COUNCIL.

Southland Times, Issue 1002, 12 August 1868, Page 3

COUNCIL.

LK-H3LA.TIVE Tuesday, Jiri.Y 14. The Speaker took the chair at a quarter-past two o'clock. Dr Pollen laid oa ih-.'. tible certain papers. Interim reports by the House Committee and Standing Orders Committee were brought up aud read. Col. Kenny drew attention to the thin attendance of members, and to the fact that the practice for honourable members to absent themselves at the commencement of the session was the cause of very great iuconvenience. The Speaker said that, under clause 31 of theJStanding Orders, it would, of course, be his duty to make a call of the House should the requirements of that clause not be complied with. Col* Russell asked if it was the intention, 'of the G-overnment to appoint Maori j mtembers to the Council during the ses- j I sion. He had hoped that the Government would call, at least, two Maori members to the Upper -House.. Dr Pollen said it was not the intention of the Government to summon Maori members to the Council during the session. The G-overnment were favorable to the proposal, but they preferred to wait the result of the experiment in the Lower House. The hon Mr Seymour moved an address in reply to his Excellency's speech, which was seconded by the hon Mr Nurse. Col. Russell thought Talleyrand's remark, that language was given to man for the purpose of concealing his thoughts, was very applicable to the Governors speech. Col. Russell severely criticised the conduct of the { Government iv reference to the natives. Col. Kenny spoke in defence of the Government. The hon Mr Johnston disagreed with the fourth paragraph of the address, in which the Council was called upon to thank his Excelleucy for having informed them that one of the questions which had engaged the attention of the Colonial Treasurer, as agent for the Government in England, had been settled. He alluded to the Imperial claims against the colony. Mr Johnston Was of opinion that the Imperial Government had given up its claims only on tbe understanding that internal defence should be undertaken by the colony. Altogether, he thought that in this instance the Government had made a great mistake. Dr Pollen replied on behalf of the Government, and the address was agreed to. The Hon Mr Seymour proposed an address to the late Speaker of the Council, expressing the sense entertained by the House of his uniform kindness and courtesy in discharging the duties of his office. Dr Pollen seconded the adoption of this address, which was agreed to. The Mete Kingi Bill was read a first time. Dr Pollen moved the second reading of the Usury Bill, fixing the recoverable rate of interest, in cases where no rate had been agreed on, at 8 per cent. The Hon. Mr Johnston thought the rate should be 10 per cent. Col. Russell could not agree with Mr Johnston, but thought the rate fixed by the Bill high enough; he was inclined to make it lower. The Bill was read a second time, passed through committee without amendment, reported to the House, read a third time, and passed. Dr Pollen moved the second reading of the Pawnbrokers Bill. He said it was the duty of the Legislature to recognise the existence of pawnbrokers, to protect the just interests of borrower and lender, and at the same time to see that pawnbrokufg establishments were not made the receptacles for goods unlawfully acquired. The Bill proposed to do all this. It was read a second time, considered in committee, and leave given to sit again. The Council adjourned.