Wednesday, 26th October.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

Absent:—Messrs. Macky, Hill, and Donovan.

The Speaker took the chair.

The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed.

The Speaker laid on the table a letter from Mr. Schultz, offering the use of the Odd Fellows’ Hall for the meetings of the Provincial Council. Letter read, and referred for the Report of the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders.

Mr. Busby gave notice that, at the next meeting of Council, he would move that an Address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent, praying that there be laid on the table of this House—1st. A Return of the Number of Letters posted at and directed to the Post Offices of Russell, Hokianga, and Mongonui, during the twelve months ending on 30th September last; also, a Return of the Number of Letters posted at Auckland, and conveyed by the Southern mail, and of the letters received at Auckland by the Southern mail during the same period. 2nd. A Return of the value of all goods which have paid duty at Auckland and been conveyed to Wangarei, the Bay of Islands, Wangaroi, Monganui, Hokianga, and other settlements situated to the North of Auckland, and of the amount of duty collected thereon. 3rd. A Return of all proceedings commenced before the Judge of the Supreme Court of the Northern Province under the authority of the Crown Titles (New Ulster) Ordinance, passed the 25th of August, 1849, by or on behalf of any native claimants to land included within any grant made by the Crown, together with the decision of the Judge on such proceedings and the issue thereof. 4th. Copies of all correspondence between the Officers commanding Her Majesty’s forces in this colony, and the local Government thereof, relative to the location of a detachment of troops at the Bay of Islands; also, of all correspondence between the local government and proprietors of land at the Bay of Islands, relating to the acquirement of a suitable position for the said detachments.

Mr. Porter moved, and Mr. Derrom seconded, the following amendment:—

That, while the Council fully recognizes the Divine Superintendence in all human affairs, and the duty of asking God’s blessing on its deliberations, believes that the interests of Religion are best served by this Council abstaining from any course which might appear to coerce the religious feelings of any of its members, and that the motion of Mr. Clarke be taken into consideration this day six months. Debate ensued. Mr. Clarke subsequently withdrew his motion.

Mr. Porter, according to notice, moved the appointment of the Committee to enquire and report on the state of the Slaughter House. Agreed to.

Mr. Bain, according to notice, moved for leave to bring in a Bill for the protection of Foreign Shipping, and the punishment of Foreign Seamen for desertion, and other misconduct. Agreed to.

Mr. A. O’Neill, according to notice, moved for the appointment of a Committee for considering the best means of opening up the Northern District by formation of Roads. Agreed to.

Mr. Williamson, according to notice, moved the appointment of a Committee for reporting on the best means of completing the Road between Auckland and Onehunga. Seconded by Mr. Connell.

Mr. Powditch moved, and Mr. Taylor seconded, the following amendment—That the Committee named by Mr. Williamson be a Standing Committee to enquire and report on Roads and Public Works relative thereto.

Amendment put and carried.

Mr. Porter moved, as an amendment, which was seconded by Mr. Lewis, that the consideration of the motion be postponed for one week.

Amendment put and negatived.

Mr. Connell, according to notice, moved for the Committee for enquiring and reporting upon material for Road-making. Agreed to.

Mr. Gilfillan, according to notice, moved the second reading of the Interpretation Act. Bill read a second time.

Moved by Mr. Gilfillan, seconded by Mr. Connell, that the Speaker do leave the chair, and that Council do resolve itself into a Committee of the whole Council. Debate ensued.

Mr. Dignan moved, and Mr. Newman seconded, that the Standing Rules and Orders be suspended.

Mr. Gilfillan moved, and Mr. Connell seconded, that Council do adjourn. Council divided. Ayes 12. Noes 10. Amendment carried.

Council adjourned at quarter to five o’clock, until three o’clock on Wednesday, the 26th inst.

Mr. Gilfillan gave notice that, at the next sitting of Council, he would move that the Council go into Committee of the whole Council on the Interpretation Bill.

Mr. Powditch gave notice that, at the next sitting of Council, he would move to consider that portion of his Honor’s address relative to appointment of Clerk of Works, and to consider the same in relation to that appointment being independent of, or subordinate to control of a Board of Public Works.

Mr. Boylan gave notice that, at the next meeting of Council he would move that a deputation be appointed to wait upon his Honor the Superintendent, to request him that he would have a Bill prepared and laid before the Council, for the better regulation.