WELLINGTON

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 7, Issue 343, 14 May 1863, Page 3

WELLINGTON

[from our own cor respondent.] Wellington, May 0, 1863.

The Provincial Council has this week got into full work, and have sat four nights. From . what I can gather from the reception all Government measures have met with, I anticipate little opposition during the present session, and perhaps the only measure the Government are likely to find the house untraotable upon is the Town Board bill. The bill was passed last session, and a clause w r as inserted that specified the bill should not be brought into operation except on a memorial of a large section of the inhabitants; l’egarding the city of Wellington this memorial has never been sent in ; various reasons are assigned for this ; some saying that Government are bound to hand over various public works into the care and keeping ot the Board, which the Government .object to do, and upon the following most equitable grounds. The Government consider that the reclaiming of lands and subsequent sale of them is but another method of land sales, identical with the general principle of the Land Regulations, and the funds arising from the sale are bub the contribution of the town to the territorial revenue. The country contributes heavily to. the public works that are carried out in Wellington, and it is but fair to them that the funds arising from the sale should .be spent to a certain extent in the country. The opposition party in the house seem to look fo the whole of the municipal functions cf the Government lapsing into the hands of the Town Board, and clamour lustily for the bonus. The main public objection may no doubt he summed up in.this, —the inhabitants have an objection to direct taxation, and so long as the Gouernment maxes their wharves, bridges, and streets for them they do not care about expending a penny themselves. The Provincial Solicitor now. purposes inserting a clause in the bill that shall give the Government the power to carry out the bill in its entirety without calling for the memorial. There is little doubt but what they will carry their point. The debate on his Honor’s address came oft on Friday evening, and was by no means a brilliant affair. Everybody thought it a good chance to have a word upon the native question, hut w ith the exception of Mr. Burlasc and Mr. Hewett no member was at all bellicose m his arguments. Mr. Hewett gave a most favourable impressiou as a speaker, and by the firm, terse, and vigorous manner in winch he spoke caused some little astonishment .among that class of members known as “ fogies I ', who talk very mildly upon such topics. Mr. Peake attempted to rise several times, and would, it is understood, have followed on the same side, but he had not an opportunity., the Grown Lands Commissioner getting' to liis feet as soon as he could, and “snuffing oiit” aspiring senators by replying on the whole. Thejaddress was carried without a division, the members giving notice they would contest several points in detail. Mr. Borlase’s motion followed relative to the inadvisability at the present juncture of of pressing for the payment of Immigrants’ notes. It was a matter of speculation for the curious what this motion could possibly mean A number of individuals voluntarily expatriate themselves upon the understanding that they ultimately refund the passage money ; many, who left England without a sixpence, are now worth hundreds, and amongst them are some who repudiate their liability. There is something so brrefaeedly dishonest in this sort of thing, that we cannot be surprised at Government .taking stringent measures for the recovery of a legal debt. Mr. Fitzherbert stated plainly that the Government would not press a pauper, but where they believed the parties could pay they would now show no mercy ; and who can deny the justice of such a course ? Mr. Borlase, however, based his argument entirely upon the legal non-liability of the parties who had, as the hon. member said, been decoyed out here on the faith of promises of the Government destined never to be fulfilled. The house divided, and very properly “choked” Mr. Borlase’s “ repudiation scheme” on the spot. Mr. Hewett brings forward the Bridge bill on Wednesday next, and asks the house upon the same occasion tu divide the district of W anganui and liangitikei, giving a distinct representation to each. Although there may he much in Mr. Hewett’s course of political conduct that his colleagues may not totally agree with, there is no doubt the district may congratulate itself in having secured the services of a most painstaking member, and one whose all heart and soul are'thrown' into his duty. On Thursday next, Mr. Wallace goes into the Government tooth and nail on the Survey system ; he asks for terrible returns, among the must puzzling of which is, “ How the surveyors are einplovcd I' This unfortunate and shorthanded staff had a übiquitous sort of existence, exposed to al’ sorts of growling and bullying,

