PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 23, 1 July 1871, Page 5

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Ebiday, June 23. The SpeaSeb took the chair at 3 o'clock. BEPOETS. Nos. 4 and 5 of the Public Petitions Committee were laid upon the table, read, and ordered to be printed. NOTICES OF MOTION. Several notices of motion were given. CONSTRUCTION OP EAIIAVAYS. The Committee then went into committee for the consideration of the following motion by the Provincial Secretary —" That the Council do now resolve into committtee to consider certain resolutions with regard to the construction of railways in the province, as printed on the supplementary order paper." The objects are set forth in the following resolutions, printed as a supplementary order paper: — Whereas by the 17th section of the Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870, it is enacted that it shall be lawful for the Superintendent of any province in which any such railway as in the said act is mentioned, or any part thereof, is proposed to be constructed under the powers by the said act, conferred from time to time with the consent of the Provincial Council of such province, signified by act or ordinance, to recommend to the Governor that such -of the waste land of the Crown within such province as shall be therein specified be set apart and appropriated in and for the construction of such railway or part, and that to any such recommendation conditions and limitations may be attached. And whereas it is expected that a railway from Wellington through the Wairarapa, Manawatu, Rangitikei, and Wanganui to the mouth of the Patea river will shortly be proposed to be constructed under the powers conferred by the said act, but it is considered that the said intended railway is not yet, and will not till after the expiration of the present session of this Council, be a railway "proposed to be constructed" within the meaning of the provisions before recited, and that this Council is consequently unable at present to pass any valid act or ordinance for the purpose of making any such recommendation ; and whereas this Council is desirous to facilitate the construction of the said railway,— It is resolved: —1. That this Council will, as soon as the said intended railway or any part thereof is a railway " proposed to be constructed" within the meaning of the said act in its first session thereafter by act consent to the Superintendent recommending to the Governor that a sufficient quantity of the waste lands of the Crown within this province be set apart and appropriated in and for the construction of such railway or any part thereof, such conditions and limitations as the Superintendent with the advice of his Executive Council may think fit being attached to such recommendation.

2. That if, for the purpose of facilitating the construction of the said railway or any part thereof, it shall appear desirable to set apart and appropriate for the purposes of the said 17th section any of the waste lands of the Crown in the Province of Wellington in and for the construction of such railway or part thereof by an act of the General Assembly in the next session thereof, this Council approves of the passing of such an act, provided the land to be so appropriated and the quantity thereof and the condit.ons and limitations to be attached to such appropriation be approved by the Superintendent with the advice of his Executive Council. And this

Council requests the Superintendent to support a bill to be introduced into the General Assembly for that purpose. Resolution. —Whereas by the 20th section of the Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870, it is enacted that it shall be lawful for the Superintendent of any province in which any railway is about to be or has been constructed, under the powers by the said act, conferred from time to time, with the consent

of the Provincial Council of such province, signified by act or ordinance, to agree with the " Governor, subject to the approval of the General Assembly, that such part of the waste land of the Crown situate within such province, as shall be specified in such act or ordi- ■ nance, and agreement shall be accepted in lieu of payment by the province of such amounjfc of moneys as shall be fixed in such act or ordinance and agreement, and as shall have become chargeable against such province under the provisions contained in the 19fch section of the said act, or, in the case of expenditure, not for the time being yet made in lieu of payment of such amount as shall be so fixed, and shall thereafter become chargeable under the said provisions. And whereas it is doubted

whether this Council has now power to pass such an act or ordinance with respect to a railway intended to be constructed from Wellington through the Wairarapa, Manawatu, Rangitikei, and Wanganui, to the mouth of the Patea river. And whereas this Council is desirous to facilitate the construction of such railway. It is resolved: —1. That this Council will, as soon as the existing doubts as to its powers are removed, consent to the Superintendent entering into an agreement with the Governor whereby a quantity of the waste land of the Crown in this province, sufficient to pay such moneys as may become chargeable against this province, under the recited act, in respect of the said railway, or any part thereof, shall be accepted in l'eu of payment thereof.

2. That, if for the purpose of facilitating the construction of the said railway, or any part thereof, it shall appear desirable to empower the Superintendent, by an act of the General Assembly, to enter into any such agreement as aforesaid, this Council approves of the passing of such an act; provided the land to be affected thereby, and the quantity thereof, and the amount of moneys on dis*

charge of which the land is to be taken, and generally the terms of the said act be approved by the Superintendent, with the advice of his Executive Council. And this Council requests the Superintendent to support a bill to be introduced into the General Assembly for that purpose. The advice of the Attorney-General had been taken on the matter, and it was his opinion that if the Council passed these resolutions, it would enable the Superintendent to take the necessary steps to secure the construction of these lines, without calling the Council together for the purpose. The following memorandum was then read by the Provincial Secretary t Memoeandum of railway works reccommended by the Provincial Council of Wellington to be undertaken by the General Government.

A main line of railway from Wellington to Patea, passing through Wairarapa, Manawatu Gorge, and, Wanganui, having been surveyed by the General Government, thi3 Council recommends to the General Asssembly_ the adoption of the said line, and is of opinion that the following portions of the line should be immediately proceeded with, viz : 1. Wellington to Masterton. 2. Wanganui to Waitotara.

