PERINTENDENTAL ELECTION.

Southland Times, Issue 1752, 10 June 1873, Page 1 (Supplement)

PERINTENDENTAL ELECTION.

ADDRESS OF HONOR THE SUPERINTENDENT.

TO THE VEOPKB OF OTAGO. ith the view of enabling my fellow-settlers, idually — each one for himself, athisownfire- - calmly to exercise his own judgment as to resent political situation, I take the liberty jrwarding the accompanying copies of al documents, and trust they will be read. ■ speak for themselves, and require but comment from me. will, perhaps, he recollected that upwards x years ago I was for the second time ed Superintendent of Otago. Since then i-hole of my time has been devoted to aditering the affairs of the Province, and avoring to promote its interests. During Barlier portion of that period I was fortu in having the advice and assistance of an utive which not only possessed the confie of the Provincial Council, but also enterid liberal and enlarged ideas of pubhc y — ideas of which both the Province and Jolony are now reaping the benefit, lfortunately, the Provincial Council saw ! withdraw its confidence from that Execuand the result was that, until the advent c present Government, the Province, in as s its Executive has been concerned, may id, for the most part to have had a mills around its neck, which proved so burDme that whatever progress has been atidhas, in a great measure, been effected much in spite of ourselves, you are aware, the Provincial Legislature leen dissolved, and I now hold oflice only .my successor is elected. Should it be your that I should continue to occupy the ion for another term, my best services are at your disposal ; at the same time, 1 have esire for re-election, unless permitted to be rvice to the Province. I have no desire to py the false position to which the majority te late Provincial Council would degrade >ffice— viz., that of being in reality a nony, although nominally possessed of certain srs and responsibilities m will be told that the present difficulty arisen solely from an undue grasping at sr on my part. This I simply deny. It is rly untrue. Probably it would have been for the Province had the constitutional

jrs of the Superintendent been always exed with a firmer hand. I have arrogated yself no power which the Constitution Act not confer, and which would not have for the good of the country. I have Blaimed the courtesy, at the hands of the dncial Council, of respectful consideration ich proposals as I deemed conducive to the ie interest— courtesy which the majority of late Council withheld. I claim, more- , that the Council has no right to force i the Superintendent advisers whose avowed is to thwart and bridle his efforts to devethe resources of the Province — advisers, ay he, whose study is to belie the Superldent in the eyes of the people, by prevent[lis giving effect to the principles and the ges by virtue of which he may have been led. One of the chief points at issue at the icoming election will be :— ls the elected I of the Province to be what the ConstituAct provides, viz., a constituent part of Provincial Legislature, having powers collate with those of the Provincial Council ? i he to be a mere puppet, whose sole duty is sister the decrees of those who may happen

the time being to command a majority in Provincial Council? If the latter, then let c so understood; let the constitution be red, and let the office be conferred upon c one who maybe content to hold it on l terms. It is said that there was no necesfor appealing to the people, and incurring expense of a dissolution. From this opinion ike leave to differ. If there had been no jr reason for a dissolution, the fact that the

incil was in session thirteen days, at a cost pwards of Ll.lOO, without any practical reamply justifies my action in the matter, lend upon it, the sooner we have done with l playing at Parliament the better. The vince cannot longer afford it at the price, is it worth the money ; and, if the electors true to their own interests, they will return i to the Council who will make it a point b the necessary business of the session shall extend much over fourteen days. The present FerHmemTwas prepared with its Estimates the ; day of the session ; and the whole business he Province might have been well through, M*e the prorogation, had the majority of the incil so willed it. Unfortunately, however, interests of the country appear to be a mdary consideration, compared with the ;ussion of so-called constitutional privileges rivileges which have no legal existence, and ich could not therefore be invaded. Whether >c the will of the people that I should retire m the head of affairs, or not, I do earnestly st that the result of the approaching elecis will be to return as Superintendent and

