PROVINCIAL COUNCIL

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 253, 7 May 1866, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL

Evening Sitting. j THURSDAY, 3ed MAY.' PROVINCIAL .LIABILITIES CONITRMA- j - TION ORDINANCE. • ■-■ Mr BLACKLOCK asked leave to bring in a Bill, entitled the " Provincial ] Liabilities Confirmation Ordinance, No. ' 2, 1866." Mr "WOOD seconded; leave granted, and the bill read a first time, and second I reading made an order of the day for next ; meeting. \ RAILWAY LEASING- ORDINANCE. Mr BLACKLOCK asked leave to } bring in a bill entitled the " Bluff Harbor ( and Inyercargill Railway Leasing Ordinance, 1866." He said the bill was for ' the purpose of authorising the Superin- . tendent to enter into a contract to lease ' the line for a certain number of years to be agreed upon. ' , The PROVINCIAL TREASURER 1 seconded, and leave was granted. The ] bill was read a first time ; the second • reading was made an order of the day for ] next sitting. Carried." • . « Mr WOOD, by leave of the House, ( postponed the Oreti Leasing Ordinance, ] 1866. ! EDUCATION. . | Mr JOHNSTON, in asking the Go- i vernment if it intends introducing any . measure to provide for the means of { education within the Province of Southland, said that numbers were under ] the impression that the present ordinance ] was held in abeyance until such time as ] Government was in a position to do some- , thing to carry out a new measure. Eighteen months had now elapsed, and the schools were still closed, and children were growing up m ignorance. His ob- -j ject in asking the question, was to ascer- s tain if anything was being done with a , view to a new measure. ( \ The PROVINCIAL TREASURER } said it was not the intention of the Go- , t vernment this session to bring in a new y bill. The, matter had received the atten- j tion of the Government on several j occasions, but -as nothing could be j done to supplement any payments levied £ under the ordinance, it was thought better to. leave it in the meantime, and should . the Government be in funds before next < session, the various districts could be j supplemented as it might seem most £ desirable. " ' ~ ■ r The PROVINCIAL TREASURER i asked leave to bring in a bill, entitled the " Appropriation Ordinance, No. 2, 1866." , Mr WOOD seconded. Leave was £ granted, and the bill was read a first , time, and the second reading made an | order of the day for next sitting. ] Mr LUMSD EN moved that there be ] laid on the table a return of all lands < selected since the " Southland Land Act, 1865," came into operation, giving the situation of the said lands ; also, their ( frontage lines, whether road, river, or j other frontage ; shewing also what reserves have been set apart for roads, g bridlepaths, pathways, townships, or for other public purposes, intersecting or ] adjacent to the said lands : the return to be accompanied with the sketch-map at r present in use in the Crown Lands De- j partment, indicating the situation of said ] land, selected reserves for roads, path- g ways, townships, or other public purposes : said return to be presented prior c to the consideration of the t'stimates for the remaining portion of the financial j. year. The hon. member, in moving the s above, said that the importance of securing a judicious administration of the waste lands could not be overrated. A certain amount of influence could be exercised in the distribution of the Waste Land by * the Council, and he thought that influ- r enee should be vigilantly exercised. In , s other colonies with which he (Mr ; s Lumsden) was acquainted, the Waste Lands administration is presided over by the Executive, who, being responsible to Parliament, could always be called to account for the way the department was a conducted. The Waste Land Board here j was not directly responsible to the iCouncil, and seeing the whole Province was now thrown open for free selection, n he thought the present a fitting time to j have the matter discussed.® He had re- a cently received some statements from parties in whom he had confidence to the 0 effect that some very large stretch of g country had been recently sold, undei what might be called "special selection," T on account of the land in question having I special advantages which were calculated a to affect the value of the lands adjacent. He would refer to a tract of land recently C purchased along the banks of the r< Mataura. The Council, he believed, did A not know whether due regard had been had for rights-of-way as to adjacent pro- c perties — a right-of-way along the river banks. The tract of land he referred to had been selected without securing to the public a right-of-way. Thus a most un- * 8 judicious act had been committed by those 