HIS HONOR THE SUPERINTENDENT’S SPEECH,

Dunstan Times, Issue 577, 9 May 1873, Page 3

HIS HONOR THE SUPERINTENDENT’S SPEECH,

—o— OPENING OF THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL OF OTAGO. —o—[by electric telegraph.] —o — Dunedin, May 7, 2.15 p.ta. The Session of the Provincial Council was opened to-day by his Honor the Superintendent. His Honor epitomised the progress of the Province during the past year, and declared the value of imports 1,834.998?., the duties upon which amounted to 202,000?. ; the amount of gold exported was 169,212 ounces, against 166,372 in 1872. The total value of Provincial produce exported, inclusive of gold, amounted to 2,279,063?., against 1,190,000?. for the preceding year—equal to 70?, per head of each male adult in the Province—which he would venture to say was unequalled in the world. The total receipts from all sources were 338,000?., againet 289,000?. in 1872. Last year the overdraught was 30,497?.: this year commenced with a balance in favor of the Government 16,698?., while 82,874?. had been expended on Public Works. At no period since its first settlement had the Province been more prosperous. His Honor referred to the increased gold yield as evidencing the great vitality and permanence of that industry. The bonus offered for the establishment of a paper manufactory had the desired effect, and a bond had been entered into which would result in the immediate formation of a factory on the banks of the Mataura. Several persons in the Province were prepared to take up the sperm whale fishery, and [he would recommend that a bonus of 500?. be given. 27,000?. were required for increased school accommodation, and he would propose to place aside 1,500?. out of the 11,000?. per annum derived from educational rentals for thirty years. If the Coloniol Legislature concurred, 30,000?. would be immediately available. He would advocate the appintment of an additional Inspector of Schools and the establishment / '"f normal schools. Referred to the necessity of connecting the Mataura, Clutha, Moeraki, aud Port Chalmers Railway, and feared that, if left to the Colonial Government, years would elapse before it was done. Proposed that the Province immediately proceed with the construction of that portion of the railway, together with a branchlet to Tapanui. He said that the former and the branch to Tapanui. The estimated cost, independent of the of the branch-line, was 150,000?., exclusive of rolling stock. Between the Clutha and Mataura 300,000 acres of splendid land only required railway communication to render it available. Proposals had been submitted for the construction of the line within two years from the date of contract; payment at the rate of 30,000?. for the first two years, the balance within one year of the completion of the line. Recommended hypothecating land immediately, and calling for tenders. It was intended to improve main roads in the interior. The estimates provided a larger amount for public works. The Government intended to continue the 1?. subsidy to the Road Boards, and to similarly subsidise the goldfields districts. Of the North District loan, 24,000?. had been expended on the Oamaru Breakwater, which was likely to prove a great success ; 25,000?. was to be expended on a tramway up the main valley of the Waitaki. Tenders were being called to the extent of 13,000?. for bridging rivers and the harbor works in Kakanui district. He recommended the expenditure of 15,000. for the defence of the Port. A contract had been entered into on behalf of the Province with Messrs. Patrick Henderson and Co. for the resumption of emigration from the Clyde. Mr. Auld urged the establishment of emigration by steamers direct to Otago. The General Government had warmly approved of the suggestion, and had directed Dr. Featherstone accordingly. The vote for 12,000?. for immigration would be continued on the estimates, but he did not think it would require to be operated upon. He would submit a proposal for the creation of a farm at Tokomairiro, and the removal to there of able-bodied lunatics, throwing open the Dunedin Hospital to all (1, medical practioners in the city ; a further endowment of 100,000 acres of land to the University,provided the Council established schools of medicine and surgery ; a proposal to reclaim the mud flats in Dunedin Bay, has been made by private individuals who offer to reclaim 250 acres free, the proceeds of the sale of laudjin Dunedin to be equallydividedbetwcen them and the Province. Thinks work’should bo done in the Province resulting in a profit of 20,000?., which might go to the endowment of the proposed harbor. 30,000 acres of land were proposed to be thrown open on tho deferred payment system. Recommended increasing the price of superior waste lands to 2?. per acre. The Superintendent slightly referred to Mr. Reid’s dismissal ; and concluded by saying that, apart from all considerations of party, never since the establishment of responsible Government were the affairs of the Province more prosderous or more efficiently conducted than now. Mr. M'Glashan tabled a series of resolutions, affirming tho desirability of reform in the Upper House, making it elective, and that reform should emanate from themselves. hlr. Fish moves the addressjin replp.

Ths Melbourne police have received orders to arrest all -women found loiterD S in the streets after midnight. Why are women like churches ? Firstly, because there is no living without one ; secondly, because there is many a spire to them ; thirdly, because they are objects of adoration ; and lastly, because they have a oud clapper in their upper story.