ivincial Council men who have some capacity

pubhc affairs, who will co-operate for the >lie good, and who will give more heed to the etical than the theoretical. Although resed from many of our wonted functions as a ovince, there still remains much to be done — have a great work before us ; it is not by cussing constitutional theories that this work ibe best accomplished. To me it is a matter deep regret that we should have lost even a gle day in dealing with the various practical Jposals which my present advisers were pre■ed to have submitted to the Provincial uncil— proposals which included a more equate provision for education, the setting de of land for settlement, the construction of mways and light railways, the better deopment of our Goldfields, and a variety of ler matters bearing upon the general prosrityof the Province ; my only solace is the hope it there may be in the new Council a majority, whom considerations of party will be held isidiary to questions of progress ; and who, dealing with the affairs of the country, will influenced more by public policy that by rsonal predilections. Fellow-settlers, the matter rests in your nds. That you may be guided and directed ght is my earnest desire. Yours very faithfully, J. Macandrew. Dunedin, May 26. c Speaker and Gentlemen: of the Provincial Council— In opening the 31st Session of the Provincial rancil, it may be well briefly to epitomise the iding features which indicate the progress of c Province since I last addressed you. The declared value of the imports, during the ist financial year, has been L 1,884,998 ; while c import duty has amounted to L 262,000, or lual to about one-third of the Customs Revenue the Colony. Unfortunately, however, of this un none has found its way into the Provincial easury. The gold exported during the year is been 169,212, as against 166,372 ounces iring the previous year. The total value of rovincial produce exported, inclusive of gold, nounts to L 2,279,663, as against LL190.000 r the year before. This is equal to L7O per jad for each statute adult in the Province, an nount which, I venture to say, is unequalled any other part of the world. The revenue ceived from gold duty, miners' rights, and _dness licenses on the goldfields has been 39 790 13s 2d, as against L 41,816 in the preious year. Although this shows a slight debase of revenue for the year, it will be seen lat the gold exported exhibits a small increase: ie difference is to be attributed partly to the •duction of the gold duty by 6d per ounce, he total receipts from all sources into the Proincial treasury during the year, has been 338,000 as against L 289,000 during the preiousyear. Last year, as you are aware, we began with hank overdraft amounting to L 40,497; ns year we commence with a balance in or favor of L 16,698. The expenditure uring the past year, including payment of ie overdraft, has amounted to L 279,522; £ this sum, after providing for education, olice. jails, hospitals, lunatic asylum, harbors, iterest on loans, and other permanent deartmental charges, there have been expended a roads, bridges, and other pubhc works Aft Q*7A, Tke immigration from the United Kingdom ot the year amounted to 1,525 ; while there iave been born in the Province 3,000 souls. The lumber of deaths for the year was 720 ; the lumber of marriages for the same period was 192. During the year, 12 additional schools i iave been established, making the total of pub- '

lie schools throughout the Province 127, with a teaching staff of 190. There have been sold 203,138 acres of rural land, distributed among 401 different purchasers ; of town allotments there have been sold 761 acres, to 401 different purchasers ; of agricultural leases on goldfields there have been granted 136, covering an area of 10,389 acres. The foregoing statement, although somewhat dry, perhaps, will serve to indicate the extent of settlement and the general progress of the Province since you last met. I am happy to say, generally, that at no period since the commencement of the settlement has it been more prosperous than now. There is a hfe and a trooyancy throughout every department of industry which has never been exceeded, and at no time have commercial obligations been more regularly met. It is a striking feature in the history of the past year that the business of the Bankruptcy Court has been, comparatively speaking, ml. It is in no spirit of self-complacency that I call your attention to these facts. Under the circumstances, however, it appears to me that, whatever be our differences of opinion as to who are the best men to administer public affairs, we may fairly indulge in mutual congratulation and thankfulness.

Referring to the Goldfields, you will be glad to learn that your resolutions respecting the race at Naseby are at length being complied with. An expenditure of some L 40,000 is being incurred, which it is believed will amply recoup itself, and afford profitable employment to a large number of people who must otherwise have left the district.

