PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Southland Times, Issue 727, 23 September 1867, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Thursday, September 19, 1867. • - The Speaker took the chair at 12.10. Present— All the members. . . ... After prayers, the minutes of the previous day's sitting was read and-con-firmed. PETITION FROM JOHN TAYLOR POPE. Mr Cuthbertson presented a petition from Mr John Taylor Pope, which was read, and ordered to be considered at the evening sitting. NOTICES OF MOTION. Dr HoDGKnfsoN and Mr Pearson gave notices of motion for next day's sitting. UNAUTHORISED EXPENDITURE. . The Provincial Treasurer moved — "That this Council, by an absolute majority of the entire number of its members, respectfully requests His Honor the Superintendent to send to this Council a recommendation to grant the sum of .£197 11s Bd, to meet the unauthorised expenditure for the period from the 27th May last to 12th. September, 1867." This was a motion similar to one passed last session, and was brought forward m this manner to comply with the provisions of the Audit Act. The separate items were mentioned in the Auditor's report, which had been laid on the table. Seconded by Mr Armstrono, and passed nem. con. WAYS AND MEANS. The Provincial Treasurer having asked for and obtained leave to suspend standing order 27, to enable him to make a motion without notice, said he brought forward the resolution in order that he might be in a position to make arrangements with the banker before giving his financial statement. He might state that the liabilities amounted to £2,200, and there was only £100. to meet it. He would therefore move— "That this Council, with the view of : extricating the province from its present pecuniary embarrassment, respectfully requests _ His Honor the Superintendent, If necessary, to give to any of the banks that will place to the credit of the provincial account a sum or sums of money suffi cient to meet liabilities incurred since last session of Council, and now being incurred, together with the overdraft standing at the Bank of New Zealand, included in last Appropriation Ordinance, an undertaking to the effect that any amount so advanced shall be met out of the Pastoral Rents to become due in May, 1868, with interest, as may be arranged —if not sooner met out of other revenue ; and, generally, to make such advances a first charge on the ordinary revenue of the province." Mr Monckton, in seconding the resolution, said that although the present expend ifcure was greater than the revenue, every effort was being made to alter that state of affairs. Mr Armstrong said that this was the only course open to the Government to enable them to meet the liabilities Mr Lumsden would ask the Provincia Treasurer, if any reply had been received from the General Government as to the appropriation of the G-old-fields revenue ? The Provincial Treasurer : Not yet? Mr Lumsden continued that there was a sum of «£I4OO or <£1500 lying to the Province, in the Bank of Otago. The Province had already paid, out of its own proper revenue, for Gold-fields management, some .£SOO or £700. He thought it was a great grievance that the Province should be treated so shabbily by the General Government in this matter. It was only two or three days before the Council, met that the late Government discovered the deficiency. They had felt themselves crippled in meeting the August accounts, for the whole sum voted by the last Council for public works, had been absorbed before they took office. Mr Cuthbertson asked the Provincial Treasurer if he could give an approximate statement of the amount proposed to be operated upon ? The Provincial Treasurer replied that it would depend upon the sum received out of the goldfields revenue. The revenue to be received during the month would not meet the liabilities incurred, owing to the heavy expenditure of keeping a large staff on "the Bluff .Railway, He blamed the late government exceecL

ingly for incurring so large an expenditure. There was no necessity for running | two trains a-day, and it was quite un;-.; necessary to make repairs at that season ■ of the year. If they got £600 or £700' from the General "Government, £1600 might meet present liabilities, and £1000 more would be required for the ;presenfc month, making a round number withjbhe/ overdraft, a sum of £3000 they would have to get from the bank. • - • ■ - The motion was then put and passed. THE OREPTTKI DIGGINGS. Mr Moncktchst moved — "That a respectful address be presented to His Honor the__ Superintendent,— requesting him to place the sum of five; hundred pounds on the Estimates for opening and ; maintaining a serviceable road between Riverton and -the- OrepnM Diggings, and : cutting prospecting lines, in the Longwood Ranges.". In making -the motion, he would have to enter into a few general explanations, as the subject would not.be properly understood without. There: was very little known in Invercargill about ' the at Orepuki. With the exception of the general opinion that a" few men were getting a little gold, nobody seemed to know anything about them. Gold was discovered in the Longwood Ranges about two years ago, when 250 men washed there, To make it payable however, it required a great deal of skill, time, and labour, to be expended. There were some works initiated, which, for magnitude, few in that House had any conception of. Many of these had been months in progress, and until the parties washed up, no one could be acquainted with the result. He (Mr Monckton) had stepped a tunnel, which he found to be 300 feet long: and there was a gully flumed at a height of 250 feet. The cost of executing these works had been estimated at .