0: having charge of the Waste^ Lands, and d though the wrong might not be felt now, C( it would be in time coming. Out of a *< 200-acre parcel of land 100 acres might o: possess a special value on account of the n frontage. This 100 acres should not be P disposed of to the detriment of the- larger *' portion. . ,Mr Lumsden also referred to another large selection of land on the Waimea, the sale of which had^shufc out r< from a fair share of advantage, most of ai the land in its neighborhood, Questions in regard to rights-of-way were most important questions, as well as questions of , township and bush reserves. Land had x , been sold in this province to the waters edge. (Hear, hear.) The hon. member 1 then referred to the disturbances in the home country, and the extravagant claim's „ of the great landed proprietors, and their* „ encroachments upon common rights. We , might, even now, have got a duke or a lord of the manor at the Mataura, who in future years might become an obstructive such as had been referred to. The right of fishing might be a valuable privilege in the future. The salmon was being acclimatised in the colonies, and possibly, and most likely, in a few years our rivers would be stocked wi& fish, The right of

fishing along the banks would be felt a boon, and were it found that sortie lord of the manor claimed some exclusion privilege, this would be a source pi social warfare. Mr JOHNSTON seconded the motion. Mr PEARSON desired to maHe v a few remarks. It appeared that the hon. member for Invercargill had been informed by some man. in the street on certain subjects connected witfy the departmental arrangements of the "Waste Land Board. Had the hon. member inquired at the office of the Board, he might-have been able to obtain correct information on the subject of the motion; but in that case, the Council might have been spared the pleasure of hearing him. The hon. member had stated that in other colonies with which he was acquainted, the "Waste Lands have been under the cotrol of the the legislature. He (Mr Pearson) begged to remark that this was the greatest curse that could In Victoria every politician who desires to agrandise himself, seeks place and preferment by promises to bring in some new Land Act, and with a large population and millions of acres, the waste lands were probably more miserably administered than those of any other part— even worse than in. Sydney. Instead of Victoria being colonised by an industrious population, the very reverse had been achieved. Had the Victorian land been administered, as has been the case with the lands of New Zealand, the Victorian' lands would have been eschuated as they have been. The land sharks got the best lands, and the settlers the worst. In regard to. the selection of the best land by the various squatter, had the hon. member taken the trouble to read over the Land Act, he would have seen that every attention has been paid to reserves for townshipSj right-of-ways, &c, and that a chain width 1 has been reserved along the banks of every river 'in the Province. (Hear hear.) The interesting pursuit of salmon and sticklebat fishing had been therefore, very well . provided for. The Council framed, discussed, and passed the Waste Lands Act ; the Waste Land Board had faithfully- carried out its provision^ Free selection was a most - j udicious thing for the Province. The act had worked well, and would have worked better but for the Southland Debt Act. The lands sold would be sufficient to pay . the interest and sinking fund, and that was quite enough. -This could be accomplished with land at 20s. per acre ; and lie did not think land would be lower. As to objecting to large purchasers, the Government, he thought, should be very glad to see capital invested, and so far as things had gone, the large buyers had done more to improve their laud than the small holders. The Hamiltons, and Douglas, Alderson and Co., had done an amount of, good to this Province, which was not sufficiently recognised; an amount of good, the want of which would have been sufficiently felt had they not been here. The PROVINCIAL TREASURER said that the map selection referred to was not desirable, but that the Land Board had not the option of refusing. MrLTJMSDßNrepliedto Mr Pearson's remarks, contending that' the hon. member had travelled farfrom the point, he (Mr Lum3den) having never contrasted large settlers with small. The question was put, seconded, and carried. Mr LTJMSDEN moved that the return be printed. The motion was not. seconded. ' ...... ORDEKS OF THE DAY. . POLICE .. OEDDOJSCE,- 1866. .. . / The* House went infco committee on this bill, and' after going through a number of the clauses the further consideration was adjourned till the next sitting. _ .