Gentlemen,— While on this subject, it affords me pleasure to call your attention to the fg,ct that Otago has not experienced that diminution of its gold production which has unfortunately befallen the other gold-producing Provinces of New Zealand. The increase for the year, small though it be, is satisfactory, seeing that a large number of miners have been induced to engage themselves on other works, and seeing that water for sluicing purposes during the past six months has been exceedingly scarce in many districts. We may fairly regard the increased yield of our gold workings under the circumstances as an evidence of the great vitality and permanence of this industry. An increased tendency is manifested among capitalists and others to look upon mining ventures as a legitimate means of investment, and several companies have been started under very favorable auspices. I cannot overrate the importance of facilitating as much as possible mutual co-operation of the investing and the mining interests, in order to the development of the many thousands of acres of rich auriferous deposits which are known to exist throughout the Province : deposits the development of which is beyond the reach of ordinary mining partnerships, and can only be advantageously attained by companies with large capitaL With a view to the more complete development of the goldfields, and the mitigation of grievances to which the mining community are at present subjected, a new Goldfields Bill has been very carefully prepared, which, it is hoped, will become law next session of the General Assembly.

I have to congratulate you on the completion of the Dunedin and Port Chalmers Railway, in a style which, as regards workmanship, will compare favorably with any other railway work in the Colony. As you are aware, the General Assembly last year authorised the purchase of the railway from the promoters, which purchase has recently been concluded, the line being now in the hands of the Province. It is estimated that the traffic receipts will amply recoup the Province, and that they are likely to increase yearly iir amount as the lines into the interior are extended, and the requirements of the traffic are provided for by additional pier accommodation and warehouses.

I am happy to say that the offered bonus for the establishment of a paper factory has at length so far had the desired effect, and that a bond has been entered into which, in due time, will result in a paper mill on the banks of the Mataura, where it. is understood that a suitable site has been secured. Some years ago a bonus was offered for the encouragement of sperm whaling, to which, however, there was no response. There is reason to believe that if the offer be renewed, there are parties in the Province now who are prepared to entertain the proposal. LSOO, or even double the sum, would be well spent if it should have the effect of turning to account by ourselves the rich mine which surrounds our shores, and which is being so profitably worked by strangers.

There are several subjects of importance to which it is proposed to solicit your attention during the present session. First, perhaps, is the absolute necessity of providing adequate school accommodation throughout the Province. In many of the existing school buildings the children are so crowded that, there is a choice of two evils — either to withdraw them from the school, or to educate their minds at the expense of their bodies. In some of the school-houses the accommodation is so limited that it is physically impossible to crowd the children into them. From a statement furnished by the Inspector of Schools, w_ich will be submitted to you, it well be seen that at least L 27,000 is required to provide adequate school accommodation; an amount which, in addition to the annual requirements in respect of teachers' salaries, repairing buildings, &c, involves a much larger drain upon the ordinary revenue of the Province than is either called for or warranted. It is proposed that, say L 1,500 a year, out of the LII,OOO which are now derived from rentals of property at the disposal of the Education Board, should be set aside for thirty years for the purpose of providing school accommodation, in which the future is as much interested as the present. Should you concur in this proposal, there will be no difficulty, I apprehend, in getting the necessary Act passed by the Colonial Legislature, and a sum of L 30,000 will be available for the objects in view. Upon the subject of education generally, I have much pleasure in soliciting your attention to the very valuable and exhaustive report of Mr Hislop, the Inspector of Schools; a report which embodies many most important practical suggestions — suggestions which are being given effect to by theEducation ßoard, in so far as it is empowered to do so. Perhaps, however, the most valuable suggestions of all are those which cannot be carried out without your concurrence. I allude to the appointment of an additional Inspector of Schools, and the establishment of a Normal or Training School in which to educate competent teachers. To my mind, it is manifest that, if we are to have value for the money which we are expending in education, it is absolutely necessary that there should be complete and thorough inspection of schools, and the means of turning out a sufficient number of teachers specially trained for the all-impor-tant work of education. I hope that you will concur with me in making adequate provision for both these objects. I regret to find that there seems to exist a good deal of dissatisfaction with regard to the Dunedin Boys' High School. A movement is being made to transfer the control sof the school from the Education Board to the University Council. I fail to see, however, that such a change will at all tend to mend matters, inasmuch as it is believed that the quality of the teaching is quite as good now as it is likely to be then. What is required is an adequate number of scholars to attend the school, and I do not think that any change of management will effect this. The truth is, that the circumstances of the Province have entirely altered since the school was founded ; and the establishment of the Otago University, together with that of the various Grammar Schools, which afford a comparatively high class education throughout the Province, have to some extent removed the necessity which existed for the High School at the time of its erection. Under all the circumstances of the case, it is evident that something must be done to place the school on a more satisfactory footing. With this view a Commission has been appointed to inquire into the subject. Pending the report of the Commission, it may be well to defer taking any action in the matter.

