga or Rural Hoad* Committee be dissolved; and that a Board of Public Works be established, as recommended by the Committee appointed to enquire on that subject ; that the works in the several localities provided for in the Estimates of 1834 be performed under the direction and control of that Board, until such time as local Boards shall be established ; and all new works or improvements to be first recommended, by that Board to His Honour the Superintendent before being undertaken. Members of the Board (subject to the approval of His Honour the Superintendent)—City—Messrs. Derrom, and Mitchell. Suburbs—Mr. Connell. Northern Division—Mr. A. O’Neill. Southern Division—Mr. Newman. Pensioner Settlements—Messrs Brennan, and Powditch. The Provincial Surveyor to have a seat in that Board. Mr. Bushy gave notice that, on Tuesday next, he would move— That the Peiitions to both Houses of Parliament for the Separation of the i roviace be trai sm i e ’ —t. M . J. McGreg r, member for Glasgow, for presentation to the House of Commons ; and to Lord Brougham, for presentation to the House of Lords. Mr. Derrom gave notice that, on Tuesday next, he would move— That the sum of £2OOO be placed on the Estimates for the purpose of encouraging communication by Steam from England and the adjacent colonies with this place. Orders of the Day. Appropriation Bill, On the motion of Mr. Gilfillan this Bill was read a first time. Mr. Gilfillan requested that members desiring explanatiom on any particulars in the Bill, would previously communicate with him privately before the second reading, that he might make the necessary enquiries to enable him to come prepared with whatever information might he required. The Council then adjourned till Tuesday next, at three o’clock.