PROROGATION OF THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

New Zealander, Volume XXIV, Issue 2614, 24 March 1866, Page 3

PROROGATION OF THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

His Honor the Superintendent formally prorogued the Provincial Council on Wednesday, the entire business on the notice paper having been disposed of. The following speech was delivered on the occasion : “Gentlemen of the Provincial Council, — “ The business requiring your attention this session having been finished, it is now my duty to release you from further attendance on your legislative duties.

“ The session I am now about to close lias been one of unusual importance. In no session have subjects of greater magnitude and involving more momentous consequences to this province, been submitted to the Provincial Legislature; and it affords me much pleasure to be able to congratulate you on the manner in which those subjects have been considered and disposed of. This session will bear a favourable comparison with any former one ; in none other has more business been done in so short a time, or in a more satisfactory manner. “ The acceptance of the transfer of the administration of the confiscated lands for the purpose of colonisation has involved the province In a large undertaking, with serious responsibility. There is no doubt that the exertions of tbe Executive Government will be taxed to the utmost, and we must all feel that, under the circumstances, a moderately successful result is not more than a reasonable probability. “ It has been with very groat regret that I have had to lay before yon so very unsatisfactory a statement of the finances of the province. It is quite clear that rigid economy is essential to enable us to extricate ourselves from embarrassment. For a time at least we shall be compelled to forego many desirable, and some absolutely necessary, public works and improvements; but I trust that prudent self-denial will enable us not only to extricate ourselves from tbe difficulties that surround us, but will give us a fresh start on the road to advancement and prosperity. “ I have made arrangements for the payment of the instalment of one-third of the compensation to the persons who, under Mr. Beckham’s awards, may bo considered as primil facie entitled. But, ns further investigation has been considered requisite, I shall take tbe precaution of requiring a bond for repayment of any sum which may hereafter be found to have been paid which was not fairlv due. 1 tru-t the distribution ol this money will realise the benefits that are expected to result from it.

“ I thank yon for the supplies which you have so freely voted for the public service ; I shall use rnv best endeavours to expend them as economically ns possible. “ Amongst the more pressing duties which have demanded your attention, amendment of the municipal law of the province has not been neglected, and I feel assured that the legislation of this session will materially assist those whose duty it is to carry the laws into execution, and will prove beneficial to the public at large. “ Permit me, gentlemen of the Provincial Council, to add that it wilt always be my aim to lay before the Council the most ample information on the subject which I

may submit for your consideration, and 1 Invite the fullest and freest discussion, conducted, I venture to hope, with moderation and candour, of all measures which I may propose for your acceptance. It is not to be expected that the two branches of the Provincial Legislature can always be of one mind; differences of opinion will inevitably arise, and it is often by the conflict of opinion that truth is made ap parent. Each branch, possessing legislative functions and powers, co ordiate with the other, has a right to, and is responsible for, an independent opinion, and it is a duty to give expression to it. But argument, temperately urged, is always entitled to respectful attention, and I trust that I shall never tail to recognise the fact that it is the duty of one branch of the legislature, even when it cannot agree, to treat the opinions of the other with deference and respect. “ I now declare that this Council stands prorogued, and it is prorogued accordingly, “ Fred. Whitaker, “ Superintendent.’’