Mr. Boylan, presented a petition from Maurice Kelly, praying that some provision might be made for the construction of bridges between the North Shore of the Waitemata and Mahurangi. Petition read.

Mr. Hill presented a petition from certain residents near Mount Albert, respecting the formation of a road in that locality. Petition read.

Mr. Williamson presented a petition from the inhabitants of Otahuhu respecting the connection of that village with the main line of road leading to Auckland. Petition read.

Mr. Newman presented a petition from the Rev. J. Morgan, and others respecting postal communication with Rangiawhia and Kawhia. Petition read.

Mr. Williamson brought up the Report of the Rural Road Committee. Report received and read.

Mr. Porter brought up the report of the Slaughter House Committee. Report received and read.

Mr. Dilworth laid on the table the Sheep Bill, which was ordered to be printed. Mr. Dilworth gave notice that on Thursday the 8th inst. he would move that the said Bill be read a first time.

Mr. Powditch gave notice that, on Tuesday the 13th Dec., he would move a resolution that His Excellency the Governor be requested to bring in a Bill before the General Assembly to authorize the charge of Pilotage for Manakau Harbour similar in amount to the charge of Pilotage for Auckland Harbour making it imperative on all vessels coming or going Foreign to pay the Pilotage, providing the Pilot offers at proper time and place—viz. the outside of the banks to any anchorage within the Harbour for the purpose of entry or loading. Full Pilotage. From within Paratatai or the outer banks, to any inside anchorage for the purpose of entry or loading or from any one inside anchorage to another not being for the first purpose of first entrance or final sailing, Half Pilotage.

Mr. Connell gave notice that he would move on Wednesday the 7th inst. that the Deeds Bill be read a first time.

On the Orders of the day, being called, Mr. Gilfillan according to notice moved the consideration in Committee of the Dog Nuisance Bill.

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

Clauses 1 to 4 read and agreed to.

On the Motion of Mr. Gilfillan further consideration of Bill postponed.

The Speaker resumed the Chair.

The Chairman reported progress and asked leave to sit again on Wednesday the 7th inst.

Mr. Boylan according to notice moved that the City Council Bill be read a first time. Bill read accordingly.

Mr. Busby moved his resolution relative to the appropriation of monies for the Roads, but with the consent of Council subsequently withdrew it.

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

Mr. Gilfillan moved that the Council go into Committee of the whole on the said Bill, and consider item by item of the Estimates of Expenditure.

The Speaker left the Chair. Mr. Clarke, took the Chair.

Clause 1 of appropriation Bill read and agreed to.

Paragraphs 1 to 6 of the estimates, read, amended and agreed to. On motion of Mr. Gilfillan further consideration of Estimate postponed.

The Speaker resumed the Chair.

The Chairman reported progress and asked leave to sit again on Wednesday the 7th inst.

Messrs. Williamson, Busby, Derrom, respectively requested permission to postpone the consideration of their notices of motions until the next meeting of Council.

Council adjourned at ten minutes past seven o’clock.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7, 1853.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment. The Speaker took the Chair.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

Mr. Lewis gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would move that His Honour the Superintendent be requested to place on the Supplementary Estimates a sum of money for the purpose of erecting a dwelling house for the Ferrymen at Panmure.

Mr. Powditch gave notice that on Wednesday next he would move for leave to bring in a bill to be called the ‘Passengers’ Clearance Bill,’ for the purpose of preventing persons leaving this Province for Foreign Parts or Colonies without reasonable provision being made for their relatives and for the prevention of loss, and better security for the payment of small debts.

Mr. Boylan gave notice that at the next meeting of council he would move the second reading of the City Council Bill, and that it be considered by a Committee of the whole house on Tuesday next.

On the Orders of the day, being called Mr. Gilfillan requested that Members who had notices on the motion paper would postpone their consideration, in order that the Council might proceed with the Estimates. Agreed to.

On motion of Mr. Gilfillan the Speaker left the Chair. And Mr. Clarke took the Chair of the Committee.

Clauses 7, 8, 9, and 10, read, amended and agreed to. On clause 11, being read, Mr. Gilfillan moved that the sum of £400 be voted as salary for the Law Officer.

Mr. Busby moved and Mr. A. O’Neill seconded, as an amendment that the salary of the Law Officer be £250. Debate ensued.

On the question being put that £250 be granted as the salary of the Law Officer, Committee divided.

Ayes.—3. Noes.—15.

Messrs. J. O’Neill, Messrs. O’Brien,