OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 157, 4 July 1874, Page 2

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

[Br Flkctsic Tkleoraph.]

Parliament was opened yesterday afternoon by his Excellency tbe Governor, who read the following speech : —

HonobableLegislativeCouncillors — Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,

I have recourse again with pleasure to your advice and assistance.

The marriage ol tbe Duke of Edinburgh with the Grand Duchess Marie seems to be an occasion upon which you will be glad to express to her Majesty your congratulations. My advisers will submit to you addresfes for tbe purpose.

Since the prorogation of the General Assembly I have visited moat of the provinces, and taken every opportunity to become acquainted with the circumstances of the whole country, and have experienced great pleasure in viewing the natural resources of New Zealand.

Papers will be laid before the House from which you will be able to gather all the circumstances io connection with tbe selection and passages of immigrant., and tho views of the Government thereon. My advisers have made arrangements with the Provincial Governments to aid iv locating and settling the immigrants on their arrival.

The contract negotiated by Mr Russell in . re the San Francisco mail will be laid before the House.

The approval of the New South Wales Government which recently reached this Government will, it is hoped, enable measures soon to be taken to establish telegraphic communication with Australia.

The general prosperity that prevails throughout the colony is a gratifying proof of tbe wisdom of the arrangements made for at the same time increasing the population, and putting to profitable uses the resources of the colony.

The continued peaceful relations with the natives and their disposition to recognise in our policy a desire to promote the interests of both raceß will afford you the utmost gratification. Gentlemen of thb House of Representatives, Tbe estimates have been framed with a duo regard to economy, but they necessarily indicate the largely-increased work of administration. The very considerable increase in the revenue will give confidence in continuing the great public works of the colony, and in expending money upon immigration. Honorable Legislative ConNciLLoas and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, I am plessed to assure you of the continued success of the Government system of life assurance' and annuities. 1 he time has come when it is desirable to stamp upon this institution the unselfish nature of the motives that called it into existence by relinquishing to those who have responded to your desire to cultivate provident habits, tbe profits (hat may arise from it. A measure will be submitted to you for periodically allotting to policy holders such profits as may be considered safely desirable. Papers will be presented showing that ray advisers consider that the Polynesian Islands, their civilization and settlement, are at present a problem of great interest and importance to this colony. Measures to provide additional electoral qualifications; to create and conservo state forests aa colonial property; and to provide means for guarding against difficulties beiWQeii^ike^jsf.o branches of the Legislature wifjfbe^aiiT before you. /'. \ The urgent demands upon yoar administration and attention will prevent legislation opooapy questions not pressing for immediate solution. , ..._^_^.;.-"7" : -.*V.:'.- : '..- -,7--: '"