OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 852, 19 August 1871, Page 2

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. Wellington, August 15. Hon. Councillors ; Gentlemen op the House op Representatives— It in with much satisfaction that I have summoned the Parliament of the colony, and now invite your assistance and advice. I am glad to learn that the Ballot, which was for the first time in this colony used at the late General Election of members of the House of Representatives, has been found to work well. Since I iast addressed you, I have again visited the provinces of the Middle Islaud, and its West Coast. I was greatly pleased to see its material resources developed, and social institutions established to so great an extent.

I have also observed with much satisfaction the growing prosperity of the North Island, and particularly the extraordinary yield of gold in the province of Auckland. Everywhere in both islands, my visits elicited expressions of loyalty to the Queen, and good will towards myself, and I shall always remember with gratitude the courteous and hospitable manner in which I have been received in all parts of New Zealand.

I congratulate you on the progress which has been made during the year in establishing under improved arrangements the postal route with Great Baitain via San Praucisco, and I hope that the line will attract the co operation of the Australian Colonies, and the support of the United States.

Our relations with the natives continue to improve. A bill will be laid before you to consolidate and amend the laws relating to the Native Land Courts.

Tou will concur with me in regretting the death of the celebrated chief Tamati Wakarni who was alike distinguished for his loyalty to Queen and friendship to the pakeha, and who, whether in peace or war, was ever first to aid in establishing the Queen's sovereignty, and promoting colonisation.

The Land Transfer Act of last session has been brought into operation, and 1 am glad to state that although so short a time has elapsed, the prograss of the system, and its appreciation by owners of property have been very marked. The successful negotiation of a large part of the loan authorised last year, and the continuance of internal tranquility, have enabled my Government to initiate and carry on the colonising policy of the late Parliament. Their endeavour has bcou to _ give effect to that policy in the spirit in which it was framed, and to apply the resources placed at thendisposal for the purpose with frugality, fairness, and a stedfast view to lasting results.

It is with great satisfaction I have observed a general wish on the part of the native tribes in the interior of the North Island to promote the formation of great lines of roads through their lands, and the practical proof they give of their sincerity in that respect by themselves joining in the work.

A commencement has been made in tho public works authorised in the Middle Island, and immigration will, in pursuance of instructions recently given, be secured to those provinces which have availed themselves of the provisions of the Immigration Act. You will, I feel sure, concur with me that the introduction and settlement of suitable immigrants are as necessary as tho construction of large public works, and that both are essential to a proper development of the resources, and lasting welfare of the colony. fl-KNTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OP JJepeesentatives,—The Estimates for the ensuing year will be laid before you. They have been framed with strict regard to economy, I congratulate you on the very favorable terms on which a large part ot the loan authorised by the Acts of last session has been raised in London. The arrangements also which have been effected with the Lords of Her Majesty's Treasury in reference to the guaranteed million loan are of a character to enhance the credit of the colony, and to facilitate its financial operations.

I regret to inform you that there has been a considerable falling off in the colonial revenue during the year, as there has also been in some of the Australian colonies. This, no doubt, is in consequence of the depressed value of the staple articles of production, and the stagnation in the manufacturing industries attributable to the great European war. The present revival in the value of those proproducts, the restoration of peace in Europe, the rapid growth of local industries, and the progress of immi-

gration and public works justify the belief that the depression is exceptional, and I hope that it will Drove transitory. %t rests with you to adopt measures for equalising the revenue and expenditure. Honourable Councillors and Gentlemen op the House op Representatives, —ft is of the greatest importance that elementary instruction should be more widely diffused, and that popular education should be raised to a higher Btaudard. A Bill will be laid before you to provide for both these ends.

The reduction in telegraph charges has resulted in a great increase of business during the year. A number of convicts lately arrived at Canterbury from the penal settle, ments of Western Australia, and stepg were taken by the Government for their immediate removal.

Among other measures, you will be asked to give your consideration to Bills for improving the law relating to insolvency, for amending tbe law relating to Goldfields, for governing(?) powers on committees on disputed elections, for the regulation of the coasting trade, for the encouragement of fisheries, for conferring powers on highway boards, for providing for the appointment of a public trustee, for procuring land for the settlement of immigrants, and for the better regulation of charitable trusts.

I trust your deliberations may, under the guidance of Divine Providence, contribute to the unity, peace, and prosperity of the colony.