SIR JAMES FERGUSSON ON NEW ZEALAND.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4430, 1 June 1875, Page 2

SIR JAMES FERGUSSON ON NEW ZEALAND.

The Bight Hon. Sir James Fergusson, late Governor of New Zealand, gave a lecture in the Queen’s Rooms, Ayr, lately, on “New Zealand.” The lecture was on behalf of the Ayr Public Library and Reading-room. Mr, James Baird, of Cambusdoon, occupied the chair, and on the platform were a number of the leading gentlemen of the town and neighborhood. The large hall was well filled. The chairman briefly introduced Sir James Eergusson, who at the outset gave a geographical description of the country, calling attention to the more important features in the configuration of the soil, mentioning in particular some of the volcanic mountains, to which he attributed in many instances the great productiveness of the soil. He likewise spoke of the great difficulty of ships getting safe anchorage along several parts of the coasts, and defended the action of the Government in making railways to convey the products of the country to a point where a good and safe harbor was to be had. He believed the English and Scotch settlers were willing to do justly with the natives ; and although unfortunate wars had broken out from time to time, these were, perhaps, to he attributed more to the chivalrous nature of the natives than to any other cause. He related several interesting anecdotes concerning the Maoris, and expressed his regret that tins fine race was fast dying out. In marked contrast to this, however, was the strong and healthy population that had succeeded the Maoris. Only about thirty-five years ago England planted herself on the soil, and from these very hilltops above Auckland the traveller could now look down

on a busy scene—far and wide, fruits of industry, science, and enterprise. Upon the wide waters that' stretch so far inland they had formed great highways and channels for the means of communication. Speaking on the settlements question, he said that a company had received 100,000 acres from the British Government, for the purpose of planting a colony near Wellington, at 12s. Cd. an acre, and they lately sold it at from £2 10s, to £lO an acre, and some of it in the townships was as high as £224 an acre. This showed what great progress was being made, and he had no doubt as the value of land increased the population would also increase. Bor the last twentythree years New Zealand had enjoyed a constitution —two Houses of Parliament and a General Government. Each province, however, had its own government, such as Auckland, Canterbury, Otago, &o. While admitting that these little governments had done very much in the way of plantin'* the colony, and much good m many other directions, he thought that provincialism had had its day, and that these petty parliaments ought to be abolished. Deferring' to the great quest m of the expenses of the Government of New Zealand, he said their debt at present was about eighteen millions. Ten millions had recently been voted for public works, roads, &c., which were being carried on vigorously, and he believed when constructed would he a great benefit to the whole colony. Between December, 1873, and December, 1874, eighty-two ships had conveyed 29,975 persons from this country to New Zealand. He spoke of the great tranquility that prevailed where formerly there were wars and discords, and said that the forts were now bein'* allowed to fall into ruins. In eouolusion,°he expressed the hope that the Government would go on with courage and confidence, and he sincerely believed that prudence and economy they would accomplish results which woukWmild up the best interests of this country, and redound to our own fame. Sir James resumed his seat amid much applause. Sheriff Orr Paterson, in moving a vote of thanks to Sir James for his able and interestin'* lecture, expressed the hope that he would soon find in this country a position in which his talents would still be more useful than they had been in the past. On the motion of the Bev. Mr. Copland, a vote of thanks was awarded to Mr. Baird for presiding.