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Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 147, 3 July 1901, Page 4

Continued from page 3.

hand and ordered, the requirements of the railways will be fairly met. My Ministers hope to have the locomotives and rolling stock constructed within the colony. Another matter demanding attention is that some provision should be made whereby railway servants who, through a S e _ or infirmities, or by meeting with accidents, may when retired receive some superannuation or other allowance. To retire some of the older servants under existing conditions is not, my Ministers think, a ' fitting reward for faithful services rendered. This lack of consideration not only applies to railway but other public servants, and to continue the present anomalous position is undcsirble. Some Civil servants on retirement- are entitled to a pension. Others are entitled to a month’s salary 7 for every year’s service, and others are granted an amount equal to one month’s salary, but not exceeding in the whole a sum equal to ono year’s salary. Very many whoso pay does not enable them to save, be they ever so thrifty, are as matters now stand cast adrift without receiving anything. The classification of the whole of tho Stato Departments, and tho adoption of a superannuation scheme and fund to which all State servants contribute, are matters worthy of grave consideration. Fair progress has been made with the construction of the main trunk lines of railway during the recess, and tho vigorous prosecution of these works will be continued. There is a matter of considerable importance in connection with several of these lines of railway, mainly that lands suitable for close settlement are increased in value as the work of construction proceeds, and my Ministers consider that if these lands are acquired by the State under tho Land for Settlements Act, say within five years from date, tho now existing value of tho lands should bo the basis upon which tho price to be paid by the State should be determined. Hon. gentlemen of the Legislative Council and gentlemen of tiie House of Representatives,—

The mail arrangements as between the colony, Australia, the Mother Country, and elsewhere are not at all in a satisfactory footing, and our commercial arrangements are not sufficiently promoted under existing conditions. My advisers consider that the existing barriers should in fairness to the colony bo removed, so that reasonable facilities should obtain for trade and commercial reciprocity. The necessity for the extension of the commerce of the colony, and for the granting of facilities for the transmission of our products to other markets, still continues'. With the object of improving matters, oilers wore called for from steamshipownors willing to carry our products at given freights and at regular intervals between New Zealand and South Africa. The offers received wore unsatisfactory, and no further action was taken, pending the meeting of Parliament, and authority being given to have complete arrangements made to meet this pressing necessity. Proposals respecting this question will ho submitted to you in due course. In respect to the Cook group and other islands now within the extended boundaries of the colony, my Ministers arc of opinion that no sudden change should bo made in the laws affecting the same, and that for the present ordinances passed by the Cook Islands Parliaments should bo legalised and continue applicable until other provision is made. Colonel Gudgeon has been asked to act as representative for the colony in respect to the management and control of the Cook and other islands. Recent developments in other countries and in our own colony in the formation of trusts or combinations, with a view of fixing abnormal rates for the purchase and sale of products within the colony, are worthy of attention, and my advisers arc of opinion that the Legislature should, if the evil continues and grows, pass as a precautionary measure a law, making it illegal for persons, corporations, or companies to enter into contracts or agreements, fixing the abnormal price in which foodstuff or coal within the colony should bo sold. My Ministers desire to bring under your notice the increased prices payable for coal for State requirements. As a way of meeting tin's difficulty, and to insure a supply of coal for Government purposes at reasonable rates, it is essential that a State coal-mine bo establishedThe great and growing demand for coal, and the inadequacy of the supply from the coal-mines on the West Coast of the Middle Island, also render a State coal-mine advisable. The Referendum Bill, the Mortgages of Land Bill, and bills amending and consolidating several laws relating to laborworking hours in factories and workshops, and regulating the working hours of bank clerks and clerks engaged in mercantile houses, and other measures affecting social matters will in due course bo submitted. A measure, having for its object an increase in the salaries of Members of Parliament will bo submitted for your consideration and early attention. The conflagrations that have taken place in the colony since last session, and the loss of life and property caused thereby, call for immediate consideration, and with- a view of bettering the condition of the colony in this respect my advisors will bring before you remedial measures with the object of placing the fire brigade lire appliances and. water supplies in a better condition, and also bringing under the control of the police the means of escape from fire in the case of persons living in hotels and lodging-houses, and in respect to the larger hotels making it noccsssary to have efficient night watchmen employed, whose solo duty it will bo to patrol the buildings and give alarm in case of fire,

The Legislature having last session consolidated and amended the municipal laws of tho colony, it is necessary to complete and perfect the laws relating to local self government. With tills object the Country Councils Bill will be introduced at an early period, and I hope passed into law.

A Bill amending the Chinese Immigra-

tion Act is necessary, more particularly as affecting those of the race that come to the colony as members of ship’s crews. A measure extending tho power of the Inspector-General of Hospitals, and providing for tho registration of hospital nurses, will be brought under your consideration.

On the visit of their Royal Highnesses

the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, it was found that all laws existing did not empower local authorities to incur

tho necessary expenditure to meet the pleasurable occasion. A Bill will therefore bo introduced, indemnifying and making legal the expenditure of the local authorities. For the purpose a measure will bo introduced, giving extended powers in respect of land affected by the proclamation of rivers in which dredging obtains. The mining and companies laws also require amending in the direction of insuring that the directors of companies shall bo liable to be proceeded against for payment of calls, and that the calls of otln r shareholders shall bo invalid, unless the calls of the directors have been paid, or steps taken for the rceoveiy thereof, and glsp that in the case of gold mines, as in that of mines, a small royalty may bo charged for the purpose of assisting the Sick and Benevolent Fund of the miners engaged in the said mines. I am pleased to inform you that the constitution of tho Councils and Boards, under the Maori Councils Act and Maori Lands Administration Act, has been proceeded with, and, with the exception of one part, the colony has been subdivided into districts. Tho outlook is very promising, and there is reasonable expectation of waste lands owned by those of the Native race berng thrown open ere long for settlement. The roading and settlement of the people on tho lands of the colony is of paramount importance. My Ministers are giving this matter every attention. Proposals furthering this object will be placed before you, The energy of our sturdy settlers has in no small degree contributed to the largely increased exports of last year, which formed a record, and the trade returns warrant me in believing that our prosperity is based -on a solid foundation, which I think will be lasting and for the good of the people. I trust that the several matters brought under your ..notice may receive your careful attention and earnest consideration, and pray that with the blessing of the Almighty God the results of your labors may be for the good of the Empire and to the lasting benefit of the people of this fair colony,