THE QUEEN'S SPEECH.

Taranaki Herald, Volume I, Issue 15, 10 November 1852, Page 4

THE QUEEN'S SPEECH.

We publish the Queen's Speech on the prorogation of Parliament, July ], 1852. My Lords aud Gentlemen—* 1 am induced by considerations of public policy to release you at an earlier period than usual from your legislative duties. The zeal and diligence, however, with which yon have applied yourselves to your Parliamentary labours have enabled mo in this comparatively short session to givo my assent to many measures of high importance, and, I trust, of great and paramount advantage. I receive from all foreign powers assurances that they are animated by tho most friendly disposition towards this country, and I entertain a confidont hope that the amicable relations happily subsisting between the principal European states may be so firmly established as, under Divine Providence, to secure to the world a long continuance of tbe blessings of peace. To this great end my attention will be unremittingly directed. I rejoice that the final settlement of the affairs of Holslcin and Schleswig, by the general concurrence of the powers chiefly interested, has removed one came of recent difference and future anxiety. The amicable termination of the discussions which have taken place between the Sublime Porte and the Pacha of Egypt affords a guarantee for the i tranquility of tbo East, and encouragement for tbe extension of commercial tnterpriio.

The refusal, on the part of the King of Ava, 0' redress justly demanded for insults and injuries offered lo my subjects at Rangoon, has necessarily led to an Intcrroption of friendly relations with that Sovereign. The promptitude and vigour with which the Governor-General of India has taken the measures thus rendsred unavoidable, have merited my entire approbation i and I am confident that you will participate 'in the satisfaction with which I have observed tho conduct of all the naval and military forces, European and Indian, by whose valour'and discipline tbe important captures of Rangoon and Mnrtnban have been accomplished, and in the hope which I entertain that these signal successes may lead to an early aud honourable peace. Treatios have been concluded by my naval commanders with the King of Dahomey, nnd all tho African chiefs, whose rule extends along the Bight of Brnln, for tho total abolition of the slave trade, which is at present wholly suppressed upon that coast. I have had great satisfaction in giving my assent to the messuros which you have wisely adopted for 'he better organization of tho militia,— a constitutional force, which, hcmi;' limited to purposes of internal defence, ran afford no just ground of jealousy to neighbouring powers ; but which in the event of any sudden and unforeseen disturbance of my foreign relation*, would at all times contribute eventually to the protection and security of my dominions. Gentlemen of the Houso of Commons— I thank you for the liberal provision which you have made for tho exigences of the public service. The expenditure which you have authorised shall be applied with a duo regard to economy sad efficicnay. The recent discoveries of extensive gold fields have produoed in the Australian colonies a temporary disturbance of society, requiring prompt attention. I have taken such steps as appeared to me most urgently necessary for the mitigation of this serious evil. I shall eontinuo anxiously to watch the important results which must* follow from theso discoveries, I have willingly concurred with you in an act which, by rendering available to the services of tdoso colonies, the portion'arising within them of the hereditary revenue placed at tho disposal of Parliament on my accession lo the throne, may enable them* to mcct^their [necessarily increased expenditure. My Lords and Gentlomon— I have gladly assented to the important bills which you have passed for effecting reforms long and anxiously desired, in the practice and proceedings of the superior courts of luw and equity, and generally for improving Urns administration of I justice. Every measure which simplifies the forms and (liminixhes the delay and expenses of legal proceedings, without introducing uncertainty of decisions, impairing the authority of the courts, or lowering tho high staudard of the judicial bench, is a valuable .boon conferred upon the community at large. I hope that the measures which yon have adopted for promoting the extramural interment of tho dead, and for improving the supply of water, may be found effectual for the remedy of evils, tho exU» tence of which has long been a reproach to this great metropolis, and may conduce to tho health and comfort of its inhabitants. The extension of popular rights fend legislative powers to my subjects resident in the colonies Is always to me nu object of deep interest; and I trust that thoir representative nttivo institutions, which in concert with you I have sanctioned for New Zealand, may promote the welfare and contentment of that distant, but most interesting colony, and confirm their loyalty and attachment to my crown. It is my Intention, without delay, to dissolve this present Parliament J and it is my earnest prayer that, in the exercise of tbe high functions which, according to our free constitution, will devolve upon tho several constitucnccs, they may be directed by an alUwite Providence to the selection of representative! whose wisdom and patriotism may aid me in my increasing endeavours to sustain tbe honour and dignity of my crown, to uphold the Protestant institutions of the country, aud the civil and religions liberty which is their natural resultto extend and improve national education— to developc and encourage industry and science, and to elevate the moral and social condition, and thereby promote the welfare end happiness of my people.