BLUFF HARBOR. AND INVERCARGILL RAILWAY.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 34, 18 August 1864, Page 2

BLUFF HARBOR. AND INVERCARGILL RAILWAY.

ASSETS. Loan (1863) £140,000 Loan (186-I-) £10,000......: Advances by Bank of New South ■Wales ..* 153,824 18 9 Advances by General Revenue ... 88 6 10 Ivefuuds from Contractors for Railway Plant 3,1-15 1 7 £1 57,358 7 2 T.l UUIATIES. Expenditure to dale 156,107 5 7 Cash at Bank of Otago 1,079 1 7 Do. iv hands of Provincial Treasure 172 0 0 Total liabilities of B. 11. and Invcrcargill K-n-ilwivy liabilities.... 157,358 7 2 W. F. Tarlton, Provincial- Treasurer. After sonic unimportant discussion, the House adjourned till next evening.

Tuesday, 19th July, 180-1, The Speaker took the chair at seven o'clock p.m. The following memhers were present, vizj: — Messrs. Scott, Cowan, Swale, Wilson, Harvey, Chalmers, Pearson, Howell, Calder, Armstrong, Nurse, aud Tarlton. The proceedings being opened with prayer, the minutes of last nuvtini; were read nnd confirmed. The Provincial Tueasuuer laid on the table the returns of the expenditure connected with the Sheep Ordinance, from August, 1861, to 30th September, 180 I ; papers iv reference to the negotiation of the loan for £-10,000, and other documents moved for at, the previous meeting. reply to the address. Mr. Rogers presented the report of the select committee appointed to prepare a reply to His Honor's address. " That the report he read," which was agreed to. The report was then read by the Clerk : — " The Provincial Council has received your Honor's address with great interest, and desires to express its entire concurrence with the soundness of the advice which has induced your Honor to call it together, in order that it might arrive at a full and clear explanation of the financial position of the Province. " While desirous of expressing its sympathy with your Honor, in tho present, embarrassed position of the Province, it cannot but give utterance to its grave regret at the reckless expenditure on public works which has led to it —an expenditure incurred in the face of impending financial diiiicullies of no little moment ; nor can the Council concur with your Honor in the opinion that the General Government withholding its sanction to the two Loon Ordinances of £120,000 and £25.000. is the main cause of our present diliieulfies, inasmuch as had the loans been sanctioned, they were, in the present state of the home money market, unnegotiable ; but rather o the Government having entered into large contracts since the 30th September, 1563. at wliich time there was an unprovided overdraft for ordinary expenditure of over £47,000. "The Council fully concurs with your Honor in the hope that the Oreti Railway wiil in a short time be open for traffic for a considerable distance, anrl would earnestly recommend that the balance ofthesumof £15,000 a month, granted by the General Government, be strictly appropriated to the carrying forward of the Northern Railway works. '• The Council further begs to express its entire | disapproval of the apphcation to other objects of j funds raised on the security of the loans for the j construction of the Bluff Harbor and Oreti Railj ways. Nor can it see how the sum of these loans can be expended on the construction of Railway works, as mentioned iv your Honor's address, seem? that it has already been spent on other works. '•The Councill will give its earnest attention to j the resolutions on the subject of obtaining tho guarantee of The Colonial Government to such provincial loans as may be necessary to cover existing habihties ; and with this view would respectfully suggest that a considerable portion of the land revenue be set aside monthly, as a ecurity for the General Government. But this Council is strongly of opinion that in the present state of the finances of the various provinces and the money market at home, it would be extremely imprudent to entertain any idea of loans further than to cover existing habihties. i; The Provincial Council learns uith regret that your Honor is again without an Executive Council ; but trusts that your Honor will see the necessity of at once appointing such a Council from members who possess the confidence and support of the Provincial Council. " The Council much deplores the existence and spread of disease among cattle in the Province ; but is unaware of its having any power to legislate on the subject, and trusts that your Honor will, with the advice of the Executive Council, take such measures as will prevent the spread of the disease, in accordance with the power delegated to your Honor by the Governor." Mr. ROGERS moved the suspension of the standing orders, so that the reply might be considered. Afterja long discussion, wliich assumed, at times, an almost personal character, it was agreed to adjourn the debate, and print the Reply, Mr. Wilson stipulating that it was not to appear in the newspapers. THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The Provincial Treasurer moved the series of resolution, on the financial state of the Pro-" vince, -wiiic-h- are a» follows : 1. "That this Council' is"' of opinion, that inasmuch as the '' validity of the security of the" New Zealand provincial loans has been doubted and their value impaired, all provincial-' loans raised under the authority of ordinances, which have received the assent of His Excellency the Governor, should receive the colonial guarantee by Act of the General Assembly. ■■ ' , - 2. " That tlie . necessity for such action is' go urgent, that, the General Assembly should be fiumrhoned t-6 meof at tlie earliest practicable time, in order to take this matter into corinideration. 3. "That a Bill should be introduced in its next session whereby the Provincial loans -should be

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consolidated, and* become directly oKargeablfl-'Oa the colony. <"' . >""-'' N 4. " That provision should be made to authorise the Colonial Treasurer to raise a loan of such amount as maybe .here agreed. upon, .ni w ßU<~hsums as may be required' from time to time. 5. "That the; suras "wliich : may ; be ; allQCafed^o. the differehi7P r oviiices should- be determined' on some equitable _ haws— thesjjxtent of -, available..; territory or other resources in each appearing to be a fair and reasonable' one. ' ' 6. "That when " any "Provincial Legislature shall- : desire to construct-.any important public works, it should apply 'for such amount of the said loan, being within the limits of the sum.allocated for its rise, as may he required for the exe-'---cution of such work. . • , ,-- - ; 7. "That' after provision as ; aforesaid shall have beph' made *by the.', ,Geheral Assembly, Commissioners thould ,7 be appointed by the Governor to : inquired into this' particulars of every such apphcation, and advise.: whether it should bo granted. , 8. " That the charges for interest and sinkingfund on such portion of the loan as may be obtained, by any Province, should be retained by the General Government from the land and customs revenues of such Provinces as they arise. 9. "That the- Superintendent be requested to communicate with the Superintendents ; of the other Provinces, in order to ascertain whether they will co-operate in bringing such views before the Federal Government. , 10. " That Mr. Spsaker be. requested to transmit copies of the above resolutions to the members of the Assembly for the Comity of Wallace, requesting them to support in the Assembly the views embodied in the resolutions. 11. "That a memorial embodying thb spirit of these resolutions be presented to His Excellency the Governor." After some discussion, tho House adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, 20TH JULT.

