PROVINCIAL COUNCIL

Southland Times, Issue 1125, 6 September 1869, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL

THURSHAY, 2ki> SEPL EVENING SITTING. The House met at 7.30 p.m. Present — -Messrs Wilson (Speaker), Blacklock (Provincial Treasurer), Monckton, Hately, Dar»iel, Dalrymple, Clerke, Boss, Pearson and Pratt. SUPERINTENDENT'S RESIGNATION. Dr MoNCKioif, in the absence of Mr Pratt, moved—" That His Honor be requested to lay on the table of the Houst all his correspondence with the G-eneral Government relative to his resignation." Mr Blacklock laid on the table the following correspondence, which was read : — [letteb.] Superintendent's Office, Southland, 21st August, 1869. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Sib — I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to ]place my resignation of the office of Superintendent of this province in the hands of His Excellency the Governor, with the request that he will be pleased to notify to me bis acceptance of it as early as may be convenient — I have, Acvr - ■—-■-— - „rw..y i.irt JjfO. P. TaYLOB, Superintendent. [telegbam.] y r ." V 7 »* JnvercargilH AuguW2l,*lßß9. To the (I CoJqn|«d ( (Secretary, Wellington. Please place my resignation of office of Superintendent in hands of Governor, with the request that he will accept it by « telegratH, vif possible i tb-day! ,> ' Jlietter of resignation, posted. « ' ' l ' " ' Taylob, Superintendent. To the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. I.X- '©clay' acceptance' '6f till a^4p| f Gathe^b.u ? g.^3 f ,jj,,.,j t , Tatlob, Superintendent. [teleobam.! To J. P. Taylor, MJL.U., Superintendent, Southland:' "' ■'"'" •f Tonr resignation has Slot been received except by telegram. Will wait at' all Wetftd tfir ' affet receipf T <Sf r inadb( ' flfess'ageW'dn this^bject^ll^^^^O have given notiqe'of^ a n ßuT^taj sn'CPsg° t ■ >• * ,3. :■'. ■> ' >. ij*. "rrrvrr . u r? fi . *A r > [teleobam.) -, -^ "^^nrffwS^^aw^* 1869 - To Supermtenaent, 50utp1anq..^. ....... ...., ■to toGH|Ch°oje ,wi>h/||ia^s|iy^|gna- ttion. ' tfnder all circumstances, dissolution of Council seems necessary, and Governor will advisF iJiA&lution if Superintendent and Council ask for it. .pbt t *mo@!Dfaxm Bell. -.*[tfl&iE«RAM.] Wellington, September 1, 1869. To Sup*ri*rendent7 SButifland. I annex .copy of telegram from Speaker <<rf'Prbvtoeial'«}mincil of Southland, and my reply. The best course will be^for

you to withdraw at once by telegram, ir express terms, your resignation. W. Gisborne.

[telegram.] The Speaker of the Provinciel Council tc the Colonial Secretary. Council in session. Superintendent resigned, and no Government in existence to carry on business of province. Railway complications impending, which may seriously embarrass the province ii present confusion continues much longer, Communicated by desire of the Provincial Council. Immediate reply earnestly requested. Jas. Wilson, Speaker,

[TELEGRAM.] The Colonial Secretary to" Speaker oi Provincial Council. Superintendent's resignation not accepted. Has expressed a wish to withdraw it. If Superintendent and Provincial Council expresß wish for dissolution it will be granted. Superintendent will then bold office until his successor is elected. This course will avoid confusion. "W. Gisboene.

[tklegbam.] Invercargill, Ist September, 1869, 6 p.m. To the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. I beg to withdraw the tender of my resignation of the Superintendency, which I requested you to place in the handa of His Excellency. Jno. P. Tayloe.

[telegram.] Wellington, September 2, 1869. To Superintendent, Invercargill. Withdrawal of your resignation received. W. Gisboene.

