GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1388, 27 July 1878, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

*. OPENING- OF PARLIAMENT [By Telegbapii.] [PBB PEEBB AGENCY,] Wellington, July 26. [The following portion of his Excellency’s speech was received after we went to press yesterday] . The successful issue of the loan authorised last session is a further proof of the opinion entertained in other countries of the stability of our financial position, and of the gensr d prosperity and peace which prevail in New Zealand. Authority has been given to the agents under the Consolidated Stock Act to convert New Zealand securities of a miscellaneous character into long-dated debentures, bearing a uniform rate of interest. Measur s will be introduced to place the taxation of the colony on a more equitable basis, apportioning the public burdens according to the capacity to bear them, and the tariff will bo submitted to revision, tending to relieve commerce of some restrictions which retard it growth. HONOUBABLE LEGISLATIVE COITNCILLOHS AND GENTLEMEN OP THE HOUSE OP BEPBESBNTATIVES. The Government have found that, in order to carry out any real administrative reform, there must be an amalgamation of offices as well as a simplification in their administration (this has been specially felt in the department o justice) to effect a saving of departmental expenditure, and at the same time to increase the efficiency of the administration of justice. A Bill extending the jurisdiction of the inferior Courts has been prepared, and will be laid before you. My Ministers have endeavoured by this Bill to simplify the proceedings in the local Courts. Steps have also been taken to obtain a simplification of the Supremo Court procedure, and. the Government hope that the benefits obtained in other countries from amending the procedure of the higher Courts of judicature will be secured for this colony. A report will bo laid before you showing the effect, so far, of the Education Act passed last session. The time that has elapsed since its passing has been too short to allow a fair estimate of its working to bo arrived at, but the Government do not believe that any material amendments are at present expedient. The question of higher education deserves most careful consideration, but as a preliminary thereto it is necessary that the mode of working and the effects of existing institutions should be ascertained. It is intended, therefore, to appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into jnct report upon the operations of the New Zealand University and its relations to the secondary schools of the colony. The report of this commission will, if legislation be necessary, enable Parliament to deal effectively with the subject next session. Arrangements have been entered into wdh the Government of New South Wales for modification in the fcian Iva udaco mail service contract, and as to coming within the terms of the Postal Union. In conjunction with Now South Wales trie Government have also negotiated with Colonel Glover, the representative of the Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Company, for a duplication of the cable from Port Darwin to London, and for reduction of tariff on New Zealand cable. The present stale of the negotiations will be shown by papers that will ho laid before you. The goldfields of the colony arc still prosperous, and there can be n > doubt that there are yet numerous and extensive auriferous deposits that only require population and enterprise for their development. You will, I have vo d oht, join with me in the hope that the proposal to establish direct Bteam communication between New Zealand

and the United Kingdom may prove success ful.

The results of the gradual extension of the railway system have been such as to justify the colony in undertaking its large indebtedness for the prosecution of those public works.

It is gratifying to find that the District. Railways Act of last session is being taken advantage of, and that the faith of the people of New Zealand in railway extension is being shown by many important lines indifferent parts of the colony being undertaken by private and local enterprise. This spirit of self-reliance, my Ministers think, should be fostered, and you will bo asked to make some slight amendments, with the view of offering facilities which experience has shown to be desirable.

During the recess various changes have been introduced into the management of the public works and railways departments — changes which I venture to hope may prove beneficial to the public service. I commend to your serious consideration the various measures and subjects that may be brought before you for your advice and action, and I pray that the Spirit of Divine wisdom may so order your deliberations that peace and happiness may be promoted throughout the length and breadth of the colony. [from the correspondent of the pbess.] Wellington, July 26.

Parliament was opened with the usual ceremonies and in most favourable weather. The Governor’s carriage was accompanied by a guard of honor, composed of the volunteers, artillery, and city rifles. At 260 p.m. punctually the doors of the Legislative Council were opened, and the Governor entered, preceded by Mr Lepatourel, and followed by Lord Harvey Phipps, Captain Towmsend, Lieutenant Cochrane, and another officer of H.M.S. Nymphe. As soon as the Governor had taken the chair usually occupied by the Speaker, Sir John Richardson ordered Captain Humphries, the newly appointed usher of the black rod, to summon the mombsrs of the House of Representatives to the bar of the Council Chamber, headed by Sir Wm. Fitzherbert, the members flocked in, and listened with attention to the Governor’s speech, which has been telegraphed to you. The Premier was conspicuous by his absence. Sir George Grey, you must know, is subject to chronic attacks of an illness that always happens to suit his own convenience. After his Excellency had loft, the Council adjourned for half an hour, and during this interval the new members of the Lower House were sworn in, and business was at once proceeded with. After the usual notices of motion, Mr Sheehan brought forward a Bill for the amendment of the Native Lands Act, 1873. The Native Minister explained that the action of the Government was duo to the fact that one of the Native interpreters in the employ of Mr J. O. Mactay had refused to appear and give evidence before the Native Lands Court. The Bill therefore was intended to enforce the attendance of recalcitrant witnesses.

This Bill was passed through all its stages -and was then sent to the Council, where Mr John Martin and Mr P. A. Buckley had already been sworn in, and the usual notices of motion given. The Bill passed through nil its stages in the Council, and the Council adjourned till 7 30 p.m, on Tuesday. In the Lower House Messrs Seymour George and Hobbs, in the Upper, Messrs Buckley and Wilson, will move the reply to the address.

With respect to Captain Humphries appointment as usher of the black rod, this office is of course a perfect sinecure, and it is thought scarcely consistent for a Premier whoso one cry is retrenchment to cause the country to pay annually £250 on account of a useless and absurd billet.