The Speaker took the chair at seven o'clock. The minutes of previous sitting were read and confirmed. PROPOSAL POR ANOTHER LOAN. Mr. Pearson moved — "That it is' the opinion of this Council that it is desirable that anew Appropriation Ordinance should be passed, , having for it:* basis the amounts at the disposal of the Government." Ho thought it would be simply an act. of justice to the pubhc to bring forward .such, an Ordinance. Mr. Chalmers seconded 1 the motion. > The Provincial Treasurer spoke at length on the subject, bringing up the acts of previous Administrations, and was frequently inte-. rupted by Mr. Chalmers. He (the Provincial Treasurer) had no objection to the proposed Bill. After some further remarks, _ : - Mr. Peakson said that with the permission of the House, he would withdraw his motion, if the Provincial Treosurer would lay on the table the manner hi which £6,000 coidd or would be withdrawn. The Provincial Treasurer had no objections, and with consent of the House the motion was accordingly withdrawn. After some further discussion, The adjourned debate on the resolutions on the financial state of the Province was also postponed tiU next meeting. The House then rose. Thursday Evening, 21st July. The Council met this evening shortly after seven o'clock. Present : — Messrs. M'Nab (.Speaker), Scott, Cowan, Armstrong, Harvey, Swale, Wilson, Rogers, Pearson, Chalmers, Calder, and Howell. The Speaker opened the proceedings with prayer. A report from the Provincial Auditor was laid on the table. A short discussion took place in reference to the material used in the construction of the Northern Railway. The House then rose at half-past ten o'clock. Friday, 22nd ,I'ply, 18G t. MESSAGE FROM UIS HONOR. Tlie following message from His Honor the Superintendent was received and read. The Superintendent has to acknowledge the receipt of the reply of the Provincial Council to his address, when opening it for the transaction of business. The second paragraph expresses a censure on the Executive Government, and an opinion on the cause of the financial embarrasments, which ho cannot allow to pass without remark. The Council expresses its " grave regret at the reckless expenditure " which has led to this embarrassment ; it differs from his opinion of the main cause of this, attributing it "rather tp the Government having entered into large contracts since September 30,1863, at which time there was an unprovided overdraft for ordinary expenditure, of £47,000." In the fifth Session of the Council, (Oct., 1863), above £84,000 was voted for roads and public works alone, works done chiefly by contract. Much of the sum, no doubt, was voted on account of contracts then existing. Considerable sums were also voted for other works, and supplies usually furnished uuder contracts ; the entire sum voted for the service of the year was . over £239.000, (including a vote to meet the overdraft alluded to). The sum was greatly in excess of the estimated revenue, and the balance could have been met only by borrowing, The Appropriation Ordinance (Oct. 1863), was disallowed. In the sixth session, in February and March, 1564, another Appropriation Ordinance was passed, appropriating £48,000 for roads and public works, for the eight months ending JOth September, 1864. Of this amount, habihties to the extent of £17,000 were for contracts entered into between 30th September, 1863, and 10th February, 1864. A return, which lias been laid on the table of the Council, shows that the sura of the contracts for roads aud pubhc works, entered into since 30th September, 1863, amounts to about £22,000, exclusive of some works which have been done, or are hi progress, as extra or without special contract. The gross amount then, of those contracts, is not large, and it is far within the limit of the vote of the Council : therefore it may fairly be doubted that they exercised the injurious influence attributed to them. The remark can scarcely be meant to apply to railway contracts, as those were proceeded with, under the sanction of the special Ordinances. The Superintendent regrets that the Council should now censure as " reckless " an expenditure,mainly on account of works, which but a few months ago were considered of the greatest importance—much less than the amount it deliberately sanctioned, after having had full opportunity for consideration. ..•'_... If the Ordinance had been assented to, the loans might not be readily negociable ; but the Government might have been able to obtain such advances as would relieve it from , pressure until the full value was obtainable by the effect of legislation. The Council. states that it .cannot " see how the sum of those loans " (namely— for the Bluff Harbor and Orcti Railway), "can be expended on'the construction of railway works, seeing that it had-; already" been spent on other works." A. reference to the papers laid oil tlie table of the Council will' show that such has not been the case. The Superintendent- does _but.-to.uch_orL-those points, as a discussion in detail might be tedious." If the Coiiiicil should desire 'to enteii into it,- he •will make no objection. . The reply states that " the-'GduhcilwilT. give, its earnest attention to .the resolutions' oh the subject of obtaining the arantee of tho Colonial Go ver ;n---ment to such Provincial loans as ; ihaj-be necessary ; to cover existing liabilities ; -and- with; this view; would-respectfully suggest that a considerablepor?, tion of the land .revenue . bo set aside monthly m a security: foX the 'General- Government." Papers laid before- the GouncUsho^.thatfclibrwrhple of the land revenue is to be retained by the General Government until its advances are repaid. Th>a Superintendent is therefore unable to see how it is possible that the suggestion of tho Council can be carried out; neither does he altogether ap-