Gentlemen,— Another veiy important subject to which I desire to solicit your favorable attention is the completion of the Southern Trunk Railway. You are aware that contracts are now under way for the construction of the line from Dunedin to Clutha, and from Invercargill to Mataura. Unless, however, and until the line is constructed between Clutha and Mataura, the railway will be comparatively useless as a main trunk line ; and I feel assured that if the matter is left to the Colonial Government, it will be years before the missing link in the chain is provided. It is, therefore, proposed that tbe Province should at once proceed with the construction of that portion of

the railway, together with a branchlefc of some eight or ten miles to Tapanui. There is nothing to prevent the work being finished in a couple of years, so as to enable an unbroken line right through to Invercargill to be opened for traffic. The estimated coat of the work, independent of the branch to Tapanui, and exclusive of rolling stock, is L150,0G0, an amount which can be produced from sales of the laud through which the line would be constructed. There are between Clutha and Mataura some 300,000 acres of I Crown land, much of which is admirably i adapted for settlement, and which only requires a railway to render it available. Proposals have been submitted for the construction of this line within two years of date of contract, payment to be made at the rate of L 30.000 a year for the first two years, and the balance within one year of the completion of the line. Should you concur in this mode of payment, there will be no difficulty in procuring the necessary funds by disposing of not more than a sufficient quantity of land in the district to meet tho first two payments as they become due, and reserving the remainder from sale until the line is completed. Run No. 11l alone, through which the railway passes, will, if reserved until the contra3t is completed and then sold in ordinary sized farms, go far to meet the last payment. I should be glad if we could see our way to the adoption of a similar process as respects the line from Dunedin to MoerakL It is of the utmost importanceif the railway system is to be an immediate success—that the main trunk line should be at once completed from the one end of the Province to the other. Should you be of this opinion, and agree to tie hypothecating of land by way of security, there will (in the event of the Colanial Government not, doing do) be httle difficulty in proceeding with the Moeraki line without delay. We should thus secure an unbroken line of rail from Waitaki to the Bluff and Lake Wakatipu, thereby enabling the growers of agricultural produce to compete in the markets of the world by means of speedy and cheap transit to the port of shipment, and saving a large proportion of the annual expenditure which must otherwise be involved in the formation and maintenance of metalled roads — expenditure which may be directed towards works in the interior of the Province instead. It is intended this year very considerably to increase the appropriation towards the main road to the Lakes, both by way of Naseby and Roxburgh — that portion of the road extending from Clyde to Queenstown especially requires to be rendered safe for carriage traffic. I believe we have no conception of the number of travellers from Australia or the extent of traffic which wiU cross the island, so soon as a practicable road is discovered from Lake Wakatipu to Milford Sound. The estimated revenue for the current year will enable a larger amount of pubhc works to be undertaken throughout the interior of the Province than has been the case for several years past. The Estimates have been carefully prepared, with a view to making the most of, and equitably distributing the means at our disposal

As you are aware, Local Road Boards during the past year have been subsidised to the extent of L 2 to Ll. Should the General Assembly continue its road board subsidy, the same rate will, it is anticipated, be maintained during the current year also. In any case, it is proposed to subsidise out of Provincial revenue to the extent of pound for pound. It is to be regretted that the Road Board system has not been taken advantage of within the goldfields. It is proposed, however, to subsidise local contributions on goldfields to the same extent as District Road Board Rates from Provincial revenue.

