PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 121, 2 June 1870, Page 5

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

(Condensed from the " Daily Times.") Monday, May 30. The Speaker took the chair at 7 o'clock, and read the usual form of prayer. QUESTIONS. Mr. BROWN asked the Government, "What steps they have taken for the removal of the Camp buildings, to the township of Roxburgh, from the east bank of the Clutha, where they are now situated?" Mr. REID said it was not intended to remove the present buildings, as it was considered more economical to build new ones. A contract had been accepted for buildings on the west side. Mr. BROWN asked the Government, "If they intend making any provision for the erection of a bridge across the Clutha at Roxburgh ?" Mr. REID said that the work was no doubt very necessary, but that it could not be undertaken during the present financial year. Captain M,KENZIE moved, "That an Address be presented to His Honour the Superintendent, requesting that steps be taken to place a foot-bridge across the Pomahaka, on the road from Beaumont to Switzers." In doing so, he explained that a road had been made at an expense of L6OOO, and was much used by passengers and horsemen. The ford uf the river was very dangerous, and a bridge was much needed. He did not think the work would enss more than £100 or £200. Mr. HAY seconded the motion, and said that travellers were frequently detained by the river, which was frequently flooded. Mr. RETD said that there would be no objection to granting £100 for the purpose, if that would be sufficient, but he was afraid that amount would not ba enough. EVANS 1 FLAT Mr. HAY moved, " That an address be presented to His Honour the Superintendent, requesting that he will be pleased to cause the sum of £200 to be placed on the Supplementary Estimates for the erection of a foot-bridge across the creek at Evans' Flat, between Lawrence and the Beaumont, on the main trunk road." Mr. Hay, in advocating the adoption of the motion, remarked that foot-bridges had been erected by the inhabitants themselves, b'lt they had been washed away by the floods. He also pointed out the difficulties under which the working men laboured in nut being able to cross this creek, on the road to their work, in the absence of a foot-bridge. Mr. HUGHES, after the fate of the last motion, and after the statement of the Government that the Estimates would not bear any more pressure, almost hesitated to support any more votes. He agreed that this was a very necessary work, but thought the Committee should be careful not to overburden the Estimates. Mr. BROWN pointed out that the Government were simply asked to replace the bridge ; it was nut a new work. Mr. REID suggested jtkat a bridge of sufficient strength to enable vehicles to cross the creek was required much more, than a footbridge. UxJess it was found that the work was a pressing and argent one, he would not guarantefr that the money would be spent, even if the- motion were carried. * Mr. HUGHES would far sooner have supported the erection of a bridge for vehicles, believing that it would, in the end, be required. Mr. HAY was quite satisfied that upon the Engineer making enquiries he would find that the work was a most pressing and urgent one. The motion was carried on the voices. Mr. HAY withdrew his motion, "That an address be presented to His Honour the Superintendent, requesting that he will be pleased to cause the sum of £100 to be placed on the Supplementary Estimates, for the erection of a footbridge across. Winding Creek between Switzers Township and Welshman's Gully," on the understanding that the Government agreed to it. Mr. FRASER moved, ' 'That an address be presented to His Honour the Superintendent, requesting that he will be pleased to cause the sum of £500 to be placed on the Supplementary Estimates, as a special grant to the Dunstan Hospital." The motion was lost by 17 against 10. The Council adjourned till Tuesday. Tuesday, May 31. A long discussion took place on Mr. Fraser's motion for the appointment of a competent Engineer, which was lost. A Message was received from the Superintendent, containing a proposal from Mr J. M.Larnach, respecting the construction of the Southern Trunk Railvyay. The proposal wa3 that he would undertake to rais« a sum of money sufficient, for the purpose, say £500,000, on the following conditions :—lnterest: — Interest to be guaranteed on the amount at & per cent, per annum, for a term, of not less than ten nor more than fifty years, at the option of the Province ; that security for the amount borrowed be given over the railway plant, &c, together with land eijual in acreage, at 20s. per acre, to the sum advanced— or over land only, in which case the acreage would require to be double in proportion to the sani borrowed ; the Government to have it in its power to control the expenditure of such an m as may be deemed advisable. AMOURNMEKT., Mr. REID thought that affec the notice of motion of want of confidence in thfr Government standing on the paper, by Mr, Thomson, it would be better that no further business, involving questions of expenditure should be gone on with,, until that motion were affirmed or negatived. The Council adjourned till Wednesday,