LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume XXIV, Issue 2142, 9 April 1897, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

April 7. There was a large attendance of mem— bare Afd the pubic at tbe Legislative Counril Chamber?, when the Acting G-o* ri-or, Sir J. PrendergaMt, deliverea hid tpseoh as follows ; ; Hon. Gktstlbmbn of "hk I.rgislitivb Council and Gantlemk]!! of thb House of Representatives,— It is with pleasure that I have convened this meeting of Parliament , , to enable yon to arrange for the fitting representation of the Colony >n the celebrations about to take place io London to commemorate the completion of the sixtieth ye»r of Her Most Gracious Majesty's prolonged end beneficent reign. N«w Zealand, in common wilh every other dependency of the Empire, has beea invited to send sepresentatives on tbe gteut occasion to England : such representatives to be tbe guests of the mother country. The despatches in* reference thereto will be laid before yon, and both Houses of Parliament will be asked to adopt respectful addreeses, conveying to oui rooHt crfracioas Sovereign congratulations befitting thie great occa--B'on. His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow leit ]Sew Zealand in February last, carrying with him the respect awi esteem of the inh»l>itunte'of the Colony. On Hie Excellency's departure I assumed the office of Administrator of the Government, a.nd for the fourth time in tijp history of the Colony ii has devolved upon ihe Administrator to deliver the opening speech to Parliament. Despatches have been receive! announcing the appointment of the Earl of Rnnfurly Mβ Governor of New Zealand. His Exceilency will shortly arriveiu the Colony, and be loyally nnd-cordially welcomed as the representative of Her Most Gracious Majesty.

Hon. Gknxlkmen op tub House of RhPUKSiRNTATIVaS, — In the ordiuary course of events, Par* liainent wonld have been summoned to meet in June next ; and us you are aWarp, supplies have been voted to the end of that month. Proposals for an extension of appropriation to a suitabre date will be submitted for yqur consideration, »nd a statement showing approximately the financial position of the Colony will be placed before you. "* HON GKNTLBMreK OF THE LEGISLATIVE: CoTJXOIIi AND GuJN'TLUMHISr OF THB HoUSK OF RePBGSSNTATIVB!', My advisers do not. deem it expedient to bring before yon any measures except such as are necessary to give effect to the wishes of the people of New Zea-** land, that this Colony should be worthily represented tit the ceiebrmion of the completion of the sixtieth year of Majesty's memorable reign. In order, however, to remove certain defects in the present ifiw, relating to the election ot the Speaker of the Legislative Council, a Bilf* has been prepared, and will be submitted for your consideration. I trust that with the blessing of God the attendance the leading colonial statesmen, who havHP'; been invited to attend the celebration of ilie acoomtiihhnaeut of the eix.'«th year <>f Her M.tjeety'B reign, and tak« pert ia tlu* discussion of subjects of interest; to the mother country and her cctioais , .! possessions, will redound to the glory ot the empire and to the credit of the colonies. : :