The Colonial Legislature, at its last session, authorised a special loan of L 70,000 for certain specified public works in the Northern district iof the Province. Of this sum L 24,000 is being expended [on the breakwater at Oamaru — a work which is now progressing favorably, and which promises to be a great success. A further sum of L 25,000 is to be expended on a Tramway from the main line up the valley of the Waitaki,'which has been surveyed to Awamoko. Plans and specifications are now ready, and tenders are being called for. Tlie sum of L 13,000 is available for roads and bridges, upon which it is being expended. A tender has just been aor:epted for the erection of stone bridges across the Otepopo river and the Island stream. The remainder of the loan is to be devoted to harbor works at Kakanui and Moeraki, with regard to which I hope to submit to you definite proposals before the session closes. With a view of enabling you to proceed without delay to the practical business of the country, the Estimates will be submitted at once, as well as all resolutions and Bills proposed to be intitiated by the Government. Papers will be laid before you relative to the defence of the Port of Otago against external aggression. There can be no doubt if the port could be effectually defended against such, at an outlay of LIO,OOO to L 15,000, the expenditure would be amply justified. This is a question which very closely affects every interest throughout the Province, when we reflect that there is frequently afloat at Port Chalmers property to the extent of half a million of money, which, in case of war, is absolutely at the mercy of any enemy that may choose to pomjce upon it. An application has been made on behalf of the associated Friendly Societies, requesting that a suitable piece of ground may be granted to them for their annual and other gatherings. Considering the benevolent character of these societies, and the amount of distress relieved by them, which otherwise would have to be provided for by the State, I trust you will concur with me in giving effect to the application when it is formally submitted for your approval. It will be seen from the correspondence with the Home Agency that a contract has been entered into on behalf of the Province for the resumption of Messrs P. Henderson and Co.'s line of emigrant ships from Glasgow to Otago direct ; also that Mr Auld has been urged as to the expediency of conducting emigration by steamers direct to this Port. As the General Government has warmly approved of this suggestion, and has directed the Agent-General accordingly, I am not without hope that the proposal will be carried into effect. Although it is proposed to continue the Immigration vote upon the current year's Estimates, in case of contingencies, I do not anticipate that it will require to be operated upon, inasmuch as the Agent-General has been instructed to defray the cost of emigration to this Province out of the Immigration Loan. You will, lam sure, be glad to hear that the Colonial and Provincial Agencies are now working harmoniously. _ Another important proposal with which I venture to hope for your concurrence, is the removal from the present Lunatic Asylum of all able-bodied patients who are pronounced incurable, of which now there are upwards of forty in the institution, to a suitable farm in the country, where their labor might be made available, not only for their own sustenance, but towards the support of the Asylum in Dunedin, and with advantage to their individual comfort. The nearest available land in possession of the Government is the Police paddock at Tokomairiro, containing eighty-six acres, through which tke Southern Trunk Railway will pass, thus bringing the proposed site within two hours of Dunedin. Unless some such suggestion as this is adopted, it will be necessary still further to enlarge the Asylum buildings. A proposal will be submitted to you to throw open the Dunedin Hospital to the whole of the legally qualified medical practitioners in the City. Should the University Council establish a school of medicine and surgery, on the strength of which being done I agreed to the further endowment of 100,000 acres of land, it might be well to arrange that the Hospital should be connected with said school under the direction of the medical and surgical professors. I am also disposed to think that the Lunatic Asylum should be under the direction of the Professor of Mental Science in the University. These are important changes, which commend themselves to the Executive Government ; but with respect to which it is felt expedient that no action should be taken until you shall have had an opportunity of expressing an opinion. A proposal has been submitted to the Government by responsible persons who are prepared to reclaim the whole of the mud flat at the head of Dunedin bay, covering an area at low water of some 250 acres ; the contracting party undertaking to finish the work within a stipulated time at their own cost, the net proceeds of reclamation when sold to be divided equally with the Government. There can be no doubt but the suggested reclamation would afford what is much needed in Dunedin, viz., suitable sites for manufacturing and business purposes, making room for a large consuming population, which would be beneficial to the producing interests throughout the Province. As, however, the reclamation now indicated, if