£SOO, and that had been done by one small party of men. Other parties were making works of as much importance. Good prospects had been found for miles around the present workings. Most of the parties he had referred to would be engaging wages men by the score in a few weeks. Hon. members would therefore perceive that the diggings were likely to become of considerable importance. Prom the return it appeared that about £30,000 worth of gold, had been obtained from diggings in Southland, the major portion from Orepuki. The gold duty had never been paid to the Province. It amounted to £1400 or £1500. For miners rights alone, a sum of £300 had been paid. The total cost of warden, police, and other expenses, had been £900; and .to place that against the amount received, it would be; seen that the diggings were no loss to. the province, and they would be no loss . if we expended a little more money for the purpose of opening them up. Otago and the West Coast had been made by diggings, there, was a prospect, of Auckland being made by tiiem ; and he (Dr Monckton) hoped that this province would yet be made by them. But he would ask, what had they clone for those diggings ? Absolutely nothing. The only road there was had been made by private enterprise. Owing to the disgust on that matter, and the danger of being left without provisions, a great many diggers had left. The bush was of such an intricate character that few would venture to prospect it; a man found his way out after getting a good prospect, but it was impossible for him to return to the same place. It was such a mess of swamps, gullies, supplejacks, &c, that it was impossible to track it. Bush tracks were proverbially bad unless they were opened up to the drying influences of the sun and air. The money was asked for the purpose of cutting the bush road from Riverton to Orepuki half a chain wide. A small portion was asked to cut prospecting tracks. He did not bring the motion forward as a member of the Governmeat, but simply as a private member. The main gold-bearing goldiields were situated between the present ' township and the mouth of the Waiau. Without survey tracks were cut, no man would venture to cross that distance! He asked the money in the hope that it would be paid out of the gold duty. In ! the event of any obstacle being made to that, he would ask a small sum to render the road passable. £100 or £150 so expended would keep the road open. : Mr Armstrong seconded the motion pro forma. Taking a practical view of the matter, he did not see where the money was to come from. Mr Daniels moved as an amendment that the words " for opening and maintaining a serviceable road between Riverton and the Orepuki diggings, 'and " be struck out. He contended that therewas a good road by water, with plenty of boats at command to go round in a few hours. He thought if the money were expended in cutting prospecting tracks, it would be of greater benefit to the province. Mr Longuet seconded the amendment, aa he considered the whole sum asked for would be absorbed in improving the road. . Dr Hodgkinson agreed with the

Mr Cuthbertson related his experiences of a recent visit to the Orepuki. Although the road was inconceivably bad, be agreed with the amendment that it was not the first consideration. Several of the miners had suggested to him tbat they would be able to cut the tracks ohenper than other parties, seeing that they would be able to prospect as they went along. Mr Johnston suggested that the motion should be withdrawn, as it could lead to no practical result. The Provincial Treasurer said that if the Government were in a position to expend .£2OO they might do so, knowing that it would shortly be refunded to them i out of the Goldfields l'evenue. Mr Calder agreed with the amendment. He thought that .£SOO expended on the road would never be seen, and they ought to get the greatest possible good for the small funds at their disposal. "With water communication so good, there need be no difficulty in getting goods to the diggings. On the other hand, the want of tracks cut in the bush confined the goldfield to a small area. He thought they should endeavor to extend the operation of the miners under the supervision of the Road Engineer. Mr Armstrong now understood that the Government were to expend the sum asked for when it became available. He thought it might infuse some new life into the diggers who had been persevering there unseen and almost unheard of, and keep some of them from leaving. Mr Hatelt would support the amendment. Dr Momckton replied that the water carriage had been alluded to. They had not always fine weather, and besides there was no natural landing-place on the coast. It frequently happened ' that 20 or 30 diggers had to rush into the surf to effect the landing of their provisions, so that the water carriage was not to be depended upon. If the Government would agree to widen the track sufficient to let light and air in upon it, he would withdraw his motion in favor of the amendment. Capt. Bowell was sorry to hear the hon. member for Longwood state a falsehood The Speaker was afraid that was rather too strong language. The hon. member might have made a mistake. Capt. Howell — Well, a mis-state-ment to the effect that there was no landing place on the coast. He (Capt. Howell) knew of two good boat harbors. He would therefore support the amendment. A division then took place upon the amendment, as follows : — Ayes, 11— M'Clure, Blacklock, Armstrong, Butler, Basstian, Hodgkinson, Howell, Longuet, Cuthbertson, Hately, Daniels. Noes, s— Clerke, Monckton, Lumsden, Ross, Johnston . The amendment was therefore carried. GOLDFIELDS REWARD. A long discussion took place upon Dr Moncktou's motion to offer £200 reward to the discoverer of a gold prospect which would be" the cause of the issue of 200 miners' licenses within nine months, and after several amendments had been proposed, the resolution was passed, as follow . — « That this Council is of opinion that it would be of advantage to this Province to offer inducements to persons to develop its resources, and, as a step in this direction, request the Government to notify that a reward of two hundred pounds will be given to the person or persons who will discover such a gold prospect in the Province as shall have been, in the opinion of the Warden, the cause of the issue of two hundred Miners' Licenses within nine months of the publication of discovery." The Council then adjourned at 3 p.m. till 8 p.m.