mixed up in every boundary and road squab" . , and perhaps the least pungent drop in their cup is the small libation that Mr. J. H. Wallace purposes pouring on their heads on Thursday next. There is no doubt that tlie surveys are sadly iu arrears and greater strength is required ; but the Crown Lands Commissioner says very plainly the Government cannot get the necessary bauds, and consequently they must keep their work iu arrear.- The sale of 5s per acre lauds is stopped for the present, solely on account of the inability to survey. Speaking of land, it will be observed that the Government purpose putting a stop to military grants in future, except in' certain districts,--an excellent feature in the policy. Mr. Carter drew tbe attention of the house to the fact of discharged soldiers loafing alien t the country, and picking up little bits of land about people’s private estates, not with a view of settling," but simply as a means of extortion. There is no doubt that the Laud Orders have been of no practical benefit in many eases, and no one will feel soriy that some stringency is to be exercised to get rid of what lias in many eases' proved an intolerable’ nuisance. The Wanganui members shortly intend asking the Government why they place sums on the estimates for particular districts that are destined never to be spent in them ? People are anxious to know how the Government purpose answering it.

Turning from grave to gay. Mr. Harry Houdin, who terms himself a polynational mimic, purposes shortly visiting Wanganui. Wellington has been literally swamped with concerts, theatres, and public entertainments of late. Hence Houdin’s performance has nob been ' very regularly attended. He acts very well, is well worth'going to see, and is accompanied by a very clever pianist; saltogether a very pleasant evening can be spent.

Wellington, May 11, 1863.

The proceedings of last weeks’ Council have been confined almost entirely to matters, of routine, Mr. Borlase failing signally to raise a debate upon his “ lease with purchasing clause” system of altering the existing land regulations. The Grown Lands Commissioner and Mr. Johnston were the-only additional speakers,—the latter gentleman stating that he should have supported Mr. Borlase had. his resolution been of not so vague a nature. The estimates were brought on early in the week, and passed in a very thin house, —no opposition being offered to a single item.: This was in a great measure owing to an explanation made by the, Provincial Treasurer respecting the meaning of certain sums being occasionally placed on the estimates and not actually spent during the current year upon the objects for which they were voted. Considerable, dissatisfaction" was expressed at-, this, because it not unnaturally was imagine l that large sums were voted to certain districts year after year, manifestly to the detriment of other settlements. It now appears that any balance of a grant in aid, not expended,, lapses the next session into the general fund, and is re-apportioned. So that" if out of a grant of £3OO only £l5O is spent, the balance is passed into the Provincial exchequer the next .year, and when the special grant for the balance £l5O appears on the estimates for the next year, the district in reality only gets the £3OO instead of what looks like £450. No wonder such a way of reckoning leads to misunderstanding. Mr. Watt, in the absence of Mr. Hewett, 'brought, in the Bridge bill, which may probably be detained in committee for some time, as it will require to be entirely remodelled. The Government pledge themselves to no special grant (with the exception of an equivalent to the funds raised' by the Company), but guarantee a certain rate of interest to the shareholders, and a further guarantee against loss from Moods or other causes during the process of erection. The Wanganui Sewerage bill was committed, and will be brought up with amendments this week ; not the slightest discussion or opposition, otherwise than on sheer technicalities, occurred during committee. A somewhat amusing debate occurred on passing in: com- ■ mittee the sum of £BOO to Mr. Cuutts Crawford for his geological explorations, some members wishing the word “geological” to be struck out altogether. Mr. Carter brought before tlie house the intrepid ascent of tlie Tararua ranges by young Kempton, and demanded some mark of approval from the Government for him. It is probable that he will be indemnified in some way, and no one, I presume, will deny the justice of it. Tlie Storm Bird had not arrived from Taranaki yesterday (Sunday), and it is surmised that she has been detained' there by the Governor. Speculation of course is as great here as to the ultimate solution of matters in Taranaki as probably it is with you, but from what I can gather from native reports here it is not probable that any outbreak will take place south of Ngatinianui. Vast quantities of the Otago diggers are making their way to the Buller. Your correspondent met a young man of the name of Alex. Mclntosh, known for some length of time on the Wanganui ferry, to-day ; he has just returned from the Buller diggings, having been very fortunate. He speaks very favourably of the diggings, but states that, owing to the freshets in;the rivers, all mining operations must be suspended there for some months. Cattle dealers are getting very shy at present, owing to the winter months setting in, and the southern passage being so boisterous.

