Thursday, Dec. 1, 1853.

The Speaker requested Mr. Gilfillan to take charge of the Appropriation Bill.

Mr. Lewis brought up the Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into and report upon the complaint of the Reporter of the Southern Cross against the Acting Clerk of Council. Report received and read.

Mr. Derrom brought up the Report of the Committee on Steam Communication. Report received and read, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Gilfillan gave notice that on Thursday, the 1st December, he would move that the Appropriation Bill be read a first time.

Mr. Gilfillan gave notice that on Tuesday the 6th December, he would move that the Council go into Committee of the whole on the Dog Nuisance Bill, and that Mr. Porter take the Chair.

Mr. Boylan presented a Bill to provide for the Municipal Government of the City and Suburbs of Auckland, and gave notice that on Tuesday the 6th Dec. he would move that the Bill be read a first time.

Mr. Busby gave notice that on the Estimates being taken into consideration, a resolution of Council, that any sum of money voted for the formation or improvement of Roads or Streets, or other Public Works of a local character, shall be contingent upon the contribution of a like sum by the inhabitants of the district or locality immediately interested in the object for which such sum shall be appropriated.

Mr. Bain, according to notice, moved that the Foreign Seamen’s Bill be read a third time. Bill read accordingly.

The Speaker named Messrs. Bain, Busby, Dignan, Derrom, and Mitchell, as a Deputation to wait on His Honour the Superintendent with the above Bill for his approval.

Mr. Porter, according to notice, moved for leave to bring in a Bill to build a Dock, and to give better accommodation for Shipping in the Port of Auckland. Analysis of Bill read.

Mr. Gilfillan, according to notice, moved that the Dog Nuisance Bill be read a second time. Bill read a second time accordingly.

Mr. Porter moved the further consideration in Committee of the Report of the Provincial Officers Committee.

The Speaker left the Chair. Mr. Porter took the Chair.

Report further considered in Committee, and agreed to.

The Speaker resumed the Chair; Mr. Porter brought up the Report from the Committee, which on the motion of Mr. Connell was adopted.

Mr. A. O’Neill, according to notice, moved that the Superintendent be requested to procure for the use of the Council, the Original Field Books, &c., referred to in His Honour’s Minute, No. 42. Agreed to.

Mr. Connell, according to notice, moved that the Superintendent be requested to place the sum of £20 on the Estimates in aid of the Auckland Museum. Agreed to.

Mr. Williamson, according to notice, moved the consideration in Committee of the whole Council, of the Board of Works Report.

The Speaker left the Chair. Mr. Taylor took the Chair. Debate ensued.

Third paragraph of the Report expunged, the remaining portion read and agreed to.

The Speaker resumed the Chair. Mr. Taylor brought up the Report from the Committee, which on the motion of Mr. Williamson was adopted.

Council adjourned at seven minutes past six o’clock to Thursday, the 1st December, 1853.

Thursday, Dec. 1, 1853.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Speaker took the Chair. The Minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

The Speaker laid on the table a Minute from His Honour the Superintendent enclosing a Return of all Sums of Money in the hands of the Colonial Treasurer on the 31st Oct., 1853, on account of Intestate Estates. Minute read and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Gilfillan gave notice that on Tuesday the 6th inst., he would move that the Appropriation Bill be read a second time, and further, that the Council go into Committee of the whole on the said Bill, and consider item by item of the estimates of Expenditure.

Mr. Williamson gave notice that on Tuesday next he would move that the Onehunga or Rural Road Committee be dissolved, and that a Board of Public Works be established, as recommended by the Report of the Committee appointed to inquire on this subject; that the works in the several localities provided for in the Estimates for 1854, be performed under the direction and control of that Board, until such times as local Boards shall be established, and all new works or improvements to be first recommended by that Board to His Honour the Superintendent before being undertaken. Members of the Board, (subject to the approval of His Honour the Superintendent): City—Messrs. Derrom and Mitchell; Suburbs—Mr. Connell; Northern Division—Mr. A. O’Neill; Southern Division—Mr. Newman; Pensioner Settlements—Messrs. Brennan and Powditch. The Provincial Surveyor to have a seat at the Board.

Mr. Busby gave notice that on Tuesday next he would move that the Petitions to both Houses of Parliament for the Separation of the Province be transmitted to Lord Brougham, and Mr. John Macgregor, the Member for Glasgow.

Mr. Derrom gave notice that on Tuesday next he would move that the Superintendent be requested to place the sum of £2000 on the Estimates for the purpose of encouraging communication by Steam from England, and the adjacent Colonies with this Province.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 1853.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Speaker took the Chair.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

The Speaker laid on the table the following three minutes from His Honour the Superintendent, which were severally read:

1. Additional memorandum to accompany the Estimates for the Quarter ending 31st. Dec. 1853, and for the year 1854.

2. Message transmitting draft of a Bill to provide for the execution of Deeds, and for other purposes relating to real property. Minute transmitting sections and plans and Roads laid down by the late Clerk of Works.

The Speaker requested that Mr. Connell would take charge of the Deeds Bill.

Mr. Boylan presented a petition from certain inhabitants of the North Shore, relative to the establishment of a Ferry. Petition read.