LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 269, 10 November 1877, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[per press agency.]

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WELLINGTON. November 9. On the House resuming last night, Major Atkinson moved postponement of Orders of the Day, to allow his Want of Confidence motion to come on. Discussion followed. Sir George Grey brought down Governor’s message about privilege case. After these were read, Mr Stout moved that it be taken into consideration next day. A long debate followed, which lasted till one o'clock. Mr Travers blamed Ministers more than the Governor for breach of privilege, and accused them .of having laid a trap for the Governor, whom it was their duty to defend. Sir George Grey indignantly denied that any trap had been laid. Mr Sheehan did the same, both defending their conduct warmly. ' Major Atkinson taunted the with retaining office in defiance of wish of majority of House, and challenged them to an immediate division on his motion. Until the question was settled, the Opposition were determined not to allow any business to proceed.

Sir GL Grey replied that the Government relied on a majority in the country. The discussion proceeded warmly, when it was resolved to take the privilege case into consideration on Monday. The original proposal about postponing the Orders of the Day was then reverted to, when the Speaker ruled that, except with unanimous consent, this could only be done on motion.

Mr Moorhouse charged the Government with resorting to technical forms to defy the will of the majority, and said the Opposition had a majority of seven. Mr Sheehan replied that the Want of Confidence motion would have to take its regular turn. Government would give no special facilities. He challenged the Opposition to consent to go to the country, and said he would himself fight Atkinson for the representation of Egmont, ‘ At 2.35 a.m., motion for adjournment was agreed to, and House rose. House met at 2.30 p.m. to-day. Mr Lusk made a long personal explanation in reference to breach of privilege.

The Marine Act Amendment Bill was introduced by Sheehan. The Speaker said he thought that it was competent for Major Atkinson, having given notice, to move that all orders of the day be postponed in order to bring on non-confidence motion.

Mr Stout argued that this was contrary Jo standing orders and precedent. A long discussion ensued on the point of order which is still proceeding.

KATEMARAE SMALL FARM ASSOCIATION.

On Monday last, the delegates elected to representthe Association at Taranaki Waste Lands Board, were duly in attendance Three of the delegates arrived in New Plymouth on the Saturday, and secured the services a solicitor (Mr C. Govett) to state the case for them at the meeting of the Board which was held on Monday. Mr W. Williams, of Carlyle, was late in starting, and went by the coast road, arriving at the Lands Office, New Plymouth, after the Board had commenced business. The delegates consisted of, Messrs John Guy, Felix Hunger, Thomas Robson, and William Williams.

After Mr Christie’s application had been considered, the Small Farm Association deputation being in waiting, Mr Govett applied for 20,000 acres of land as a Small Farm Settlement.

Mr Williams, who through arriving late, was unaware of the arrangement made by the other delegates with Mr Govett, had a say in the matter, and pointed out on the map the land the Association desired to get. He explained the position and intentions of the Association, and the need for settlement at the Patea end of the Mountain Road and trusted that the Board would not only deal fairly but would meet the Association on liberal terms. The land applied for comprises 20,000 acres, and is bounded on the one side by the confiscated line, on the other by the Ketemarae Native Reserve, and crossing the Mountain Road to the Waingongoro River. The Board as a whole appeared inclined to favorably entertain the application and a resolution was passed to that effect. The matter of price was broached, and it was decided to leave the consideration of price until the Ranger (Mr Robinson) had inspected and reported on the land. A stipulation was however made that any other application for the land applied for by the deputation would not lift entertained unless with the sanction of the Small Farm Association.

The Commissioner of Lands (Mr Whitcombe) is reported to have expressed himself favorably, as also Mr Symes and Mr Crompton. Mr Standish, while showing himself favorable, appeared disposed to be a little stiff in regard to price. Altogether the deputation are well satisfied with their reception by the Board, and are hopeful that terms may be arranged.

A committee meeting was held at Hawera on Wednesday evening, all being present, when the deputation gave in their report which was received, and a vote of thanks passed for what had been done. A vote of thanks was also passed to the Taranaki Land Board for the manner in which the deputation had been received. Mr W. Sanson, and Mr S. Tocker, were appointed to go over the land proposed to be acquired by the Association, in company with Mr Robinson, and report to the committee.