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL. Tuicseay, Aj mil 28th. . The Council met at so’clock. Messrs. Hewett and Peake took "their seats. In reply to Mr. Carter’s questions, “ why the iGoO voted for the Rimutaka road had not been expended ?” and “ why at Tauherenikau a branch line of road to Morrison’s Bush had been begun wheu the main line to Greytown had not been touched ; and if it was the Government’s intention to make the Greytown road in a direct-line from the end of the line now being made the Provincial Treasurer said, —that the Government had solicited tenders for the Rimutaka road, but they were all too high, and if accepted 'more important work must have been neglected. A large portion of the vote had, hawever, been spent in improving the approach to the Fakuratahi bridge. As regarded the second question he would lay on the table a tracing to elucidate his remarks. The two roads met at about :0 chains from the Tauherenikau river and the present road went off at an acute angle about 25 chains from the junction, so that about 30 chains of the road was common to tlie two lines, and it was <>n eighteen chains of this common road that the Government was now engaged. The following bills were read a first time, and second reading fixed for next evening:— To provide for the inspection of Cattle previous to exportation. To enable landowners to drain their lands. To establish Marine Boai’ds for Ports

in this Province (Wellington. W auganui, Manawatu, and Porinia) ; and for the management of the Wairai’apa Racecourse-.

The bill to bring into operation the Wellington Town Boards act 1862, was read a first time—day for second leading deferred.

The bill “to give effect to the report of the Compensation committee” was read a first time, and second reading fixed for that day fortnight.

The Provincial Treasurer’s motion, “ for a select committee to take up and complete .the investigation of c’airns for compensation submitted to the committee appointed on April 30th, 1862,” was carried. Mr. Borlase obtained leave for a return of all applications for sale of 5s lands since last session of the Council ; of the lands sold ; the purchasers’ names ; and the, sums per aore paid.

Mr. Carter’s motion for return of all monies expended on public works in the Wairarapa during the past year, and of the amount of money -and scrip received for. lands therein during the same period, was agreed to.

Mr. Wallace’s motion for a select committee to considei* what amendments should be introduced in the Town Boards bill, was carried on a division by 10 to 8. Mr. Stokes gave notice to move, for a select committee to consider and report on the best course for the formation of a railway from the city of Wellington to the north-east boundary of the province. Mr. Allen, for a return of all expences incurred in the Plant of the Wliaif lately arrived from England, including the astronomical clock for use of the Part of Wellington. Mr. Borlase, that in the opinion of this Council it is not ad\isable, in the present circumstances of this province, to press for the payment of any more, of the immigrants’ promissory notes. The house adjourned at 7 o’dock. Wednesday, Api-il 29th. Council met at 5 o’clock. Mr. Dransfield presented a petition from the inhabitants of Wellington’ Tei'race, praying that the completion of certain public works there might be expedited.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands gave notice to move a reply to the Superintendent’s speech. In reply to Mr. Wallace’s inquiry as to what had been done in the matter of a Public Park and Racecourse in the Hutt, —the Commissioner of Crown Lands said, “ All had been done that could be done under the act. Eive trustees had been elected, two of whom never ed, and the others could Seldom form a quorum ; and latterly, since the death of those thi’ee, nothing had been done. He had tried hard to get fresh trustees. The property had been surveyed, and in a great measure fenced ; the land, however, was unavailable for the purpose for which it was granted, and he hoped, as property rose in value, a good exchange might be effected. Mr. Allen’s motion for a return of documents relating to a piece of road lately made on Wellington Teri’ace in rear of Mr. Mason’s premises, and of all expences in the suit Mason, v. the Superintendent, was agreed to. A bill for amending the District Highways act 1862 was read first time, and second reading fixed for next day. 'J he following bills were read a second time : Cattle Slaughtering,—which was committed, and ultimately referred to a select committee. Inspection of Cattle. Marine Boards Management of Cemeteries ; and The house went into committee on the orders of the day, and adjourned at halfpast ten. Thursday, April 30tli. Council met at 5 o’clock. There were laid on the table— A letter from H. St. Hill, Esq., R.M., accompanying the gift of a file of the Hew Zealand Spectator to the Council 3 ibrary. Papers relating to the formation of a Patent Slip.and Floating Pock ; and Letter from the Colonial Secretary’s office, Tasmania, containing enclosures respecting Heuro-pneumonia. Mr. Stokes’ memorandum relating to the formation of a railway from Wellington to the north eastern boundary of the province, spoken of by the Superintendent in his address, was submitted to the Council ; and his motion in reference to the same subject was carried after some discussion.