3. Wanganui to the village of Marton, or to such point nearest to Martor as the line may run.

This Council is also of opinion that it will greatly facilitate and encourage the more speedy' of large areas of valuable bush counti'y, and be of high value to the operations of defence, if the intermediate portions of the aforesaid main line are opened up as soon as possible by means of a light tramroad, preparatory to the formation of the permanent way, which would by this means be formed when required with far greater ease, economy,and despatch, through laborers being already settled along the line of way, through the saving in cost of transit of materials and supplies, and through the expenditure on the tramroad being really only a prior instalment of the necessary labor on the permanent way, Mr WATT had no objections to the resolutions, but he wished to point out all absence of any reference to immigration in connection with these schemes. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said very large provision had been made already by his Honor, and that that was not a subject which required the sanction of the General Assembly. Several amplications in conformity with the advertisements published in reference to bringing out immigi'ants, and most of these applications had been accepted. Mr LUDLAM hoped the Committee would receive these propositions favorably. Doubtless they would give a very large power to the Executive ; but it was clearly a case in which it was necessary that they should have considerable power placed in their hands; and he therefore thought the Government had acted very properly in seeking the acquisition of this power. He felt they would use their best endeavors in applying these powers for the good of the province. Mr BRANDON fully recognised the importance to the province of these proposed railways—lines likely to be more productive than any other in the colony. He would give his cordial support to these resolutions. Mr PHARAZYN thought there was_ no doubt that these works would be hailed hailed with satisfaction by the South Island, if it was only viewed from a defence point of view. It was certain that this feeling would exercise its due force in the next session of the General Assembly. Both resolutions were then agreed to, and the memorandum ordered to be entered upon the journals of the Council. ALTEEATION 0E LAND REGULATIONS. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY moved —" That the Council do now resolve itself into Committee to consider certain resolutions with regard to the alteration of the Land Regulations of the province, as printed in the supplementary order paper." Agi'eed to, and the bill read a first time. TRAMWAYS. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY moved For leave to introduce a Bill to enable the Superintendent to enter into contracts for the construction of tramways. Agreed to. EOXTON CEMETEEY. Mr THYNNE moved—For leave to introduce a Bill authorising the closing of the Foxton Cemetery. Agreed to, and tfce bill read a first time, the second reading being made an order of the day for Tuesday next. lAND CLAIMS. Mr WATT moved—" That a respectful Address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, praying him to place the sum of thirty pounds on the Estimates for the purpose, of purchasing sixty acres of land for William Brown, late private in H M. 65th Regiment.' The circumstances connected with the matter were rather peculiar. A certificate had been issued in July, 1863, to William Brown, by the Provincial Government, and he had since been killed in action by the natives. His effects had since been sold by an officer of the General Government, and purchased at auction, and amongst the effects was the certificate. The purchaser had forwarded it to him to lay it before the Council to see what they were prepared to do. Mr LUDLAM did not think such things were transferable. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY was of a similar opinion. The purchaser of the certificate had it in his power to petition the Council in the usual way, and then his claim could be enquired into. Mr LUDLAM said another point was that the hon. member had not proved whether the conditions of the certificate, which required a five years' residence in the district, had been fulfilled. She motion was negatived.

I WANGANUI FREEMASONS' GEANT BILL. I This bill was advanced through all its stages and pa|^ed. PUBLIC PETITIONS. The Council went into the consideration of Interim Reports Nos. 1 and 2, which were read and concurred in. THE HIGHWAYS BILL was ordered to be re-committed for the purpose of re-considering clauses 18 and 58, and introducing a new clause after clause 12. Reported with amendments, ordered to be printed as amended, and notice given that the bill would be read a third time on Tuesday next. THE TOLL GATES BILL was further considered in committee, reported with amendments, and the third reading made an order of the day for Tuesday next. THE "WELLINGTON EDUCATION BILL Was further considered in committee, taking up the bill at clause 22. Clause 23 to 40 were read and agreed to. On the recommendation of Mr Hutchison, clause 42'(account to to be laid before Provincial Council) was postponed. Clause 43 (regulating institution), was opposed by Mr Hutchison, and as some discussion ensued, the Council rose for dinner. On resuming, Mr HUTCHISON thought it desirable the Government should give some idea of the general scope of the instruction to be imparted, as it might so happen that the board would prescribe nothing in particular. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said the Government could scarcely answer that question so definitely a 3 the hon member seemed to desire. That was a matter to be left in the hands of the board, who would doubtless be competent to arrange such a matter as that.

Mr HUTCHISON said as regarded religious instruction it seemed to him no more requisite that a schoolmaster should give religious instruction than should a carpenter who was teaching a boy the carpentry trade. He should move therefore that the last part of the clause be struck out. It would then imply that the Council fully recognised the right and duty of imparting religious instruction to children ; and, acting from that conviction they laid the matter aside altogether, leaving the question entirely for parents and guardians to attend to. Mr WATT thought that the fears of his colleague on religious education were merely imaginary, as the bill was not calculated to give rise to anymore difficulties on that question than had already existed, and so far as his experience went, these bad been remarkably light—in fact there had been no dissatisfaction at all. Still he thought the Government might postpone the clause, as they had done with other clauses, in order to get further information.

The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said although the hon. member for Wanganui (Mr Hutchison) professed to be a great admirer of education, by his action in Committee his only object seemed to be to throw out the bill altogether. The Government could not accept the amendment of the hon. member.

Mr LUDLAM thought the action of the Government in making such a stand not only upon the principle of the bill, but also upon its details, was unwise, and placed members of the Council who were supporters of the Government in an awkward position, and the Government would have acted more judiciously if they had modified their details with regard to local boards, as suggested by several members. He felt that the Government would yet be compelled to come down to the Council for the purpose of granting powers in the direction indicated, such as appointment of local boards subordinate to a council of educa-

tion. With regard to religious education, he thought it impossible to teach a child to any purpose without giving them some sort of religious education. To give children secular instruction alone would have a tendency to the springing up of a class of freethinkers, certainly a most undesirable thing in young communities such as existed in this province. All this could be obviated, and religious scruples respected as was done in Victoria and Nelson, by scriptural reading pure and simple. Mr ANDERSON, though a warm supporter of the bill both in its principle and details, must still object, as he had ddne before, to the clause in question. He had very grave doubts that the clause would lead to great dissension and dissatisfaction. Still so greatly did he desire to see a good scheme of education, he would rather accept the clause than see the bill thrown out.

The PROVINCIAL SOLICITOR pointed out that the religious instruction contemplated by the bill was the same as that imparted in Ireland and elsewhere. Tt was merely of an elementary nature, and comprised such readings from the Scripture as the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and such equally generally unobjectionable portions. Members should recollect that in a great many cases it would be. positively cruel to deprive children of that grounding in scriptural truths which they were often not likely to get at home. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said it was perfectly clear that the hon: member's observations on the clause were only another form of attack in favor of the establishment of local boards. If these were introduced as part of the machinery, the hon member's scruples and objections as to the religious education allowed by the bill would vanish. Still the hon member might be as right in his views as he was no doubt conscientious in making them; it might be that the clause •won't work, but the objection seemed very much like the cry started at the time the General Government policy of public works and immigration was propounded. People said—" Oh! you won't get the money; it was never expected to be got; it was only a golden cloud trailed before the people's eyes to delude them." Well, tbt money had been got, the works would be prosecuted, and the prophets were falsified.