PATEA COUNTY COUNCIL. The ordinary monthly meeting of the above Council was held in the Council Chambers, Carlyle, on Tuesday last. Present: Messrs G. F. Sherwood (in the chair), Honeyfield, Livingstone, Bridge, Davidson, Kenah, and Kells. The Chairman informed the Council that Councillor Middleraas bad tendered his resignation. The Minutes of the previous ordinary meeting having been read, it was resolved That Councillor Bridge’s name be inserted as being present. Minutes as amended were confirmed.

Correspondence—Letter from Dr Cole enclosing account for attendance on Mrs Nuttall; from F. Cowern, stating that Harbour Board refused Councils offer of twopence per yard for gravel; from D. Coutts, accepting explanation about culvert, and withdrawing letter of 3rd September; from J. Giles intimating that J. Black had been appointed Deputy Registrar of Cattle and Sheep Brands for the Wellington Provincial District; from G. S. Cooper stating that receipt stamps must be used in collecting rates —no exemptions having been provided by Stamp Act; from Cross Brothers asking particulars as to timber required by Council; from Charles C. Graham asking exemption from rates of school buildings in Wellington Education District; from James Hill, Hospital Steward, New Plymouth, enclosing forms and copies of regulations and expressing willingness to furnish any further information required ; fromC.F. Batkin pointing out differences in returns furnished by County Council and by Road Boards in the Couuty, and asking explanation; from Clarence Rennell, acknowledging receipt of abstract of County receipts and expenditure, and asking that all account books, cheque and Bank books might be forwarded for comparison ; from C. D. Whitcombe stating that grant of Manutahi Cemetery was in.hand and would soon be forwarded; from John Knowles stating that he bad written to the Wanganui County Council to take charge of the Waitotara bridge, but had no power to deal with maintenance other than provided in section 86 of Public Works Act, 1876; from W. A. G. Wincbcombe granting use

of his office for collecting rates ; from J. Ginger asking about grant for Manutahi Cemetery to enable the committee to deal with ground. The Chairman was requested to write to the Government re Waitotara, Whemiakura, and Oeo licensing fees. Proposed by Mr Kenah, seconded by Mr Livingstone, and carried, ‘‘That the Secretary of the Wellington Education Board be informed that the Council will remit rates on all school-houses, not being schoolmasters residences, and on all play-grounds within the County.” Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Davidson, and carried, “That this Council declines to allow the County books and accounts to be sent from the office for any purpose, and that the Government be requested to instruct the auditor to attend at the office for the purpose of auditing accounts."

Abstract of receipts and expenditure for month of October was read as follows : Receipts—Rates, £244 7s sd; dog registration fees, £6 .9s; cattle brands, £2 10s; patient on account of hospital, £l. Total, £254 6s sd. Expenditure —Public works, £43 3s 4d; hospital, £33 13s Id; general, £44 15s 6d. Total, £l2l 11s lid. The month’s accounts were passed for payment. The Foreman of Works reported the main road in fair order: culvert at Kakaramea being unnecessarily wide and rotten, a new one would soon be required; small land slips near Tangahoe and Manawapou had been removed during the month ; the road party—two men with horse and cart —had been generally employed between Patea and Waitotara. The report was accepted On the motion of MrHoneyfield, seconded by Mr Bridge, The Clerk was instructed to write to the various printers as to printing. Councillor Kells took his seat.

On the motion of Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Bridge, It was resolved that the police be empowered to impound cattle, horses, sheep, or pigs off the main road. The Council adjourned. On reassembling at 2.30 p.m. it was resolved, That the Council go into Committee to consider estimate of culvert and tenders for road work.