carried out to the extent proposed, might by diminishing tbe tidal scour be prejudicial to the harbor — a hypothesis, by the way, upon which there are differences of opinion — I should be disposed to err upon the safe side, and be contented with reclaiming to half way between high water mark, taking the material for reclamation from above low water mark. In this case the tidal volume would not be diminished, while on sanitary grounds, the perpetual submersion of the mud flat in salt water would be of incalculable benefit to the community. Instead of conceding this operation to private parties, it appears to me that it should be undertaken by the Government. A report by the Provincial Engineer will be submitted to you, from which it will be seen that the probable profit by the transaction would amount to at least L 20,000, an amount a portion or the whole of which might go towards the endowment of the Harbor Trust, and enable the pilot and harbor dues to be done away with. Referring to the question of a Harbor Trust, I may say that application has been made to the Government to the effect that such Trust might at once be constituted by Ordinance, and the Harbor Department transferred thereto. I presume that a Harbor Trust, in order to be effective, must be paid, and must either be endowed or possess powers of raising revenue. So long as the Harbor Department has to be provided out of the ordinary revenue, I fail to see any advantage that would accrue from the Provincial Council divesting itself of the administration. If an amount such as has been indicated can be procured from Harbor reclamation — and there is no reason why it should not be so — then it appears to me that the constitution of a Harbor Trust, in which might be invested the amount in question, would be a step in the right direction ; otherwise such a Trust would only involve additional expense without any adequate advantage. I may say that the work of deepening the approaches to Dunedin Wharf is being vigorously prosecuted, and that in the course of a month vessels drawing twelve feet can bs berthed and swung at Rattray street pier. Correspondence will be submitted to you upon the vexed question of diversion of natural watercourses for gold mining purposes. This is a subject upon which the Government will be glad to receive the benefit of your deliberations — involving, as it does, grave questions of compensation and the rights of property. Your resolutions last session embodying new regulations for the disposal of the Waste Lands of the Crown have, with sundry modifications by the Colonial Legislature, become law. One of the most important of these modifications has been the practical removal of the administration of the Act from the control of the Executive Government, and the vesting thereof in an irresponsible Board. I regard this as the weak point in the Act, one which is very likely seriously to prejudice the public interest. Although it might, no doubt, be amended in as far as the representative branch of the legislature is concerned, there is httle or no hope of such amendment bein? at present agreed to by the Legislative Council. Your approval will be solicited in order to the declaration of the following blocks of land as open for selection on deferred payments : — 2,500 acres near Tapanui 2,500 „ on the Waikaka 2,500 „ near Switzers 2,500 „ near Longford 2,500 „ near Ettrick 2,500 „ near Roxburgh 2,500 „ near Hawea 2,500 „ on Spott's Creek 2,500 „ at Ida Valley 2,500 „ at Macraes 5,000 „ at Tuapeka