Why might it not be the same with this clause ? You never knew what could be done till you tried ; and you could not tell in this instance until you tried what you could do. The Government, after gravely considering this clause originally, and reconsidering it after the objections and suggestions of members of the Council still deemed it wise to adhere to original clause ; but, should the clause prove inefficient and lead to any dissatisfaction, no doubt the Government of the day, whoever they might be, would have no hesitation in coming down to the Council to provide for this emergency. Mr PHARAZYN felt that the objections of the hon. member for Wanganui were made from thoroughly conscientious scruples ; in fact, the hon. member was too much given to making everything a matter of conscience, especially things political. He felt indeed sorry for the hon. member, who really worked his conscience too hard altogether. The clause was then passed on the voices. In clause 45, Mr Andrews proposed that the clause should be amended so as to close the schools to all children not vaccinated.

A division was called for by the mover. The result was the hon. member stood alone. The clause was then passed.

Some discussion ensued on the wording of the clause regarding the admission of native children to the schools, Mr Andrew moving an amendment to remove the obscurity of the meaning, and make the clause read so that nothing in the act as regarded taxation should apply to aboriginal native children. The amendment was negatived. Clauses 48 and 49 were postponed for the insertion of a new clause.

Clause 16, which had been postponed, was brought up in an amended form and passed ; also clause 20, providing for itinerary teachers. Mr DRANSFIELD highly approved of the bill in many respects ; but on making a calcu> lation he found that as the City of Wellington was included within the operation of the act, her contribution would amount to something like £I6OO. He would not complain of this if he was certain there would be value received. It did not seem to be altogether right that Wellington city should contribute so largely without they were to receive some sort of corresponding consideration in the distribution of the funds, nor right that they should be spent entirely for the benefit of the country districts. Large sums of money had been raised in Wellington for education by the various denominations already, and as latterly the people of the city had been pretty heavily taxed in various ways, he would like some intimation of whether the board would take that view of the matter in making an equal distribution of the funds.

The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said their main duty was to provide a system of education for the whole province, without taking into consideration the amount raised in any particular district or place. It was the first time the city of Wellington had been taxed in this direction, though he trusted the time was not so remote when they would be enabled to lessen the taxes; still, he felt that there should not be much objection on the part of the people of the city in contributing towards such a good work, and no doubt the board would endeavour to act with all fairness to the city. Mr DRANSFIELD would be satisfied if the Government would promise that the private schools of the city would receive some subsidy. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said it would be entirely in the hands of the board.

Mr PHARAZYN would be extremely sorry to learn that the board was not perfectly independent of the Council in the matter. If the board were not to be so, there was little use for them at all.

Mr WATT thought there was little to apprehend in the direction of the remarks of the hon. member for the city, as from the size of the districts there was good reason to suppose ample funds would be collected to educate all the children of the province.

Mr THYNNE moved the insertion of a newclause, the object of which was that if a parent had several children between the ages of five and fifteen, and if any of these attained a certain standard of education fixed by the board, he should be at liberty to withdraw that child or children from the school, and be exempt from the tax required by the act. The new clause would in no way interfere with the principle of the measure, and would prove an act of great kindness to many families in country districts, the labor and assistance of whose children was an object of considerable value to them. It would, besides, have the effect of making the parents encourage their children to take such an interest in their education as would be a great stimulus to their advancement, and act practically as a bonus to them to secure their attention and good conduct. A division being called for, the Council divided, the result being that only the hon. mover and Mr Watt were on the side of the ayes. Progress was reported, and the bill made an order of the day for next sitting day. The Council then adjourned till Tuesday. Tuesday, June 27. The Speakeb took the chair at 3 o'clock. PETITION. Mr ANDREWS presented a petition from Mr Cave for compensation for the loss of two valuable horses by the breaking down of a bridge near Featherston through the fault of the contractor. Received. NOTICE OF MOTION. Several notices of motion were tabled. MESSAGES. Messages No. 1,3,4, 5, 6,7, from his Honor tlfe Superintendent, were read and ordered to be printed. Messages Nbs. 3 and 4 recom> mended the placing on the estimates the sums of money recommended bj the Public Pett«

tions Committee. The other messages referred to items of supply. The messages were ordered to be printed. COBBECTION. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY read a letter from Mr Woodward in reference to the statement made by Mr W. Milne in the Council regarding an item appearing in a Gazette containing the agricultural returns for the Rangitikei district. The letter pointed out that the return, as published in the General Cbvernment " Gazette," was correct, but that " 3 the Provincial " Gazette" there was an ; xrorin one figure. BBIDGING THE TENUI EIVEB. The Council went into committee on the following motion, moved by Mr Andrew: — " That a respectful address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, praying him to place on the estimates the sum of one hundred pounds (£100) for the purpose of completing the bridge on the Tenui river, commenced and left unfinished by the Provincial Government." The bridge, being on the main road, and the natural outlet for the produce of a considerable tract of country, its want was much felt. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY admitted the necessity of the work, and had already placed the amount on the estimates to be brought down. . LAND CLAIMS. Mr PEARCE moved-—" That a respectful address be presented to his Honor the Supertendent, to place on the Estimates the sum of sixty pounds, for the purchase of land, to satisfy the claims of James Bradey and Philip Davey, as recommended by the Public Petitions Committee in their reports Nos. 4> and 5." The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY, in reply, said the Government had placed the sum of £6O on the supplementary estimates. EDUCATIONAL BESEBVES. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY moved —"That the Council do now resolve itself into Committee to consider certain resolutions with regard to the management of the Educational Reserves within the province." The object of the resolutions was to provide liberal endowments for the education of young persons in the province out of lands set apart from the lands of the Crown for that purpose. It was merely to assist in carrying out the Education Bill, and to procure the setting apart of a block of not less than 20,000 acres to be placed under the control of the Education Board. On the bill being discussed in Committee. Mr PEARCE called attention to the necessity for something being done in the matter of reserves in the city of Wellington, granted by Sir George Grey/which had been placed in the hands of certain trustees. These trusts it was impossible to utilise in any way until the question of title was definitely settled. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said they had not deemed it wise to insert a clause in the bill dealing in this matter, as it was understood that the General Assembly were going to do so by act next session. Mr BRANDON threw out a hint that as the University of the colony was now established, and it was likely a great many schools might become affiliated with that institution, it might be advisable to set apart some of the funds to be raised for that purpose. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said that point had already been brought under the notice of his Honor the Superintendent, and he thought a provision of that kind might be introduced into the bill before it was brought into the General Assembly. The resolution was Ifcen reported, read a second time and concurred in. CITY BESEBTES. On the motion of the Provincial Secretary the Council went into commitee [to consider a resolution to introduce an act to repeal an act of the Superintendent and Provincial Council of the Province of Wellington intitu led " An act to provide for the management of certain parcels of land in the City of Wellington" and to make other provision in relation to the said lands. The 3rd clause of the act specifies that:— " The Superintendent of the said province of Wellington may, with the advice and consent of the Executive Council, from time to time convey the whole or any part or parts of the land so granted as hereinbefore recited to the Mayor, Councillors, and burgesses for the time being of the city of Wellington, to hold the same to the said Mayor, Councillors, and burgesses, and their successors, uoon such trusts and for such purposes of public utility to the city of Wellington and its inhabitants as shall in and by the deed or deeds of conveyance thereof be expressed and declared." The following is the schedule of the land referred to: — Town Belt. All that parcel of land in the province of Wellington, in our colony of New Zealand, situate at and adjoining the town of Wellington, containing by admeasurement one thousand two hundred and thirty-four acres two toods and eighteen perches, more or less, lounded towards the north by section No. 1, Harbor district, by section No. 28, Karori district, two thousand five hundred and seventy-five links by section No. 20, Ohiro district, one thousand eight hundred and fifty links, and by section No. 3, Evans Bay district, one thousand one hundred and fifty links; towards the east by sections No. 1,2, 3,4, 5, and 6 Evanß Bay district, twenty-four thousand five hundred and fifty links; towards the south by sections numbers 2 and 5 town district, four thousand links and five thousand links respectively; by section No. 12, Ohiro district, nine hundred and fifty links, and one thousand seven hundred and fifty links by. section No. 11, Ohiro district, two thousand three hundred and fifty links, and by section No. 28, Karori district, two thousand two hundred and fifty links; towards the west by a public road, nine hundred and fifty links, by sections No. 20, 18, 15, 12,11, 10, and the Ohiro road, nineteen thousand five hundred