Mr. Wallace obtained leave to postpone the motions standing in hia name till May 7th. The District Highways act Amendment bill was read a second time and committed.

The Slaughter-house and Cattle bills •were referred to a select committee.

The Wairarapa Racecourse bill reported with amendmentsand re-committed for next day ; and the Marine Boards and District Highways bills were read a third time and passed. In reply to Mr. Allen’s motion the Provincial Treasurer promised the return asked for as soon as possible.

Friday, May Ist,

The Council met at 5 o’clock,

Mr. Dransfield presented a petition for the establishment of a signal station at Te Aro, to repeat the Mount Albert signals.

The report of Mr. Crawford, Government Geologist, and copies of circulars addressed to Boards of Wardens respecting regulations under which grants in aid were given, were laid on the table. Mr. Carter gave notice to move for a select committee to consider and investigate the circumstances connected with Immigrants’ unpaid promissory notes, and report the best means of securing the

province from great pecuniary loss without pressing for payment with undue severity. Also for leave to bring in a bill to increase the number of Wairarapa members from two to four.

Mr. Hewett to move for leave to bring in a bill to divide the electoral district of Wanganui and Rangitikei, and for leave to bring in a bill to authorise the construction of a bridge over the Wanganui I’iver, and levying of tolls on traffic oyer the same.

Mr. Borlase objected to the return furnished by Government respecting the 5s land applications, as not embodying all he asked for. The Commissioner of Crown Lands was quite willing to give such a return,, but some of the lands applied for were now being surveyed, and none had been actually sold since last session.

A select oommittee was named to consider and report on the Cattle Slaughtering bill. The following reply to the Superintendent’s address, moved by the Crown Lands Commissioner, was, after a long debate, carried without a division :

“ In addressing your Honor in reply to the speech with which you opened the tenth session of our Provincial Council, we desire particularly'to express our hope that amicable relations may continue to be maintained between the two races inhabiting this island, subject to the maintenance of the Queen’s authority. “ The steady progress of this Province, as shown by the statement of your Honor’s speech, cannot fail to encourage us, as representatives, to endeavour in our legislative capacity to develope still further the resources of its respective districts ; and we believe that, in some degree, the progress of our Province is due to the harmony which exists between the Executive and l egislative bodies. “ Among the various important topics to which your Honor's speech invites our attention, we scarcely deem any of higher moment, looking to the futui’e, than the great subject of opening up internal communication by means of tramways or railroads.