Evening Sitting. The Speaker took the chair at 8 p.m. Present— All the members, except Mr Swale. MOTIONS WITHDEAWN. I Mr Ltt:msde:n" asked for and obtained leave to withdraw the following motion standing in his name, on the ground that he had not been able to collect sufficient data :— lst. " That in arranging for the cancelling of the debt due by the provinces 'to over-payments ' by General Government, embracing a plan of mutual adjustment of liability, as embodied in the Colonial Treasurer's financial statement, a claim for exemption is put forth in behalf of Marlborough - on the ground that 'the Customs duties on goods consumed in that Province are, to a certain extent, paid in Nelson and Wellington,' and that, therefore, the account with i Marlborough assumes a character different from that of all the other Provinces — this Council desires to urge a similar claim on behalf of Southland, inasmuch as it is a well-known fact" that, to a large extent, its markets are supplied with goods supplied by Dunedin importers, and consequently the duty on such goods having been already paid to the Otago account— the Customs revenue of Southland is pronortioafttely dimurifthttl 2a<l

That the foregoing resolutions be for- j warded to the General Government, and to each of the representatives of Southland in the General Assembly." Mr Lumsden obtained leave to withdraw the following motion until the Appropriation Ordinance was before the Council : — " That before going into Committee on the ' Appropriation Ordinance, No. 3, 1867,' it is expedient that the report of the Retrenchment Committee, presented to the late Council at its session in January last, be laid on the table and taken into consideration." QUESTIONS. Mr Clerke asked the Government to place on the table the Provincial Engineer's report, having reference to the condition of No. 2 contract, and the necessity there has existed for the employment of a large staff of laborers to keep the Bluff Harbor and Invereargill Railway in a passable condition. It was well known that during the time he was in office, it was necessary to employ a large staff ot laborers in order to keep the railway open. The Provincial Treasurer had stated that that work was thrown away. Such was not the case, everything had been done in a permanent manner. As to the running of two trains a-day he might state that they had been run at such a speed as to do no harm to the line. He trusted that for the future the Treasurer would be better informed before he made such statements to the House. Report laid on the table and afterwards read. MESSAGE. At this stage a Message from His Honor the Superintendent was announced, which, on being received by the Speaker, was read as follows : — " Message No. 2. "To the Provincial Council of the Province of Southland : " The Superintendent begs to transmit to the Provincial Council a Bill, entitled 'The Appropriation Ordinance, No. 3, 1867," and recommends the Council to make provision for the specific services therein. " Jno. P. Taylor, " Superintendent. " Superintendent's Office, "Southland, 19th Sept., 1867." APPROPRIATION BILL. This Bill was read a first time, and its second reading made an order of the day for the next evening's sitting. SHEEP ASSESSMENT. Mr Cuthbertson asked, the Provincial Treasurer whether the money arising from assessments on sheep under the^ Sheep Ordinance is kept in a separate Bank Account from the General Provincial revenue ; also, the balance now at credit of that fund in the books of the Provincial Account in the Bank of New Zealand. It was well known that the Council had passed a resolution to the effect that the funds so derived should be kept separate from the general revenue. We had heard however, that these funds had been used for general purposes. If not kept in a separate account that money ought to be so kept. The Treasurer replied that money so derived had not been kept in a separate from the ordinary account, as it would be illegal to do so. When his (the Treasurer's) Government left office, on the 31st May last, the amount at the credit of the sheep account was .£533 15s 4d, and to the credit of the provincial account, =£363 14s Bd, so that there was a very slight deficiency. At the present time the sheep account was credited with =£425 4s 2d, and the provincial account with ,£lO2 7s 4d. Mr Cuthbertson would only remark that the money was raised for a specific purpose, and it appeared to be used as it was required. It would be necessary to pass another resolution on the subject. THE EDUCATION BOARD. Mr Lumsden moved — " That the following gentlemen be elected as members of the Education Board, in terms of clause 3, 'Education Ordinance, 1867,' viz. : — Messrs Johnston, Ross, and the I mover." He submitted the resolution because the appointment of the representatives of the Council lapsed on the dissolution of the same, and it v?as necessary to elect the members within ten