THE COLONIST. NELSON, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1859.

Colonist, Volume II, Issue 161, 6 May 1859, Page 2

THE COLONIST. NELSON, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1859.

Not very long ago we were paid a visit by a respected and talented member from Auckland, who on a certain festive occasion referred, in a pleasant way, to the tranquillity that reigned throughout our province of Nelson, and spoke of the serenity of the atmosphere as being indicative of the quietness of our proceedings; or if not indicative, at least, paralleled by the existing state of general quietude. This peaceful picture was illustrated by comparing us with the even course of our little river Maitai; and its ngaiu bushea and pebbly bed were aptly alluded to as being the slight impediments in the stream that caused the pleasant murmur of its course; and that gentleman continued to contrast our state of imperturbility as being far preferable to the turmoil that was geing on in other towns.. " Really ■** said he, "the contrast was most refreshing after the ceaseless hurry and worry, moiling and striving, and fretting to fiddlestrings, and all for what? Was the public good much advanced by such fretful activity ? Not a bit of it, energy was simply wasted. It was the old case of'much cry and little wool,' whereas those evidences of steady improvement which had been referred to by Mr. Stafford, plainly shewed that the Nelson way of taking the world somewhat more easily, and not forgetting the ends of living in the eagerness of our search after the means, was really the most conducive to true progress." We must accept the metaphor of Mr. Richmond as only truly describing the healthy and beneficial state enjoyed by us through our geographical position and conformation ; but in the chief point of that gentleman's remarks— namely, the political tranquillity of Nelson—we may well consider that his comparison has at the present time lost the charm of similitude, and approaches much nearer to the state described in the latter part of the quotation. We have long before stated the benefit to be found in a wholesome system of agitation, and have advocated a flow in the political stream that will prevent the inert moss from gathering and impeding its course, consequently may regret that these pretty comparisons are now undeserved, and in their place we find deeprooted, gnarled snags, and rude, unformed masses cast into the tide, that not only very much militate against its appearance, but renders the navigation unnecessarily tortuous and vexatious; and the observer on the bank may well wonder 'how such a very little stream should be so unaccountably impeded, which otherwise would flow smoothly on to a sea of success, with a wide and cheerful horizon. Whether these impediments, in the shape of ill-defined masses of land leases, or other obstacles, are thrown into it for the express purpose, of blocking up its .-channel .and swamping the small block of land purchasers; or whether they are likely to hold their places and present a defiant front, until removed by some mental Board of Works ; or whether again they will obstinately obstruct until the advent of a great flood—called General Election—sweeps them away,, we cannot tell; but it appears highly necessary to be exempt from the system of burial that appears to be going on with certain political embodyments that some of our Provincial Council, in their excessive wisdom, appear to be casting into this Ganges of party, until the stream is nearly choked with dismembered Acts and strangled resolutions. These will become generally offensive, and it will be resolved that to get rid of the nuisance will be a meritorious act, to.be accomplished on the first opportunity. . If the chance of clearing the weeds out should occur, let us look well to the purification, nor again let the public money, time, and patience be sacrificed to promulgate selfish and unjustifiable proceedings, that, however much they may tend to deceive for the moment, must, like all deceptions, when exploded, produce a reaction that will be irresistible. By the Prince Alfred we have Auckland papers to the 29th ultimo, but there is an absence of any news of importance from this quarter. The steamer on her return trip experienced very bad weather. She reached Taranaki on Tuesday morning, and remained until five o'clock in the evening, but during the day no communication was had with the shore; the pilot boat did not even put out ; so that there was no opportunity of landing the mail, and she was compelled to bring ■it on to Nelson. There are also passengers on board that should have been landed at Taranaki. These will have to await the arrival of the Lord Ashley, Board of Works.—On Wednesday night, pursuant to notice given on the preceding evening, Dr. Monro brought forward a motion to the effect —" That in the opiuion of this Council, the utility of the Board of Works would be promoted by conferring upon it corporate powers." This was carried by a majority of ten, five of the members declining to vote. A vessel was signalled all yesterday as being in the bay, but owing to a strong head wind, she has not been able to approach sufficiently near for any communication to take place up to the time of going to press. It is supposed to be the: Gertrude, from Sydney, having general, cargo, including teas, and a number of horses are also on board, Presbyterian Church.-—On Sunday evening next the Rev. Mr. Nicholson will preach at the Presbyterian Church. At the morning service the Rev. A. B. Todd will officiate, and in the evening he will attend the Baptist Chapel, Bridgestreet, which, we believe, will be the last opportunity afforded of hearing him before his departure from Nelson, ■

