THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. "Wellington, October 12.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 224, 15 October 1887, Page 5

THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. "Wellington, October 12.

i Tho Governor delivered the Speech at 2* o'clock. The weather was fine, but threatening. There was a large attendance of the members of both Houses, and also tho general public. , • ,

Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, and Gentlemen of the. House oij Representatives. I have great pleasure in meeting you in Parliament assembled. It affords me much gratification to be able to announce to you that the ceremonies on the occasion of the fiftieth year of her most gracious majesty's reign were celebrated with a splendour unsurpassed in tho annals of our couutry and evoked the mosb cordial feelings of loyalty enthusiasm and public reverence and respect in all parts of Her Majtßty's dominions.

The Imperial Conference held in London to discuss subjects relating to the prosperity advancement and protection of all interest's affecting Her Majesty's colonial possessions, conclude its ' sittings on the 9th may last. The results of its deliberation are regarded by the Imperial authorities and by the Colonial representatives as being of a satisfactory nature. The most important point of agreement is the determination to provide for the moie efficient defence of Her Majesty's distant possessions against external attack. Papers relating to tho subject will be laid before you.

Retrenchment, In its results the general election just concluded points to a firm resoh c on fche part of the people of New Zealand to ensure effective and substantial retrenchment in the cost of tho public service. My Mi listers feel that it is their first duty and it is their intention to propose to Parliament large reductions in the public expenditure of the colony. These reductions will bo made in the manner least calculated to piocluce inconvenience and hardship.

The Land Question. To the subject of land administration, my Minifaters attach great importance. I am assured that they will make increasing efforts to secure the location of a prosperous class of settlers upon the land of the colony. It has been well said that New Zealand stands unrivalled among British possessions as a field for settlement, and the aim of all of whatever political creeds should be to promote the establishment of a numerous and prosperous agricultural community where industry cannot fail to add to the material progress of the colony. As a first step, and as soon as practicable proposals will be submitted to you to render the land system less complicated, and to make the lands of the colony more easy of acquirement in small holdings and upon such tenure as selector may prefer. My Ministeis also recognised the difficulties under which, some small holders of land from the Ci own are struggling and they will consider what can be done to afford them reasonable relief.

Railway Management. In legard to our railways, it is the opinion of many competent to judge that the system under which the railways are worked is unsatisfactory, and ifc is believed that judicious changes can be made whereby public convenience may be more consulted, and a better revenue obtained.

Protective Tariffs. My Ministers recognise that alterations in the tariff are required to remove the; anomalies which have been brought into existence by the altered condition of things. They were anxious to have laid before you proposals for the readjustment of duties, but until you give your opinion upon their measures for effecting retrenchment in the public service they feel that alterations of a thorough and satisfactory nature cannot be made. They will, however, during the coining recess, give the matter their careful consideration and will bring before you measures dealing with this important subject. As the recess will necessarily be a short one the time lost will in the opinion of my Ministers be more than compensate for by the subject being dealt with deliberately and thoroughly.

The Native Land Laws. My Ministers have under consideration the necessity of amending the laws relating to native lands, and it will probably be necessary during the present session to pass some measure of a temporary character to allay the feeling of dissatisfaction which at present exists. After ascertaining during the recess the views and wishes of the native people and after weighing the subject] carefully in all its bearings comprehensive measures will be submitted for your consideration.

Gentlemen of The House of Representatives. — The estimates of revenue and expenditure will show in detail the reductions to which I have already referred. I regret to say that at the present time our principal source of revenue, the Customs, shows no sign of improvement, but my advisers trust that by limiting the public expenditure it will be possible to avoid placing further burdens upon the people.

Hon. Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen of the Housk oe Representatives. This, the second session of the year, being necessarily held afc an inconvenient period and under extraordinary^circumstancesjit is proposed to submit lor your consideration only such measures as may be urgently required.

The Midland Railway. Negotations relative to the constructioof .the Midland Railway are still pendn ing and you will be required to express your opinion upon certain important points which yet remain to be settled. Consistently with their duty to the colony my ministers will use every effort to enabie Parliament to arrive^ at a fair and reasonable solution of existing difficulties in connection with this important work.

The Edacatlon System. My Government view with satisfaction I the strong feeling manifested by the | people of the colony generally in favour of our educational system and desire to convey an assurance that whilst] its expense will be curtailed wherever practicable no steps will be taken by them which would have the effect of repairing its efficiency. I commend to your attention the ImpOiS tant questions that will be brought before, you, and I hope that, under the blessing of God, your labours may prove of great service to the Colony. Mr Graham, (member for East Coast), will move the Address-iu-Reply ; and Mr McGregor, (member for Akaroa), will second it. .

Member of Anti-Pover6y Society— "l tell you, Tom, it's hard times for a poor man nowadays. No flour in the house, rent in arrears, and I haven't done a stroke of work for six months." Another (pityingly) —-" That's tough. What are you going to do— commit suicide ?" Member (gloomily) — " I suppose I'll have to go to vork."