THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXX, Issue 138, 12 June 1896, Page 4

THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

honourable gentlemen of the Legislative Council and. Gentlemen of the House of Rephesentatives, It affords' me very great pleasure to again meet yon in Parliament assembled, , and to have recourse to your assistance ■ and advice. Daring the recess Her Majesty's loyal * subjects in New Zealand, as in all . other parts of her dominions, viewed ' . with anxiety and concern the serious ' , complications which threatened tor a short time the peace of 'the world. It is a matter for congratulation that war, with its attendant evii° has been averted, . and the prestige and honour of the Empire ' . maintained without recourse to arms. The whole of the forces of the colony are now armed .with the new approved weapon, the Martini-Henry. The present forces have, been increased and every effort hag been made to make the defences effective. The frequent presence' in New Zealand waters of the Admiral and the Australian Squadron is also a matter of congratulation . to theoolony, not only ag a material evidence of an ever -ready, first line of - defence but as a oonstant reminder of our intimate connection with Imperial interest . I was able' daring the recess to visit the Bay. of Islands and the romantio and hiatorio parts of the colony north of Auckland, and was much gratified by the cordial and loyal rweption everywhere ' given to me. In respone to an Invitation I with pleasure visited the Lbisf Tuhoe, the obief and the people of the % native xaoe in what is known as the Utewera, and afterwards those of'the Hgatimaniopoto. The loyalty expressed to her Majesty, together with the friendly greetings and hearty welcome accorded to me, personally, will ever be impressed on my memory, and I am fully assnred that friendly relations with the once turbid and warlike tribes have been firmly established; and that they are now . peaoeable and loyal subjects. I congratulate yon upon the satisfactory relationship it the two races, and on the general benefit! arising from the recent legislation affecting native lands and the Native Land Oonrt. The natives in all parts of the Colony have evinced a desirtt to have their lands opened by roads and thus bring themselves into closer touch with civilisation. Their anxiety to have • schools established in their midst shows that they are alive to what will prove of Rreat moment to their children in the ' future. ; lam pleased to be able to. inform you that the long standing and ■ much vexed question in connection with- the Wairarapa lake has been satisfactorily '. settled, and has been the occasion of much rejoicing. The constructira of roads through the (Jrewera country is making satisfactory progress, and the erection of • native schools at Ruatoki, Te Whaiti, and Waikaremana will soon be completed. . • , During the recess several changes in the Ministry have taken place. Tim Hon. Sir Patrick Buckley having resigned his Ministerial offices aud bis seat in the , Legislative .Council, was appointed to be ajndge of the Supremo Court. I feel assured you will join with me in deploring the loss the colony has suffered by his death bo shortly alter assuming that position. Next the Hon. W . 1\ Keeves tendered .his resignation tad was appointed Agent-General. Mr Hall-Jones has been called to the Ministry .wiih the office of Minister for Public Works, and the Hon. W. C. Walker and the Hon. T. Thompson have been appointed members of the Executive Council and to facilitate the administration of public affairs, they and the Hon. J. Curio) I have been allotted portfolios without salary. The finances of the colony contiuue to be sound and afford good reasons for .general eatisfacii-'u. Strict regard to ' economical .'fhiiuistration in every department hai x«:en considered, essential and once more I am in a position to state ihat . the provision made by Parliament has been "■ more toad sufficient' for carrying on the puulio service. The public accounts show a , substantial surplus of revenue over . expenditure. I am glad to be able to congratulate you on the greatly improved condition of affairs and Ihe general pro- . eperity of all parts of the colony. ■'« The temporary depression which prevailed same two years ago is fast passing away without- any far' reaching effects, and -■ renewed- hopes are being realised with every prospect of a bright and lastjng ,-. . future. Most of our staple products have ; >> jris>n in p'rice, and the discernment of our '. agricnlturleta in. respect W'grain growing ».; has, met'; with a profitable return. The ;j,.'st<»dy upward tendency, in the. price of : Wool, grain'., and "other products is a matter . . ' for congratulation., , , . ■. • .