HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 118, 19 July 1873, Page 5

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Tuesday, July 15th. The Speaker took the chair at two o’clock, and prefaced business with prayer. SUMMONS TO MEMBERS. His Excellency’s Aide-de-Camp then entered the chamber and, addressing the Speaker, said that his Excellency commanded the attendance forthwith of the Speaker and honorable members to the Legislative Council Chambers. The members at once obeyed the summons by repairing to the other Council chamber, when his Excellency the Governor read the following SPEECH. Honorable Legislative Councillors, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, — It gives me pleasure to meet you at so early a moment after assuming the charge of the Government of New Zealand, to which her Majesty has been graciously pleased to appoint me. I am gratified to learn that the condition of the colony is extremely prosperous ; and that the colonists at large, manifesting faith iu its resources, are developing them with energy nd enterpiuse; The public works .already authorised have been proceeded with as rapidly as circumstances have permitted. But in order to render effectual the policy of public works which has been adopted by Parliament, you must bear in mind that the principle upon which those works were undertaken involved not only a system of arterial communications throughout the country, but a concurrent settlement by numerous occupiers of the lands so opened up. Papers will be laid before you indicative of the anxiety of the Government to promote and assist immigration. The increasing success of the Life Assurance and Annuities department is highly satisfactory. Whilst the system of State insurance affords great advantages to the colonists, it does not close the door to private associated enterprise in the same useful direction. At the Intercolonial Conference held during the recess, many important results were arrived at, to some of which your attention will be directed. In consideration of the unanimous desire of the Conference, Her Majesty’s Government have obtained the assent of the

Imperial Parliament to a measure by which the Australasian colonies will have a right to enter into reciprocal tariff arrangements. I do not doubt that this concession will be gratifying to the Legislature of New Zealand, which has constantly advocated its justice and expediency, and I express the hope that such care will be exercised in making a proper and reasonable use of it as will prove that it has been wisely sought and granted. Arising out of the Conference, though not directly associated with it, are proposals for the establishment of cable communication between Australia and New Zealand, and Normantown and Singapore, in joint connection with other colonies Your early attention will be invited to these proposals, which await and are subject to your concurrence. I regret that whilst so many other subjects received satisfactory consideration and decision at the hands of the Conference, upon the subject of Mail Services a unanimous conclusion was not arrived at, and in consequence it yet awaits final arrangement. My Advisers have given much consideration to the matter. Whilst they are anxious to re-open the Californian Service, they are only disposed to do so on terms which will do justice to the requirements of the Colony, and which will not dissociate New Zealand from the use of the Suez Service. Negotiations are still pending ; but iu all which have been entered into the approval of Parliament has been made an absolute condition. The work of making roads in native districts in the North Island, and thus, through their aid, of opening up the country for future settlement, has been prosecuted during the year with steadiness and success. It is gratifying to observe that the opposition originally manifested at several points to this undertaking is gradually lessening as the natives more fully understand the intentions of the Government and the benefit accruing to themselves from these works in affording employment in the several districts, and in giving increased value to the tribal lands. It is also gratifying to observe that the natives generally appreciate the advantages of peace, and are directing their attention to industrial pursuits and to the establishment of schools, in which their children can obtain the advantages of an English education. Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, — Estimates prepared with every desire to consult economy to the utmost extent, consistent with the requirements of the public service, will be laid before you. Your consideration will be asked to subjects relating to the civil service. The public revenue is increasing, and the improved credit of the colony is shown by the enhanced value of its securities. Honorable Legislative Councillors and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, — The murder committed in Waikato by certain natives has attracted much public notice. While lamenting the occurrence of a crime now happily so rare, I would announce with satisfaction that it has evoked from the leading tribes throughout the island a general and public condemnation, as well as renewed declarations of their loyalty. The Government have left the criminals to the ordinary operation of the law. That operation may be tardy in the districts still remote from European settlement in which they have taken refuge ; but ths Government, while mindful of the requirements of justice and of the protection of the industrious inhabitants, have not deemed it expedient by any precipitate measures to risk the disturbance of the generally peaceful condition of the colony. Measures will be laid before you to initiate the reconstruction of the Constitution of the Legislative Council, to amend the laws relating to the goldfields, to provide for education, to consolidate the laws relating to prisons, to amend and consolidate the electoral laws, to establish a silver and copper mint, to amend the insolvency laws and abolish imprisonment for debt, to provide for the election of Native district councils, to amend the laws relating to Native lands, and to give increased security to persons assuring their lives. I confide to your careful attention these and other measures, designed in the interests of the whole colony and of the two races which inhabit it, and I trust that Divine Providence will bless your efforts to discharge efficiently your onerous duties. On returning to the House of Representatives several new members took the oath and their seats. privilege. Mr WAKEFIELD drew the attention of the Speaker to an article which appeared in Friday’s evening paper casting imputations upon his character as a member of that House. The article in questien having been read by the Clerk, Mr WAKEFIELD said that in these days it was not likely that he would ask to have the writer brought before the bar of the House ; but he must ask to be protected from such imputations. It was not to be supposed that if he performed certain literary work for Mr Henderson— even if such could be proved—that he necessarily prejudiced his position as a member of that House. He trusted that his connection with that House would not disqualify him from taking a share in what must be called the highest class of labor — literary work,.by which he chiefly earned his bread. He had no desire to display any malice towards the unforturtunate man who cast those imputations upon him ; ha would leave him to his own reflections after perpetrating the injustice, of charging him with being the hired advocate and pamphleteer of the Messrs Brogden. As it was neaaasary that, in accordance with the forms of the House, he should table a motion in conneo--1 tion with the complaint, he would more that

