PARLIAMENTARY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 72, 23 July 1873, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

OPENING OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH. (fbom the anglo-austbalian press telegram AGENCY.) Wellington, July 15. The third session of the fifth Parliament of New Zealand was opened to-day, at 2 o'clock, by His Excellency Sir James Fergusson. His Excellency delivered the following speech:— Honorable Legislative Councillors and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, —lt gives me pleasure to meet yoif at so early a moment after assuming charge of the Government of New Zealand, to which Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to appoint me. I am gratified to learn that the condition of the colony is extremely prosperous, and that the colonists at large are manifesting faith in its resources, and are developing them with energy arid, enterprise. The public works already authorised have been proceeded with as rapidly as circumstances permitted; but in order to render effectual the policy of public works which has been adopted by Parliament, you must bear in mind the principle upon which these works were undertaken involved not only a system of arterial communications throughout the country, but concurrent settlement by the numerous occupiers of the lands so opened up. Papers will be laid before you indicative of the anxiety of the Government to promote and assist immigration. The increased success of the Life Assurance and Annuities Department is highly satisfactory, whilst the system of State insurance affords great advantages to colonists. It does not close the door to private associated enterprise in the same useful direction. At the Intercolonial Conference, held during the recess, many important results were arrived at, to some of which your attention will be directed. In consideration of the unanimous desire of the Conference, Her Majesty’s Government have obtained the assent of the Imperial Parliament to a measure by which the Australasian colonies will have the right to enter into reciprocal tariff arrangements. I do not doubt that this concession will be gratifying to the Legislature of New Zealand, which has constantly advocated its justice and expediency, 'and I express a hope that such care will be exercised in making proper and reasonable use of it as will prove that it has been wisely sought and granted. Arising out of the Conference, though not directly associated with it, are proposals for the establishment of cable communication between Australia and New Zealand, and Normantown and Singapore, in joint connection with the other colonies. Your early attention will be invited to these proposals, which await and are subject to your concurrence. I regret that, whilst so many other subjects received satisfactory consideration and discussion at the hands of the Conference, upon the subject of mail services a unanimous conclusion was not arrived at, and in consequence it yet awaits final arrangement. My advisers have given much consideration to the matter. Whilst they are anxious to reopen the Californian service, they are only disposed to do so on terms which will do justice to the requirements of the colony, and which will not disassociate New Zealand from the use of the Suez service. Negotiations are still pending; but in all those which have been entered into, the approval of Parliament has been made an absolute condition. The work of making roads in native districts of the North Island, and thus, through their aid, of opening the country for future settlement, has been prosecuted during the year with steadiness and success. It is gratifying to observe that the opposition originally manifested at several points to this undertaking is gradually lessening as the natives more fully understand the intentions of the Government, and the benefits accruing to them arising from these works, in affording employment in several districts, and in giving increased value to the tribal lands. It is also gratifying to observe that the natives, generally, appreciate the advantages of peace, and are directing their attention to industrial pursuits, and to the establishment of schools in which their children can obtain the advantages of an English education. The murder committed in Waikato by certain natives has attracted much attention. While lamenting the occurrence of a crime, now, happily, so rare, I would announce, with satisfaction, that it has evoked from the leading tribes throughout the island general and public condemnation, as well as renewed declarations of their loyalty. The Government have left the criminals to the ordinary operation of the law. That operation may be tardy in districts still remote from European settlements, in which they have taken refuge, but the Government, while mindful of the requirements of justice, and of the protection of the industrious inhabitants, have not deemed; expedient, by any precipitate measures, to risk > the disturbance of the generally peaceful condition of the colony. Gentlemen on the House on Representatives, —Estimates prepared with every desire to consult economy to the utmost extent consistent with the requirements of the public service, will

be laid before you. Your consideration will be asked to subjects relating to the civil service. The public revenue is increasing; and the improved credit of the colony is shown by the enhanced value of its securities.

Honorable Legislative Councilloe9 and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, —Measures will be laid before you to initiate the reconstruction of the constitution of the Legislative Council; to amend the laws relating to goldfields ; to provide electoral laws ; to establish a'silver and copper mint; to amend the insolvency laws, and abolish imprisonment for debt; to provide for the election of native district councils; to amend the laws relating to native lands; to give increased security to persons assuring their lives.