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL. Tuesday, May 3. All the members present .except Messrs. Elliott, M'Rac, lied wood, and Vyvyan. The Speaker in the chair, the minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. PETITION. Dr. ■Rknwiok presented a petition from tlie Board of Works, respecting the drain in Trafalgarstreet. ' The petition was read by the clerk, and ordered to lie on the table. COAL-MINING LEASE TO DUN MOUNTAIN COPPER MINING COMPANY. Mr. Kelling moved—"That his Honor the Superintendent be requested to furnish this Council with the correspondence which may have taken place between the Government and the manager of the Dun Mountain Copper Mining Company, respecting the letting of a Coal Mining Lease in the Pakawau district." He wished to withdraw this motion. From enquiries which he had made, he believed that the matter was still pending between the Provincial Government and the company. PROVINCIAL COUNCIL ENLARGEMENT ACT. Mr. Sharp asked the Provincial Solicitor " whether it is the intention of Government to bring in any bill for amending the present 'Pro-1 yincial Council Enlargement Act,' so as to allow 'additional representation of the Massacre Bay district, consequent upon the increased population in •that .district, particularly of gold diggers." Inbringing this question before the Council, he hoped that he, would not be out of order if he introduced a few figures by way of comparison. For the town of Nelson, with a population of 2701, there were six representatives; Waimea East, population 1445, five representatives ; Suburban North, population 294, two representatives; Waimea West, population 462, one representative; Waimea South, population 980, three representatives ; Motueka, population 1052, two representatives; Massacre Bay, population 903, one representative; Wairau, population 1151, three representatives. He thought that the apportionment of members was not according to the number of inhabitants in each district. The Provincial Solicitor most likely would say that no memorial on the subject had been received. He (Mr. S.) could say, that when he visited Massacre Bay, the inhabitants had asked him to bring the matter before the Council. The Provincial Solicitor said that it ■was not the intention of the Government to bring in any measure this session for amending the present "Provincial Council Enlargement Act." When the present number of representatives had been fixed, it was not the population, but the number of electors that had guided them. He agreed with the lion, member, that alterations ought to be made sometimes, but thought that it was too early to do so now. POLICE. Dr. Monro asked the Provincial Solicitor "under whose control the police of the province are placed." He thought that the Magistrates ought to know how far they were under their power; he also wished to know by whom they were appointed. The Provincial Solicitor replied that the Police in town were appointed by the Resident Magistrate, subject to the approval of the Superintendent. In the country districts there were no Resident Magistrates as it were ; but the Magistrates had it in their power to order them to do anything necessary for the discharge of their duties. CIVIL ENGINEER. Dr. Monro moved,—" That, having regard to the fact, that public works of considerable magnitude and importance are likely to be undertaken in the course of the ensuing year, this Council is of opinion that, on motives of economy as well as with a view to tiie execution of such works in the most skilful and enduring manner, it is expedient that the. province, should possess the services of a competent civil .engineer; and this Council will, therefore, take the necessary steps to authorise the Superintendent to appoint such an officer, and will make the necessary provision in the Estimates for the maintenance of the department." It ap-peared-to him that considering the magnitude of the works referred to in his Honor's opening address, that a Bill was required to enable the Executive Government to secure the services of a proper engineer, and lie .thought that the public interests would be -b.'.-at served by having a competent person to superintend the different public works in the province. If such a one was engaged the gentleman at the head of the Survey department could then attend to the particular duties of his office. He did not wish in the slightest degree to impugn the ability of that gentleman, but at the same time his presence in the Survey office might prevent litigation and much that was disagreeable on account of inaccurate plans. It was unreasonable if anything went wrong, to hold the head of the Survey Department responsible, when, as they were aware| he was supposed to attend to the Survey office, and at the same time to superintend works in a distant part of the province. Both duties could only be partially attended to by one person. In Canterbury they had their provincial engineer, and a very able one too. Otago and Wellington each had one, and he believed they had one at Auckland also. Why not have one at Nelson ? He thought that a Provincial Engineer was as re- • quisite an officer to the staff as a Provincial Soli-' citor or a Provincial Secretary. It might be argued that it was cheaper to employ casual