been introduced into the Province of New Munster no fewer than 65,241 emigrants, one third adults, and two thirds children,—the cost of their passage being taken at the rate at which the Land and Emigration Commissioners actually paid for the few they sent hither. And this would still have left funds ample and probably far more than sufficient for the purchase of land, and all expenses connected with its sale and administration. The number really introduced by the Company amounted to 11,680 souls,—about the present population of the Province.

After all reasonable allowance, then, for the obligation the public is under to the Company for having by its enterprise been the means of causing the occupation by your Majesty’s Government of this invaluable field for colonization, and by its energy and activity, of keeping the public attention continually alive to the advantages of emigration thereto, we cannot refrain from expressing our opinion that the facts just stated incontrovertibly prove that the plan adopted by Parliament, of delegating the administration of the Crown lands to associations, is a highly impolitic and injurious one.

We therefore pray that your Majesty will be graciously pleased to direct, as far as depends upon your Majesty, that the administration and disposal of the Crown demesne in this colony may be based upon one uniform and impartial system, as was done by the act of Parliament so often alluded to, and which was devised with so much care, experience, and deliberation, and attended with guarantees apparently so satisfactory and infallible. We pray that all lands whatever may be disposed of by sale on equal terms, whether to private individuals or public associations, in order that the loss and detriment resulting from experiments of whatever kind in colonization may hereafter fall not upon the public, but solely upon the real owners of the lands with regard to which they are made, upon those only who set them on foot, and should alone be responsible for their failure; and in order that the public interests, and the rights and welfare of all your Majesty’s subjects in this respect may be equally and equitably provided for and secured.

The Colonial Secretary of New Zealand gave notice that on Monday next he should move second reading of “Bank Charters Bill.”

Capt. Smith gave notice that on Tuesday next he should move the third reading of “Land Claimants Ordinance.”

Col. M’Cleverty gave notice that on Monday next he should move the first reading of “Paper Currency Bill.”

Col. M’Cleverty gave notice, for the Colonial Treasurer, that on Monday next he should move Council in committee on “Appropriation Bill.”

Mr. Bell gave notice that on Monday next he should move third reading of “Building and Land Societies Ordinance.”

His Excellency then adjourned the Council at half-past five o’clock to Monday next, the 28th day of July, at two o’clock.

MONDAY, JULY 28.

Present—

His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief and eleven members.

Absent—

His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor and the hon. Collector of Customs.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment. The Rev. T. B. Hutton, in the absence of the Colonial Chaplain, read prayers.

The minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed.

The Attorney General of New Zealand moved the order of the day for the third reading of “Crown Lands Amendment Ordinance,” seconded by the Attorney General of New Munster, and adopted.

Ordinance read a third time and passed.

On the motion of the Colonial Secretary of New Zealand, seconded by the Colonial Secretary of New Munster, “Bank Charters Bill” read a second time and committed.

Title, preamble, and clauses one and two with the several sections following clause two read, amended and agreed to.

In section eight, Mr. Bell moved, seconded by the Colonial Treasurer, that the words one sixth be substituted for one-third. Committee divided.

Amendment negatived, and original motion that the section do stand as read, put and carried.

On the motion of the Colonial Secretary of New Zealand Council resumed, and the Report being brought up, adopted.

On the motion of Col. M’Cleverty, seconded by the Col. Treasurer, “Paper Currency Bill” read a first time.

On the motion of the Colonial Treasurer, Council in committee on “Appropriation Bill.” Title, preamble, and clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4 read, amended, and agreed to.

On the motion of the Colonial Treasurer, the sum of £70 placed on the Estimates as salary of scab Inspector at Lyttelton, and £5 added to sum allowed for ground rent of public offices.

Mr. Cutfield moved, seconded by Mr. Bell, that forage for one horse be allowed to the Commissioner of Crown Lands at Taranaki,

Debate ensued, when motion withdrawn.

On the motion of the Colonial Treasurer Council resumed, and Report being brought up, adopted.