prehend the'distinotion^oh^the, Council ffl^Mi - ' Jbetween loans "to- coyer existing liabilities," arM" others to prosecute furthVwo&s required. He thinks that in either case the "possibility pf their , full.reahzation would depend-on-the'opinion"held c * on the credit of the Province or the Colony, as^ -'the case might be. * A"A f Ayy^_ ;% *77 tv&&»**'J*i4J JTurther on ' it Bay3-.tharthe'Councn" trusts "that .he^wilL se.e „I'he J necessity i .of.: at: once: appointing- « such a Council" (ari- Executive) " from members who possess' the' confidence and sapport^qf the_ "ProvißciaLCounciL" The "Superintendent is entitled j.to \. assume"? that 4 , thorexplanations |ol|~f*he' t Provincial Treasurer and another member p£the[ : .Council... have, shown that -hej has^a-h-eady endeayorea^.ta ascertain .wMchririembers possess the ' cpnfidehc,e ? ;afd/.suppor^ . with' 'the .view" of apportthig'ah Executive Council- ' from those 7 Trhe'Supermtenden^ that the .Council ; will r take .some -. early '"opportunity of hidicatihg those' members who would possess its confidence,, and- support,-:as,so-farj:aß.--heris^ aware, it has not yet d.qne so. , , v - ' ! , A He^ie^^hif^' aware '> that 1 - the legislation^ the Council, in. the matter, of diseased cattle,-^ barred by the Act of „the Assembly^ but he regrets that the : Council should have thought right to to aid him. with its advice", iwheil: [requested,; in. the + adniinistration of a.mattertwliichis of suchjserious consequeiiee to the great mass* of the rural settlers ih the Province. ' : ! v?'~; (Signed) J. A. R. Menzies, Superintendent.' PAPEHS LAID .ON THeTtABLE Ol" THE HOPSE..T"' The Treasurer llaid'onf the table a plan of New River Harbor. J A ] The Provincial Treasurer laid on the table certain letters that had passed betweei^ Jhe oqyern- . ment and the Bank of "Otago." } --*• ~" . .,., : After. some conversation,- 'pi/was: agreed that the agreement' between tlie Government and the Bank of Otago should he read. \ The clerk read the following — " ".'Memorandum of agreemeht^betweeh the ' Pro f' vincial Government of Southland on the-orie part, . and the Bank of Otago , (limited) , of London and New Zealand on the other part, dated this Bth day of January, 1864. ; -?--,.-.•.;-.. " It is agreed ;Upon by tho said parties as fol-. lows : — lst. The" said bank shall be bankers of thoProvmcial'- Government, and 'shall transact^ aIL monetary business 7 in Southland and - London^ of interest upon the last-loan, whiclrhas already excepting always the negotiation of, and pay-, ment been entrusted to the Bank of New South -Wales.: ■■■ .••'.'. ■'.'..-.": A.Ai \ - :i "" 2. "ItiShall-tmdei-takeLthe disposal o.fi the present authorised loan of £110.000, in security of which land is to" be "set asike, and reserved by ; the Govermnent, and until the said loan is disposed of, shall- make any advances at the- rate-of seven per cent, interest as. the loan, is negotiable thepi-b-,. ceeds shah be l-etained by ; the bank in extehtion : (/pro tanto, of theh advances,: interest,- : and commission. ..-' ' „ / >■ . 3. " The commission to be allowed to the said bank, for negotiating the said loan, shall be^-in-cluding brokerage and all. charges, li per cent The selling price of the debentures shall be fixed by the agent of the Government in London; So long as the debentures remain unsold, ithey shall be held by the bank in security of their .adW varices at par. In the event ~of their not : being, sold within twelvemonths from being placed in themarket, they shall be again exposed at a "reduced price, to be fixed by the agent of the Government,and the directors of the bank in London, so as to ensure a sale. ' ' '' ' ■'• :■■'•". >' ' :. , 4. "The exchange' charged in London or Ihvcrcargill, to be the current rates of the day; 5. "The coupons, or warrantsshall be payable at the baiik" in ;London or. Invercargill, and the Bank shall be allowed a commission on the amount of; interest paid by them at the rate of three-fourths per cent. The Provincial Government shall impress into the hands of the bank half-yearly the amount,- of in-"" tcrcst clue. 6. In the ordinary account current between the. Government and the bank, the Government shah be allowed to overdraw their account, the proceeds to be applied to the public service, only to the extent of one-half year's revenue," prt which over draft seven per cent. "'shall be charged.. If the .overdraft should remain' a year uncovered, a loan ordinance shall be ; passed to discharge the debt by debentures, to be held in security for a time, to allow the Government to redeem the same by: the proceedings' of land sales; but, .in the event , of a sale: of the debentures being advisable, thhy" shall he issued in the usual manner, and, on the like conditions , as the negotiation of the present loan is to be conducted. . ; '•The entire revenue of the Government ! ,from* whatever source, shall from time to' time be paid into the credit of the Government in account current. j : " (Signed), "J. A. R. Menzies^ " Superintendent of Southland." (Signed) John Bathgate, ■"-, .......,-; Colonial Manager and Attorney for the Bank of Otago (Limited) ."

Saturday, 23rd July. ■ There not being a quorum of the House . present up to- a quarter of an hour past the hour of meeting, , Mr. Speaker adjourned the sitthig till Monday evening, at 7 o'clock.

Monday,, 2sth July, j ... . The Spebker took the chair at seven o'clock, and soon afterwards opened the proceedings ih the usual manner. .■ The following -members were present, viz:' — Messrs. Tarlton, HoweU, Calder,. Chabners, Pearson, Scott, : Nurse, Armstrong;. Rogers, Harvey, and Wilson. The minutes of last meeting were read and. confirmed. . ministerial difficulties. I Mr. Pearson Reminded the House, that on Friday last His Honor the -Superintendent had sent for him, and that gentlemen willing toact as an Executive had been got. It was not usual on such occasions to form a 'compact with .His Honor;, but, hi tlie present condition/of I the Province, he (Mr. Pearson) considered „it absolutely, necessary .that '■'. this -should be done. He referred to the Executive Ordinance at present in force, and, submitted: -that* His Honor inldisahowing the .Amendment Ordinance^passed|last session^ acted cohtraiy to ihe wishes' T of the pubhc. In consequence 'of : this, it became'jhecessary that a compact should be entered into with him. He (Mr. Pearson) therefore the terms to the other gentlemen who were proposed as members "of the "Executive, and "they" agreed with them:— r • ' AA-'A'. i'.g. ■ "*■"" *,- 1.. That the Executive is to .be responsible to the Provincial douhch for 'the'" actions" oHhe Govermnent on every point . mti^.^the, limits, of ■ Provincial Legislation / ' - ' • ! -= - - -•■ - .- ;" 2, That they must have r , the *tccftti*ol,-in! all . matters that are jpOTcJj„.pro^di^.jiuGh.^-Hng no reference to powers delegated to tee Superintendent by-"the ' GoveiTibr, ■on which, while jtbe gentlemen willing to act as an yExecutiv£ .Council are of opinion that it is desirable that they should be consulte.d,7 but Vlea,ve. ( . it _ optional with sthe Superintendent. - ; ' '■'--' ' _ ___ i "■*-' 3; That in all such purely. Provincial matters a* '-eipfimed 'in 'clause 1 ■' Superintendent should r consult -his Exeenliyo, and .abstractly, in'aiccordaricoJwith 'the 'opinion"s,,pf :the,majority'." j Tb'thisTHis. , Honor', demurred;' but requested him (Mr. Pearson) ' to call next day. He didjso, , and received the folio wing"memdra>hdum on No. 1 }—■ % --"That the' administration of"thc*Hi.ffai*'B'"of the Province shall be by the Supermt£n-s dent, acting with the7adyice and consent of the; Executive Council in all; matters which are undeuj the control of the 1" Provincial Council, and- aJso[ in .matters Uvliieli f Mre coritrol«of theo Provincial Council, whero such a course is pros! .scribed- by, the authority con^errjng of "ad^mnVsti-ation.!'.;' .'(Meipo op.^pA^X^ r - -j. I j . '- ''The"' entire' control' l 6£ * the^Pi'dvirie&a^Government would, under Stich provisions,* bo given over tQ?th£i:sxem^ tondent would be little else than that of Chairman of the Executive, having litfcl* or no power in the administration. Such a fundamental alteration ■ in tho Constitution of the Provincial Government at thia arrangement will amount to, Bhould be