On the Council resuming report of proceedings were presented, read, received, amended, and adopted. The following tenders were opened and decided upon in committee: — Deposits of gravel between Patea and Waverley—Dalziel and Bowie, £250 ss. (Accepted.) Deposits of gravel between Waverley and Waitotara—Hughes and Dudleys, 7s per cubic yard, shell. (Accepted.) Dalziel and Bowie,£lsßl7s6d. (Refused.) J. 0. Sullivan, 5s 5d per cubic yard. (Refused ) D. Johnstone, 7s Bd. (Refused.) Regravelling near MrNewlands—Dalziel and Bowie, £249 10s Gd. (Accepted.) D. Johnstone, £l3 7d per chain. (Refused.) Hughes and Dudley, £ll per chain, shell. (Refused.) Regravelling through Waverley, opposite Lynns road, Ballams and Dickies—Dalziel and Bowie, £l3O 19s. (Accepted). Hughes and Dudleys, £ll per chain, shell. (Refused.) On the motion of Mr Kcnah, seconded by Mr Bridge, on account of Messrs Bouie and Dalzill having given the name of Mr W. Dale as surety, it was resolved that in the opinion of the Council it was highly inexpedient for any Councillor to occupy the position of surety for a contractor. On the motion of Mr Bridge, seconded by Mr Sherwood, it was resolved, That members late in attendance should have their names entered on arrival.

On the motion of Mr Kells, seconded by Mr Davidson, The chairman was authorised to spend £5 in putting the Council grounds in order.

On the motion of Mr Livingstone, seconded by Mr Davidson, The chairman was empowered to procure fire-proof safe. Proposed by Mr Livingstone, seconded by Mr Bridge, and resolved—“ That the Chairman apply to the Receiver of Auctioneers’ Licenses, Wellington, requesting him to forward to this County a proportion of the fees paid by Mr Jackson, Mr Chadwick, and Messrs Barnes and Wilson, these gentlemen being in the habit of holding sales within this County.” Mr Bridge moved motion, of which notice had been given—That resolution passed on 4th September, as to culvert being opened at top of Patea Hill, be rescinded. Mr Livingstone seconded, and it was carried.

Mr Davidson moved motion standing in his name —“ That the keeping in repair of the main line of road from Waitotara to Waingongoro be let by contract for twelve months.” Mr Livingstone seconded, and a division being called, the motion was lost. Ayes: Davidson, Sherwood, and Livingstone. Noes: Kells, Honeyfield, Bridge, and Kenah. Councillor Dale here took his seat.

Mr Kells moved motion standing in his name—“ That the Council repudiates the action taken by the Chairman, in applying to the Government to have management of the Waverley Recreation Ground handed over to the County Council; that the Chairman had no authority from the Council to make such application, and that this application was uncalled for and officious ; that the inhabitants of Waverley can manage their Recreation Ground much better than this Council, and that the Government be requested to re-convey the Waverley Recreation Ground to the Waverley Town Board, or to the local trustees specially elected to manage it.” Mr Kenah seconded, but disclaimed all sympathy with the manner in which the resolution was worded, and many of the remarks made use of by Mr Kells.—An amendment was proposed by Mr Livingstone, as follows, “ That this Council, finding that they cannot deal profitably with the Waverley and Mokoia Recreation Grounds, under the existing regulations, by which they are empowered to deal with such grounds, respectfully request the Government to withdraw the trust, and either vest it in trustees, or in the under which the grounds can be leased in a profitable manner for the public good.” Mr Bridge seconded. A division was called for, and the amendment was carried. Ayes: Honeyfield, Livingstone, Bridge, Dale, Sherwood, and Davidson. Noes: Kells and Kenah. It was resolved that the Standing Orders should be suspended, to enable further business to be considered. On the motion of Mr Bridge, seconded by Mr Livingstone, it was resolved that

the next ordinary meeting of the Council be held ou the fourth Wednesday in November. . Resolved, that tenders be called for the remaining contracts on the main road. The following notices ofmo.tipn far next meeting were given Mr Sherwood to move-—“ That Councillor Bridge be'the Chairman for the ensuing term.”

Mr Dale to move—“ That tenders ba called for painting the Tongahoe and Manawapou bridges.” Mr Livingstone to move—“ That a new culvert be placed on tbe main road, on the top of the hill on the east side of the Patea River, such culvert being necessary to carry off storm water.” Mr Livingstone to move—“ That owners or occupiers of land be requested to clear off all furze growing on the road sides opposite their respective properties.” The meeting adjourned.

A special meeting was then held—* Messrs Sherwood, Bridge, Livingstone,

Honeyfleld, Davidson, Kenah, and, Dale being present—when it was proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Bridge, and resolved, “ That all the bye-laws by this Council be now confirmed.^,