PROVINCIAL COUNCIL OF THE PROVINCE OF SOUTHLAND

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 251, 3 May 1866, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL OF THE PROVINCE OF SOUTHLAND

„ WEDNESDAY, 2nd MAX. The sixth; session of the Provincial Councif "of Southland -was ' opened this day, by his Honor the Superintendent, in person. There was a fair muster of members — Messrs "Wilson (Speaker), Cuthbertson, Blaeklock, Wood; Pearso*. Dr Menzies, Armstrong, Howell, Crerar, Swale, Clark ; Luinsden and T. M. Clerk (new members.) Shortly after 12 o'clock the Council was opened, and his Honor the Superinr tendent was announced when .the following'speech was delivered : — Me. Speaker Ajsrtf Gentlemen of thi PfiOViS'Ct&l COUNCIL,— ' T have called you ' together somewhat earlier than was my intention, in consequence of, the meeting of the Colonial Parliament having been notified to take place in the .latter, part of this month. ... .; Since you- met; last, the award in the case between the Government and Mr. Marchaiit, Bailway' has been given ; and I have caused "the 'amount' of the award and expenses to be included in a Bill, intituled the " Provincial Liabilities Confirmation Ordinance, No. 2, 1866," which will be laid before you. The works on the Bluff Harbour and Invercargill Bailway are progressing, but the inclement weather we have had since the works have been resumed has tended to retard operations. lam nevertheless hopeful that the line will be opened foi traffic about the end. of June* . ■• : - A Bill to enable me to lease this railway on completion for a term of years will be laid before you, as also one tc empower me to give a lease of the Oreti Line to a responsible person or company in consideration of their completing it. With the -view of making the Police more effective in the protection- of life and property, I have given instructions for the preparation of a Bill for youi consideration, giving them extended powers in certain eases. At last Session, the Estimates laid before you were prepared for the current year, 1866, but you saw fit only to appropriate the expenditure for the first sis months. You will now be asked to pass an Appropriation Ordinance for the remaindei of the year. A number of men have, for some months past, been engaged in gold-mining operations at the Longwood Ranges and the beach afc Pahi, with varied success but, from what I can gather from severaJ official reports made to me, I cannot believe that the time has arrived when ii would be a prudent step to declare thai district a Goldfield. With the view, however, of avoiding actual discouragement to persons desirous of prospecting the country thoroughly and systematically, I have by Proclamation notified to all whom it may concern, that on registering their claims with the "Resident Magistrate at Riverton, who has consented to act* in the matter temporarily, IFe diggers will receive protection according, to priority, should the Government deem' it expedient eventually to declare the district a Goldfield. The district has meanwhile been reserved from sale by me, and I have to ask you to confirm the reservation in accordance with "The Waste Lands Act, 1865. ; " I' have received advice from the Honorable the Colonial Secretary, that His Excellency the Governor would be advised to assent to the following Bills, passed at the last Session of the Provincial Council, Tviz. : — '■ " Provincial' Liabilities Confirmation :■ Ordinance, 1866." " Sheep Ordinance, 1866." "Railway Commission Ordinance, 1866." ; " Eencing Ordinance, 1866." "Bog Ordinance, 3 866;" "Executive Council Ordinance, 1866." I have now to declare this Council open for the transaction of business. J. P. TAYLOR, Superintendent. Invercargill, 2nd May, 1866. ' On the motion of Mr. T. M. Ci-eek, a committee was appointed to prepare a reply, to consist of Messrs Wood, Lumsden, Armstrong, and the mover. Several notices ' of motion having reference to railway matters, finance, land reserves, &c, were tabled. It was announced that Mr W. H. Aylmer, late. Clerk to the Council,,had resigned, and Mr Mac Arthur appointed to fill the office. A vote, of acknowledgment of the efficient services rendered to the Council by Mr Aylmer having/ been unanimously carried, the Council adjourned until 11 o'clock this day (Thu^day), 3rd May,