and twenty links ; by sections No. 28, 29, and 30, Karori district, eleven thousand three hundred and fifty links, by sections Nos. 1,2,., and 3 Kaiwarrawarra district, five thousawtone hundred links, and part of Lambton harbor. Excepting always out of the said boundaries the city of Wellington, as the same was origiaally laid out by the New Zealand Company as delineated in a plan appended to the draft thereof. Canal Basin.

All that parcel of land in the province of Wellington, situate in the town of Wellington, containing by admeasurement fifteen acres more or less, bounded towards the north by high water mark, about one hundred and thirty one l:nks, and by Sussex Square one thousand one hundred links j towards the east by Kent Terrace, four thousand and forty links, and by Sussex Square eight hundred and ninety links ; and towards the west by Sussex Square, one thousand one hundred links ; and towards the west by Sussex Square, eight hundred and ninety links, and by Cambridge Terrace four thousand and forty links, as the same is delineated on the plan appended to the grant thereof. Mr LUDLAM should like to have beard on what terms the Council proposed to hand over these reserves to the Corporation—whether as a free gift, or with any reservations preventing the Corporation using them as a means of making money. Wellington was sadly deficient both in recreation grounds for its own inhabitants and in reseiyes for the recreation of strangers visiting the city. A beginning had been made to supply the latter want, and he thought the Government should see that some steps in this direction were taken by the civic authorities.

The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY pointed out that these reserves were already in the possession of the city ; and that this bill was simply to enable the corporate authorities t© deal with these properties in a simpler manner than was at present possible. But there was no reason to doubt that the Corporation would make all possible or reasonable provision for recreation grounds for the city. As it was a matter of importance, especially to the city, he thought the members for the city in the General Assembly would see that all necessary precautions would be taken in the direction pointed out by the hon. member for the Hutt. Mr PEARCE thought, if he understood the hon. member aright, he meant to point out that whereas now these reserves were used as pasture grounds for people's cattle, and sheepwalks, and the proceeds being spent on the streets of the city without any benefit accruing to these reserves, it should be so arranged that at least a portion of the proceeds should be spent in beautifying these grounds, towards fitting them.for their ultimate object. In reply to some remarks from Mr W. W. Taylob, with reference to the expenditure of the money on the beach, Mr DRANSFIELD said the great difficulty hitherto had been how they were to do it. As far as the Basin Reserve was concerned, he believed they now saw their way to making such provision, and intended doing so. Mr PEARCE said he would give notice to move for a return showing the amount of rent received from these reserves by the Town since leases were issued. His own impression was that it had been returning something like £6OO or £7OO a-year, which would amount to a sum of something like £4OOO altogether. Mr DRANSFIELD pointed out that after all, as the reserve had been intended for the benefit of the city, and as the proceeds had been expended altogether upon the streets ot the city, there was really nothing to complain of. The resolution, as a whole, was then reported, and concurred in. TBAMWAYS bill. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY, in moving the second reading of the bill, said it was a measure calculated to do a great deal of good at very little, expense to the province. Many parties had expressed a willingness to make tramways on certain terms similar to those which had worked so well in Westland. Read a second time, and made an order of the day for to-morrow. the eoxton bttbial prevention bill Was read a seeond time, and the third reading made an order of the day for to-morrow. THE HIGHWAYS BILL Was reported as amended, read a third time, and passed. THE TOLL GATES PILL Was read a third time and passed. THE WELLINGTON EDUCATION BILL. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY brought down a new clause, providing that the board should annually, within fourteen days after the meeting of the session of the Provincial Council, bring down a report of the proceedings during the last year. The bill was then reported as amended, ordered to be printed as amended* and the third reading made an order of the day for to-morrow. The Council then adjourned. Wednesday, June 28. The Speaker took the chair at three o'clock. PTJECHASE OP RECLAIMED LAND. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY moved the following resolution—" Whereas negotiations have lately been carried on between the Provincial Government of the one part, and the Municipal' Corporation of the City of Wellington of the other part, for the sale and transfer to the latter of the reclaimed land, except such portion thereof as is retained by the Provincial Government for the erection of public offices, the Government wharf, and the Government bonded store. Now it is hereby resolved that his Honor the Superintendent be requested to cause a bill to be introduced into the General Assembly at its next sitting authorising him, with the assent of his Executive Council, and subject to the rights of the General Government in regard to the same,

to convey and transfer the same to the said Corporation as part of the corporate property, subject to the following conditions : »* " Ist. The Corporation thenceforth to pay the interest charged against the revenues of the Province of Wellington upon the sum of £31,000, forming part of the consolidated debt of the colony in respect of moneys advanced to and expended by the province in reclaiming the said reclaimed land, and to indemnify the Provincial Government and revenues against any claim arising from such charge. " 2nd. The due payment of such interest to be primarily charged upon any revenues arising from the said reclaimed land. " 3rd. The Corporation to pay over to the General Government all moneys other than rent or interest moneys received by them upon the alienation of any part of the said Reclaimed Land, so long as part of the said sum of £31,000 remains due.