“ On this, as on other subjects connected with the development of our resources, we assure your Honor of our earnest co-operation.” 'l lie Provincial Treasurer’s motion for a select committee on the Patent Slip and Floating Dock was agreed to. Mr. Borlase’s motion respecting the inexpediency of enforcing payment of Immigrants’ promissory notes was rejected ; and an amendment by Mr. Wallace, blaming the Government for neglect, fell through for want of a seconder ; Mr. Hunter’s amendment, “ that this Council is ot opinion that the Government ought to take active and immediate ste-ps to collect the amounts on account of Immigrants’ promissory notes now overdue,” being carried by 16 to 1. Thursday, May 7th. The Council met at 5 o’clock. The following petitions were received and ordered to be printed : Mr. Carter’s, from 43 inhabitants of Wairarapa, praying for an increased representation of the district in the Provincial Council. Mr. McEwen’s, from Henry Lynch of the Hutt, praying compensation for certain crops and other property destroyed by bush fires lighted by natives. The following papers were laid on tlie table :

Letter from Major Rookes’ relative to the Wanganui Militia. Further papers relative to Patent Slip. Estimates for current year.

The Crown Lands Commissioner’s motion for referring the Cattle Bill to a select Committee was agreed to. Mr, Borlase’s motion, that all public lands should be open for selection in blocks of from 40 to 2000 acres, under a system of leases for seven or fourteen years with a purchasing clause, was negatived by 16 to 5. Capfc. Smith’s bill to amend the Fencing act Avas, aftei a division (15 to 3) read first time, second reading fixed for Thursday. Mr. Carter’s motion, for a select committee respecting Immigrants’ promissory notes, agreed to ; the committee consisting of Messrs. Hunter, Boi-lase, Allen, Taylor, Hewett, and the mo vex - . The following debate took place respecting the Wairarapa representation : Mi’. Carter moved “For leave to bring in a Bill to increase the number of representatives in the Wairarapa distinct for the Provincial Council, from two to four.” Tn making this motion it was only necessary for him to .make a few remarks. A petition had been, that evening presented by him from settlers in the Wairarapa xolative to the same subject, and he learned that another was on its way down for the same purpose. Tn the last session of the Genei’al Assembly, he wished to carry a Bill tlnough for the purpose of re-apoi’tioning the entire Province, but he had withdrawn it in consequence of ascertaining his inability to carry it through. His constituents found fault with him for this, maintaining that the attempt ought to have been made, and l’equested him to take the first opportunity for increasing the x-epresentation of their district in the Provincial Council, as they knew they wers not sufficiently repi’esented. If the Wairarapa district had its due number of membei's it would send sf, hut he only wished to increase the number from two to foui'. He pi’oposed to divide the electoi’al district of Wairai’apa into two districts, giving one member to the East Coast and thi’ee to the valley. • In order to show the justice of his l’equest he would only point out that Wellington City had 1. member to evexy 58 electoi’s ; Hutt, 1 to 88 ; Country District, 1 to

93 ; Wanganui, 1 to 97 ; and the Wairarapa, Ito 167. This was the case in 1860-1, and it would be far worse now. He had endeavoured to meet the wishes of the Council m framing the Bill, and he hoped they would allow the injustice to continue no longer.

Mr. Watt wished to direct the attention of the hon. mover to the fact that the question had been mooted in the last session of the Council, and that it was then agreed that no steps should be taken until after the dissolution'of the present body. He would like to see the representation of some districts increased and others decreased. In the Wanganui district they experienced very great difficulty in getting members at all. It would be in the recollection of hon. members that the former increase had not been attended with much success. The Commissioner of Crown Lairds said that the Government was unfavourable to the proposal. He quite understood the position of his hon. friend. He thought that if the Bill was passed it would great deal of inconvenience. He recognised^no vested interest in the representation of that Council. He thought that Wellington and the Hutt were over represented, and that Wanganui and Rangitikei were under, but they ought not to think of increasing the members in the Council. According to the Constitution the representation of the different districts should be adjusted as, occasion required. The Government was pledged to bring in a Bill next session to meet the case. If they went on increasing the representation in this way, why next session they would want to increase the Council to thirty or forty members. They should not impose too many legislative duties on the people, and it would be better for them to decrease the number than increase it.