FRIDAY, #h MAY^ 1866. (MOENHTG SITTING.) The Speaker took the chaii; at 11-15 a.m. L . PROVINCIAL LIABILITIES CONFIRMATION ORDINANCE. The PROVINCIAL TREASURER moved for leave to bring in the Provincial Liabilities Confirmation Ordinance Bill, and leave was granted. It was read a first time, and the second reading made an order of the day for the next sitting. { 1 RAILWAY LEASING- ORDINANCE. On the motion of the PROVINCIAL TREASURER, the Bluff Harbor and j Invereargill Leasing Ordinances was read a first time. On the motion of Mr WOOD, the Oreti Railway Leasing Ordinance was read a first time. APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE No. 2, 1866. The PROVINCIAL TREASURER moved the second reading of this^bill. Seconded by Mr W.OOD, and carried. THE PAIHIA DIGGINGS. The PROVINCIAL TREASURER laid on the table the Chief Commissioner of Crown Land's report upon." these diggings, and moved " that the Council considers it desirable that a site for a township at the Boat Harbor, Orepuki, on run 393, should be made ; and recommends that his Honor the Superintendent proclaim a ■ reserve for such purpose at that place.'' Carried. ' LEAVE OF ABSENCE. Leave of absence was asked for the remainder of the session for Mr Homes and Dr Hodgkinson, which was granted. RESG-INATION OF THE, SPEAKER. Mr "WILSON officially announced that he had resigned his office as Speaker of the House. A general regret was expressed at the decision the hon. member had arrived at, and, no successor being named, he consented to continue to occupy the chair until the end of the session, so that the business of the House might not be interrupted. Th 3 House then adjourned until the evening. , '

Evening Sitting, FRIDAY, 4th MAY, 1866. The Speakeb took the chair at 7.10. NOTICES OF MOTION, 3_fr S^AJJE to move that a return qf

i all lands sold in the Invercargill and f Oteramika Hundreds, and in all the - several districts to which the East Road - is an outlet, -same to be laid ort^the table at this x evening's sitting. The hon. . member explained that .when in the r mc__iing he gave notice of his motion he .. was not aware that such a long time, as - it now appeared was necessary, would be • required to prepare the documents. He • begged to withdraw his motion-r^-leave 1 granted. 1 ; LEAVE OF ABSENCE. ; 3 Mr CUTHBEETSON, in the absence * of the hon. the member for Waianiwa, ; !? moved that leave^ of absence be granted for the remainder of the session to Mr ■•-,. Holmes, Mr WOOD seconded— leave 8 granted. B ; Mr CLEEKE, in moving "that this 3 Souncil is of opinion that the Bluff Harbor'"'and Invercargill Railway should be. 3 leased for a term of years only after due advertisement, and by public tenderj" said he thought it was absolutely necesP" sary; especially at this time, that the ' leasing should be by public tender,' in 3 order that the highest price be got. ' Mr LUMSDEN concurred in Mr Clerke's 3 remarks, and seconded — motion carried. 1 Mr CLERKE asked the Government ?. for a detailed report of the accident which occurred on the Oreti Eailway in Eeb. 1 last, showing the cause of the same^and 1 and whether it is true as alleged/that the 1 , cause of the accident was owing to the 1 substitution of cast-iron in place of £ wrought-iron for the guide- wheels ; and whether the specification did not bind the 1 contractors to the use of wrought-irpn. T He said he was not aware the question * was asked last session. It could, how- * ever, do no harm to have it again answered, as a great deal of neglect and censure were due somewhere. The specification 1 was not, it seemed, to be found, and no 3 copy had been kept. The substitution of *" cast-iron ; for wrought-iron wheels was 1 just in keeping with the whole of the \ carrying out of the railway works. \ The PEOVINCIAL TREASURER ' laid upon the table the report by the ■ Railway Engineer. He said it might be 3 there was blame somewhere, but that ** blame did not rest with the present Gr'o--5 vernment. " J Mr CLERKE asked the Government i if they received a report of the committee appointed by the Executive to report • upon the hospital management adopted J on the 22nd November last, and if "so, the reason wherefore no notice was taken- ' of the same, and what reason existed ' for not adopting that xeport. He said ' he must confess that he was very much J surprised indeed at the treatment the committee had received at the hands of } the Executive. It was only the other day • that an answer was sent in to the report. > The