30.000 Being in all 30,000 acres, the maximum area allowed by law to be dealt with in this shape during the present year. I regret that this limitation precludes the setting aside of areas on similar terms in other districts, those now indicated being the best land and the most urgently required. Next year, however, it is hoped that tlie localities which we are now compelled to exclude will participate in the advantage of the deferred payment system. I regret to say that the expensive depasturing district of Wakatipu has not been so satisfactorily administered as could be desired ; the revenue derived from it compares somewhat unfavorably with that of the Tuapeka depas- ■ turing district. With a view to promoting the interest of all concerned, a local Commission was lately appointed to inquire and report on the whole subject. The report of the Commission will be laid before you, and the Executive, . prior to taking further action in the matter, will be glad to have your views thereupon. It will be a question of consideration in the case of land of superior quality — the value of which will be greatly enhanced as the country becomes opened up by the extension of railways — how far it may not be expedient to increase the price, as provided by the Waste Lands Act. As you are aware, in the reighboring Province of Canterbury, in which agricultural settlement is being greatly extended, the price has never been under L 2 an acre. I have only to observe, in conclusion, that since we last met, circumstances with which you are already acquainted, and to which it is not necessary further to allude, have led to a change of my responsible advisers. The gentlemen who now occupy that j>osition were induced to accept office very reluctantly, in the exercise of a public duty, and at my urgent solicitation. I feel assured that they possess the confidence of the country, and I trust also of this Council. Be this as it may, I will venture to say that, apart from all consideration of party, and without disparagement to previous Administrations, never, since the establishment of the present system of responsible Government, have the affairs of the Province been more prosperous or more efficiently conducted than at present. Gentlemen, — I now declare this Council open for the despatch of business. Proposed Reply to the Superintendent's Address. We join with your Honor in expressing satisfaction at the steady advancement which has characterised the progress of the Province during the past year. We have to assure you that the many important proposals suggested by you will have our earnest consideration. As respects the Executive changes which have taken place during the recess, no doubt much may be' said. We are of opinion, however, that it will serve no practical purpose to discuss the subject now, and shall be prepared to deal with the policy of the Government upon its merits. reply as passed. That this Council is of opinion that the appointment of the gentlemen at present occupying the Government benches, and their reten- | tion of office are in direct opposition to the system of responsible Government sanctioned by the Council : And this Council hereby records its protest against any Government being" appointed to or holding office under such circumstances. message no. 3. Referring to the amendment to the proposed Replj' to his opening Address to the Provincial Council, the Superintendent desires to express his regret that a majerity of the Council has seen fit to censure the action which, in the exercise of a pubhc duty and having regard to the public interests, he felt constrained to take in connection with the late Executive changes — action which the Superintendent has yet to learn was unconstitutional, and which he should feel bound to adopt again under similar circumstances. The fact that the leader of the late Executive, by accepting office in the Colonial Ministry, assumed a position both incompatible with that of head of the Provincial Executive, and with his responsibilities to the Provincial Council, amply warranted the Superintendent's action in the matter — action which was due alike to the dignity of the Provincial Council itself, and to the Superintendent's OAvn position. The Constitutional position of the members of Executive is not — as some would have it — to be a check upon and to thwart the Superintendent, but to render him advice aad assistance on all questions of policy, and in promoting the public interests — advice and assistance which in the nature of things could not be rendered by a Minister of the Crown at Wellington. _In order to the successful working of tbe Constitu- ; tion, of which the Superintendent and the Pro- i vincial Council are each an integral part, it is > of the utmost importance that more correct notions should prevail as to their position in ]

relation to each other, so that neither may arrogate to themselves the functions of the other.

