THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. Friday.

Waikato Times, Volume VII, Issue 334, 4 July 1874, Page 2

THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. Friday.

Papers will be presented shewing what your advisers thiuk of the Polynesian Islands as regards their civilisation, settlement, ifcc. The present problem is of great interest and • importance to the colony. Measures will be introduced to provide addit'onal qualifications of electors. To create and conservate forests as colonial property, and to guard against difficulties between the two branches of the Legislature. The constant demands for admistrative attention consequent upon the rapid progress of the colony -lead my advisers to think 'it expedient not to unite legislation' upon questions which do not press for immediate solution.

At the opening of Parliament 1 3 members of the Legislative Council and 35 members of the House of Keprosentatives were present. Messrs Gibbs and Montgomery took the usual oath and their seats. . The Premier introduced a bill to abolish imprisonment for debt. ( Copies of the New Zealand Handbook were laid on the table. - . ' The Premier explained the Hon. Mr McLeans absence as caused by big going a\ray under the impression that Parliament would not meet before the 16th inst. The House adjourned to 2.30 on Tuesday.

His Excellency, in opening Parliament, said he had, whilst visiting the different provinces, taken every opportunity to become acquinted with the circumstances of the whole country. He had experienced great pleasure in \icwing the natural resources of New Zealand. Papers will be laid before both Homes, from which members will be able to gather all the circumstances in connection with the selection of immigrants, and the views of the Government thereon. His advisers had made arrangonts with the Provincial Governments to aid in locating and settling immigrants on arrival. The contract negociated "by Mr T. Russell in reference to the San Francisco mail service will be laid before Parliament The expression of approval by New South Wales, which has recently reached this Government, will, it is hoped, enable measures soon to be taken for the establishment of telegraphic communication with Australia. General prosperity prevails throughout the colony, which is a gratifying proof of the wisdom of the provisions made for increasing the population and putting to profitable uses, the resources, of the colony. The continued peaceful relations with the natives and their disposition to recognise a policy instituted to promote the interests of both races will afford the utmost gratification. Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,— Estimates have been framed with a due regard to economy, but which necesserily indicate largely increased work of administration, will be laid before you. Considerable increase in the revenue shotild give confidence to continue the prosecution of the great pnblic works of the colony, and in. continuing to expen-1 i .><>;-, O n immigration. Hon. ir. •< .vrivE Councillors and Gentlemen of v ..: House of Representatives, — I am pleased to assure you of the continued success of tho Government system of Life Assurance and Annuities. The time has como when it is desirable that you should stamp upon this institution the unselfish nature of tho motive which called it into existence by relinquishing to thoso who have responded to your desire to cultivate prudent habits, the profits that may ai'ri ye from it. A measure will bo submitted for periodically alloting to policy-holders such profits as may ,be considered safe and desimWo.