i&ottlMllMi ■4MmOHS& by legiilation;^^-'^; ' ""^^ : "' ." He (Mr. Person) pointed but that this would b« opening up a wide field for future dissensions, lh fact it was opening up the whole ■ question again t-vhichr had^heen so<^uUy in last Coiiiicii.whichVwas^uhainirioils in its opLuoii on it. Iffe, however, stated to. His; Honor _that_ he would "ghowirM'thegehtleH with him,^ahdith'e : .resTSdt .wa"s}ithemSgreeing to the folVVThe .Executive to,-;have in ah^ma^rsfjellaiing to |he7^xpen4ituM; of moneys, -and^bfcherwise relatirigAtp':fi^anceb^TO call for all tenders, and decide 7oii7their acceptance or otherwise — -to appoint^and dismiss all servants of the /(^qyeimmenf^to/see)^)CQ]^es^ to - its being; aiasweredj|apd^[_decide on the -terms of reply— to havVthe. entire control of carrying into effeekany financial scheme which may> be ; resolved '**p°h-» *." x rf^Wte&y:- , On Reading the first par^aph|;*ffi^Hoiior said he did hotTsee" his wa^^llic'cMo-ioafl^ Ifow it seemed to hhn.j(iMri>Pearson) that of all the pro- > positions made it was the most reasonable— that -ahr.Execufiver-respbneiblef&^thertCouncil should have the entire .management of Jhe r money voted '' ''by-ffiat GouhciL He7declihed; at-the '.tihi^cntering into any argument on the Q niatter, and- 1 simply told „ His,.^Honqr^that^atTwasj^only^ gn-ith^Sv'basis the TExeciitive 1 - would' act." 'He* also "stated^'however, . '[that's while? heifthimseh^i-^ouldudeda'ealy decline /forming.; an/:ExBCuMVeY-excepti'these^cdnditions were agreed, io;:he woi*ldobringt:-thehi>. J before the House.; and,, if r t^e .Cpjm?i^ r thought otherwise, perHaris. '■ spine 'other.; hienlbjrs' would undertake :' :.tK^;w^rfc'^ri^^ cousideredTlhat fh^^ upon in thedast -Session, and would imagine that -the-opinion-then-come-1»-was-the~Teal""opiiiion of the Council,^ on tthe subject., He had done his duty hf'attemp^ arid assist hi'feymgjiflpbssitile] toTes'tore s public con* fidence. r ,If .the pquse^choosesi to take a different view of the case, 'ahd^beheved that the divided system of resprasib'ility should go on, he would foppose r 'it/as ; it»waa: ; his decided**c6h\^ction that . the system was- ; wrong, ; « <-"A ""o -Mxruicg,^ ;""".; Mr. "ACax^WT.-^.asKd~'if 7the:"J&n i JTOClnbers , J names for the',pr6posed not ba 'gi^n7;7; :^.r> '- .\;\ , 7'7.7^f i>7.: \o - ; ..Mr, 7 PE^soirwq^ at once,, had His fHonqr;]made,ianyjobjectiou to the ■: gentlenienrpersqnally,* butiiis objections sreve on a matter of principle.' Aspthe>x'questiqnKhad been . asked, he would state that the gentlemen proposed, were Mr. Chalmers*. as *PrpvhacM^easurer, with TMessps. Rogers, .Harvey, f . land himself as colleagues '. .''--. - ..- :._—.-; — — ... • '' MriiCALPEii'moved:^.!* M'S''i'/:.LA.JJ ' ••■' That this "Council having- heard the * explanations of those members who have unsuccessfully endeavored to~form" ; 'an7Executi^ ' that tlie, spirit'^of by ; ;.theM.tp,;hi?\Hp'hqrit]p:e..Sup"erm^ ally embodies the views pf this i House" with regard to the formation' of an Executive." " Mr." Howell" secohdeH'"theTiiolutibn, which :was carried without further discussion. /- :. .Oh'the Tmdtibii of :Mr^ 'Pearsoh,":' seconded by . " Mr; Chalmers, the House them adjourned.'' ::■■--:"■■■■-■■■'•" : '_' T^OTAT,;jTOr26.*'"" The Speaker tookthe chair at seven p.m. The minutes of previous meeting were read and - confirmed.-. -"' ."•';"-; A -■'■ '-A'A. ■ '':• . -•/ '7; LAND KE&IILATIONS MEMOEIAL. Mr. Peakson brought, forward, the following memorial to.. His TExcellency the Governor, on the • ..proposed Land Regulationsjrasfpassedin the present : Session of .Council r-rr,-. ; : ,w,i-/, : .;* "To BEs Excellency Sir George j Grey,_K.C.B., '""" " : """"'""" "" ; ~ r " &&,&i6., " The . memorial ' of ; the 1 Council of _ -Southland. - - - "Sheweth— . . -. ,-.,.-> "Ist. That ih the; Act intituled 7 The, Southland Waste Lands Act,^ i 863,' l -by. tlie| General -Assembly,'' it is 'provided/; amongst "other, things, that that Act ' shall nofy bome;into ' operation until ' Her Majesty's 'pleasure-' shall have been taken : thereon, andthe same shah-'h"a??e~been'~esnnrmed by Her Majesty, -^vith the advice of the Privy Council, and a proclamation pf~suchj?onflrmation having been given . shall have., .been made by th© Governor^ - ' ' ! - ; ' - '-■ ; ; - l "■• ■'-•"' " 2nd. That the -Provincial Council, of South . land is strongly of opinion- that -that ?Act, if brought; into operation;' wiU;prevent the' sale of land, and win.'thereby7 , pfdlbng-''mdenhitely the • financial 'difficultiesunder"*wMeh^fh:e^rovince is now laboring. - . .. . r . ,- s . :-. ' ( "3rd. That this CdWcil has passed a series of "" "resolutions, """of "which a "copy is hereto annexed, npon which'alohelthey'beheve that a complete and permanently satisfactory Land Act for this pro- ; vincercan.be based ;.,and :; that4it'issgrpposed to submit to the General Assembly, at itslearliesfc meetmg, a billTfrahiecl in accordance with these . resolutions. : .y. ; ; j ._ „ -av;i:;v.:7 "4th. ThatthisCouncilis strongly impressed with the midesirableness of frequent change^^^in the law [.' relating- tothe; sale, letting^ahd' disposal^of the [ waste lands of the Crown j^aniLit^yiews with alarm the special evils,- which^will 'arise from even a temporary operation of * The^Southland Waste Lands Act'lß63 •' anid : therefore pray that your Excellency will -Abstain from issuing the proclamatibh c6nfirmihg - thlit'Act7 of the .General ;-Aisembfy)#anCbe'i -taken Japbn th» sudject.' 7 -:-.■';" j;?sk .•j?TsT; l 'i:::-''^AHT7'" After, some ,. r,eniarks , from ibhe./Proyincial- Treasurer, ahcTseveraVqther hLoh7members, "the^debato on the '.Minlsteriai'questidiCwas reshmed'lby^ TMr. pEABsbN, who said. t^^heforeT^rqceeding ' with the" fegidar,^bu^me^ he wished to "'explain thai ""he had "again waited' upon HislHbnorltrie 'Supermfenfient in consequence,: of, the jiesqluj-ions which had been passed thepreviohs evening m Council, and that he haxl informed His Honor^of -^he'-same. After s»me;little .-/ discussion,' ; HisLiHonori informed him that, he would, submit & naernqrandujai^.to hin^. r .which he acbdrdingly^SA.^px^ipllpmiig is the contents of it :^'' v^e%ehtli&en owtq^'pre^0 wtq^'pre^ to form an ■Exech^'e,^clema^" iwat^the^eK^re "coHi^'ofT-heGover^en^ should be given over tqJthe Executive. If' thisTdimand Jwas acceeded to, a radical, change wpuldrbe£ effected in the Constitution oif the P J rovlncial , Govermnent. In support of ,this,memqrandum, the me^sag^pf February lh\ ; 18647*0 the Council may De rewired to, as pubhshed ittithei SoutMa^jGd^tte-of^^vMarch, No. 11, where thepoint is considered at page» .. 4537454, ahd'4ss;i':-Tbe remarkSmMeffl'e^havo not. been controyerted; vThe-'Sttpßri&teh^en^hinka that suph aa^lteratipn ahpuld^bgjm^e^y legislati'oh7"'lt is^of a 3 character f»""be concluded as a private arrangement between .the Superintendent and the Executive ''■''' Council^" J^hich would^ not ' ne^ccss^nly^ih^'fth^^exPH^em an Ordinance wqMldl GTudguigifrom the expressions ... .of-opinion~wh^ch--reach~him,.-the-Superintendent infers thact^he,. is su^pos|sd to^desire to dispense with antExedutive* Council! a supposition, fit exists, is absolutely untrue. The Superin- ■ ;teh*dehtfJS'JiOW^ : !ahd')as faT/ruleDalways KasTßeen, willing to big i"gilided iby-thadecision of the majority of the members o£-ihc. Executive Council in aU • matter, in^wbich legislftionfeive^'them g.,oqnfiailtation power, aud he ls^qhitc willing to consult with them in other matters, in respect of which he may possess Authority 'to r decide "without such { Lcbhfiultatioii C^6th.^ufy;^B64l'7lAl£>lHl:

t- j - ■ ~ r.. -.,.( -'. „,., ,-, r - -..--.. Tcvr>'\ i :-tOe •:-?!<> iO : HiiOT*. :-.ci i^i-V.J UUJ rt.y.uJCTO T * , j^. ( (Thej Coyn^Tnet Jtasjevemng-a^ when* the following members wprfi^,prcßent.f7T>rhe P^-oyhiciiil^Treasiire^jiMosars. r jCalder,7,Chdmerß, I P.car^Qß/ Armstrong. ' j r , j^j -y^f .oori^uKfft miominutes -of^H^me^g^er^^ea^v -\ U;t PIKAarCIAIi CONDITION OP'THB-TBOrVTtNCB. . .^A^lfejpA^E^jifc^r^^ following resoltt- ' tions on^tho :— "1. That in the ©pinion of this House the interests "of the wh ole colony are to a considerable ■ extent bound up with, and may be seriously compromised by tho continuance "of the /present fihan* cial condition of this province.

7fihah.ciai 7 dfoirtfoty ti^TProvihce; is of so disastrous ; a character,' that ah immediate change 'of •■ adminis-.. .nitration is absolutely; required. •; A Jfs. That, , through such the r affiurs. of this' Pro-race .have become, seriously. ''"Jinyolvedi'atfd therefore this i House^ 'views with the. A< itttmost alanh the 'position of .antagonism to' the views of tho Provhicial "Council, still inaintained. : bj'His.Hoiior the Superintendent. -./._■ 7. "4/ Tliatj seeing the. Supermtendent[, refuses to A J Skctin accordance with tlie wishes . or, advice , of (the ■ Provincial Council, this .House respectfully, but • ' ■ -earnestly' 'calls upoh/His -Excellency the. Governor nto dissolve the Oouneh 1 forthwith, or to take such ?'- steps. as he shalT .think < necssary to prevent \ the 'further ruhv of the;.inferestß : o.f ? 'the;,Provmce, as < ' i: 'wola\as' : ''for|- : tlie7'pMtection' of the oredit of the i: Colony." -' "■" : "'7 ' 7 7-7 , : ;. v ; Mk TCALDEk shnply read the resolutions, ahd -'inadei^hb remurksi : 7' i■Mr. Wilson seconded the motion. . - ' - ■'■■ After- along debate,,- [ ':•-'. Sir. .Gald eb leave „t o postpone his 7 resolutions ; till after one, which7he understood y would "be proposed by Mr. Pearson, was dis— ' cussed.' : > 7, - Leave granted^ A,::.\i\\y. ..■ il , i •■•' fAJtJOTHEB, ADDBESS TO HIS HONOB. Mr. Pjeabson move dthe suspension of standing order T50.27, in order that he might bring forward a ~ motion without notice been given. Leave was ' 'granted, J and- : he moved— '* That a respectful ;. address be = presented to His HonOr the Superintendent, requesting him :to, inform the Council if His ; Honor intends to submit, for its considera--7 tion, any financial, scheme, by which the Province may be : extricated, from its present embarrassed -position."' ' ' '. . Mr. Galdbb seconded the motion. The- Pbovincial Tbeasuber stated that the resolutions read by him had been submitted to His Honor, and they met with hi 9 approval. -'Mr. Caldeb inquired if this resolution was the the only method His Honor was prepared to submit, to the Council as; the solution of their „ difficul^bs? The Pbovincial Tbbasubbb was not aware of any other thing. It was beyond the power of the Council. Motion for the withdrawal of the resolutions ■was carried. MB. CALDEB'S RESOLUTIONS. Mr. Calder moved, and Mr. Abmstbong seconded, that the House go into committee on his resolutions— Mr. Pearson, Chairman. The resolutions, after some discussion, were . passed.