The Speakeb stated that in connection with the correspondence just read he had sent a further telegram to J;he Colonial Secretary, to the effect that" the course suggested hy him only involved fresh complications. That the Superintendent had not given satisfaction, and did not possess the confidence of the Council, consequently no government could be formed to co-operate with him, whereas a Btrong Executive under a fresh Superintendent would accept office. DISSOLUTION. Dr Mokckton, in moving " That in the opinion of this Council it is expedient that a dissolution thereof should take place. That His Honor the Superintendent be respectfully requested to forward this resolution to His Excellency the Governor, with a recommendation that. the same should be granted," said few remarks were needed, and he anticipated no opposition, the only objection that could be raised, being that some would, no doubt, affirm the desirability of adjournment until the report of the annexation Commissioners. Dissolution, however, would be a saving of some few extra weeks' delay. . At present a deadlock existed ; it was obvious that the | sooner it was removed the better. Tht present Council had not been elected on ths subject of annexation to Otago, and it was oniy just to constituences that the people should have a voice on the question. Ample time, before the election of a new Council, existed for a basis of re-union to be known through the press by all voters, and on that each district would have a fair opportunity of returning a member representing the opinions of the majority. A resolution having passed the House, that no. Executive business could be brought on, the time of members, and the public money, were only being frittered away in useless squabbling, and his resolution would be the means of bringing to a proper issue what should be legitimately in the hands of the people ot the province. Mr Hately seconded the motion. Mr Daniel opposed the motion on the ground that until the report of the Commissioners was before the public, the people would not know whom to send to the new Council. He would, therefore, move an amendment to the effect that a r dissolution jya.B advisable after . receiving the report of 'the (Jommisaoners. . ■■-.... ..> This^amendment^was,, seconded by Mrj .JDalryinple. Kirjßossha^intpndedtOtmake a similar proposition, to that of Mr, Daniel, hut - "would make some alterations an the : yrOtf ding;' '.Which being by Mr ;' CJ,erk^^was;a'ccep^d;b^ r l^ Daniel, aid L , the! aiineiidni^iil read , jis .foUpvrs ; -r 1 : ',',.'.'.' . . -■- f- * That in. the. opinion. of .this^Council jt IB' expedient that j& dissolution should take place after the meeting of theOoni- * ""mTsawraerß^oß' Ac * subject of* -re-twrio-n, with Otago, and" 'the reception of thejir- "■'• I TBpOTfc a by the €ouftcil: ? '---- - 1 • ••• j "^•'A^divisiotf "todk- place on' the* atnend- ... fwafeS^WP&lteiljp :r-Ay€|s,p, Jtte's'sps ..,€aldet, üßjratt,^u Bjratt,^ ( K.gi88,7/ Pearson, ..g.lejrke^ "Dalrymple, DanielyM'Clur©, an<j Hately* -'"Hfwe, Si'Measrs -BlacMock' and Monck-s -t^n? t^-—-., •■•« ■ .............. •->.■-!;; -*-' t^^ ongtnal"mbtidiaVaflKSr''"fi"Bn 1 6r1; I 'o^Ss ~ ' ettßStbff'was 1 negatived;* wh^tt- a* -message irouTHisHontfr the" Superintendent, w^s announced. - 4: '" j . '"^tESSAeraf.^ '■ ■-■•■• ;<r i The Clerktheß read. .the ..message:, jof His Honor-proroguing the CounciL-.. • ! Some confusion; arose, several making + iotii£ Mrefarks, and Dr M<ofldk|t6n jWt^^'HQ&t, asserting JtTie'.ses^n was oveE....Mr ;P|earson, however,j,.succeeded in gwningan epportunity-ofcasking a question froiri-the Bpeaker.- .-''•' ° t JMr-;'^|AfiSti*f l j was d"Mitftw; of - Mng informed whe^eji we ar^uvj^p^adesp.otic form of gayenoxnent or noi. X^en-riin-'"formation-4fl«»ught w^ are informed-there is* iio •Executive. ' The^4ion/'ttfember 7 'ft)r J4r ; r J]^ackJock h informs the T«ri«>UWuhfr iisrvi®TJLffat^oyj^ciat'.TJrda-r-^surer^hutdeclineßanaweiang.anyqueafcioa^ f.-.-ag- r a G^verdmente. =sHi»-Honor-tiie'Su-perintendent (Mr Pratt, not His 'Honor) and with thfuad?iceuand consent or in ui.uJUfcuJbije,^ ifomnot.finp^ar^that he posM^i^AOfiUmJ^ktoked^er^^ninchlike an autocratic arrangement, and it would ; matter*, ta.beinfonneid, : «a.^l is ,&r4jTa!Jrf»-<*-i. ' .

