EVENING SITTING.

Southland Times, Issue 879, 10 January 1868, Page 2

EVENING SITTING.

WEDNESDAY, Bth JANUARY. The Speaker took the chair at half-past seven o'clock. After prayers and confirmation of minutes of previous sitting — Mr M'CiiTTEE moved — " That it is contrary to English constitutional usage, and injurious to the character of this Council, that any of its members should hold any office or place of profit in the public service (except such as may be held in connection with the Executive Council) or be in receipt of emoluments arising from any contract or share of a contract on account of the public service." After considerable discussion, the question was lost by a majority of nine to six. Mr Peabsoit moved — " That the form of government at present existing in New Zealand, viz., by Provincial Government controlled by a General Government, is no longer suited to the circumstances and of the Colony, and demands immediate modification." " That a Central Government and Legislature for the two islands would greatly conduce to the efficient performance of the functions of government, the financial credit of the colony, and the general good of the community." "That to effect such a change the colony should be divided into counties and subdivided into road districts." "That the purely municipal administration of affairs in each county should be vested in a Board, the members of which should be elected in a manner similar to that prescribed for the election of Superintendent's under Clause 4 of the Constitution Act." " That the police, gaol, harbor, land and survey departments should be under the entire control of the General Government." "That our representatives in the General Assembly be requested to use their utmost influence for the attainment of such a change in the present form of government." * " That a copy of the foregoing resolutions be sent to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary." The debate on this series of resolutions was continued up to a late hour, when it was adjourned till next sitting. We therefore, hold it over till another issue, when it will appear in full.