excuse put forward was the ill health of the Superintendent. Surely all his * clerks were not ill at the same time. The collection of money for the hospital had , been delayed in consequence of no reply - . v having been received. The want of a * yearly or half-yearly report of the ex- . penditure, losses, &c, also militated against the hospital, as people would not [ subscribe to an institution, in regard to the * management of which they knew nothing. There would have been a saving ' to the Government of two or thx-ee hundred pounds, had the matter been properly - conducted ; but - the Government did- not seem to care about saving money. Such 1 conduct mas- most reprehensible. 1 Mr BLACKLOCK laid upon the table the report of the Hospital Committee. This report had been printed prior to the date of the present Government taking l : office. He did not, till recently, find out - that if had not been answered. It seemed • to have gone astray during his- Honor's ; illness — had got into a drawer and been overlooked. On the motion of the hon. member (Mr- Clerke), seconded by Mr : Wood, the report waß read. [A copy of this report has already ; appeared in these columns]. ORDERS OF THE DAY. The PROVINCIAL TREASURER moved, "the Provincial Liabilities Confirmation Ordinance, No. 2, 1866.', Second reading. Mr WOOD seconded ; ordinance read. Tne House theriwent into committee on the Bill. On a question by Mr Wilson, as to why the amount representing the award to Mr Marchant had been added under this ordinance, some explanation and discussion ensued. It was finally agreed that the Council had no alternative but to vote the amount. ___ The PROVINCIAL TREASURER moved, " the third reading of the Bluff Harbor. and Invercargill Railway Leasing Ordinance, 186 G." Mr WOOD seconded, and bill read. . Mr WOOD moved, " the third reading of the Oreti Railway Leasing Ordinance, 1866." /Mr CUTHBEETSON .seconded, and bill read;'-. ■ ■ ;..,-.;, POLICE ORDINANCE. ' In committee, reconsideration of claus 3, 4', 8, Police Bill. Considerable di cussion ensued on clause 3 and subsections. On a division on the amendment that the Chairman report progress that the House has been in committee on the Police Ordinance. There voted for the amendment 6, and for the original , motion 6. The chairman gave his casting vote in favor of the amendment. The PROVIN CIAL ■ TREASURER moved, the ** Appropriation Ordinance, . . No. 2, ' 'Second reading. . Mr WOOD seconded, and. bill read.- -.- The House then went into committee on the Ordinance. Clauses 1, 3, and o, 6 passed as printed Consideration of clauses 2 and ir posts poned. 1 THE ESTIMATES. , 7* Mr LUMSDEN said in looking over these estimates it appeared that the entire revenue was to be swallowed up in official salaries, and that nothing Was to be appropriated for roads or public works. He thought it would be well to ascertain the opinion of the House as to whether some reduction might not be f made on the various departments, There

was a strong feeling on the part of the public that the strictest economy should be exercised at the present time. The public would be glad to be in a position to enable them to vote more for each department instead of Jess ; but till the Province was in a better position pecuniarily — if any reduction could be made, it ought to be' done. He -proposed to begin with the Superintendent, and reduce the rate per annum by .£SO. The PROVINCIAL TREASURER explained that the sum for the roads and pubhc worts had been left blank iv the estimates because the "balance that would be available for these could not be known until the totals were run up. There -would likely be a balance of four thousand pounds to be expended on public works. The customs revenue was daily increasing, and had been higher this last month than for eighteen months previous. Mr LUMSDEN expressed himself satisfied, and asked leave to withdraw his motion. SALARY TO SPEAKER. Mr CUTHBERTSON referred to the resignation of the speaker, and expressed it as. his opinion that a salary should be attached to the office, and moved that £75 per annum be put on the estimates. He considered this would be a very small, recompense for the' hard work and disagreeableness involved. Mr WILSON objected to the motion, considering the circumstances of the Province. Mr CUTHBERTSON thought that without this inducement held out, a speaker could not be secured. Mr. WILSON thought some honorable members should be willing to act without such an amount. GAOL