assistance, but it was his opinion, that it was best, and in the long run cheapest, to secure the services of ; a good engineer permanently. Mr. Mackay seconded the motion, and thought it would be advisable for the Superintendent to ■send to Auckland and apply for the services of Colonel Mould to report on our harbor, also on the best mode of procuring water for the town, and perhaps at some not very distant period, we might have gas. He considered that the different Road Boards had spent part of their funds foolishly, particularly in making bridges, which the advice of an engineer would have prevented. The plan for the intended wharf; he believed, was not 'drawn out by an engineer, and doubted much if the proper calculations had been made as to the strength the piles would have to be to resist the shock of a vessel, say of twelve hundred tons, in rough weather, and partly under steam, Mr. Wemyss considered that a competent engineer, was required for this province. He supposed that besides visiting the country districts, he would have to draw out specifications, &c.; if so, there ought to be a person appointed under this gentleman in each district, to superintend the different works. He was certain that some of the works contracted for had not been carried out in their integrity, in consequence of the head of the Survey Department not having time to superintend their construction. Mr. Saunders did not rise to oppose the motion. If a competent engineer could be obtained, he thought it would be to the interest of the province to give him a good salary. At one time two had been engaged here, and the works most dis-. gracefully carried out. When they were in office, there were no such bridges built as those at Stoke and Forty-line. He considered it a bad plan to advertise for the plans and specifications to be sent in at the same time. He had heard it said that the Wellington roadsf were in very good order; but they must consider that the Wellington Government had borrowed about £150,000, and he, for one, would be sorry to see the Nelson roads in the like good order at the same price, . Mx\ Parker supported the motion. Mr. Baigent was inclined to support the motion, but he could not go the length that some gentlemen had done. When Mr. Dobson was acting here as Commissioner of Public Works, he considered that he did his business in a most active, able, and straightforward way; but it was foolish to expect double the work from a man than he was able to do. In reference to Mr. Saunders' remarks about the Stoke and Forty-line bridges,'he could say that the latter was not a good bridge; there had been several escapes from severe accidents. If an engineer had looked after the bridge, it wouldj have been better and 1 cheaper built,

Mr. Hewetson said he agreed with the mover of the resolution find the previous speakers, that it would be very desirable that a competent person should be appointed as civil engineer for the province. The want of such an officer has been seriously felt, not only in Nelson, but in the country districts, where difficulties present themselves in the formation of roads, &c, and consequently where engineering skill is required. The Road Boards should have one whom they could consult as to the best mode of proceeding; this would be likely to prevent mistakes, and consequently would be a saving of expense, and would also lessen the responsibility to the boards. Mr. Dodson supported the motion, and agreed with Mr. Wemyss, that a person should be appointed in each district to superintend the works, under the direction, of a competent civil engineer. Dr. Moneo stated that there was no Occasion fora reply. The Council were unanimous as to the necessity of obtaining the services of a civil engineer. He thought that both Mr. Dobson and Mr. Goulter were most assiduous in their duties. If had always been his impression that it was but for the people in the different districts to act and think for themselves, to make it as near local self-government as possible; but in roadmaking, he thought that when any of the different Boards had a difficult bridge to make, they would ! be glad to listen to a practical engineer. It was a standing joke in his district that, after the contractors in one instance had taken the contract for making roads and bridges, all the parties concerned forgot to sign the agreement. With'an engineer this would be obviated, as he would generally be there to see to such matters. One road in Waimea West had been constructed on so low a level, that the first flood would most likely overflow the road, and very much damage the bridges. - The motion was carried. FERRY OVER THE WAIRAU RIVER. Dr. Monro moved, " That the Executive Government do not appear to have taken any effectual steps to carry out the repeatedly expressed wishes of this Council with regard to a ferry over the Wairau River, and by such neglect exhibits a continued indifference towards the safety of the large number of persons travelling backwards and forwards between the Blind Bay and Wairau districts." He had brought this subject before the Council on a previous occasion, and was sorry that lie was compelled to do so again. The funds had been voted four or five years ago for a ferry across the Wairau River, and whenever the matter was brought before them, the Council were unanimous in their opinion. In the session of 1857, he had proposed a resolution {which the lion, member read) to the effect that it was desirable to establish the ferry without further delay. There