subject, for it might be a very pleasant farce they were playing, but he knew it was most unpleasant weather to have to be absent from one's fireside, and come there to be a subject for practical? joking. He was a railway man, and coTV=cientially had tlie good of the province, at heart. Mr Wilson intimated he was no longer sitting as Speaker, until the Council was again called, and recommended the election of a Chairman of an open meeting, if honorable members were desiroua of speaking. Messrs Calder and Clerke then moved Mr "Wilson into the chair. Mr Cleeke said no doubt an unpleasant surprise had been contemplatad in the arbitrary prorogation of the Council, but the fact was, though it had arrived an hour too soon, it had been anticipated by himself and friends. He J wished it known the Council had ia- | tended, if the house had remained in session, to do something towards the carrying on of the Railway works. Information had been withheld on this subject, and they were desirous of moving cautiously. The Superintendent had not had the courtesy to appoint a deputy, or send for any person to form a government. He had intended to move — " That a committee, consisting of Messrs Pratt, Ross, Dalrymple, Calder, and the mover, be appointed to enquire into the present position of the Oreti Railway works, with the view of recommending such a course as will lead to the immediate resumption, and early completion of the works ; the committee to have power to call for persons and papers, and to report to the Provincial Council at next sitting," but he had not had the chance of moving it. What dependence could be placed on the word of the Superintendent, who resigned, and then withdrew it, and still was advised by two gentlemen who had also resigned. A crisis had arrived, serious to the province. For himself personally he did not care a snuff, but things were getting very bad. Mr Dalrympm: did not expect to speak on this subject. Though the Council had not been treated with courtesy, he thought the Superintendent ought to be congratulated on producing convincing proof of the necessity of a change of masters. Mr Calder said he was not surprised at the turn affairs had taken, and under the advice of two or three, no doubt the Superintendent would think he had gained a victory ; he may think it, but it will not be the opinion of the province. What it really signifies is, a disreputable act, furnished to crown deeds of a like nature. He admitted he had been annoyed at being dismissed. The very correspondence and telegrams read this evening are sufficient to mark the man and his character. What dependence can be placed on the word of a man who comes to the House and states that the only honorable course is resignation of the Superintentientship, writes urgiDg it 9 acceptance iv one day, then begs delay, and ultimately withdraws. The province had previously had difficulties with Superintendents, and hjß alluded to one in particular, but he fought fairly, and there was no trickery about him. But this was a paltry trick, one which would bear its own condemnation and bring with it a swift judgment. The former, action which irritated him at the time, namely, his dismissal, brought its ! own condemnation. The delay styled by a portion of the press " waiting I for something to turn up " assisted towards it, but the truth came out, and the Council did its duty. As the mover of the resolution which brought about the resignation of the Superintendent, he would now move — " That those members of Council here present bind themselves to prosecute the offenders in the event of the. commission of any breach of the Audit Act." Mr Daniel seconded the motion, which was carried netn. con. Mr Pratt said that no doubt the proclamation had been intended as a surprise, but in this it had failed, for it was only an hour earlier than it was expected. Its greatest drawback was in its depriving 'hiiii c»f the' privil^e of free Speech. He haH intended jboliaye Jiis f little say;'* bilt .what. he. had intended, to. aay , then,. ..' lie dared not now. > < The scene was, about- to change, from worse 'to -worst;' and could be'su'ntmed up in' a 'fevTwdro's 1 . 1 J ' Place beggars on horseback and all hands must ( exp,ect to go tp H a .certain placpj,,. c , t Mr CiiEBKE asted whether' ]YJ!r Wilson could not delay the prorogation of , the > Qouncil, but the, Chairman , rule* d . that .the .House had .been prorogued, <and ; (itt consequence of some remarks .of -Mr 'Pffars^n's^that'ir was' not dissolved b jit '"merelY i #6rdgu'ed/- ; "" J u'^ " I — j Mr J^EABspisr suggested ...the. v Speaker i retaining. .a/l. . 4ocumenJs,...fceiegrams » arid •the resolution which had passed thehousa, 'and 1 wish^d"m»mbierß'to : come next'dav j;o "hear thb^ mikilte^ for 'fe'a* <"(%' dh^' little ; 'njistake jbeygg "made. ". . ; |fefore, ' sjbparafcit ig Jie i w^Soanxio us (the .public .■ .should „ reali: ;e the -position he- had 'Oceopied>regarditLg -the? - railway:'- ' No~ 'stoppage •'•• had j/ beon (a>s#ea,:^ 200 men.wquidhayft'beeu.empl'Q^ed,. pijrt n..this.he J waß grossly' deceived. > ; ..* ' The Speaker described in retrospect the whole affair,, of, the Oreti Railway, up to the desire of obtaining assignment 'to> ty.eysCß} ©river- *Maoleaa • «fc, jGo.,* but opposed" the rusm'ng i;b.rough v of such business, a mode of action which had done all ! tfie ' naVm Before 7 . J In' iach' a •' tiuCityv, the house had been desirous of pushing vigorously tnß"wttfks of the railwaY, but previously to any assignment wanted -aindleaf^^p^no^ofkingyriHoe^aark-t-, all extra work done, shewn, specified, arid charged, and a clear receipt produced. \ u «=4Elie: meeting then-fßepavated/ ' a? rr ,

