NELSON PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 500, 6 May 1869, Page 2

NELSON PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL BILL. The Provincial Solicitor, in moving the first reading of this bill, said: It had been observed that the change would not materially reduce the expenditure, and at first sight this might appear to be the case ; but there was not a doubt a material reduction in expenditure would result, for there would be less time occupied in the discussion of subjects, the sittings would be reduced in number, and the total expenses of the Council would thereby be lessened. Another point regarding the saving of expenditure was that, if the number were not reduced it would require to be increased by adding some more West Coast members ; for if the Council remained as it was at present the West Coast would have a claim to additional representation. The proposed reduction in his opinion removed this claim; for while the other districts were reduced by one third in their representatives, the West Coast remained unaltered.

Leave was given, and the bill was brought in and read a first time. On Wednesday, the following reply to the Superintendent's speech was brought up, but was not discussed : The Provincial Council beg to thank your Honor for your opening speech. The Council are gratified at the satisfaction expressed by Ms Eoyal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh and his Excellency the Governor at the reception accorded to them by the Province of Nelson. The Council regret to observe that the actual receipts of revenue for the year have fallen so far short of the sum estimated, and they accept the explanations, as to a large part of the deficiency, given by your Honor in the address.

In the face of such, a diminished revenue, the Council concur in the wisdom of the course adopted by your Honor, in staying the cessation of all public worts, excepting those for which engagements had already been entered into.

Any retrenchments that your Honor deems it necessary to make, consistent with the efficient performance of the public service, will receive the cordial support of this Council.

_ The Council regret to find that so much dissatisfaction has arisen on the West Coast, and hope that measures may be taken in the present session to remove just causes of complaint. At the same time they approve of the determination of your Honor to oppose in the General Assembly any dismemberment of the Province. With reference to the Brunner Coalmine, as it appears that, under the present term of lease offered by the Provincial Government, no company has undertaken to work the mine, the Council wish that some modification may be made, to induce the profitable working of this valuable property, and also that the Government will not lose sight of the development of the equally valuable coal at Westport. The Council observe with satisfaction that Mr John Morrison has received full instruction on the subject of the Nelson, Westport, and Cobden Railway, and trust that the uncertainty on this question which has hitherto prevailed may be shortly brought to an issue. The very important matter of the care, maintenance, and education of the destitute Children and orphans of the Province, and the course adopted therein by your Honor, has the full concurrence of this Council.

The other subjects alluded to in your Honor's address will in due course receive the best attention of the Provincial Council.

CHARLESTON. (feom oub owjf cobbespondent.) May 3. There has been no shipping business transacted during the past week, the harbor not being accessible on account of the heavy swell which has prevailed since the late storm. The ketch Constant, from Westport, arrived off the harbor on Saturday, but did not enter when signalled, but anchored in the roadstead until yesterday afternoon, when she weighed and came into harbor. The brings a full general cargo, which was discharged on the fall of the tide. The Constant will leave for Westport this afternoon, weather permitting. A meeting was held at the Wellington hotel on Saturday evening, for the purpose of presenting a testimonial to Mr Miall, of the Deep Lead, for his gallant services in recovering the body of Daniel Sanderson, who was lately drowned whilst bathing in the Second Bay. The testimonial, a valuable gold signet ring, is the work of Brown and Co. of Hokitika, and bears an appropriate inscription. Mr Thompson was requested to take the chair. The Chairman stated the object of the meeting, and referred in very complimentary terms to the gallant conduct of Mr Miall. The ring was then handed to Mr Miall, who returned thanks to those gentlemen who had subscribed towards the testimonial, and stated that he would always feel happy to render his best services in attempting to save life, and should have great pleasure in the possession of this token of their appreciation of his endeavour to do his best for the recovering of the body of the deceased Daniel Sanderson. A vote of thanks was then given to the chairman, after which the meeting separated.