had been many valuable lives lost in crossing that river. He had heard that the Executive had just found out that it was possible that a ferry might be established, so that foot passengers could cross the river in safety; but it .was his opinion that they had been shamed into it. A private individual was going to build a boat, or punt, when the Provincial Executive magnanimously came forward and offered to supply him with the materials. It was true that there were better means of getting to the Wairau from Nelson than existed formerly, but it must also be borne in • mind that the population of both districts had increased. There was a large quantity of land in the Waivau which was not purchased, and if in intending purchaser wanted to transact any business at the Land Office, he would have to come to Nelson either on horseback or on foot. He had been given to understand that some people had changed their minds as to the desirability of having a .ferry across the Wairau River, and the names of two gentlemen had been givenMr. Elliott and Mr. Sinclair—who had stated that it was not required. Who were either Mr. Elliott or Mr. Sinclair that they should earwig the Government ? He had heard of a Mr. Sinclair who, in consideration of having a free license, had to keep a terry at the Beaver, just at the back of hia own house ; but only a week or two ago a man, in attempting to cross the river, lost his life,'in, consequence of the punt being in such a deplorable condition that it actually sank under his feet. He did not think that the Government "had been so active as it might have been, and if any lives had been lost within the last twelve months, in consequence of a ferry not being established at or near the Manuka Island, the blame would lie at the door of the Executive. No blame could be attached to the Council, as they had voted £400 five years ago for the establishment of a ferry. Hon. gentlemen might sneer, but he considered the conduct of the Government in this instance most shameful. : Mr. Sinclair seconded the motion, and wished to know why the Government should be guided by either Mr. Elliott or Mr. Sinclair. Mr. Wemyss said that with two exceptions he had crossed the Wairau as many times as any one person in the province. He had examined the places spoken of, but did not think them practicable. He held in his hands twelve or thirteen plans, none of which would do. He had blamed the Executive for not having done something for those travelling on foot, as lie had known persons who had been put to great inconvenience on account of there being no house of accommodation; but this had now been remedied, and no one need cross the river now if at all dangerous. It had been his intention when the consideration of the Estimates came on, to divert the amount for a ferry at the Pelorus, which route was nearer, and now much used by persons walking overland. Ho thought that furnishing Mr. Buck man with materials for a punt was as much as the Provincial Government could do at present. He would much rather cross the river on horseback than in any punt the Government could put there. Mr. Simmonds supported the motion. Mr. Kelmng would support the motion, and thought that the Government were much to blame for not having done something before. If a horse was the safer conveyance for crossing the river, which had been asserted by the.hon. member Mr. Wemyss, why not compel the man to keep one. Mr. Baigent supported the motion, and he would like to know what measures were going to be taken with the man Sinclair, of the town of Beaver, for having kept an unsafe boat. He was of opinion that he ought not to have a license. j The Provincial Solicitor said that the Government had taken every pains to procure plans for- a .ferry over the Wairau River, and had received about a dozen, not one of which was feasible. Some time ago both Messrs. Elliott and Wenrpss had expressed their opinions that a ferry was not required, and he thought that the opinions of those two "gentlemen were entitled to some consideration, on account of their having crossed the river so often. The place where it was proposed to establish the ferry was now a bed of shingle. Dr. Monko, in reply, said that the question of practicability was an old one in that Council. The hon. member then explained that in the Canterbury province they had established a ferry over a river six times as large as the Wairau, under peculiar difficulties. The motion was carried. EDUCATION RATE. Dr. Renwick, on moving—" That his Honor the Superintendent be requested to furnish this Council with a Return, shewing the amount of rates received in each educational district under the authority of the Education Act, for the year commencing on the Ist July, 1858, and also the amount of rates in arrear," stated that his object in bringing forward this motion was, to obtain a statement shewing what proportion the amount received from the rates bore to the sum voted by this Council—no report of the central board that he had seen furnished this information. On looking over the comparative statement of sums voted and expended for the yeai' ending December 31, 1858, he found that the sum of .£BO7 13s. 6d. has been expended over the vote of last session, and by a reference to a note at the bottom of the statement, the sum of £175 10s. only was .collected for the rate this year. He believed that more of the rate has been collected since, but that there is still a -, considerable amount in arrear; such at least is the case in "the town. The Education Act has now been in operation three years, and if we are to ; judge of its success from the difficulty in collecting i the rate, the opposition to it is increasing instead . Kof diminishing. Whilst our land revenue lasts

