OPENING OF THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 116, 28 April 1870, Page 5

OPENING OF THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

His Hononr the Superintendent delivered his usual address at the opening of the 27th session of the Council on Tuesday last. We give a summary of the principal topics upon which he touched. And ordinance will be submitted for the re-adjustment of the representation upon a fair and equitable basis. ThaCouncil will be asked by the promoiersW the Port Chalmers Railway to concur with him in granting them the necessVy power to acquire such land as may beWcessary for the construction of the line\ His Honour regrets that the

Southern Trunk Railway shows no sign of commencement, and believes the Government could construct it quite as well and economically as it can be done by private enterprise. X +he Council agree with him in this, he wants them to give him power to borrow the necessary money. On the subject of immigration, His Honour thinks it high time some prompt action were taken by the Council, and attributes much of the present depression to their neglect in that important matter. Mr. Auld, the Home Emigration Agent, has been empowered to grant passages for 5 200 adults per month, at £5 a-head. That arrangement, if successful, would involve an expenditure of £17,000 annually, and he (the Superintendent) would gladly see it doubled. He hopes before the session closes some gentleman personally acquainted with the province and its capabilities, and who can both write and speak about it — a man -who can mingle in all classes of society — will be appointed to go home to -represent the province in its proper light. The best means, however, for bringing a stream of immigration, he thinks, would be direct steam communication, and proposes to set aside £25,000 for 3 years for immigration purposes, and thus place the province in a position to obtain direct steam communication with Europe. He believes that the South Island provinces are far better capable of conducting their own immigration than the General Government can possibly be. Every day renders it more and more apparent to His Honour that a great reservoir scheme for the goldfields is absolutely required, and lie will do his utmost to obtain from the Colonial Parliament power for the Province to guarantee interest upon a sum not exceeding £200,000 for that purpose. His Honour then referred to the gradual rising of the beds of the Taieri and Clutha rivers consequent upon mining operations, and says it is difficult to realise the enormous magnitude of the interests involved in that question. He asks the advice of the Council in the matter. After touching upon various other matters of little interest, His Honour stated fhat although settlement had not progressed during the year as he wished ; still, 240 new agricultural holdings or homesteads had been occupied. An increase of 10,000 ounces had taken place in the Escort returns. Customs revenue shows an excess of £6000, and public schools had increased from 74 to 85. His Honour concluded a most insipid address by declaring the Council open for the dispatch of business.