Motion adopted and the Colonial Secretary of New Munster requested to prepare the address in question.

Mr. Dillon moved for—

A return in detail of the compensation granted by the late New Zealand Company to its purchasers, distinguishing the modes in which such compensation has been given, and whether by land scrip or otherwise; the total amount given by Absentees and Residents respectively; and the name of each purchaser, with the amount originally paid by him to the Company; the amount of compensation granted to him, and the total number of acres included in his original purchase and compensation together.

His Excellency then adjourned the Council at four o’clock, p.m., to Thursday, July the 3rd, at two o’clock.

THURSDAY, JULY 3.

Present—

His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief, His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor and the Members as on yesterday, also the Collector of Customs.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment. The Rev. the Colonial Chaplain read prayers.

The minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed.

Mr. Cautley resumed the discussion on the subject of an address to the Crown respecting the extension of the Canterbury block, and moved the adoption by Council of the following resolution:—

That this Council having reason to believe that it is the intention of the Canterbury Association to endeavour to obtain an extension of the limits of their present territory, a committee be appointed to report whether, looking to the principles on which the Association has been founded, and the position of the land adjoining to their present territory, such extension would tend to promote the interests of the whole colony, in order that if they be of a different opinion, an address to the Crown should be prepared by them to that effect and should be submitted for the consideration of the Council on a future occasion, and that the committee do consist of:—

The Hon. the Colonial Secretary of New Munster,

,, The Commissioner for Nelson,

,, W. Hickson and

,, W. O. Cautley.

Motion adopted.

Mr. Hickson moved the order of the day for further consideration in committee on Customs Bill, and moved as an amendment that the repeal of the duty on flour be permanent.

Debate ensued.

On a division, amendment carried, being—

Ayes,

His Excellency the Lieut.-Governor,

Hon. Col. M’Cleverty,

Hon. Colonial Treasurer,

,, Collector of Customs,

,, Capt. Smith,

,, W. Hickson.

Noes,

Hon. The Colonial Secretary of New Munster,

,, The Attorney General of New Zealand

,, C. A. Dillon,

,, G. Cutfield,

,, W. O. Cautley.

Mr. Carkeek moved the repeal of duty on items under the head Corn.

Upon a division amendment negatived, being—

Ayes,

Hon. The Colonial Secretary of New Munster,

,, Collector of Customs,

,, Dillon Bell,

,, C. A. Dillon.

Noes.

His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor,

Hon. Col. M’Cleverty,

,, The Colonial Secretary of New Zealand,

,, The Attorney General of New Zealand

,, The Colonial Treasurer,

,, W. Hickson,

,, W. O. Cautley,

,, Capt. Smith

,, G. Cutfield.

Mr. Dillon Bell moved, as an amendment, that an additional increase of one shilling per gallon be placed on the item spirits.

On a division amendment negatived, being

Ayes,

Hon. the Colonial Treasurer,

,, The Collector of Customs,

,, Dillon Bell,

,, W. O. Cautley.

Noes,

His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor,

Hon. Col. M’Cleverty,

,, Colonial Secretary of New Zealand,

,, Colonial Secretary of New Munster,

,, The Attorney General of New Zealand,

,, Capt. Smith

,, G. Cutfield

,, C. A. Dillon,

,, W. Hickson.

On the motion of Mr. Hickson, Council resumed.

The report being brought up not adopted.

Mr. Carkeek moved, seconded by the Attorney General of New Zealand, that the Bill be recommitted.

Debate ensued.