The example of Mr. Gr. Peabs|y,.jbafi been followed by Mr. A. T. Stewart, 6f New York, who has given 6,000,000 dols. 46r ehafifobte purpose? >bulfc Gf tb c ' 'fluShef to^er "expelidM "m-'buildi^g-irwd large hotels,^ne^orjii^e yj;orkingj^puilg men.- *" Jl " J T "*" 1 ' "' - "*** ,

MISCELLANEOUS EXTRACTS. A man in Hornellsville. Steuben County, New York, has had a sad experience with a velocipede. He bought a machine, for which he paid 100 dols; broke a plateglass window, for which he paid 40 dols. ; cut his face and neck, ifor which he paid the doctor 5 dols. ; ruined a pair of pantaloons, for which he paid 11 dols. ; frightened a horse so that the animal ran away and broke a buggy, for which be paid damages amounting to 60 dols. ; and finally smashed his velocipede by running into a brick wall. Self respect is the purest raiment in which we can clothe ourselves. He that blows the coals in quarrels he has nothing to do with, has no right to complain if a spark flies in his face. The road ambition travels is too narrow for friendship, too crooked for love, too rugged for honesty, too dare for science. They that marry ancient people, merely in expectation to bury them, hang themselves in hope that some one will come and cut the halter. We know of a beautiful girl who would prove a capital speculation for a fortunehunter of the right sort. Her voice is of silver, her hair of gold, her teeth of pearl, her cheeks of rubies, and her eyes of diamonds. When a fish is wounded the other fishes fall upon and devour him. So it is with mankind, the moment a man or woman gets going down hill almost everybody gives them a push, and keeps them continuaily tumbling, Human nature has many singular phases, and this is one of them.