there is no doxibt that the present system may be carried on by a largo vote every year from the provincial chest, but he feared that we could not reckon upon this as a source of revenue for many years longer; and when we had to fall back upon the ordinary revenue only it would be impossible to vote a sufficient sum for this purpose. It therefore became a question for the consideration of the Council, whether it would not be advisable to adopt a system of a more self-supporting character whilst we had the means of doing so ? He understood that it was the intention of the Government to bring in an amended Bill this Session, and trusted that it would be more acceptable to the people generally, and require less expense to carry it out. Mr. Gibbs seconded the motion. Agreed to. THE HOSPITAL. Dr. Renwick asked the Provincial Secretary what steps had been taken by the Government to give effect to the report of the Council of last session with reference to the management of the hospital; and also, if it is the intention of the Government to bring in a bill for the establishment of a board, the more efficiently to carry out this object. He might be permitted to remind the Council that this subject had received a great deal of consideration last Session, and the appointment of a committee had boon recommended in whom was to be vested the management of the Hospital. Some discussion took place as to the expediency of bringing in a Bill to constitute this committee into a Board of Management, but as the report was brought up so near to the end of the session, he was under the impression that it was tacitly understood that the Government would have a bill prepared to submit to the Council this session. The Provincial Secretary was not aware that there was any tacit understanding, nor had any promise been given. (The lion, member here read some correspondence on the subject.) Captain Rough and Mr. Adams had been appointed as visitors, and three medical men had also been appointed—Drs. Thebing, Sealey, and Williams. He thought that no alteration was needed. ESTIMATES. Mr. Kelling asked the Provincial Secretary when the Estimates will be laid on the table. The Provincial Secretary said that they were now in the hands of the printer, and would be finished in the course of a day or two, and would then be submitted to the Council. TRUNK-LINE OF ROAD FROM THE WAI-ITI TO THE BIG BUSH. Mr. Baigknt moved, " That his Honor the Superintendent be requested to place on the Estimates the sum of £20, for the purpose of exploring and marking out a better line of road from the Wai-iti to the Big Bush for a trunk-line to the Wairau." He said that from his own observations a road nearly level could be made to the Big Bush. Although the amount he applied for was small, it would not only pay for exploring, but would also pay for cutting the lines. Mr. Kelling seconded the motion. The motion was put and agreed to. TRUNK-LINE OF ROAD IN WAIMEA WEST. Mr. SuiMOsns moved, "That his Honor the Superintendent be requested to place a sufficient sum upon the Estimates to make the trunk-line of road in Wuimea West practicable in connection with Waimea South." There had been a considerable sum expended on this road, but it required more money to make it practicable. He did not know what amount of funds were required to finish the road, so he had left that matter open. Mr. Saunders seconded the motion. Dr. Monro supported the motion, and said that the Waimea West district had been much neglected. The New Zealand Company had not spent any money there. If it was not for the banks of "the Wai-iti, part of that disirict would be entirely shut up for the want of roads. Mr. Kelling would say a few words about the present Road Board, of which lie was n nii'mhor. Nearly all the money they had spent ou this roal was partly to complete that which had been commenced by the former Board. Mr. Baigent supported the motion. Mr. Simmond3 stated that the present road, when completed, would open up a large amount of wooded country, and the woorl was fast being consumed in many parts of the Waimea. The motion was put ami agreed to. NELSON INSTITUTE BILL. The Provincial Solicitor moved the third reading of the Nelson Institute Bill. Mr. Sinclair seconded the motion. The bill was read a third time and passed. NAVAL AND MILITARY SETTLERS BILL. The Provincial Solicitor moved tlv third reading of the Naval and Military Settlers Bill. Mr. KkijHSG seconded ihe motion. The hill was rend a thir-l time and passed. REGISTRAR OF BIRTHS, DSA.THS, AND MARRIAGES IN MASSACRE BAY. Mr. Gibbs asked the Provincial Secretary, if it is the intention of Government to appoint a Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages for the district of Massacre Bay. The Provincial Skcrktary replied that the appointing of the Registrar was in the hands of the General Government. He believed, however, that it was the intention of the General Government to appoint a Registrar both at Aorere and Takaka. MESSAGES. The following mpssnges from his Honor the Superintendent were received and read : —■ Message, No. ]0, enclosing Correspondence beiween the General and Provincial Governments with reference to the Erection of a General Lunatic Asylum. Message, No. 11, enclosing Plans of proposed Jetty. The Council then adjourned.