Thursday, 28th July, 1864. The Speaker took the chair at seven o'clock p.m. The minutes of previous meeting were read and . confirmed. The Speaker then announced to the House that the Superintendent had intimated to him that Mr. Rogers had resigned his seat as one of the members for the Oreti District. JUDGE POR SOUTHLAND. Mr. PEARSON obtained leave to move, without previous notice, the foßowing resolutions : — " Ist. That Ih; appointment of a second judge to Otago inst» fti of one for Southland is unfair to this Province, involving a denial of justice to a large class of suitors. 2nd. That the amount of - business transacted by the Supreme Court at its occasional sittings in InvercargUl is only a small portion, of that which properly belongs to it, and which would come before it if the judge were a resident in Soutliland. 3rd. That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the members of the General Assembly for the county of Wallace-" The hon. member said the matter had been before the pubhc for some time, and thought it was apparent to aU that a great injustice had been done to Soutliland in the matter of a resident judge. It had, in fact, been originally intended that the second judge, now in Otage, should be resident in Invercargill, but he went right on to Dunedin, and as the legal men and also Mr. Justice Richmond had strongly spoken in favor of his settlement there' Southland had, in the = meanwhile, been overlooked. The hon. Member then referred to the Lake district, now possessing its district judge as the result of petitioning and agitation, and thought that as this Province had somehow managed to slip through, that the matter be urged on the members of the House of representatives for the district of Wallace, and entreat them to endeavor to procure what the Province was entitled to — a district judge. Mr. Harvey seconded the motion, which was carried. MB. TABLTON-S RESOLUTIONS. Mr. Pearson' Baid he was instructed by Mr. Chalmers, who was to have resumed the debate, to aßk leave of absence for him for the remainder of the session, as he had become suddenly unwell. The resolutions were then discussed, and after amendments and deletions, they now read as follows : — " That this Council is of opinion that all provincial loans raised under the authority of Ordinances, which have received, or that may receive, the.assent of his Excellency the Governor, should receive the colonial guarantee by Act of, the General Assembly. That the necessity for such action is urgent, and that the General Assembly should be summoned to meet at the earliest practical time, in order to take this matter into '•■ consideration. That the charges for interest and Sinking Fund on such loans as may be obtained by any Province, should be retained by the General Government, from the Land and Customs revenues of such Province as they arise. That the Superintendent be requested to communicate with , the Superintendents of* the other Provinces, in order to ascertain whether they whT co-operate in ■ bringing such views before the General Legislature. That Mr. Speaker be requested to transmit copies of the above resolutions to the members of Assembly for the County of Wallace, requesting them to support in the Assembly the views embodied in these resolutions. That a memorial embodying the Bpirit of these resolutions be presented to his Excellency the Governor." The Chairman reported the passing of the reresolutiohs in committee to the House, when they ; were adopted. MB: CHALMERS' RESOLUTIONS. . The adjourned debate on these resolutions was resumed by Mr. Pearson. A discussion ensued. The House thereafter went into committee, and after a lengthy' discussion, the resolutions were paßßed, and now xead as follows : — "1. That this Council views with alarm the determination of the Superintendent to continue the adnuniatration of ,the affairs of the Province independently of the. control of executive officers ' responsible to this Council. 2. The Appropriation ' Act No! 3,1864, sanctioned a scale of expenditure totally inappropriate to the present condition of the Province. The Council h* therefore of opinion that a new and largely reduced Appropriation Act ought to be introduced. 3. Shpuld the present Council be prorogued without a new Appro- ' priation Ordinance being introduced; this Council -protests against the continuance of Expenditure wnder the last one. -4. This Council h* of opinion that the continued non-payment of sums owing by the- Provincial' .Government' is ruinous to its creditors, and this Council pledges itself' to unite '■with the" Superintendent ih any prudent measures -by which these debtß may be liquidated. 5. That a respectful address be presented to THis- Honor, requesting him ito send down :to the House an Appropriation Act, and fresh estimates, amended to suit the present 'condition bf the finances of the Province. 67 That whereas considerable dis--tress is said to prevail among many of the credi- ! tors of the Province, this House as a* measurer of .relief, would respectfully urge upon the Superintendent, the necessity, of issuing his warrants, - bearing interest at current rates, to those desiring 'such, whereon- advance;* mightbe obtained from .the various banking establishments or. otherwise.", if The Chairm^ 1 reported. r progress,, and the 'resolutions were adopted; by ihe -House, , [''-■'■' 7." ''"'"■" 7 7 'iBAVB-08-^SBNOEr; \\. Ho well obtained leave of absence for th* -Wmiiihder-6f-the session. . ■' ■■• ij; " ' The Houw theh>os» at half-past ten.

w77i !7Ebiday, 29is JulYj 1864..* t - '- 7 .Mr. Nubsb, , .. in 'absence of Mr. M'Nab, was elected Speakeb, pro tern. Tlie minutes of last meeting were read and -confirmed.. ... , • , . „ . - <-. 7 TO THB GOVERNOR. ; -The.pßQViNCiAr , Tbbasubeb < said a series o resolutions had been brought in by him, and considered, by the House. -One. of these resolutions provided that a memorial should be prepared, and; sent to His' Excellency, Sir George Grey. . After looking at the Resolutions, as they ; have left the hands of the Council,- he was not disposed to draw up thememorial.as his own. , As tho resolutions now stand, they did not, according to his views, properly -represent :the prospects - and future of "the Province, and felt,, altogether,, that the original resolutions had been seriously marred. Mr. Caldeb greatly regretted that the Provincial Treasurer did not announce thi8 r the previous evening. .It, showed not exactly a. want . of taste, but of consideration on the part of the hon. member, wMch was much to be; deprecated. After considerable discussion, The Pbovincial Treasurer- said, that as he .regretted,, to . see. the time -of the House being wasted so much in the matter, he would draw up the memorial on behalf of the Council (hear, hear), but not in his own name. Mr.WILSON haying withdrawn his amendment, the original motion was carried.