DEPARTMENT. The PROVINCIAL TREASUEER moved that, in consequence of a memorial which had been presented, the chief warders and three warders be reconsidered, and that the allowance to these officers be increased. After some discussion, the amendment was lost. NEW RIVER HARBOR DEPARTMENT. Some discussion took place as to doing away with this department. It was contended that with the railway in full operation only SKaall vessels would come up the New Eiver. The masters of these could act as their own pilots. A man to look after the buoys would-be sufficient. The PEOVINCIAL TREASURER explained that, if it was found when the railway opened that the services of the pilot staff could be dispensed with this would be done, but it would be two months before the railway was opened, and it would take some time before it was known to shipmasters that the Bluff would be their port of discharge. The executive had had the matter under consideration, but it was felt that the New River traffic coulsl not be stopped all at once. The General Government had promised to supplement the sum expended by £100 per annum. The items as printed were passed. RIVERTON JETTY. Mr. CUTHBERTSON moved that the sum of £100 be placed on the estimates for the repair of the Riverton jetty, and •"iei-iM-ibed it as being in a most wretched *v.-*- dition, the planks being broken, and ti -? rails *so bad that five or sis men were required to push a truck with an ordinary load. The dues had amounted to £75 during last month, and the goldfields would soon largely increase the amount. Mr. PEAESON corroborated Mr. Outhbertson's remarks as to the condition of the jetty and supported the motion. The PROVINCIAL TREASURER said that the jetty in question was one from which Government received dues to a greater amount in proportion to the amount expended than any jetty in the province. Mr. WILSON supported the motion. Dr. MENZIES thought £100 would not be sufficient, and moved that £200 be voted in order that the work might be 'done efficiently. Carried. SHEEP INSPECTOR'S DEPARTMENT. Mr. CLARK moved that the item subinspector be struck out, and that Registrar of Brands and Collector, £75, £36 be substituted. Carried. HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT. _ Mr. WILSON said that from the report of the Committee of Inquiry which had been read he thought the House should defer the consideration- of this department, for the simple reason that it appeared from the report and from other sources that the Hospital could be much more satisfactorily conducted if handed over to a committee of management. £200 or £150 a year could thus be saved. Under the management of a committee the public would contribute more liberally because they would then have confidence that everything was conducted as it should be. The PROVINCIAL TREASURES said the Government could have no objection to the Hospital being so handed over, but would first require a guarantee that the department would be properly provided for. Mr. WILSON wished to be informed whether the Government had asked for such a guarantee ; if so, whether it had Vjpptj TpfnsGO.. The PROVINCIAL TREASURER^ explained that ■in the reply to the memorial the matter was put in that shape, and although the time was short- it was sufficient to have enabled the oommittee to have intimated their intention to give a guarantee. Mr. WOOD confirmed the Government's wish to get rid of the Hospital responsibility, but deprecated the idea of giving up * the Hospital to a committee that scarcely existed. Mr PEARSON contended that the Government was far better able to take : a proper charge of the Hospital than was a committee. x*ubiic subscriptions were rather spasmodic, and the .-.mount subscribed one six month? was, i-o guarantee for the next. The hon. member entered at considerable Jength into the subject of Hospital management ; the siun of which