" 4th. The Corporation to pay to the Superintendent, on behalf of the province, in respect of the said wharf and bonded store, the sum of £19,000, to be appropriated and applied as part of the revenue of the province. " sth. The Corporation to be empowered to raise the sum of £19,000 by means of debentures, primarily charged upon bhe revenues arising from the said wharf and bonded store.

" 6th. Due provision to be made for the formation of sinking funds, to be applied in payment of the principal moneys charged upon the reclaimed land and owing upon the debentures to be issued in respect of the wharf and bonded store.

" 7th. The bill to contain all other provisions necessary for carrying into effect the foregoing resolution according to its true intent and spirit."

If the Council approved of the transaction, he apprehended there would be no difficulty in agreeing to the propositions, and the result would be that the Corporation would stand to the General Government in respect to these properties, in the shoes of the Provincial Government. In dealing with the Corporation of Wellington, the Government looked on it as a different matter to dealing with a private individual. If the Council would not sanction the present propositions, and the property was still to remain in the hands of the Provincial Government, they proposed to reduce the upset price which had been set upon the land by 25 per cent, in order to cause purchasers to come forward and purchase this land. But the Government were of the opinion that it would be better for the province as a whole to get rid of the property to the Corporation, who would convert it into a valuable endowment for the city. With regard to the wharf and bonded store, looking at the present position of the province, and the return derived from these properties, the Government also deemed it wise to dispose of them to the Corporation, as the money which would thereby accrue to the province would be of infinitely more value to it than the retention of the properties as they at present stood. The money to be paid over by the Corporation would be of very great benefit to the Government in enabling them to meet pressing liabilities and carry on public works, the necessity for which was also very pressing. The Government had, however, made certain stipulations with regard to the erection of another goods shed on the wharf, and the retention of a site on the reclaimed land, on which to erect Provincial Government buildings. On the whole, looking at the returns derivable at present from these properties, and the exigencies of the Government, they looked on the propositions as very equitable; although, no doubt, they would ultimately prove a valuable investment for the citv. Mr W. MILNE thought the propositions of the Provincial Secretary indicated that the province was in a seedy state; but he confessed he was well pleased to see the Government take this step, as it not only showed an anxiety to get rid of a responsibility that had not been sustained very well hitherto, and also that it was an admission that they did not wish to manage everything, and believed that other people than themselves might do so in this instance more profitably than they had done or could do. He would, therefore, cordially support the resolution. Mr LUDLAM was also in favor of the proposition, though he confessed he would have liked to see more data in regard to the properties about to be disposed of, and he saw no reason why they should not have had laid before them ; still, he must say that £19,000 for the wharf and the bonded store seemed a very low price as compared with their cost, though it was quite possible they might not be worth more. He was glad that these propositions had been made for another reason, because he believed that the corporation were far more likely to make the properties remunerative than the Government were. He was also glad that the Government had inserted the provision to make the corporation procure increased wharf accommodation for both goods and steamers; but while supporting the propositions, he must also say that the corporation were getting an excellent bargain. Mr ANDERSON also supported the propositions, on the ground that the hands of the Government were already fully occupied, and that a local body such as the corporation, was better calculated to manage these properties especially to the better advantage of the city in one way, and indirectly to the benefit of the province as a whole. Mr BRANDON regretted that these resolutions were so soon discussed after notice, and before hon. members had had an opportunity of ascertaining the. exact value of the reclaimed land ; for the price offered by the Corporation seemed to him to be exceedingly small.

The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY rose to explain that the information wanted had been laid upon the table of the Council several days before. . Mr BRANDON then proceeded to comment upon the original values set upon the

properties as compared with those which they were now proposed to be sojKl for. It seemed to him that now there was a prospect of getting an increased revenue from these properties the province should have the full benefit of any advantage tp be derived from them. Mr PEARCE said there was no doubt the city was getting a good bargain j but the items should not be looked at for their separate values —the transaction should be regarded as a whole. There had been various claims preferred against the Government by the city, for some time back ; and he trusted that this transaction would be the means of for ever setting at rest those claims. It was on this account, and for other broad views, that the bargain should be regarded as a good one for both parties, though especially so for the city. He would like to see the Government make some stipulation with regard to placing a limit upon the wharfage charges to be fixed by the Corporation ; and also that the site for the Provincial Government buildings should be fixed as near as possible to the other public buildings near the approach to the wharf.

Mr DRANSFIELD, in supporting the resolution, went into the financial history of the property in question, including its present income, in order to show that the bargain, though on the whole a very good one for the city, was yet of such a mutually advantageous nature as to be considered a wise transaction on the part of the Government. With regard to the site for the Provincial Government buildings, he believed it was understood that the Corporation were not willing that it should be on the spot referred to by Mr Pearce, as that land was held to be of considerably greater value than any other portion of the reclaimed land.

Mr BUNNY, in reply, referred to the complaints of the insufficient data furnished. He really could not see that any more could have been furnished, and as to the difference betwees the estimated value of the properties and the price proposed to sell for, hon. members must recollect that in passing the bill enabling the Superintendent to lower the upset price of the reclaimed land twenty-five per cent., they admitted it was impossible to dispose of it at the former price fixed upon it. They must also not overlook the advantage the province would derive from receiving a lump sum in hand. With regard to the site, he could not admit, as said by the hon. member for the City (Mr Dransfield), that any understanding had been come to which would preclude the Government from 'selecting the area of land for a site for the Provincial Government buildings from any part of the reclaimed land which they chose to fix upon. The price of the wharf might be considered cheap, but there was no doubt that a very large sum of money would have to be expended upon it; though he had no hesitation in saying that when those large colonial works about to be initiated (a laugh)—yes, hon. members might laugh ; but he would repeat that if they lived long enough (and they would nat have so very long to live to see it) they would see the business done at Wel« lington wharf, and in Wellington harbor, greater than at any other port in New Zealand, and Wellington raised to that position her situation and varied advantages as a poit entitled her to. The resolution was then agreed to on the voices. RAISING- A LOAN. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY then moved —" That it is necessary for the carrying on of the Government of this province that provision should be made for defraying the debts and liabilities of the province, specified in the schedule hereto, and for executing certain urgent works, as also specified in such schedule.