I Saturday, 30th July, 1864. The House met at seven p.m. Mr. Wilson was elected Speaker for the | evening. ' The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. HESSAGE NO. 5. The following message from His Honor the Superintendent, was read to the House : — " To the Provincial Council of Southland : — " The Superintendent acknowledges the receipt of a set of resolutions passed by the Provincial Council on the 28th inst., and he concurs in the propriety of making provision to meet outstanding habihties. The Provincial Treasurer will detail the arrangements which the Provincial Government proposes to make to effect this object. " Any measure of this kind, however, can have the effect of giving only temporary relief from pressure. It is nianifest that the Province must obtain a large sum by way of loan in order to meet the contingent habihties by permanent arrangement. " Seeing that the General Assembly absolutely refuses to entertain the idea of sanctioning any further provincial loans at the present time, the only alternative that remains iB to obtain a loan by act of the General Assembly. "The Provincial Treasurer proposed certain resolutions calculated to facilitate this object; these the Council has rejected. The Superintendent, thereforefore earnestly requests the Council to point out any other way by which those habihties may be permanently arranged, and to which it will agree. " Estimates for the current quarter are in preparation, and will be laid before the Council. " J. A. R. Menzies, Superintendent. " Superintendent's Office, " Southland, 3rd July, 1864.." The House then adjourned until Monday vening, at seven o'clock. Monday, Ist August, 1864. The House met at 1 p.m. as usual. Mr. Wilson was elected deputy-speaker. The minutes of previous sitting were read and confirmed. ISSUE op wabbants. The Pbovincial Treasubeb then moved — "That in order to meet certain outstanding habihties, it is expedient that the Provincial Government should grant acknowledgments in such a form as may be most readily negotiable, without assuming the form of a ordinary promissory note." Mr. Caldeb seconded the motion, which was was carried. RESPONSIBILITY. Mr. Habvey obtained leave to move, without notice, the following motion : — " That whereas His Honor the Superintendent was determined not to govern in terms of the Provincial Government Ordinance, passed unanimously by the Council at it last session, this Council is of opinion that it should repudiate the shadow of responsible Government at present in existence, by declaring that the Provincial Treasurership is not a political appointment, and that that officer, under existing circumstances, is not responsible to the Council. The Council being of opinion that the Superintendent arrogated to himself all the functions of Government, should be held entirely responsible for the conduct of affairs." The original motion was then put and carried. His honor's message. Mr. Caldeb moved, and Mr. Pbabson seconded, the following reply to His Honor's Message No. s:— " In answer to His Honor the Superintendent's Message , No. 5, this Council begs to point out that it is not a function belonging to the Council to take the initiative in the introduction of financial measures, and it cannot admit that by declining to pass resolutions relating to the possible action of the General Assembly, and affecting the interests of other provinces, it has in any degree incurred responsibility for duties which do not properly belong to it. The Council conceives that the object at present before it is to give to the Government all the aid in its power to enable it to tide over a pressing financial emergency. Convened speciaUy for this object, with a dissolution certain at a very early period, it will appear improper that the Council should entertain any larger or more permanent measure than the immediate circumstances demand. Moreover, the Council having failed to establish any satisfactory connection with the Executive Government, and being therefore deprived of any effective control over the expenditure, it would be unwilling to entrust to a Government, in wliich it has ceased to have confidence, any powers not absolutely necessary for the conduct o the business of the Province during the short interval for which it will control them. The Council is of opinon that the reduction of all the expenses of the Government within the limits of the revenue is the first step necessary to restore the credit of the Province ; the final assessment of the amount of outstanding indebtedness, and the acknowledgement of the various sums by negotiable documents bearing interest, -will, it trusts greatly alleviate the inconvenience which the creditors of the Province now suffer, and will further facilitate the formation of plans hereafter for the re-adjustment of the finances, the remedial effect of these measures, the partial opening of the Northern railway, and the early prospect of relief from a divided Government, will tend to, restore the confidence both of the pubhc and General Government ; and the Council fervently hopes that after the election of a new Provincial Council, an united Government and Legislature' will be in a position to undertake the task with a prospect of success, which under existing circumstances the present Council feels it cannot entertain." Mr. Caldeb thought it a very temperate reply, and hoped it would recommend itself to the House. Mr. Habtey said as it was late" he would move at once the adoption of the reply, without adding any remarks of his own. Reply adopted.

Tuesday, 2nd August, 1864. The Council met at six o'clock, but a quorum ■ ',of the members was not present till nearly seven Mr. Peabson was appointed Deputy Speaker. The minutes of the previous sitting were read and confirmed. .. ; j 7;. ; , ...MESSAGE NO. 6. . „;iThe following imessage was received from His J Hpnor the Supe^tehdent :— , "" -To me Proyrhciai ' Council of- Southland. '". The Superintendent acknowledges the receipt L bf a ebmmunioation from the Council, in reply to his Message No. 5. It states ' That it is not a .

