THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 11, 30 September 1879, Page 2

THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

The following is the substanoe of the speech read by the Governor at the opening of Parliament: — It is mactor for congratulation that, not* withstanding the .severe monetary pressure and commercial gloom whioh have for some time past prevailed throughout the world, the position of this Colony is thoroughly sound. The Government, following up the polioy indicated during last session, have prepared measures to secure the extension of the suffrage to every man who pays taxes, and; is otherwise affected by legislation ; to .reduce the term of Parliament from fiveyeawto three ; and to arrange that in a3 fur as practicable, population in each electoral district shall be dwly represented. The speech proceeds :— « These three measures are, in the • opinion of my advisers, so equitable in themselves, aud so accordant with the spirit^ of modern times, that, should they become law, there is, the Government believes, every * pro 3 pect that a feeling of general contentn * en * would ba permanently established in the Colony. The power of legislation would ™ c * lar J?ely rest in the hands of the people of New Zealand ; and it is hoped that they will always maintain within its limits an equitable system of taxation, a just administration of public lands, and a sound system of local self-government. The alterations winch will be produced in the Constitution Act by the proposed measures will be but K slight, whilst they are evidently in accord ; with the popular wish." A Bill will beßubmitted to Buspend plurality of Yotingtfa. cobob of elections of looal

bodies, -whilst those Domes ar tjfeubaidised out of the general revenue. /-. Measures will al^o bo submitted wMc' will enable those desiring to occnpy smal farms or rival allotments to obtain posses sion of land 3 much more readily, and at smaller cost, than they can be obtained un der the present system. The House will be asked to appoint a se lect committee to enquire into the best ronte for railways to connect the East and Wes Coasts of the Middle Island, and to connec Amberley with Cook's Straits. ' A measure will be laid before Parliamen by which lands the property of natives, no purchased by the Government for the public will henceforth be sold in small blocks in tin open market, on such terms as may be agreei upon with the proprietors The Govern ment are of opinion that by the adoption o this system great advantages will be seourec to the whole European population of Nev Zealand, whilst the natives will have tb satisfaction of receiving the full value o their estates, and will no longer be subjectec to those importunities and temptations t< induce them to part with their lands whicl have hitherto proved a fertile source of mis understanding, and of evil to the two races No further development has taken plac< of the fanatical movement on the Wesl Coast, and the tribes concerned appear to b< quietly awaiting the action of the Parlismeni and of the ordinary Courts of law. Steps are being taken for the holding of t full inquiry into the existence and extent oi the alleged unfulfilled promises in regard tc lands. A Bill to regulate Chinese immig .ation will be submitted. A valuable interim report of the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the subject of higher education hasbeen received and laid before both Houses. When the final report has been made, no delay shall take place in laying it before Parliament and in communicating the measures whioh the Government may reccommend for the adoption on the whole subject, whioh is one of paramount importance to educational inter* ests in the Colony.