The Chairman, in his opening state ment, said the reply from tlie Lyttelton Harbor Board had been received in answer to the Council's letter forwarding resolu tions regarding thesuggested reductions in wharf charges and the representation of the Council at that Board. Neither of the resolutions had been favorably enter tained. A circular from the Royal Com mission on Native Industries had been received asking for information regarding such industries in this county as may be encouraged. The hospital surgical instru ments had arrived, and were in the build- The Chairman understood they were all that could be desired. Tenders for the supply of hospital furniture, and applications for the positions of master and matron had been received, and were ready for disposal at that meeting. The Chairman expressed his trust that it would not be long before the hospital would be ready for occupation. The In spector of Slaughterhouses had been furnished with a list of those who have obtained renewal and fresh licenses, and he would visit the various premises as soon as possible. The use of the Council’s premises had been granted for the 10th inst., to the Civil Service Commission, but the Chair man of the Commission now wrote to say

that they would not be able to reach Ash burton before some day in the following week. Messrs Garrick and Covvlishaw had furnished the Council with a copy cf the petition re the Water Supply Bill for the Council’s signature and seal, and the petition required to be forwarded to Wel lington in accordance with the standing orders of the General Assembly. Notice of the Bill was being advertised. The col lector had obtained L 34 6s. 6d. of the separate rate struck for the protective works in the Upper Ashburton riding, and he did not contemplate any difficulty in getting the balance. engineer’s report. The Engineer reported as fallows : South Ashburton River Bridge, Mount Somers. The contractor continues to make good progress with this bridge. The bed of the river is somewhat rough, and there is a difficulty in getting some of the piles into exact positions, but fourteen of the piers have been already securely driven to the specified depth, and a large quantity of the requisite materials is now on the ground. North Askbui ton River Bridge at Digby's. 