was that the management of local Boards invariably resulted in failure. Mr WILSON referred in strong terms to the - highly reprehensible manner in which the hon. member for Waianiwa invariably treated serious questions brought before the Council. There was a very general repugnance to enter the Hospital, and a committee of management would do something to do away with this repugnance. Mr CUTHBERTSON advocated a sum being placed on the Estimates for six months, to enable the Government to get clear of the responsibility. The PEOVINCIAL TREASURER said he would promise that if a committee came forward, and could, show that^ they were in a position to carry on the Hospital, the Government would not spend the amounts further than the contributions. In that case £50 additional per month would have to be spent — the other items would not— and Government would then be in a position, if the committee failed, to resume and continue to expend the items now voted. Agreed to. The various items under this department were then discussed at considerable length, and passed as printed. INVESTIGATION INTO RAILWAY EXPENDITURE. A lengthy discussion, joined in by most of the members present, to. place in regard to this item. It was eventually considered that the . sum on the Estimates (£500) would be altogether insufficient to meet the expenses of an enquiry such as was contemplated : it was even questionable if double the amount would be sufficient. The Governor's sanction had not yet been got •to the Ordinance, and, in the meantime, the railway was being rapidly completed, and the means of forming an opinion on the departures from specifications daily disappearing. It was agreed, moreover, that the enquiry could lead to no practical result. Mr CLEEKE moved that a report by Mr Paterson, the present Eailway Engineer, be got on the state of the works when put into his hands. Dr MENZIES seconded. The PEOVINCIAL TEEASUEEE intimated that a report would be asked from Mr Paterson. It might be, however, that a feeling of delicacy or of professional etiquette would preventhimfrom complying with the request; Mr LUMSDEN moved that the item " Investigation into railway Expenditure, £500, should be struck out. Carried. ROADS AND PUBLIC WORE 3. Mr LUMSDEN— under this headwished* to table a motion in regard to repairing the North and East Eoads. The hon. member said be could speak with good authority in regard to the claims of the East Eoad. He had a paper in his hand of statistics that would convince the members that the East Road had strong claims upon their attention. At Mr Gall's station, Mataura, there were 104 men employed, 2450 acres were under cultivation, 20 ploughs were constantly going, and £1000 per month was paid for wages. At Mr Gall's station, Oteramika, there were 50 men employed, ; 400.0 acres were under cultivation, and 8 ploughs going. At Mr Hamilton's, including Morton-Mains, Elemington, and Woodlands, 150 men were employed ; 9000 acres were under cultivation, and 18 ordinary, and 2 steam ploughs going, besides a flour mill and sawmill being erected. A private school is kept at tho expense of the proprietor of this station. Mr Hamilton's new station, Hokanuis consists of 40,000 acres. There are 7- carriers, with thenteams, constantly employed in draying stores, carrying from 39 to 40 tons weekly. In addition we hove Mr Hall's station, 40,000 acres, Mr 30,000 acres, and 52 men employed. Other settlers at Longbusb., Myross Bush, Ac, employing 200 men, 2,200 acres under cultivation. At Mr Hill's, Mr Hunter's and Mr Macaulay's stations, there were 14 ordinary ploughs, and I steam plough. On these stations, there are 57 ordinary, and 3 steam ploughs. The probable expenditure is £6000 per month in wages, and there are not less than 200,000 acres under cultivation. These industrial statistics must show that these settlers had a strong claim upon the Government here, to have the roads immediately attended to. A station comprising, as to extent 40,000 acres is just being offered for: The most distant part of this district of country is within 15 miles of Invercargill. The claims of the goldfields are as nothing at all in commercial value, to the industrial establishments within these 15 miles. The hon. member said if the wants of the diggers should be considered of such national importance of how much more importance would be the claims of these settlers, who were continually spending such sums amongst us, and adding to the revenue. Mr PEARSON concurred with the remarks of the hon. member for Invercargill, but contended that the wants of the Waianawa district should be first looked to. Mr WILSON described the Waianawa roads as being impassable,, and stated that in coming to the Council, he had waded a mile through a swamp, in preference to taking the road, which he could only have g ot along by occasionally -swimming. Mr WOOD concurred with Mr Pearson, and Mr Wilson in regard to the state of the Waianawa road. Mr HOWELL observed it ' was nothing for a man to loose his depth. in that road. The other day his horse had gone out of sight. ~Mr WOOD and Mr SWALE spoke in favor of the East Eoad settlers. After some discussion, the motion th.it a respectful address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent to place such a supplementary sum on the estimates as may be necessary, to make these roads passable, > was withdrawn and made a motion for next sitting. Dr MENZIES asked the- Provincial Treasurer how he proposed to carry

