CHRISTCHURCH.

West Coast Times, Issue 339, 24 October 1866, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH.

October 22.

The Provincial Council was opened on Friday last by the Superintendent in person. His Honor's speech, which dealt in generalities relating to Westland, contained the following :— " The presence in the Council of an increased number of representatives from the goldfields is justly a suhjoct for general congratulation, as being evidence of the serious desire of our fellow subjects ox the West Coast to contribute their valuable assistance towards the government of this province, and to become permanently identified with all its fortunes. There will be laid before you a plan for enabling the settlers in Westland to become purchasers of rural lands ; and also regulations for the sale of lands within the limits of the towns in that district. I shall request you to confer upon me power to expend considerable sums of money in opening up the amazing resources of Westland, by means of various public works throughout its districts. Among the other measures in which I shall invite your concurrence, is a Bill for leasing the coalfields of the Grey to a public company, under conditions calculated to ensure large commercial benefits to the province." Mr Tancred was elected Speaker ; and the House adjourned to Tuesday. The Westland members have an interview with the Superintendent tonight, to consider Westland business.