Mr. Wallace rose with much pleasure to support the motion befoie the] House notwithstanding what had been said on the matter by the lion, member who had just sat down. He admitted that an understanding was come to in the last session, but he considered that they ought to concede the point when they saw how the matter stood. He did not think that any district was over-represented in that House, and he looked upon the proposal to diminish the number of members as a retrograde movement. Wairarapa was certainly not fully represented. It had been said that people could not be got to come forward, but he could assure hon. members that there would be great competition for sents at the next general election. Dr. Allison said that if the hon. member went into some of the country districts he would find he was mistaken about the point. It might be very well for people in Wellington, but it did not suit persons coming from the country to leave their homes. They had always had a great difficulty in getting members for the Wanganui district. He was quite opposed to increasing the representation If one member to every fifty eight electors was not over-representation he did not know what was.

Mi'. Taylor understood that in last session the Council had given a certain pledge on the matter, and the hon. mover had failed to shew any difference which had taken place since that which would necessitate any alteration. It would be inconsistent on the part of the Council to accept the motion. He quite agreed that they wanted re-apportionment, but they did not want to increase the representation. He considered it his duly to oppose the bill. Mr. Hunter hoped that the hon. mover would, after what had been said, see the advisability of withdrawing the motion. The Council had given a pledge on the subject, aud they ought not to break it. When the matter was under consideration before he expressed his opinion that property should be considered as well as| population, and he held the same opinion now. The country would have a difficulty in proving unfair treatment at the hands of the city members. Mr. Hewett disagreed with Mr Hunter relative to property being the basis of representation. He (Mr. Hewett) maintained that the proper basis was population. If they accepted the bill before the House they would want to readjust the representation every session—as the population of one district increased, or an other decreased. If Wanganui was obliged to send any more members, they would have men sitting in the Council who could not write their own names. He quite agreed with the remarks of the Crown Lands Commissioner on the subject. He thought that if they took wealth as the basis of representation the country would have the preponder ance.

Mr. Stokes maintained that property and the various popular interests should be fairly represented, but he quite disagreed with adopting the American rule of population. In order to have the various* interests, represented the town should have the preponderance over the country. He considered that the Council would be inconsistent if they passed the motion, and if it was not withdrawn he would be reluctantly compelled to vote against it. Mr. Carter, in reply, regretted the manner in which the motion had been recrived both by the Council and the Government. He might say that there was a great difference between the bill new preposed, and the measure of last session.

All hon. members admitted that the Wairarapa ought to have increased representation, but they did not appear inclined to give it. It should be remembered, before the bill was rejected, that the Wairarapa contributed largely to the revenue of the Province, and it was not half represented in that Council. In bringing forward the measure he was only

doing his duty to his constituents, but he certainly thought the Council would not be doing their duty if they did not accept the motion. Every one admitted that a great evil existed, but there appeared to be no inclination to remedy the evil. He would remind lion, members that the Council some time ago consisted of thirty members, and if they now gave the two required by Wairarapa it would only make it up to the same number. He would not withdraw the motion, but would if neccessary, press it to a division and then leave hon. members to do as they liked about the matter. Question put and the House divided. Ayes —Fawcett, Buck, Wallace, Carter, Smith, Fitzherbert. Noes—DeCastro, McF.wen, Peake, Watt, Taylor, Johnston, Allison, Stokes, Hunter, Hewett.

We have to record the death of Wil - liam Bowler Esqr. in the 60th year of his age. The deceased gentleman was connected with the colony from its foundation : first under the New Zealand Company, then under the Canterbury Association, and since 1852 as a merchant at Wellington. He took a lively interest in Provincial affairs ; and as an old friend of the late Gibbon Wakefield supported that gentleman’s policy in opposition to that of Dr. Featherston, in a firm consistent and unquestionably conscientious manner. He for some time represented Wellington in the Provincial Council, but laterly had entirely retired into private life. His death will be lamented by a large circle of friends, and his funeral on Saturday last was numerously attended.— Abridged from the Advertiser.