THE governor's speech.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 148, 25 June 1898, Page 2

THE governor's speech.

The following is the concluding portion of the Governor's speech :---

MINING LAW

Complaints have been made and with some reason that the Stamp Act. presses unduly on mining- companies. whose articles of association contemplate other operations than lho.se directly involved in mining, inasmuch as even while carrying on mining operations only they are culled upon to pay stamp duties. You will be asked to amend the law in the direction of giving the relief sought. I'KINFERENTIAL DUTIES. At the Conference held last year between the Secretary of State for tlie Colonies and the Colonial Premiers it was understood that for reasons there given the question of preferential duties on goods manufactured in the .Mother Country would be brought by the respective Premiers before their colleagues. This has been done, and my Ministers are of the opinion that an opportunity should be given to Parliament to discuss this important question, believing that if the finances of Ihe colony permit it an alteration in the Customs tariff might be made in this direction with advantage to the Mother Country ancl to the colony. TRADE RETURNS. The volume of exports has been maintained, and commercial prospects aro cheering. There has been a fair increase in the imports, and investments generally are satisfactory. The droughts in some parts of the Middle Island diminished to some extent the yield of grain, but the prices obtained have partially compensated for this. Withconlidencelcommendtoyourcarnest attention the matters that may be brought under your consideration. You may ever rely upon my co-operation and assistance, and l trust that, with tho blessing of Almighty God your labours may prove beneficial to the country and promote the well-being, comfort and happiness of its inhabitants.