days after the Council met. Seconded by Mr Clerke, and agreed to. THE MATAURA RAILWAY. Mr Blacklock moved — " That this Council, being convinced of the great benefits that would be conferred both directly and indirectly on the province by the formation of a railway from Invereargill eastward to the Mataura, recommends His Excellency the Governor, in terms of sub-section 2, clause 36, of the " Waste Lands Act, 1865," to make a grant or grants of land for this work, viz. :— 150,000 acres of land in payment of, or compensation for, these works: such works to be carried on under the supervision of an engineer appointed by -the General Government, conjointly with one for the province ; provided always that after surveys, plans, and specifications have been prepared, and tenders received, the same shall be submitted for titt tiw &pgmftt of '-$!& P?<miiQi«dl (Jouju

j cil." It was not necessary for him to go : into the matter at great length, seeing that the subject had already been so much ventilated. The advantages of the scheme might be enumerated as follows: — Increased traffic to the Bluff line, a decided increase to the Customs revenue, and increased facilities for road-making. ; The cost of maintaining a road in the Eastern District would be very great unless they had a railway to take the heavy traffic off. He had shown last isession that the cost of a railway would ,be only one-half more than the cost of a 'road. By being able to effect the comIpletion of the works contemplated, lime { — -which is greatly wanted in the Eastern District — could be brought from the Northern line ; and last, though not least,, an expenditure would take place which would give an impetus to the province, the beneficial results of which would be felt for many years to come. ■. Mr M'Cltjre in seconding the resolution said there was a felt necessity for opening up the country. It could be apparent to all they were precluded from effecting that object by roads. The large expenditure which would take place would be a great benefit to the Province, by adding to its population and general prosperity. Mr Johnston thought the argument in favor of the motion — had not been altogether exhausted. Whether they considered the amount of laud cultivated in the district or the amount of money thereon expended, they could not but grant that a main line of road of some description ought to be made as the first charge on the revenue of the Province. The General Government, having considered our peculiar position, came to the conclusion to grant the Province 150,000 acres for railway works. He looked upon the grant of land as a great boon to the ! Province, and he believed it would place it in a position which the most sanguine had very little idea of. At the present time, the item of carriage amounted to a prohibition on cultivation. It was the duty of every legislative body to encourage accumulation at home and the introduction of capital from abroad. Now, in the item of flour alone, he found that we were importing annually to the extent of ,£40 : 000. Seeing that a railway would diminish the cost of carriage, it was of equal advantage to the producer as a corresponding rise in the price of the article produced. Supposing they had the money to make a metal road to the Mataura, he contended that it would be better to make a railway first. Although it might not at first pay directly, it did so indirectly. The cost of maintenance of a metal road would become a heavy charge upon the community. With a railway it was quite different; the greater the traffic, there was no extra cost for maintenance. He believed that the railway to the Mataura would, if wished, be sold at an advance on cost of 50 per cent before the present generation had passed away. From his (Mr Johnston's) experience of the country which would be opened up, he thought there must be a million acres of really good land. As there was a scarcity of timber, he expected there would be a good trade from Invercargill in that article. He might state that there was a large number of people waiting to see what steps they took in the matter before settling on the eastern side of the Mataura. Taking altogether the traffic he expected on that eastern line, he believed they would have to meet working expenses and repairs. If the railway system were complete here, they would have a revenue of .