LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 426, 17 June 1870, Page 2

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

OPENING OF THE SESSION OF THK NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT. THE SPEECH OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.] The following information has been most considerately placed at, our disposal by the General Government: — Wellington, June 14, 4 p.m. Parliament was opened with the usual ceremonies at two o'clock p.m. to-day by the Governor in person, wheii he made the following speech : " Honorable Legislative Councillors and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives : " It is with great satisfaction that

1 have recourse to your assistance and advice. “ I am glad to be able to congratulate you on the steady progress which has been made under exceptional circumstances during the past year in the suppression of Native disturbances, in the restoration of ox-der, in the establishment of friendly relations with the Native x'ace, and in the renewal of industrial euterpi-ise in the i-ecently disturbed districts. In referring to these results it is only just that I should testify to the ability and zeal displayed by Mr. Ormond as agent of the General Government. I trust that it will bo your determination to continue the beneficial policy of 'strengthening our peaceful relations with the Natives. Active operations in the Held, for the protection of our settlements and the defence of our loyal Native fellow-subjects have been necessary during the past year. These operations have been conducted with considerable success by Native parties under the cominmand of the distinguished chiefs, Majors Kemp, Eopata, and Topia, and I gratefully recognise i the valuable services rendered by them. The conduct of the Militia Volunteers and Constabulary Force deserves high commendation. Correspondence will be laid before you which will make you acquainted with (he state of the negotiations conducted by the Colonial Commissioners with the Imperial Government on the subject of troops. “ I congratulate you on the estab-

lishmeiit of steam communication with the principal port of the United States on the Pacific Ocean. This service brings the colony into direct intercourse with that great nation, and can hardly fail to lead to results which will confer great benefits on this colony. It also provides speedy communication with Great Britain. “ Your attention will be invited to the condition of the colony, and to the stagnation and depression under which it labors, consequent upon the comparative suspension of colonisation during the last few years, with the view of renewing the great work of colonisation. Proposals will be laid beiore you to provide for encouraging and assis'ing immigration, and for constructing public works. “ Gentlemen c f liie Bou-e o.' Eepr<>-sc.itatives.--Est.lm itc-s of expenditure for Die coming financial year wi 11 .-a laid before you. "While providing fir the efficiency of the public service, they will exhibit a strict regard to the commercial administration of the virions departments ■ f Government. ‘‘Honorable Legislative Councillors and Gentlemen ol the House ol Representatives,—l am happy to inform you that the telegraph has made most

satisraetory progress in various re spects. Communication is open with Pateaand Taupo, and is being rapidly extended to Tauranga. You will be glad to learn that the New Zealand Commissioners are negotiating tor the construction of a cable between New Zealand and Austalia. You will be asked to consider the subject. The beneficent measure for promoting life assurance, which you passed last session, has been brought into operation and, short though the time has been since that date, it gives every prospect of success. Amongst other subjects, you will be asked to give your cun s deration to measnies to re-ailjust the representation; to provide for vote by ballot; to amend the law of bankruptcy to enable local rates to be readily recovered from absentees; to reduce the duty on gold of an inferior quality; to reduce the rate of interprovincial postage; to re-unite, at their own desire the provinces of Otago and Southland and to facilitate the i egistrationof titles and the transfer of land. I trust that the Divine wisdom will guide your deliberations, and that your united labors will result in the establishment of permanent peace, and the promotion of the general prosperity of the colony.”