" That the only practicable means of defraying the said debts and liabilities, and providing for such works, is the raising of a loan for that purpose under an act of the General Assembly, "That his Honor the Superintendent be requested to take all such steps as may be no cessary to procure the passing of an Act in the next session of the General Assembly for raising a loan of 6100,000 for the purpose of defraying the said debts and liabilities, and providing for such works; such loan and all interest, sinking fund, and other moneys payable thereunder being made wholly or in part, a charge upon the ordinary revenue and the land revenue of the province in such manner as the General Assembly shall direct. " Schedule—Existing liabilities, £38,850 surveys, £27,000; construction of main lines of roads, erection of bridges and school buildings, £34,150; total, £100,000." In asking for the loan, they were not asking for anything for which they were not prepared to give the most ample security. They were merely asking the assistance of the General Government to enable them to adopt and carry out a policy in the same direction as their own. Mr BRANDON wished to know if in asking for the loan, arrangements would not be made to obtain the loan at as modeiate a rate of interest as possible. Mr ANDERSON supported the resolution as an absolutely necessary step. The motion was then pat and agreed to; AUDIT COMMITTEE. On the motion of the Peovincial SecbeTABY, the names of Messrs Crawford and Tbynne wee added to the Audit Committee in room of Messrs Watt and Morgan. MASTERTON TRUSTS BILL. On the Peovincial Solicitob moving the second reading of this bill, Mr REN ALL said the great bane of these trusts had been the illegality of procedure with regard to them. According to the act of the General Assembly, six trustees were all that were permitted, yet he saw by the bill proposed that tweiye were mentioned. Be* sides, there were various lands coming within the disposition of the trustees which were not

mentioned in the schedule of the bill. It was perfectly clear to him that under the present reading of the bill it would be found to be illegal, though in saying this he had no wish to oppose the bill, as he merely wished to point out how this difficulty might be avoided by making a slight verbrl alteration, as the hon. member introducing the bill could not be bo well conversant with the circumstances of the case. As one of the trustees, he must decline to accept the responsibilities of the difficulties likely to ensue. Mr MASTERS supported the bill.'as he felt certain our representatives in the General .Assembly could get it legalised without any trouble. There was no doubt about the benefit likely to accrue to the Wairarapa from these endowments.

The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said the only difficulty about the matter was that those who were interested in the trusts —Master-ton and Greytown—could not be got to agree at all on the question. If the respective representatives of Greytown and Masterton could only be induced to give and take a little there ■would be no difficulty in so shaping the bill in committee as to meet the views of both. He thought it would be wise to allow the second reading of thd bill, so that they might frame something on which they could each agree, in order to get it through the General Assembly. The PROVINCIAL SOLICITOR merely wished to say in reply that ho had made the drafts from information supplied to him ; but it was clear to him that if they wanted to get a bill oassed through the General Assembly, they should consider this bill in committee, as well as the bill of a similar character for Greytown, as a necessary step towards attaining the object desired. The bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed to-moiTOW. THE GEEYTOWN TEUSTS BILL "Was similarly dealt with. The SPEAKER then read Message No. 8, from His Honor the Superintendent, informing the Council that he had placed upon the estimates the sum of £5,000 for the erection of Provincial Government buildings, and £I,OOO for furnishing them. Ordered to be considered in committee, at 7 o'clock. PEOGBESS OP BUSINESS. The Tramways Bill, and the Poxton Burial Prevention Bill were advanced a stage, and ordered to be read a third time to-morrow. The Wellington Education Bill was read a third time and passed. On the Council resuming, Mr REN ALL called the attention of the Council to an item of £4,000, put down on the Estimates for the Hutt bridge. He thought that before proceeding to consider this item, they should see if they could not prevent an encroachment now taking place close to the proposed site ; because if they could not succeed in doing that they would find themselves rushing into a large and probably useless expense. The hon. member also suggested that the various suras put down separately for bridges in the Wairarapa should be put into one lump sum under the head of " bridges" generally. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY was thankful for the suggestions of the hon. member, and would promise him that if he wofld put his suggestions in Wi'iting, the Executive would give them every consideration, He was fully alive to the large experience of the hon. member in this direction. The Council then resolved itself into comm'ttee for the consideration of the ESTIMATES. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY regretted that through tho serious illness of the Provincial Treasurer, the Council would be deprived of his knowledge and experience in explaining the different items on the estimates, and his valuable assistance in their consideration. Under these circumstances the Council would excuse him for not making what was called a financial statement; indeed that labor was in a great degree rendered unnecessary by the elaborate nature of his Honor's opening speech, in which the leading details of the present estimates were succinctly set forth. The hon. gentlemen * then proceeded to comment briefly upon the various appropriations as printed. He would call special attention to the enormous drag which was placed upon the province by the expenses of the telegraph and militia and volunteers being made provincial charges. In the first charge some reduction must be made, for any actual benefit from the telegraph was wholly and solely derived by the General Government; and therefore it seemed to him that in very fairness it should be made a colonial charge. And as for the expense with which the province was saddled for militia and volunteers it was a question whether, considering the small benefit the province derived from these things, it would not bo advisable to sink the money so expended in some other more profitable channel. Mr LDDLAM could not see how the transferring those charges referred to by the hon. the Provincial Secretary could result in any particular benefit to the province. From the financial statement of the Colonial Treasurer, it was clear that the colonial expenditure could not be carried out if what the hon. member suggested were acted on, and the capitation allowance could not be paid to the province. There was also an advantage derived from these provincial charges which should not be overlooked ; it had a great effect in preventing log-rolling. With regard to the Estimates themselves, he would offer no objection to the item of £6OO for Superintendent, because it was only a fair remuneration, and a reduction on the previous rate j but as to the two items (£800) bracketed together for Provincial Secretary and Treasurer, he wovM feel compelled to move a reduction ; because he had always maintained that the work was within the power of one person—that practically it had flwaya been performed by one

person ; and, moreover, there was an unmistakable intention of the present Government to relieve themselves of considerable detail work, which had devolved upon former E > ecutives.

