because it feels that until the General Assembly shall have clearly defined the system of government to be adopted in the whole colony, the free action of the Provincial legislatures is greatly impeded, and the difficulties in the way of passing useful measures are proportionately increased. Notwithstanding these difficulties, however, this Council is so fully aware that many questions will admit of no further delay, that it entirely agrees with your Honor in the propriety, and indeed, in the urgent necessity of holding another Session.

Your Honor may rest assured that this Council will give its best and most earnest attention to the measures to be brought before it, in as far as it lies in its power, to ensure the peace, order, and good government of the Province.

Resolutions in reference to the Accounts of the Canterbury Association. Adopted 16th February, 1854.

1. That a select Committee, consisting of Messrs. Bealey, Packer, Hall, Hamilton and Tancred, be appointed to examine the accounts of the Canterbury Association, and report thereon, as also upon the proposal which has been made by the Agent of the said Association, and to make any recommendations in reference to this subject which to them may appear proper. The Committee to be at liberty to obtain the assistance of an accountant in the investigation of the accounts, and to have power to examine witnesses and call for papers.

2. That the Speaker be requested to communicate with the Agent of the Canterbury Association, and to request him to place the accounts in the hands of the select Committee.

Resolution as to taking the votes upon a division. Adopted 17th February, 1854.

That it is the opinion of this Council that upon any division of the Council, or of a Committee, the names and votes of all members be taken and recorded.

Resolution in reference to finance. Adopted 17th February.

That this Council approves of His Honor’s proposal in reference to finance.

Resolution on increasing the number of the members of the Provincial Council. Adopted 17th February, 1854.

1. That in the opinion of this Council it is desirable that the number of its members should be increased to not less than 24 members.

2. It is desirable to delay any alteration in existing arrangements until after the next registration of electors.

Resolutions in reference to public works. Adopted 22nd February, 1854.

1. That subject to the resolutions passed by this Council on the 17th inst., the Council approves of the expenditure of the following sums upon the several objects hereinafter specified, that is to say:

Total: | 1804 | 13 | 8 |

2. The Council is of opinion that the above works should be undertaken so far as is possible in the order in which they are placed on the above list.

Resolution on the subject of the Christchurch Town Reserves. Adopted, March 3.

The Council taking into consideration the early period at which it is probable that the land known as the Christchurch Town Reserves will come under the control of the Provincial Government, and at which the people of the Province will be enabled by their representatives in this Council to decide upon the measures to be adopted with regard to it. Resolves:

That, under existing circumstances, it would be unwise and inexpedient to alienate the Christchurch Town Reserves. That a copy of the above resolution be transmitted to His Honor the Superintendent, with a request that he will forward the same without delay to the Officer administering the General Government. That a copy likewise be forwarded to the Commissioner of Crown Lands for this Province, requesting that he will suspend any proceedings with respect to the alienation of the Christchurch Town Reserves until the decision of the General Government upon the subject shall be known.

Resolutions in reference to ships sailing to different ports from those to which they have cleared out. Adopted March 3rd, 1854.

It being notorious that vessels are in the constant habit of clearing out for ports, to which it is not intended that they should proceed, or to which they proceed...