TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1. FORENOON SITTING.

Southland Times, Issue 1066, 2 December 1868, Page 5

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1. FORENOON SITTING.

The Council resumed this morning at a few minutes past eleven. Present: Messrs Wilson (Speaker), Blaekloek (Provincial Treasurer), Armstrong, M'Clure, Dalrymple, Pearson, Longuet, Hately, Howell, Ross, Johnston, Basstian, Clerke, Pratt, Hodgkinson, Swale and Calder. After prayers, the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. THE REPLY TO THE ADDRESS. The reply to the opening address was then brought up by Mr Ross, and its adoption moved, seconded by Mr Pratt. Mr Basstiait regretted having to oppose the adoption of the reply. The Superintendent, in his opinion, ought only to act under the authority of the Executive, and he designated His Honor's course of action as " uncalled for and meddling." Mr Dalbymple rose to express the opinion he had always consistently advocated, that the railway would not be productive of general provincial good. Mr M'CnTEE then gave notice that he had, on consideration, pro forma, agreed to act as a member of the Executive. Mr Glebke thought that His Honor's Address was far from explicit. Mr Pbatt was of opinion that all documents ought to be laid upon the table. Verbal promises were not deserving of attention, and no dependence could be placed upon them. The Pbovutcial Tbeasttbeb stated that the Superintendent had acted entirely in harmony with the wishes of his Executive, that his services on behalf of the Province were, during the recent sitting, especially onerous. Among other matters deserving of attention he might mention he had succeeded in settling the reserves of the Province. Mr Johnston considered the reply was only an outline of policy on the part of the Q-overnment, while the nature of the General Government promise was most satisfactory. The adoption of the reply was then carried. RAILWAY TENDERS. Mr Blacklock: then moved "That a Select Commitcee be appointed to consider and report on the tenders received for the proposed works known as the Oreti Railway, such Committee to consist of Messrs. Calder, Pratt, M'Clure, and the mover." Mr Abmsteong secondei the motion in a few words. Mr Losgtjet expressed an opinion that a Select Committee was most undesirable, and moved an anrendment to the effect that " The whole House should go into Committee on the subject." Mr Hately seconded the amendment. Mr Abmstbong opposed the amendment, on the ground, that the time of the House would be most unnecessarily taken up. Mr Johnston expressed similar views. Mr Caldeb requested that Mr Johnston's name should be substituted for hia oil the Committee. He was decidedly opposed to a Committee of the whole House, while at the some time he wished the Council to declare that a more useful name than Mr Johnston's could not be introduced. He (Mr Calder) declined to act on the Committee. Mr Abmstbong wished to know,, why Mr Calder had such an objection to act on the Committee. Mr Caldee had quite sufficient personal reasons. The amendment being put and lost, the original motion was then carried. Mr M'Clube obtained leave to postpone consideration of the motion standing in his name, until the evening sitting. The House then adjourned till 8 p.m.