OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 274, 26 September 1879, Page 2

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

1 THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. • « [bt telegraph], Hon Legislative .Councillors, and Gentlemen of the House of EeHtESENTATIVES,— In opening this, the seventh Parliament ■of New Zealand, I am sure v«u will unite with me in an earnest hope that the New Parliament may be distinguished for the enactment of such measures as shall bt most conducive towards promoting .the happiness and welfare of the people. We have reached what is, perhaps, as yet the most important epoch in the history of .the Colony, and the future will very much

depend upon the impress- which may be stamped upon it by the action of this Parliament. It is a matter for congratulation that notwithstanding the severe monetary, pressure and commercial gloom which have for some time past prevailed throughout the world, the position of this colony is thoroughly sound. In accordance with Constitutional usage I recently allowed an appeal to the electors throughout the Colony, and they have availed themselves of this opportunity to make manifest their wishes with reference to measures of great importance which it was proposed should be enacted as part of the permanent Constitutional laws of the Colony. The elections having been completed. I have at the earliest possible period called you together to avail myself of your advice and assistance in considering these measures and carrying on the necessary legislation of the Colony. My responsible advisers following up the line of policy meditated during the last session of the late Parliament have prepared measures giving effect to the views which were then made known to the country. Amongst these there will be submitted to you a Bill to amend the law relating to electors qualified to vote at the election of members of the House of Representatives, In this measure the broad principle is adopted that every man who pays taxes and is otherwise affected by legislation has a right to representation. A Bill which will also claim your consideration is one which proposes to reduce the longest period for which the House of Representatives can sit, from five to three years. This enactment will render each member more directly accountable to his constituents, than he at present is, and will secure to the electors the power of returning membersjjo frequently to the House of Representatives, that public opinion, which often in young countries takes a new direction from the rapidly varying circumstances of such communities, will be fairly represented in every phase which that opinion may assume. But these provisions will be of comparatively little value, unless the constituencies are so arranged that in as far as practicable the population in each district respectively shall be duly represented. This right was assured to the people of New Zealand by the British Parliament in the Act which originally gave them a representative Constitution. The measure on this subject which is to be submitted to you will substantially secure a return and an adherence to that important provision of the Constitution Act. These three measures are in the opinion of ray advisers, so equitable in themselves, and so in accordance with the spirit of modern times that should they become law there is, the Government believes, every prospect that a feeling of general contentment would be established permanently in the Colony. The power of legislation would then largely rest in the hands of the people of Ilev Zealand, and it is to be hoped that they will always maintain within its limits an equitable. system of taxation, a just administration of public lands, and a sound system of local self-government. The alterations which will he produced in the Constitution Act by the proposed measures will be but slight, whilst they are evidently in accord with the popular wish. A Bill will be submitted for your consideration to suspend plurality of voting in cases of elections of local governing bodies whilst those bodies are subsidised out of the general revenue of the Colony. Measures will also be submitted to you which will enable those desiring to occupy small farms or rural allotments to obtain possession of lands much more readily and at a smaller cost than they can be obtained under the present system. Gentlemen of the House of Representatives— The Estimates will be laid before you accompanied by measures calculated, in the opinion of my Goyernment to promote the interests of the Colony and to maintain its credit. A very geneial desire appears to exist that consideration should be given to the best means of promoting and encouraging manufactures and local industries in this Colony. With a view to give effect to this desire you may probably .think it advisable to appoint a select committee to inquire into and report upon the subject, The public works in progress continue to be vigorously prosecuted, and you will be asked to make provision for the further prosecution of those works which have already been authorised by Parliament. In pursuance of the intention of the Legislature in the session of 1878, considerable pains have been taken by the Public Works Department to ascertain the best route for connecting by rail the east and west coasts of the northern portion of the Middle Island, and also the best route from Amberley to Cook's Straits. As these are works of great magnitude and importance, and must involve a very large expenditure of public money, it is deemed prudent, in order to take advantage of every possible means of ascertaining the best routes, that the relative merits of the various lines should be carefully considered. With that view you will be asked to submit the whole question to a full and exhaustive examination and inquiry by a select committee, A. measure will be laid before you by which lands, the property of natives, not purchased by the Government for the public, will henceforth be sold in small blocks in the open market on such terms as may be agreed upon with the proprietors, My advisers are of the opinion that by the adoption of tin's system great advantages will be secured to the whole European population of New Zealand; whilst the natives will have the satisfaction of receiving full value of their estates and will no longer be subjected to those importunities and temptations to induce them to part with their lands, which have hitherto proved a fertile source of misunderstanding and of evil to the two races. The assurance which I was enabled to give to members of Pailiamentlast session in regard to peaceful action of native people generally has been borne out by the results. No further development has taken place of the fanatical movement on the West Coast and the tribes concerned appear to be quietly awaiting the action of the Parliament and of the ordinary course of law. Steps are being taken for holding a full inquiry into the existence and extent of the alleged unfulfilled promises in regard to lands. Two inter-tribal disturbances arising out of disputed claims to land have occurred, in one instance attended with loss of life. The necessary measures are being taken to vindicate the law. A Bill will be submitted for your consideration to regulate the immigration of Chinese into the Colony. A valuable interim report of the loyal Commission appointed to inquire into the subject of higher education has been received and laid before' both Houses. When the final report has been made no delay shall take place in laying it before you and in communicating to ynu the measures which the Government may recommend for adoption on the whole subject, which is one of paramount importance to the educational interests of the Colony. Various other measures will be laid before vou during the session and on each of these I am confident you will beatow your careful attention, exerting

yourselves in all respects to promote the interests of this Colony, the destinies of which providence has in bo large a measure entrusted to your charge. In all your efforts to attain this endyoumay rely on receiving my ready and earnest co-operation. I sincerely trust that a spirit of wisdom and of sound judgment may animate each branch of the Legislature.