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his motion relative to the Line of Road to Cabbage-tree Swamp; but subsequently withdrew it.

Council adjourned at half-past four o’clock.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 1854.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Speaker took the Chair.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

Mr. Williamson gave notice that, on tomorrow he would move for a select Committee, to enquire into the operation of the Ordinance No. 9, of Session 2, entitled, “An Ordinance to provide for the Registration of Deeds and instruments affecting real property,” and to report whether the said Ordinance has been found in practice sufficient to answer the purposes thereof and whether any, and what further provision is expedient in reference thereto.

Committee.—Messrs. Newman, J. O’Neill, Dignan, Gilfillan, Boylan, Powditch and the Mover.

Mr. Boylan according to notice, moved that the Superintendent be requested to cause tenders to be invited for the construction of one or more Fountains in the City. Agreed to.

Mr. Newman requested that the Fencing Ordinance Amendment Bill be printed; and the first reading thereof be postponed until Thursday the 19th inst. Agreed to.

Mr. Powditch according to notice, moved for leave to request His Honor the Superintendent to bring in a Bill to license importers of Wines and Spirits from beyond seas. Debate ensued. Question put. Council divided. Ayes 4, Noes 4. The Speaker gave his casting vote against the question.

Mr. J. O’Neill according to notice, moved the second reading of the “Transfer of Powers,” Bill. Bill read a second time accordingly. On motion of Mr. J. O’Neill, Council went into Committee on said Bill. The Speaker left the Chair.

Mr. Porter took the Chair. Clauses 1 and 2 read and agreed to. Clause 3 postponed. Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 read and agreed to.

On motion of Mr. O’Neill, the Speaker resumed the chair. The Chairman reported progress, and asked leave to sit again on Tuesday next the 24th inst.

Mr. Porter according to notice, moved the second reading of the Audit Bill. Bill read a second time accordingly. On motion of Mr. Porter Council went into Committee on said Bill. Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 read, amended, and agreed to. Clause 7 postponed. The Speaker resumed the chair. The Chairman reported progress, and asked leave to sit again on Thursday the 19th inst.

Mr. Porter declined proceeding with the Auckland Harbour Bill; but subsequently on the motion of Mr. Williamson, that Council proceed with the consideration of the third clause, Mr. Porter assented, and with the consent of Council the Speaker left the chair.

Mr. Hill took the chair. Clause 3 (as originally printed) read and agreed to. Clauses 5 to 34, inclusive, read, amended and agreed to. Clause 35 postponed.

On the motion of Mr. Busby, the Speaker resumed the chair. The Chairman reported progress, and asked leave to sit again on Thursday, the 19th instant. Council adjourned at 7 o’clock.

THURSDAY, 19TH JANUARY, 1854.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Speaker took the Chair.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

Mr. Hill gave notice that he would move that his Honour the Superintendent be requested to move the General Government to inform this Council what quantity of land is now open for selection in the Waikato, and other Districts, separately, and also what steps have been taken to effect purchases of large blocks of land from the Natives in this Province, and in what districts, according to the declaration of His Excellency Sir George Grey to that effect, that Mr. McLean, Commissioner for the purchase of Native Lands, was to meet him at Auckland for that purpose about the latter end of June last.

Mr. Hill also gave notice that he would move that as it is of the greatest importance to country settlers and stockholders that an Inspector of Slaughter Houses should be appointed pursuant to Ordinance No. 5, Sess. 8. Clause 12, that His Honour the Superintendent be requested to inform the Council if such an officer is appointed, if so, at what salary, and from what source paid, no provision for the same appearing upon the Estimates passed.

Mr. Hill further gave notice that he would move that this Council do go into Committee for the consideration and adoption of the Newmarket Pound Committee’s Report.

Mr. J. O’Neill gave notice, that at the next meeting of Council he would move that the Speaker be instructed to obtain the opinion of the Provincial Law Officer as to whether the holding by the Superintendent of the two offices of Superintendent and Governor be in accordance with the Constitution.

On the orders of the day being called Mr. Powditch declined proceeding further with the Passenger’s Clearance Bill.

Mr. Powditch according to notice moved the first reading of the Provincial Government Bill. Bill read a first time accordingly.

Mr. Powditch gave notice that on Tuesday the 24th inst. he would move that the Bill