on the Government in the absence of Mr Wood, who would shortly leave for the General Assembly. It would be necessary to have an Executive . more properly formed. Mr CLERKE concurred. I- Mr COWAN remarked that the the Executive should be in accordance with the Ordinance. Mr PEAESON said his Honor had not yet accepted Mr Cuthbertson's resignation. The PROVINCIAL TREASURER said that he would be enabled to inform the house what arrangements would be made to form an Executive by to-morrow's-sitting. The House then adjourned till next day. SATURDAY, sth MAY. MOKNIKG- SITTIKG. The Speaker took the chair at 11 a.m. NOTICE OF MOTION. Mr THOS SWALE moved . that a respectful address be presented to kis Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to place the sum of £300' on the Estimates, for the purpose of supplementing the District schools now in operation, that originally came under the lata Educational Ordinance. He stated that it was painful to 'think of the number of children who were roving about without education, since the suspension of the Educational Ordinance; he hoped at least that the Governwould give the matter consideration. Mr JOHNSTON hoped that as soon as the Government was in fund assistance for education would be awarded, and be made a first charge ; after a discussion, in which several members took part, the motion was allowed to lapse till next session. ROAD ORDINANCE. Mr JOHNSTON moved that the " Eoad Ordinance, 1862," be laid on the table in manuscript. Carried. EDUCATIONAL RESERVES. Mr LUMSDEN asked the Government whether they have made any Educational Reserves, in ancordance with a resolution passed by this Council last Session, on the motion of the hon. member for Invercargill — -Dr Menzies. He asked this question considering it one pf great importance as the Government did not appear very active in the matter, he hoped they would be able to give a satisfactory answer. The PROVINCIAL TREASURES said the Government had the matter under consideration, and it would during the recess receive that attention which its importance demanded. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS. Mr T. M. CLERKE obtained the suspension of the standing orders to enable him to ask the government, if <all the papers relating to the tenders for stationary was placed before the house. He had heard that in this instance the lowest tender had not been accepted, in fact the one accepted was 20 per cent over the rejected. The PROVINCIAL TREASURER could assure the hon. gentleman that his assertions were unfounded. He must deprecate the course adopted of asking questions and making assertions without information. Mr. SWALE moved the suspension of standing orders to enable him to bring in a motion. Several hon. members left the House, and upon a count it was found that there was not a sufficient number present. The SPEAKER censured the conduct of the hon. gentlemen who had left the House. The matter then dropped. ORDERS OF THE DAY. The House then went into committee on Appropriation Ordinance. All the items, with, the exception of the warders of the gaol were passed without alteration. A shilling a day extra was granted them. The bill was then, passed. THE MASONIC HALL. The PROVINCIAL TREASURER moved that an address be presented to His Honor the Superintendent requesting him to place upon the supplementary estimates the sum of £450 for the purpose of purchasing the Masonic Hall for a Council Chamber, &c. Mr. WOOD seconded the motion, which was put and carried. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. The PROVINCIAL TREASURER said that before the House rose he desired to say that the reconstruction of the ministry, had not been completed. The hon. member, Mi. Armstrong, has consented to take office with the previso that the full number of the Executive should be appointed before His Honor left for the north. He hoped to be able to give them a list at next meeting. SURVEY STAFF. A motion, recommending to the General Government the same scale of remuneration to the Survey staff as before was adopted. The House then adjourned until next Wednesday, at 12 o'clock.