SATURDAY, 14th SEPTEMBER.

Southland Times, Issue 726, 20 September 1867, Page 3

SATURDAY, 14th SEPTEMBER.

Present —Messrs Wilson (Speaker), M'Clure, Longuet, Blacklock, Cuthbertson, Armstrong, Swale, Johnston, Lumsden, Gierke, 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 letter be 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 aH corKBpontaMSGi Wtwesa Hia Sono?-* $q.

[' vernment and the General Government i since the session of the Provincial Council in May last, having reference to Kailway Extension, be laid before the House. Mr Lttmsden to move at next sitting —That a select Committee be appointed to enquire into the liabilities of the Town Board of Invereargill, with a view to the transference of the same to the Provincial acconnt 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 McCi/ure intimated that he had ; t 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 Akmstrong desired to inform the Council that 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'Ci/itre's motion for adjournment till "Wednesday, 18fch, at noon, was then put and carried.