OPENING of the PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 651, 28 April 1870, Page 2

OPENING of the PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

(BY ELECTRIC TELEGBAPR.)

(from our own correspondent.) Nelson, April 26. The Provincial Council opened today. Mr O'Conor was the only West Coast member present. Mr Eeid expected overland, but had not arrived. The Superintendent's speech is not considered an effective one. He promises a few additional reductions in the departmental expenditure, and looks forward to an improvement in the financial revenue. The actual revenue for the past financial year is £IS,OOO short of the estimated amount. The speech also defends the action of the Government with respect to the sale of lands at Wangapeka. (From the Grey Elver Argus.) Dunedin, April 20. The Escort brought down 39050z5. On dit, that Mr Fox is to be entertained to a dejeuner, when he will give an address on politics. The Cavershain nomination took place yesterday. Mr M'lndoe's return is considered certain. Dredging the Shotover River is paying handsomely. One party on the river is making £IOOO a month. The Wardens' quarterly reports represent the mining districts as in a very satisfactory state. The Chinese at Lawrence have discovered an lloz nugget. J. W. Grieves, civil engineer, wellknown in connection with dredging operations here, has committed suicide. A. ball and dinner are to be given to the Volunteer representatives. Wellington, April 22. The liquidators of the New Zealand Steam Navagation Company have refused to accept any tenders for the nyirr-hase .->*' any or the whole of the plant. Hie Circular r>aw company offered £16,000, and the new companv £17,000. Krull and company have brought the Lady Bird for £BSO, for an Auckland firm. The remainder will be sold at auction. Dunedin, April 22. Mr Fox visited Dunedin Gaoi and the graving dock at Port Chalmers yesterday. The legal profession entertain him to dinner to-morrow evening. Another Maori prisoner is dead.

Mr Stafford addressed his constituents at iirnaru last night. It was carried unanimously "That this meeting begs to thank Mr Stafford for his address and past services on behalf of the district and colony, and pledges itself to support him in the approaching general election. It also further desires to record its opinion that the present depression of the colony will not he wholly removed until some change is made in the present system of Provincial Governments, especially the financial relations between the provinces and the colony, as the present system has a tendency to keep up taxation." A deputation waited on Mr Fox today. He consented to address the citizens on Wednesday evening next.