59

amended, which was read a third time and passed.

Mr. Porter moved the appointment of the Committee to consider and report on all messages sent down by the Superintendent. Agreed to.

Mr. Busby moved his resolution relative to procuring from the Speaker of the House of Commons, for the Library of this Council, a copy of all Parliamentary Reports and Documents which it might be in his power to furnish. Agreed to.

Mr. Hill requested that his motion might be postponed until Mr. Connell’s be considered. Agreed to.

Mr. Connell, according to notice, moved the adoption of the resolutions of which he had given notice, relative to the Public Lands of the Province, which were agreed to as amended, viz:—

"That it is the opinion of this Council, that with a view to the harmonious working of the New Constitution, it is very desirable that the powers of the Provincial Councils be enlarged, so as to enable them to legislate finally upon all subjects affecting the local interests of the respective Provinces; and that the action of the General Assembly be confined to such matters as affect the interests of these islands taken as a whole.

"That this Council desires to express its full confidence that the General Assembly will, in exercise of the powers vested in them by the Constitution Act, adopt such measures to amend the Constitution, as may (when approved of by Her Majesty) confer upon the Provincial Legislatures, the complete and effectual control of the affairs of their respective Provinces.

"That in the opinion of this Council, the management of the public lands of the Province, the price and terms of sale or lease, and all other matters relating thereto, are local and not general interests, and as such ought to be entrusted to the Provincial Legislatures.

"That, recognising the late regulations for the sale of land as a boon; this Council is of opinion that any legislation tending to raise the price of the Public lands would be highly injurious to the interests of the Province, and adverse to the earnest wishes of the Community.

"That these resolutions be communicated through His Honour the Superintendent to the Officer administering the Government, with a request that His Excellency will be pleased to lay them before the General Assembly, together with a bill embodying the principles contained in them."

Mr. Hill, with permission of the Council, withdrew his notice of motion.

Mr. Ginfellap, according to notice, moved his resolution relative to a revision of the New Zealand Tariff. Agreed to.

Mr. Williamson according to notice moved the consideration of his notice relative to the appointment of a Committee to enquire and report on the several Trusts proposed to be handed over by the General Government to the Province. Agreed to.

Mr. Boylan gave notice that on Friday, the 3rd instant, he would move that the Superintendent’s amendments to the City Council Bill be re-considered, and if agreed to that Bill be read a third time and passed.

Mr. Porter gave notice that on Friday, the 3rd instant, he would move the re-consideration in Committee, of the Auckland Harbour Bill, and that the Bill be read a third time and passed.

Council adjourned at a quarter to 6 o’clock until 3 o’clock on Friday, the 3rd instant.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 1854.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Speaker took the Chair.

The minutes of the last Meeting were read and confirmed.

The Speaker laid before the Council a letter from the Superintendent enclosing a Seal which had been prepared for the use of the Province. Letter read. Council were of opinion that the consideration of the subject should be deferred. Council, however, at a subsequent period of the Sitting, approved of the Seal as a temporary measure, provided the centre device was erased; and the Speaker was requested to communicate the same to the Superintendent.

The Speaker laid before the Council Message No. 64, from the Superintendent, respecting the appointment of the Inspector of Slaughter Houses, and informing them of the Salary granted by the General Government to that officer.

Mr. Boylan presented a petition, signed by 276 farmers, and others, requesting that distillation might be permitted in the Province. Petition read.

Mr. Boylan also presented a petition from certain inhabitants of Otahuhu, praying that a policeman might be stationed at that village. Petition read.

Mr. Boylan gave notice that at the next meeting of Council, he would move that His Honour the Superintendent be requested to place one policeman, if possible, upon duty at Otahuhu, the inhabitants providing a residence for him at their own expense.

Mr. Derrom gave notice that at the next meeting of Council, he would move the consideration of certain additional clauses, when the Council is in Committee, on the City Council Bill.

Mr. O’Brien gave notice that at the next meeting of Council, he would move for leave to bring in a Bill for the distillation of Spirits in the province of Auckland, and to repeal the Distillation Ordinance at present in force.

Mr. Porter, according to notice, moved for leave to bring in a Sheep Bill. Debate ensued. Question put and negatived.

Mr. Porter, according to notice, moved the second reading of the Slaughter House Amendment Bill. Debate ensued. Question put and negatived.

Mr. Derrom, according to notice, moved the consideration, in Committee, of the City Building Bill.

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