THE UNSPOKEN SPEECH.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1084, 19 December 1877, Page 3

THE UNSPOKEN SPEECH.

The Duuedin "Evening Star" has received the following from "a correspondent" as a copy of the speech which his Excellency declined to deliver at the prorogation of Parliament:—• Honoraj-.i.e Legislative Colwoilloks and grentt.kmex of the hou.se ok repreSF.NTATTVi:*, — At the close of the longest session ever known in the colony, I have to thank you for the earnest attention devoted to your arduous duties. The patriotism and selfdevotion which have distinguished your conduct of business cannot but commend themselves to the people of New Zealand, and will be gratefully remembered by posterity. In consequence of a vote of the House of Representatives, Major Atkinson and his colleagues ceased to be my advisers ; but I was fortunate in being able to call to my councils gentlemen to whom the interests of the colonists may be safely confided, and who have aheady displayed conspicuous ability in correspondence with myself and in evading the attempts of an unscrupulous Opposition to eject them from office. Amongst the measures which have occupied your consideration, and have passed into law, I note with satisfaction the Education Act, which provides a system of free, secular, and compulsory education for the whole colony. I regret, however, that this includes provision for high class education, thus enabling the children of a mushroom aristocracy to obtaiu special advantages at the expense of the working man and the general taxpayer. The Mines Act, which consolidates and amends the laws relating to the gold-fields, is so excellent and practical a measure that I am much surprised it was not shelved in the Legislative Council. I am assured by the Government that the goldfields will receive their special attention, and that a seat in the Cabinet will be placed at the disposal of a distinguished representative of those interests—Mr BariF, of Hokitika. The Native Lands Courts Bill, which would not improbably, had it passed into law, have effectually prevented the recurrence of any difficulties with the aboriginal race, was, under circumstances well known to you, discharged from the Order Paper. I am advised that the political use of Native disturbances cannot be dispensed with by my Government, who are prepared to sacrifice even a few white settlers rather than that the destinies of the colony and of the human race should be imperilled by the pas ing of their portfolios into other hands. It is proposed at once to stop all surveys now proceeding with the confiscated lands, and to submit proposals next session for restoring those to the Natives. I am assured by my Government that no arrangement will be made in the meantime for securing large tracts of fine country upon profitable terms for any of their supporters in or out of the House. Genteejien of the House of tives,I thank you for tho liberal supplies voted to Her Majesty. They shall be administered with the utmost economy consistent with the efficiency of the public service. The system of finance now inaugurated I feel confident will lead to the happiest results, including additional taxation and the steppage of expenditure upon public works. The credit of the colony will be placed on a substantial basis when the public creditors are free from the delusion that they will ever be paid—a delusion certain to be re-

moved by the perusal of the Financial Statement.

Honorable Legislative Councillors and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, — Two millions and a half of money have been authorised under the Loan Act to be raised during the year. I am assured by my Government that, if successfully floated, it will all be spent before Parliament meets next year, and that just exactly in the way they choose, the schedule of the Act notwithstanding. You will, I feel sure, acknowledge the wisdom of this course, as it is impossible to settle at present in what direction a large expenditure may most profitably affect the balance of parties in the House.

I have with great reluctance given my approval to the Land Act, which provides liberally for settlement, and definitely closes the period of tenancy of large tracts of country for pastoral purposes. My Government would have opposed the Bill in the House, or contrived to get it shelved in the Council could they have done so with safety to their official position. I am glad to say that although holding very strong views upon the subject, they refrained from advising me to exercise my veto. A course so unconstitutional, had it been taken, would have induced me seriously to consider their dismissal.

In returning to your several districts I trust that you will use your influence in promoting the general prosperity of all classes of the community, and that the probity, honor, and decorum which have distinguished your conduct in Parliament may add lustre to the private circles of which you are the ornaments.

I now prorogue this Parliament until January 20tb, 1878.