302

The Chairman, upon a point of order, moved Mr. Speaker to the chair, in order to submit tlie question to his decision. On resuming the chair, the Chairman reported that Mr. Speaker had ruled that Mr. Cuff's motion not being directly relevant to the subject referred to the Committee, via., his Excellency's Message, was uut of order; whereupon the motion was withdrawn accordingly, and Mr. Pox k moved the amendment he had proposed, as an original question. Amendment proposed, That all the words of the resolution after the first word " That' 7 be omitted, with a view to insert the following words in lieu thereof: " an address be presented to his Excellency the Governor praying him to appoint the next meeting of the General Assembly to be held at such place as may appear to him most conducive to the interests ot this Colony." (Mr. Daldy.) Question put, That the words proposed to be omitted do stand part of the question. Committee divided. Ayes, 19. Noes, IG. Mr. Macandrew, Mr. Campbell, Mr. J. Cargill, Mr. Lee, Captain Cargill, Mi- Wells, Mr. Clifford, Mr. Stafford, Mr. Ludlam,' Mr. Brodie, The Colonial Treasurer, Mr. <Villiamson, The Colonial Secretary, Mr. Travers, Mr. East, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Fox, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Featherston, Mr. Beckham, Mr. Bnttin, Mr. Graham, Mr. Brown, Mr. Henderson, Mr. Cuff, Mr. Meitiman, Mr. Hall, Sir. Domett, Mr. Bell, Major Greenwood, Mr. Smith, Mr. Daldy (teller). Mr. Fitzherbert, Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Ward (teller). Further amendment proposed, That the following words be added to the resolution : —" That provided his Excellency should decide that Akaroa be a more convenient situation for the meeting of the next General Assembly than the head quarters of the various departments, this House will not oppose any such expression of his Excellency's opinion." (Major Greenwood.) Question put, That the words proposed to be added be so added. Committee divided. Ayes, 1. Noes, 22. Major Greenwood (teller). Mr. J. Cargill, Mr. East, Mr. Williamson, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Domett, Mr. Maeandrew, Mr. Bell, Mr. Smith, Mi. Ludlam, Mr. Clifford, Mr. Lee, Mr. Brown, Mr. Beckham, Captain Cargill, Mr. Fitzherbert, Mr. Featherston, Mr. Fox, Mr. Wells, Mr. Brittin, Mr. Cuff, Mr. Brodie, Mr. Ward (teller). Furthir