£14,000. One objection he had heard urged against the railway was that farmers in the Mataura district would be able to sell cheaper than those near town. Ec (Mr Johnston) considered that was one of the best arguments for the railway. Another notion was that of the hon. member for Biverton, Mr Daniels, that seeing we bad a good harbor at the Bluff, there was no need of a railway to the Mataura. He (Mr Johnston) oouiondca time tg was tneir duty to make that port attractive, as a place where the shipping community could have its wants supplied with the greatest expedition. In conclusion, it was his firm belief that unless some measure of relief were granted to the province, its commerce would decline until they had neither revenue nor resource. The General Government had wisely offered them that measure of relief to enable them successfully to take their place in the race of prosperity. Dr Hodgkinson would support the motion. Mr Cuthbertson in a long and able speech, which want of space compels us to hold over, opposed the resolution, and charged the Government with insincerity in bringing it forward. Mr Armstrong rebutted the charge of insincerity on the part of the Government. He would heartily support the motion. Mr Ltjmsden proposed as an amendment that after the word "submitted" in the motion, it should read " submitted to and approved of by the Provincial Council before the final agreement is entered into with a contractor for the con. strustion. of the w>rks, n

The Provincial Treasurer seconded the amendment, although he conceived it to be a distinction without a difference; The amendment on being put was agreed to. Mr Pearson, in a lengthy and argumentative speech, supported the motion. Mr Cttthbertson then moved as an amendment — "That neither the population, resources, nor engagements of the province justify the Council in recommending such extensive railway works." Mr Daktel/S seconded the amendment, and Messrs Butler and Basstian supported it. Mr Calder was inclined to support the motion, and- spoke at great length on the subject. Mr Ross could not vote for the motion, as there appeared to be a great deal of indecision as to the amount which would be required for theconstruction of theline. Mr LITIIfSDEN explained that nvsnncr-*^ an incident; wnicii had happened in the Council Chamber since he proposed the amendment to the resolution, he had good reasons for withdrawing his support. The Provincial Treasurer having replied, the amendment was put to the vote with the following results : — Ayes, 7 — Basstian, Howell, Butler, Cuthbertson, Daniels, Ross, Clerke. Noes, 10 — M'Clure, Monckton, Longuet, Pearson, Johnston, Hately, Armstrong, Hodgkinson, Calder, Blacklock. Mr Lujisden then moved an amendment — " That the Council considers it inexpedient to recommend a grant of 150,000 acres of land in accordance with sub-section 2, clause 36, Southland Waste Lands Act, 1865, for the construction of a railway to the Mataura until it is definitely known that the New Zealand and Australian Land Company are prepared to advance £150,000 for the construction of the works, and a bona fide, and approved contractor has agreed to construct the same the whole distance for the sum named, and in accordance with the conditions submitted by the General Government." Seconded by Mr Cuthbertson. On being put, the amendment was lost on the voices. The original motion was then put and a division called for with the following result : — Ayes, 10 —Messrs Pearson, Calder, Armstrong, Johnston, M'Clure, Hately. Longuet, Hodgkinson, Monckton, Blacklock. Noes, 7 — Messrs Daniels, Lumsden, Boss, Basstian, Howell, Cuthbertson and Clerke. The House adjourned at 1.20 a.m. till noon the same day.

* Friday, 20th Sept. — Evening- Sitter g. Dr Hodgkinsost, pursuant to notice, moved — " That in consequence of the appointment of members of the Executive Council being required to be made from amongst the twenty members of the Provincial Council exclusively, great difficulty and inconvenience has been experienced at various times in the formation of an Executive, and this Council is of opinion that the Executive Council Ordinance should be amended so as to provide for the election of an Executive Committee or Council by the Provincial Council for a 3tated term and with certain conditions — any registered voter to be qualified to act as a member of such elected Executive." The hon member, in the course of an elaborate speech, gave reasons for the adoption of the alteration suggested, and reviewed the objections raised against it. Dr Monckton seconded the motion. Mr Johnston" hoped the hou mover would not at that time press the resolution, which appeared calculated to subvert the whole system of government now in operation. Messrs Lttmsden, Abmstboxg, Cttthbebtson, and Peabsost spoke in recognition of the principle involved, and deprecated hasty action. Ultimately the motion was withdrawn, on the understanding that it would be re-introduced Be Dr S Mo£cKTOX laid on ~fhe tableTreport on the Oreti Bridge Works by Mr Brunton. Mr LuiiSDEN presented the report of the select committee appointed to inquire into the petition of John Taylor Pope, late Traffic Manager of Southland Eailways. The report having been adopted, it was moved that a respectful address be presented to his Honor requesting him to place on the estimates the sum named. Carried. Mr Peabson, on the ground of the lateness of the session and the pressure of other business, asked, and obtained leave to withdraw the following motion : " That in the opinion of this Council the present system of Government is not adapted to the circumstances and requirements of the Province of Southland." "That the legislative powers at present possessed by the Provincial Council are productive of serious inconvenience and injury." " That a change in the direction of a simpler form of Government, with a less expensive machinery, is desirable— -one having a nearer assimilation, to that of a MttSdQip&lity,"