The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY would say, in reply t> the hon. member who had just sat down, that hfc had no wish to see the present system of provincial charges done away with, but he wanted to see reduced those charges made against the province, such as the charges for the telegraph. With regard to the first item put down, he \. ished to state that notwithstanding that his Honor had only taken office for a short period (until after the incoming session of the General Assembly) he had subsequently, at the request of his Executive, and seven. 1 influential friends, consented to continue in the office.

Mr LUDLAM: Are we to understand from the Provincial Secretary that his Honor is willing to fill the office permanently ? The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY: Certainly. Mr HUNTER thought it was not only the wish of the Executive, but he thought it would be that of thepeople also, that his Honor should retain the office he was then filling, and that his retirement from it could not be re-' garded other than as a calamity. They must all be ready to bear testimony to the hearty manner in which his Honor had responded to the call to fill that office, and take charge of the affairs of the province; and also for the zealous manner in which he had fulfilled those ■ delicate and onerous duties pertaining to it.' He (Mr Hunter) was always one of those who ever advocated the payment of a liberal remuneration for the serviees of such an important office as that of Superintendent, end in this instance they had the satisfaction of knowing they had secured the services of one of the most highly qualified men possible for them to get; and he trusted they would not be slow to substantially acknowledge as much when the affairs of the province were in a more flourishing condition. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said, in reference to the remarks of Mr Ludlam, aimed at the sum put down for the Provincial Secretary and Provincial Treasurer, it was a matter entirely in the hands of the committee ; but he might tell them they should bear in mind that there was sufficient work devolving upon each office to seriously tax all the energies of both. They would find that there was no economy to be derived from small salaries; it was always more wise to pay fair salaries and get their work done properly. There was more work to be done in connection with the proposed schemes of the Provincial Government than members might perhaps be aware of. It was in contemplation that in order to deal efficiently with the immigrants to be introduced by the Government and those already located at the Manawatu, that the Provincial Treasurer intended residing permanently in that district. There would besides be about a dozen bills to be introduced into the General Assembly. He could assure hon. members that he himself was equal to considerable work, but he never had found himself so hard put before as during the last seven weeks. Mr BRANDON" could not accept a word cf the arguments of the hon. member. He could not see the extra amount of work which would fall upon the Government, and if there were bills to be passed through the Assembly, it was the Provincial Solicitor who should do that. He must object to the items p.ltogcther as they at present stood. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY, in reply, said he regretted that the hon. member should have spoken as he did. The hon. member had referred to the uselesscess of paying too much for work ; but he forgot that he had a bill against the Government of £3OO, twenty guineas of which was for the abortion of a bill he had brought in in the last session. Mr BRANDON rose to reply. It was not his bill that was the abortion, but the miserable Highways Bil', and he was prepared to trust to the voice of the country as to which bill was the abortion. After some remarks from the PE3VINCIAL Solicitob and Mr Beandon, Mr W. MILNE referred to the time when the present Provincial Secretary used to maintain that the two offices only furnished work that could easily be performed by one person. He really liked consistency. Anyway, he would like the item to be specifically divided. Mr HUNTER reminded hon. members that on casting up all the items they would find a large reduction upon the gross amount as compared with previous estimates. As far as he was himself concerned, he had made it a stipulation before consenting to take office that he should receive no remuneration ; but, at the same time, he should be sorry to see any reduction' made in the item, as there was not only more required at the hands of the Executive, but they had already given ample earnest of what they were capable of doing, and what they were already doing. Mr MASTERS must support the Government on the estimates. It was better for the province to pay a fair price and have its work done properly, as was now being done. Mr LUDLAM had not one argument to support the payment of these two offices. He at least had no doubt that there was nothing thai one gentleman with the assistance of a clerk could not comfortably dispose of. Mr W. MILNE was of a like opinion. The Council then divided upon the item with the following result: —In favor of retaining the item —Messrs Bunny, Borlase, Hunter,Pearce, Dransfield, Crawford, Masters, Anderson, Eagan, Taylor, W. W, Taylor, 11. Against —Messrs W. Milne, A. Milne, Brandon, Ludlam, Thynne, Andrew, 6. Some discussion ensued as to Mr Thynne voting, he having paired with Mr Pharazyn • but the hon. member explained that he had done so in ignorance. On the total, £2176 (Executive), being put, Mr LUDLAM asked if the Provincial Se-

cretary had any objection to divide the item £BCO. ■

Ihe PROVINCIAL SECRETARY : There is not the slightest objection. The item as put was then passed. Legislative —£695. Mr LUDLAM wished, before this item was put, that some steps were taken in order that that the police in country districts should perform their duties in a more efficient manner. He referred to the keeping the roads clear of wandering catt'e. In order that this should be done, he thought the Counc ; l should r.llow a trifle for forage for the police. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said the Government would consider the suggestion of the hon. member; and they would also be thankful if the Government were informed if any district policeman was supercilious to any magistrate, and would not treat their instructions with all respect. He was aware that the police did not think they were so amenable, but the Government held a different view of the matter. The item was passed. Judicial and Police. —£73B3 lis 6d. Mr PEARCE wisbrd, before this total was passed, that the Government would endeavor to make some arrangements whereby a prisoner could obtain an opportunity of earning a little money to keep him from crime when he was again turned out into the world. It was a standing disgrace as it was at present; the poor fellows were cast adrift helplessly destitute, with the additional disadvantage of having to contend against the:? bad reputation. Mv LUDLAM entirety concurred in this view. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY also admitted the justness of the plea, though as no provision in that direction had been made hitherto, they bad not done so on that occasion ; but the Government would enquire into the matter to see what could be done. The item then passed. Charitable.— £3997. Mr ANDREW considered the Provincial Surgeon very much underpaid. Moreover, he believed that the late Provincial Secretary had promised to increase the salary. He would suggest that £ICO be placed with this object on the suplementary estimates. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said the Government had considered the particular item, and could not entertain the proposition of the hon. member. It was not as if the Province paid for the undivided services of the surgeon ; for in this case Mr Johnston was not only allowed to retain his private practice, but was also granted an assistant. Mr W. W. TAYLOR would like to put in a word on behalf of the poor lunatics, as he did not think there was much to be expected in the way of improving the condition of the inmates out of the amount put down. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY quite agreed with the remarks of the hon. member, but it was obvious that in order to take any steps towards making such alterations as would conduce to restoring the light of reason to the unfortunate inmates a very considerable outlay would be required. He believed that in the next" session of the Assembly some steps would be taken towards the establishment of a central asylum. Considerable discussion took place on the question, Mr Ludlam pointing out that the asylum at Karori was not curative. Mr PEARCE said he had lately visited the Asylum at Canterbury but was surprised to find that the accommodation was taxed to the utmost, and that the erection of another had been determined upon. He had no doubt that economical arrangements might be made for sending the more incurable of our own patients to that province. Those who required only a short period of care should, however, be dealt with locally. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said the Government would, in reference to this matter, consalt with the Superintendent of Olugo, who would soon be in this city. The item then passed. Education— £3s77 10s. Harbors— ££772. Special— £l669 10s. Miscellaneous —£1872 18s.

