THE Marlborough Express. SATURDAY, JULY 11, 1868. “EXPRESS” TELEGRAMS.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 125, 11 July 1868, Page 3

THE Marlborough Express.

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 1868. “EXPRESS” TELEGRAMS.

«• GITR me the liberty to know, to utter, ami to nr;no freely according to conscience, above all other liberties.* UILTOiV.

WELLINGTON. (From our Own Correspondent.) Opening of the General Assembly. The Governor’s Address. No additional Taxes to be imposed. Important Legislation for Rural districts. Westland County Act illegal! More Native difficulties in the Waikato. Friday, 5 p.m. The Assembly opened yesterday. Sir George Bowen’s speech was very short and meagre. It announces his assumption of office, and regrets the disappointment caused by the return home of the Duke of Edinburgh. He had visited the North part of the Colony, and would visit the rest of it immediately after the close of the Assembly. Fitzherbert has settled the complicated accounts between the Imperial and Colonial Governments. The working of the Westland County Act shows a necessity for amendments, but on the whole had been satisfactory; amendments would be proposed. The coming Estimates had been absolutely reduced to the lowest amount required. Not withstanding the existing commercial depression, if resources of the Colony are not further anticipated by Loans, no additional burdens need be imposed. A bill securing to rural districts powers for effecting Public Works necessary for their progress, and for allotting them their fair share of the Land Fund, would be submitted; also bills relating to Distillation, Consolidation of law of Real Property, Registration of Deeds, Police-officers, Trade frauds, Treason, &c. The Prison Commission Report would be laid on the table. He had every confidence in the good sense, patience, &c., of the Assembly, and prayed God to guide their councils.

Mr. Ball of Auckland moves the address in reply, to-day. There was a good attendance, but all the Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, and Wanganui members were absent. Home despatches state that the Westland County Act is illegal, being ultra vires of the Constitution Act. A bill is to be introduced in the Imperial Parliament, validating it, and giving the Assembly full powers for future legislation. The Attorney-General has suggested al-' terations in the Duke of Buckingham’s draft bill, without which the proposed Imperial validation would be open to grave doubt. These suggestions were only sent by the May mail, with a request that the Duke of Buckingham would get the Aot passed immediately, and so prevent otherwise serious consequences.

Native news from the Waikato not satisfactory. A new superstition creates uneasiness. The Government is however fully informed of what is going on, and having taken precautions, anticipate the u neasiness will pro ve unfounded.