COLONIAL NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume II, Issue 82, 31 July 1852, Page 5

COLONIAL NEWS.

TASMANIA. We have papers to the 16th of June. The Legislative Council met on the 15th, when his Excellency the Governor delivered a lengthy address, extracts from which we subjoin. The members, on meeting, cordially shook hands with each, other, both Nominee and Elected, and appeared very glad to meet again, for what purpose remains to be shown. A few minutes belore 2 o'clock, the Sergeant-at-Arms informed the Speaker that the Lieut.Governor approached the House, and, almost immediately afterwards, his Excellency, accompanied by his Staff, entered the house, and addressed it as follows : — Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, — " A very brief period has elapsed since the closing of* the last Session ; but I have thought it advfsable to call you together now, believing it to be a season of the year during which most of you experience less inconvenience by prolonged absence from your homes. " The Acts which in the course of the last Session received the sanction of the Legislature have not been in force long enough to justify the formation of a positive opinion as to their efficacy. " I must, however, direct your attention to the Customs' Duties' Bill, as a close and searching enquiry into its operation is desirable. The present enactment is of a temporary character, expiring at the end of the first session of 1853 ; and as any measure intended to be permanent must receive the approval of her Majesty before it can be acted upon in this colony, it will be necessary for you to decide finally on this important question. "The main subject for consideration will be

the scale of Duties to be levied ; and the object of such a scale should not be limited to the raising of a revenue sufficient to cover the present expenditure, but it should also carry with it such a principle of extension as will enable it to meet the future and probable wants of the Public Service, arising from the progress and advancement of the colony. " All the information of which the Government may be in possession will be laid before you: and I have every confidence that in your wisdom and discretion the result of your deliberations will place the revenue upon a just and sound basis, bearing equitably upon all classes of the people. * * * " The results of the discovery of gold on the Continent of Australia has been, as regards the colony, of a very mixed character. While the demand for every species of produce for the supply of the continental markets has given a stimulus to trade which has been most beneficial, the attractions of the gold diggings have withdrawn a large proportion of the working population from the colony; and unless some means can be found to supply the demand for labour, the check to agriculture, and to all the other material interests of the colony, will be felt most severely. " One of the results of this disturbance of the labour market will be to place in jeopardy the supply of food available for the whole of the Australian colonies. Impressed with the necessity of viewing this question in its relations with all the colonies, I have directed certain enquiries to be made as to the probable, wants and supply in each, with especial reference to the Agricultural interests of Van Diemen's Land. The results of these enquiries when obtained will be laid before you. "So long ago as last August I pointed out to the Secretary of State what would be the probable effect of the gold discoveries upon the labour market ; and I have since then on various occasions made his Lordship acquainted with the results which have actually been produced. " I have pressedfas strongly as possible the claim of Van Diemen's Land to be provided with an adequate supply of labour; and have urged upon her Majesty's Government the adoption of the principle that, as long as this Colony has to receive persons subject in any degree to coercion or control, an equal number of free emigrants should be sent .at the expense of the British Treasury. " As, however, the prosperity of the Colony is altogether dependent upon the amount of labour which can be placed at the disposal of the Settlers, I recommend the subject to your serious consideration, assuring you that I shall gladly concur in any measures, either legislative or administrative, by which the introduction of emigrants, or their retention when introduced may be facilitated. " The estimates for the year 1853 wi!lb<? laid before you immediately, together with all the information which may be required to elucidate them -. they are based upon those which received your sanction during the last Session, and have been drawn up with as strict a reference to economy as is compatable with a due consideration for the interests of the community. " I am happy to be able to congratulate you upon the prospects of the colony. Temporary checks may, it is true, for a time operate prejudicially, but I feel certain that its onward course will not be materially retarded. "It is for you, Gentlemen, in your capacity as Members of the Legislature, as for me in mine as Head of the Executive Government, to watch carefully the operation of every measure which may in any way affect this progress, to foster and assist in developing every scl.eme by which this may be facilitated, to clear away every impediment by which it may be checked or retarded ; and as I feel certain that you will not be wanting on your part, so I assure you that I shall be earnest and zealous in my endeavours to promote all the best interests of the Colony." His Excellency and Staff then left the Chamber, in the same form and state as that m which they had entered. The Speaker then took the chair, and read the address of his Excellency. Moved by Mr. Leake, and seconded— That the Address of his Excellency be printed. Carried. Mr. Kermode then said, that he,should, on Thursday, the 19th, move an address, which he read, in reference to the Governor's remarks

upon the disloyal expressions made hy the Council, when passing the resolution against the continuance of transportation. The Colonial Secretary moved an amendment to the effect that an address should be moved to his Excellency's address ; in accordance with the custom of the House of Commons. The Honourable Member then moved, that a Committee be appointed to prepare a reply to his Excellency's address ; —consisting of certain members, named by the Colonial Secretary. The amendment was put to the vote and lost.