The above were all passed. Public Works and Under talcing s —Land Department, £l2lO, was passed. Survey Department, £5,9C0 ; Extra staff, £4,1t0; Engineers' Department, £7O0 —passed. Sundry Undertakings, £5,440. On the item Provincial Buildings £3,C00, the Peoyinctal Seceetaey explained, in reply to a question "rom My* Ludlam, that the buildings were proposed to be put up out of the money to be raised by loan, to be paid for by deferred payments. The additional expenditure had arisen out of a suggestion of the G-enera! Government, who would become a tenant, and from whom they expected to receive a vent of £4OO a year, while they would probably receive another hundred from the Corporation. The item then passed.

Hoads, £9,700, passed. Bridges, £12,560. Some discussion ensued on this item, Mr Ludlam repeating the caution given in reference to the Hutt Bridge bv Mr Renall. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY had spoken to Mr Blackett about the matter, and he was going to inspect the spot, in fact borings were now going on. If it was not too much trouble for him, the Government and also Mr Blackett would be happy to receive suggestions from the hon. member. They had no wish to throw their money away ; and while anxious to proceed with the erection of the Hutt Bridge as soon as possible, they must decide carefully first upon the site. The item then passed. Contingencies for public works, £IOOO, was also passed. Existing liabilities —£3B,Bso. This was put down ai the probable amount, 1 he accounts not being yet received. Passed.

MESSAGES. The Committee then proceeded to tho consideration of the following sums recommended by his Honor in vavious messages:—£695 17s 4d, to cover unauthorised expenditure; £9O, compensation foi' several land claimants recommended by the Public Petitions Comm;tt e j £3555, as Supplementary Estimates ; £5 03, erection of Provincial Government buildings; £IOCO, fuvniture for same; £1923 14s sd, to cover expenditure incurred by Land Purchase Commissioner. The various items having been agreed to t prog ess was reported, and the report of the Committee ordered to be received to-morrow. The Council then adjourned at 10.30 t«H three next day. Thursday. The Speakee took the chair at 3 o'clock. Message No. 9. A message was read from His Honor, informing the Council that he had placed an additional sum of £2OO upon the Estimates for printing ; and £SO to meet Mr Erdk. Irvin's claim, in accordance with the recommendation of the Public Petitions Committee. Ordered to be printed. WHAEE EEPOET. Mr LUDLAM brought up the report of the Wnarf Committee. Read, and ordered to be printed with the interim report, No. 1. Mr LUDLAM said, as that would be the last day on which any business would be transacted by the Council, he wished to move, without notice, that the Council concurs in the recommendations contained in the report of the Wharf Committee. These recommendations were —That the Corporation erect a shed at the end of the wharf where steamevs generally berthed ; the erection of a similar shed for storing the inward and outward cargos of English vessels; that the wharf and and bonded store be leased to one person ; reductions of port charges ; and the suggestion that it would greatly conduce to the convenience of the harbor and accommodation of the wharf if a floating dock were constructed. PBOVINCIAL BUILDINGS. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said that before going on with the business of the order paper, he wished to say, that looking at the large sum of money voted for the erection of Government buildings, the Council had decided to accept tenders for the work; and, further, were anxious to receive the assistance of a committee of members of the Council in carrying out the work, the committee to consist of Messrs Dransfield, Ludlam, Pearce, and Brandon. Agreed to. AUDITING ACCOUNTS. The PROVINCIAL SECRETARY said as to-morrow would be in all probability the last day of the session, and as it was necessary, according to the Audit Act, that the accounts should be examined, he hoped the Audit Committee wonld 8 e that their report was brought up in proper time. Mr LUDLAM said the Chairman of the Committee end one or two members were absent. GEEYTOWN TEUSTS BILL. In order to enable Mr Renall to assist in the consideration of the bill in Committee, Mr Ludlam acted as Chairman of Committee. After severe 1 clauses of the bill had been considered, Mr W. MILNE suggested that the trust, be vested in the hands of the Provincial Government altogether. As they were going to provide for the education of all the youth of the province, they or the board of education was the proper body to have the trust. Mr PEARCE would like to ask before the bill went further, whether the promoters of it had considered the new state of things which had set|in since those resei veswere made. They must see that education was already provided for; and it seemed that there were various other modes in which these trusts might be made to do valuable service to the people of the Wairarapa. Taking that view of the case, it seemed that unless the hon. members looking after the bill were acting directly in accordance viifch the wishes of thei.* constituents, they had better paune. The PROVINCIAL SOLICITOR thought although the people of the Wairarapa would be taxed just the same for common schools, they still might want a higher class of school; and in that ease the trusts would answer that purpose. Mr RENALL shared in the opinion expressed by Mr Pearce • but as he was not the introducer of the bill he was not answerable for anything done in connection with it, though he would give what assistance he could in passing it through committee. Mr MASTERS wanted to see the property in the hands of the people, instead of in the hands of the trustees. He bad always opposed the doings of the committee, and he would continue to do so as long as he lived. It had been decided at a public meeting in the Wairarapa (the report of which appeared in the Independent) that the land should be reserved for the purpose of education alone—for the endowment of a school where a higher class of education than that afforded by the the Government school could be obtained. The bill was reported with amendments, and made an order of the day for t©-moirow. THE MASTEETON TEUST BILL Was also made an order of the day for tomorrow. THE TEAM WAYS BILL Was read a third time, and passed. THE EOXTON BUEIAL PEEVENTION BILL Was read a third time, and passed. SUPPLY. The resolutions reported from the Committee of Supply were read and passed. The Council then resolved itself into Committee of Supply to consider Message No. 9 of his Honor the Superintendent. Printing —£2oo. Passed. Compensation to Fredk. Irvin—£sQ, Passed.

TH.fi APPBOPEIATION ACr Was then read a first time, and the second reading fixed for the following day. The Council then adjourned frill two the next day.