THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 1849.

Present:

The Governor-in-Chief and nine Members.

Absent:

His Excellency Major-General Pitt.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

The Attorney-General according to notice moved the first reading of the “Crown Titles” Bill.

Bill read a first time.

Mr. Merriman moved that all returns laid on the table be printed, but subsequently withdrew his motion on the Attorney General moving that a Committee consisting of

• The Surveyor General
• Mr. Merriman
• Mr. Barstow

be appointed, with power to print so much of the documents as they may deem expedient.

Mr. Barstow moved that the following Return be laid on the table, viz.

“A Return of Waste Lands of the Crown stating the amount in each district, and distinguishing the quantity which from being forest or other causes is not suitable for depasturing.”

The Attorney General gave notice that at the next sitting of the Council he should move that the ‘Crown Titles’ Bill be read a second time.

The Colonial Secretary gave notice that at the next sitting of Council he would move that the “Crown Lands Bill” be read a second time.

The Colonial Secretary then moved that the following resolution be adopted—

“That it in extremely desirable and proper that on each day of the Council assembling, Prayers be offered up previous to its proceeding to public business for the Divine blessing and guidance on its deliberations.”

The Governor laid on the table a Despatch from the Secretary of State relative to the compensation to be awarded to Mr. J. S. Polack for his alleged losses at the destruction of Kororareka.

Council adjourned until two o’clock on Saturday the 4th inst.

SATURDAY, 4TH AUGUST, 1849.

Present:

The Governor-in-Chief and nine Members.

Absent:

His Excellency Major-General Pitt, K.H.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

The Attorney-General according to notice moved the order of the day for the second reading of the Crown Titles’ Bill, a debate thereon ensuing. On motion of Mr. Merriman, seconded by Major Matson, debate adjourned to Thursday the 9th inst.

The Surveyor General brought up the report from the committee appointed to examine the returns relating to the Land Claims. Report read.

The Colonial Secretary moved and Lieutenant-Colonel Hulme seconded the following resolution which were agreed to:

1st. “That the Colonial Chaplain should be warned by the Clerk of Council at what time and on what days it will be requisite for him to attend for the purpose of reading prayers.”

2nd. “That if the Colonial Chaplain or his Deputy be not present within 15 minutes after the appointed hour of meeting the Council shall proceed to business without prayers being read.”

Ordered that the days of meeting of Council for despatch of business be on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, at two o’clock.

The Governor laid on the table the Return of Waste Land of the Crown, moved by Mr. Barstow at the last sitting of the Council.

On motion of Mr. Barstow ordered that said Return be printed.

The Colonial Secretary gave notice that on Tuesday next he would move that Council go into committee on the Crown Lands Bill.

The Governor informed the Council that on Tuesday next he would lay the Estimates on the table.

Council adjourned until two o’clock on Tuesday, the 7th instant.

TUESDAY, 7TH AUGUST, 1849.

Present:

His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief and nine Members.

Absent:

His Excellency Major-General Pitt, K.H.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Colonial Chaplain was in attendance and read prayers.

Major Matson presented a petition from a number of the inhabitants of Auckland and the surrounding district praying for the establishment of a public market. Petition read and received, and consideration thereof postponed until estimates are before Council.

Major Matson also presented a petition from certain stockholders relative to the appointment of “Inspectors of Slaughter-Houses,” but subsequently withdrew it, with a view of bringing it under the notice of Council when estimates come under consideration.

The Colonial Secretary moved the order of the day for Council going into committee on the “Crown Lands Bill.” Bill committed.

Title, preamble, clauses 1, 2, read and agreed to. Consideration of clause 3 postponed. Clause 4 to 8 read and agreed to. Clause 9 amended.