On the motion of Mr. Hickson, Council in Committee on Customs Bill.

Title—Preamble—Clauses 1 and 2 read, amended, and agreed to.

On the motion of Mr. Hickson, consideration of Schedule adjourned to the next meeting of Council.

On the motion of His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Council resumed.

On the motion of Col. M'Cleverty, seconded by the Attorney-General, “Land Fund Appropriation Bill” read a second time.

On the motion of the Colonial Treasurer, seconded by the Attorney-General, the “Hutt Fencing Bill” read a first time.

The Attorney-General having waived the order of precedence,

The Colonial Secretary moved, seconded by Mr. Hickson, the second reading of “Census Bill.”

Motion agreed to, and bill read a second time accordingly.

On the motion of Mr. Hickson, a letter from Major Graham, Registrar-General to Mr. Under-Secretary Hawes, ordered to be printed.

Captain Smith declined bringing now forwards the motion for the second reading of “Land Claimants Bill,” but gave notice that he should move that this bill be read a second time on Tuesday next.

The Attorney-General gave notice that, at the next meeting of Council, he should move that Council go into Committee on “Debtors Bill.”

Col. M'Cleverty gave notice that, at the next meeting of Council, he should move that Council go into Committee on “Land Fund Appropriation Bill.”

The Colonial Treasurer gave notice that, at the next meeting of Council, he should move the second reading of “Hutt Fencing Bill.”

His Excellency laid on the table a bill for shortening the Language used in Ordinances.

His Excellency adjourned the Council at a quarter past 3 o’clock to Thursday next, the 5th day of June, at 2 o’clock.

THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 1851.

Present—

His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief.

His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor.

And the members as on yesterday, also

The Hon. Andrew Sinclair, Colonial Secretary of New Zealand.

” ” Wm. Swainson, Attorney-General of New Zealand.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Rev. the Colonial Chaplain read prayers.

The minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed.

The Colonial Secretary of New Zealand presented a letter from certain Landowners and others residing in the Auckland district on the subject of the “Land Claimants Bill,” which was ordered to be printed.

On the motion of the Attorney-General of New Munster, seconded by the Hon. H. W. Petre, Council in Committee on “Debtors Bill.”

Title—Preamble—Clauses 1, 2, and 3 read, amended, and agreed to.

Council resumed, and bill brought up and adopted.

On the motion of Mr. Cautley, a petition from certain Sheeppowners and others in the district of Nelson, on the subject of the duty on tobacco used in Sheep-dressing, was read.

Mr. Hickson moved that Council do go into Committee on Schedule to “Customs Bill.”

Mr. Dillon Bell moved as an amendment, “That the Bill be referred to a select Committee with instructions to report how far the proposed duties may be an equivalent for the Ad valorem duties at present collected. The Committee to consist of—

The Collector of Customs.

The Colonial Secretary of New Munster.

Mr. Hickson.

Mr. Cautley.

Mr. Dillon Bell.”

Amendment put and negatived, being Ayes 3—Noes 12.

Original motion agreed to, and Council in Committee.

Items 1 to 50 read, amended, and agreed to; when Council resumed.

Mr. Hickson gave notice that to-morrow he should move the further consideration, in Committee, of Schedule to “Customs Bill.”

The Colonial Secretary gave notice that to-morrow he should move Council in Committee on “Census Bill.”

On the motion of Col. M'Cleverty Council adjourned at 6 o’clock, p.m., to Friday the 6th day of June, at 2 o’clock.

FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 1851.

Present—

His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief.

His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, and the Members as on yesterday, with the exception of

The Hon. the Colonial Secretary of New Munster.

” ” the Colonial Treasurer.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Rev. the Colonial Chaplain read prayers.

The Minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed.

On the motion of Mr. Hickson, Council in Committee on Schedule to “Customs Bill.”