Probably it would serve no good purpose to dilate upon the question at present. Let it suffice to say that the Superintendent deprecates nothing more than being at variance with the Provincial Council. He would willingly sacrifice much in order to work together harmoniously ; at the same time, he cannot ignore the fact that he has responsibilities equally with the Provincial Council, and he is fortified in the conviction that his action in the matter in question has vindicated an important principle, has conduced to the public good, and has met with the approval of the people of Otago, to whom he is primarily responsible. Referring to his opening Address, the Superintendent had hoped that the Proviucial Council would have reciprocated at least some of the opinions expressed by him with regard to various matters hearing upon the advancement of the Province — instead of which, however, the Council appears altogether to have ignored the matters referred to. As it is, the Superintendent cannot but feel that there is between the majority of the Council and himself an absence of that mutual desire for progress, and of that community of sentiment which are so essential to the promotion of the pubhc weal. Under all the circumstances of the case, therefore, the Superintendent is of opinion that it would be better to afford the people an opportunity of electing a Superintendent and Provincial Council which may work together harmoniously, with which view he respectfully solicits the concurrence of the Provincial Council in an application to his Excellency the Governor for an immediate dissolution. J. Macandbew, Superintendent. Dunedin, 12th May, 1873. Message No. 5. Referring to his Message No. 3, in which the Superintendent, for the reasons therein stated, solicited the concurrence of the Provincial Council in an application to His Excellency the Governor for an immediate dissolution, and to which there has been no reply — the Superintendent again desires to reiterate this request, ani to express a hope that in the public interest, the Council may see its way to concur in the proposed application. The fact that the Provincial Council has now been ten days in session at a cost of some LSOO to L6OO, without any practical result, speaks for itself, and furnishes an additional reason for the adoption of the course now indicated. In the event of the proposed dissolution being granted by His Excellency, it is hoped that a new Superintendent and Provincial Council may be elected, say within two months from this date, till when there will be little difficulty in providing for the public service under authority of law. At the same time, in order to guard against any possible inconvenience, the Superintendent would venture to suggest the expediency of the Council agreeing to grant temporary supply, pending the assembling of the new Provincial Council. J. Macandrew, Superintendent. May 15, 1873. Message No. 6. It is with the utmost reluctance that the Superintendent is compelled to convey to the Provincial Council his regret that the Council has not seen fit to reply to his former Messages, au act of courtesy which he had hoped would have been deemed due to the offioe which he holds, a2?art altogether from personal considerations. The Provincial Council will have been in Session a fortnight to-morrow without making the slightest progress in the practical business for which it was convened, and for aught that the Superintendent can see to the contrary, this state of things is as likely as not to continue for an indefinite period. There appears, therefore, to be no alternative but to prorogue the Council, and appeal co the people — a course which, after two ineffectual attempts to form an Executive, the Superintendent with the advice and consent of the Executive Council has resolved to adopt. It is hoped that under the circumstances his Excellency the Acting-Governor will not refuse to assent to a dissolution, seeing that otherwise the affairs of the Province will speedily arrive at a dead-lock. The Superintendent need scarcely say that the step which he has now adopted is a painful one to himself, and has been taken under a very grave sense of responsibility. Elected by, and responsible to the whole body of the people, he should be betraying the trust reposed in him were he quietly to submit to the office being trampled upon, and to the business of the Province being brought to a standstill. The Superintendent would respectfully point out to the majority of the Provincial Council that, if the somewhat anomalous political machinery in the shape of responsible government, with an elective head, which the Province has seen fit to tack on to the Constitution, is to work at all beneficially, there must needs be, in the choosing an Executive, mutual concession, and that the feelings and views of the Superintendent have at least as much right to be consulted as have those of the Provincial Council. The Superintendent has been chosen by the majority of the people to administer the affairs of the Province, and has beeia. pledged to a policy of progress. It is manifest, therefore, that the majority of the Council, by seeking to force upon his acceptance advisers, who, it may be, entertain entirely opposite views from the Superintendent, are seeking to place him in a false position — a position which he refuses to accept. The Superintendent came down to the Council at its opening with very important proposals, bearing upon the advancement of the Province— proposals which it was intended to have followed up by others equally important. Instead of entertaining any of these, however, the time has been occupied in discussing matters which have little or no practical bearing upon the pubhc interests : circumstances which the Superintendent trusts will amply justify in the eyes of the people the actiou which in the interests of the country he has been compelled to take. J. Macandrew, Superintendent. May 19, 1873. Proclamation Proroguing the Council. Whereas, by an Act of the Imperial Parliament of Great Britain and Ireland, passed in the Session thereof holden in the fifteenth and sixteenth years of the reign of her present Majesty Queen Victoria, intituled "An Act to grant a Representative Constitution to the Colony of New Zealand," it was amongst other things enacted that for each of the Provinces established in the said Colony by the said Act, there should be a Superintendent and a Provincial Council, to be elected and constituted under and subject to the provisions in that behalf therein contained, and that it shall be lawful for the Superintendent of any of the said Provinces^to prorogue the Provincial Council thereof, from time to time, whenever he should deem it expedient so to do : Now therefore I, the Superintendent of the Province of Otago (one of the Provinces aforesaid) do proclaim and declare that I do hereby, in pursuance of the power vested in me in that behalf by the said Act, prorogue the Provincial Council of the said Province of Otago, and that the said Provincial Council is prorogued accordingly. Given under my hand, and issued under the public seal of the said Province, at Dunedin, in the Province aforesaid, this nineteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-three. (1.5.) J. Macahdmw, Superintendent. \