function belonging to the - Council to take the initiative in the introduction of financial measures,' and denies that its refusal to pass certain resolutions involves responsibility for duties which "do not properly belong to it. Further bu .it states ' that the Council conceives that the object at present before it, is togive to the Government all the aid in its power, to enable it to tide over a pressing financial emergency. .-■ ■■" Convened specially for tliis object, with a dissolution certain at avery early period, it will appear improper, that the Council should entertain any larger or more permanent measures than the immediate circumstances demand.' ; ' "The ; Superintendent is of opinion that it is the duty of the Council to advise on any subject involving the interests of the province, and he regrets to find that the opinion . entertained- by the -Council appears to be so widely different: He thinks that , the , objects to be attained by a meeting of the Council were these : — First — To enquire into, and fully discuss and consider the financial circumstances of the province, in order that the whole ■ community might be thoroughly informed on the subject. Second — To consider the proper mode of meeting outstanding habihties ; and Thirdly — To determine the best way of meeting contingent habihties. " Tlie firßt object has been fully attained ; with regard to the second, the Council has approved of a mode which the Government, have adopted to a limited extent, and authorised the payment of interest on such claims, a course which the Government was scarcely authorised to take in absence of the sanction of the Council. On the 30th of June these outstanding habihties were about £30,000. " With reference to the contingent habihties, which are estimated at £135,000, gradually falling due in the next three or four months — In Message No. 5, the Superintendent stated what he believed to be simply a fact, that the only practicable proposal for meeting these had been made by the Provincial Treasurer, and that the Council rejected the proposal ; he therefore requested the Council i to suggest some other mode of meeting those habihties, as it disapproved of the mode which had ■ been submitted for its consideration. " This advice the Council declines to give — first, on a point of punctilio, as a matter beyond the sphere of its duty ; and next, to quote the words of the answer, because ' The Council having failed to establish any satisfactory connection with the Executive Government, and being therefore deprived of any effective control over the expenditure, it would be unwilling to entrust to a Government in which it has ceased to have confidence, any power not absolutely necessary for the conduct of the business of the province during the short interval for which it will control them.' "It is of importance to ascertain the reasons on account of wliich the Council has failed to establish any satisfactory connection with the Executive Government It should bear in mind that in the beginning of the session in February, 1864, the question of relative powers of the Superintendent and the Executive were keenly discussed in the Council. After a tedious discussion and various messages and communications, the Council agreed on the 22nd of February to a resolution embodying the following terms : — ' That it is the opinion of this House, that under the provisions of tho Provincial Government Ordinance, No. 3, 1862, all power that could be legally conferred by the said Ordinance shoidd be administered by the Superintendent only with the advice and consent of an Executive Council ; more especially it is the opinion of this Council that all moneys appropriated by it should be expended under the supervision of an Executive Council, chosen from its members, who will be responsible to tliis Council.' "To the propositions contained in this resolution the Superintendent agreed, as expressed in his message of 23rd February, 1864, and on the basis of this agreement an Executive was formed without delay. By a reference to the reply of the Council to the address of the Superintendent in February, it will be seen that the Council at first made extreme claims for entire control, which, after discussion and consideration, it waived, and finally agreed to the terms of the resolution above quoted. In the present session, however, it has, in disregard of its own resolution, reverted to the extreme views which were held in the beginning of last session, which were opposed by the Superintendent, and which were modified in order to produce an agreement between the parties. " The Council must have been fully aware that a reversion to those views would necessarily lead to a difference of opinion with the Superintendent. It does not appear to think that it is bound to adhere to the resolution above quoted. On the other hand, the Superintendent does not consider that he is released from the obligation of observing it, and his memoranda to Mr. Pearson in July will be found to harmonise with it. "If the Council should adhere to the opinion expressed in the resolution, the Superintendent knows of no valid reason to prevent the formation of an Executive Council now, any more than existed when an Executive was formed after the resolution was agreed to ; and if in this session the Council had desired in all sincerity to form an Executive in conformity with that resolution, the Superintendent is convinced that it would have been effected without difficulty — certainly, he would have assisted as far as he could. "If the Councd has not established a connection with the Executive, it is because it has attempted, and failed to bring into practical operation, certain opinions based on special construction of laws under which the Government is administered, and which in the course of last session it had waived, in agreement with the Superintendent. It is to be regretted that on account of a difference of speculative opinion, in a matter affecting practical administration, it should refuse to assist or advise the Government in dealing with the most serious part of the liabilities ; yet these liabilities must be provided for in some way, and before a new Government can come into power in this Province. The advances from the General Goverumenl under the agreement will extend into September. After they shall have ceased, no resources will be left from whence to meet the habihties falling due, unless ' some provision is shortly made. i "it was to this exigency that 'the Superintendent, in Message No. 5, desired to draw the special attention of the Council, and he still trusts that they will evidence an appreciation of its grave importance, by advising as to . the most prudent course to be adopted. "J. A. R. Menzies, Superintendent. -• Superintendent's Office, "Southland, 2nd August, 1864." Ordered to he on the table. THE ESTIMATES. The Pbovincial Treasurer moved, and Mr. Wilson seconded — " That the Estimates, as amended, be passed." Carried. completion op railways. Mr. Wilson obtained leave to bring forward a motion, as follows : — " That the credit and prosperity of the Colony in general, and this Province in particular, require an immediate loan to complete the Bluff Harbor and Invercargill Railway, and Northern Railway ; and that it should be granted upon the security required by the General Government, and that commissioners should be appointed by the General Government to superintend the completion of these works, in accord- j ance wr}h the terms of contract, and to act as arbitrators on the part of the Provincial Government, as it is contemplated that the contractors will demand damages on account of the temporary suspension of these works." The motion, not being seconded, lapsed. MEMOBI.iL TO THE GOVERNOR. Mr. Harvey said he had a clause which he proposed as an additional clause. It was inserted, and the memorial, as amended, now reads as follows : — " The memorial of the Provincial Council of the Province of Southland, in the colony of New Zealand, assembled. "To. His Excellency Sir George Grey, Knight „-,; Commander of the most honorable order of ,; '-.. the Bath, Governor and Commander-in-Chief • . in and over Her Majesty's colony of New . Zealand and its dependencies, and vice-ad-miral of the same, &c. &c.

Sir,- — Certain Ordinances having been passed by the Provincial' Council of this and other Provinces in this colony which have received the sanction of Your Excellency for the purpose of raising loans by the sale of Debentures, and the negotiating these loans in the London market being difficult because the securities possess simply a Provincial guarantee, and as other ordinances of a hke nature will be required to meet the necessities of the various provinces, it is most desirable for the well-being, not only of the.Pro r vinces, but of the colony as a whole, that such guarantee should be enlarged, and that the colon-' , ial guarantee should be given to the same by act of the General Assembly ; and as the necessities of the Provinces immediately affected are very urgent, we would earnestly entreat your Excellency to summon the General Assembly to meet at the earliest practicable time, in order to take this matter into consideration. Also, that your Excellency would be pleased to set apart for the charges for interest and sinking fund on the loans which may be thus guaranteed on behalf of any Province, such a sum as may be requisite from the land and customs' revenue of such Province as they arise. " And your memorahsts will ever pray." The hon. member then moved the adoption of the memorial as amended. Mr. Harvey seconded. — Carried. APPROPRIATION BILL. The Provincial Treasurer obtained leave to bring in an Appropriation Bui for the expenditure of the current three months. The Bill was carried through all its stageß and passed. ADJOURNMENT. The Provincial Treasurer then moved, and Mr. Harvey seconded, that the House do now adjourn till Tuesday next, the 9th current, at 2 p.m. — Carried. The House then rose. PROROGATION. His Honor tlie Superintendent, by a notification in the Gazette, of 9th August, prorogued the sittings of Council, without a speech.