"That such a change should be effected with as little delay as possible, even though it is necessary to be accomplished by special legislation." "That our Representatives in the Assembly be requested to use their utmost influence and endeavors for the attainment of this object." " That a copy of the foregoing resolutions be sent to the Honorable the Colonial Secretary." The Pboyincia.li Seceetaby asked, and obtained leave to bring in a Bill entitled an " Ordinance to repeal the Vagrant Ordinance, 1362." Bill read a first time, and made an order of the day for second reading at next morning's sitting. Mr Lttmsden- moved — " That all claims for services rendered by Consulting En-" gineer since Ist September, 1864,,: be laid.--on the table." The Peovincial Tbeastojk* s ***" l on i.ww -^w« rnic aooameaiis ameQ for. . Mr Peaesox moved — " That this Council is of opinion that it should be placed at once in possession of the financial position of the Province," and spok& at length on the importance of a . clear understanding of the situation being arrived at, in order that an opinion might be formed as to the desirability or otherwise, of perpetuating the present system. The motion was carried neni con. THE ESTIMATES. The Peotinciax Tbeastjbeb moved the second reading of the "Appropriation Ordinance," No. 3. The House having resolved itself into a Committee, of the whole (Mr Cuthbertson, Chairman.) The Treasurer briefly sketched the intentions of the Government. ' ■> Taking into account the falling off in the Customs Eevenue, &c, they had set down the Provincial income for the next three months, at £5,300 only. They had to face a large deficit left by the late Grovernmeut, and there would be great difficulty in meeting liabilities, as it had not, he found, been possible so far, to make arrangements with a bank. Eetrenchmeut svas therefore imperative. With regard to the sums set opposite the items, Provincial Secretary and Treasurer, (as separate officers), he felt it would be necessary to amalgamate the offices, and although willing to act throughout the session as Treasurer, he should at its close, if the Secretary accepted, resign in favor of the latter. Mr Abmsteong advocated the appointment of a Eetrenchment Committee. ' On the motion of Mr Lttmsden, the report of Eetrenchment Committee appointed in January last, was read, as suggestive of the directions in which saving might be effected. He afterwards moved the adoption of the suggestions, but the resolution was negatived on a division. The estimates for Executive, Legislative, and Electoral departments, were passed unaltered. A reduction of £25 on the quarter's contribution to the Hospital was made, and a corresponding amount in the maintainence of lunatics.. At 2 a.m., the Chairman reported progress, and the House adjourned to 11 a.m., the same day. ♦ Satijeday 21st September. Mr Johnstgfe moved for a return of the expenditure on M'Eae's Marsh, which was laid on the table. Mr Basstian moved for a sum of £25, /; for supplying and maintaining a light signal at South Eiverton. Agreed to. A long discussion took place on the claim made against the Province by the Bank of New South "Wales. It was ultimately agreed that it should be treated in the same manner as the claim of the Bank of Otago. - The " Vagrant Eepeal " and " Liabilities Confirmation Ordinances" were read a second time. The Council then adjourned at 1 p.m., '- till 2 p.m. On resuming, the Pbovincialt Treastteee brought forward a motion provmi nffj .fr,r_tWaLn,w -nf ilifi^Waste Land and survey - • Mr Lttmsdetst's motion, that a su... ' £125 be placed on the Estimates for Educational purposes, was agreed to. After a motion affirming the urgent necessity of Eetrenchment had been passed, the House went into Committee on the Estimates. . Progress being reported, the House adjourned at 6.10 p.m., till 8 p.m. The House having resumed, Mr Peabson withdrew the motion on the petition of certain settlers in the Waianiwa in reference to an alteration of a road in that District. _ ; The " Vagrant Eepeal " and " Liabilities Confirmation Ordinances " were read a third time, and passed. The House then went into Committee on the Estimates. On finishing, the total appropriation for the three months amounted to £6,095 3s 9d. The House adjourned at 11 p.m. for ten minutes. On resuming, the " Appropriation Ordinance, No. 3, 1867," was read a third time and passed. The Council then adjourned for $ ftrbught,