EVENING SITTING.

Southland Times, Issue 724, 16 September 1867, Page 2

EVENING SITTING.

The Council met at 8 o'clock. Eull House, excepting Messrs Howell and Basstian. Mr M'Cluee said he had been sent for by his Honor to form an Executive, and, having every prospect of success, would move for an adjournment until 12 o'clock ' the next day. Dr Mois'CKTOjr seconded. Notices of Motion. Mr Cuihbertsok to move at the next sitting of the Council for a committe to consider the internal arrangements of the Council Chamber, to consist of Mr Speaker, Messrs Armstrong, Pearson and the mover. Mr Abmstkoisg to move at next business sitting — " That this Council, deeming it wiser and more convenient that the Superintendent should be appointed directly by the electors, aud not indirectly through their representatives in the Council, request his Honor the Superintendent to cQrresponcl with the Super-

intendents of other new provinces, in order to secure their co-operation ; and that a petition be presented to His Excellency the Governor, requesting that the clause in the New Provinces Act relating to the election of a Superintendent may be so amended as to meet our desires." The Council adjourned till noon next day. « SATURDAY, 14th SEPTEMBER. Present — Messrs Wilson (Speaker), M'Clure, Longuet, Blacklock, Cuthbertson, Armstrong, Swale, Johnston, Lumsden, Clerke, Monckton, Pearson, Daniels, Ross, Butler, and Hately. After prayers, the minutes were read and confirmed. Notices of motion for next sitting of Council were given as under : — Mr Johnston to ask the Government if the Superintendent had received a communication from the Road Engineer to the effect that the contractors or sub-contractors for the erection of the Oreti Bridge are departing from the plans and specifications of their contract, and if so, that the letterbe laid on the table. Mr Hately to ask the honorable members of the late Executive to give the House a thorough financial statement extending over their term of office before any business is proceeded with. Mr Lumsden to move at next sitting, that an address be presented to His Honor, requesting that copies of all correspondence between His Honor's Government and the" General Government since the session of the Provincial Council in May last, having reference to Railway Extension, be laid before the House. Mr Lumsden to move at next sitting — That a select Committee be appointed to enquire into the liabilities of the Town Board of Invercargill, with a view to the transference of the same to the Provincial account under the " Southland Debts Act, 1866," to consist of the following members, viz : — Messrs Cuthbertson. Armstrong, Pearson, and the mover. Mr Pearson to move, that the late standing rules and orders be affirmed as the standing rules and orders for this Council, and that this resolution of Council be transmitted to his Honor for his sanction. Mr McClure intimated that he had succeeded in forming an Executive — viz., himself Provincial Secretary, Mr Blacklock, Treasurer, and Mr Armstrong and Dr Monckton, the two remaining members. He moved " That the House be adjourned till Wednesday, the 18th inst., at noon," to give the Executive time to form a line of policy. The Speaker reminded the House that there was some business to be got through, and recommended that the motion be put after that. Agreed to. Mr Armstrong desired to inform the Council tbat he had allowed himself to be placed on the Executive in order that the business of the Province might be proceeded with, and on the understanding that when the session terminated he was to send in his resignation. Mr Blacklock desired also to explain that he firmly made a resolution to take no part in any Government formed at the present time, but for several reasons he had been induced to form one of the present Government. He thought circumstances would not admit of his holding office very long, as in a short time he would have occasion to go to Melbourne, and, perhaps, afterwards to the mother country. In the meantime, however, to expedite matters, and get the business of the session through, he had consented to take office. Dr Monckton explained that he had allowed his name to be placed on the list of the Government that business might be proceeded with- The distance of his residence from town and his private affairs would effectually preclude his taking any part in carrying out official details after the close of this session of Council. Mr Cuthbertson moved for a committee, to consider the internal arrangements of the Council Chamber ; to consist of Mr Speaker, Messrs Armstrong, Pearson, and the mover. Mr Armstrong seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr M'Clure's motion for adjournment till Wednesday, 18fch, at noon, was then put and carried.