the article in the “ Evening Post” be considered on a future day. The motion was not seconded. PAPERS Aim CORRESPONDENCE. Several portly-looking batches of papers and correspondence relating to Government business were deposited upon the table by the various ministerial heads of departments. COMMITTEES. Notices of the usual sessional committees were given. NOTICES OP MOTION. An unusually large number of these preludes to parliamentary business were given. NEW BILES. Mr Bathgate gave notice of the introduction of the following new bills :—The Insolvency Bill, the Prisons Bill, the Goldmining Bill, the Assaults and Prosecutions Bill, the Municipal Corporation Waterworks Act Amendment Bill. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. Mr M'LEAN made a brief formal statement regarding the changes which had been made in the construction of the Government during the recess. The details are still fresh in the recollection of the public. ADJOURNMENT. On the motion that the House adjourn till next day at 2.30 by Mr M'Lean, some discussion ensued. It was decided that the House adjourn till next day at 2.30, but that the address in reply to his Excellency’s speech be postponed to Thursday next. The House then adjourned. Wednesday, July 16. The Speaker took the chair at half past two o’clock. Several -notices of motion were given, and petitions laid upon the table. AUCKLAND PROVINCIAL COUNCIL. In reply to the following question by Mr Williamson, on what date, according to effluxion ef time, it will become necessary for the Governor to dissolve the Provincial Council of Auckland ? Mr YOGEL said that the Council would have to be dissolved on some day prior to the 18th January, 1874. THE WAIKATO RAILWAY. Mr WILLIAMSON asked the Minister for Public Works, if it be the intention of the Government, during the present session of Parliament, to ask for authority to extend the line of the Waikato railway, now in course of construction, to some point on the upper boundary of the confiscated territory ; and also to connect the main line vpith the Thames district at Tararu ? The hon member pointed out the many advantages which would result to the colony, as well as to the settlers of the particular district interested. Mr YOGEL said that, if the Government were not misled, a very important question of policy was involved in dealing with these subjects, but he could inform the House that in a fortnight from the present day, the Government would bring forward a complete statement of their intentions in regard to the whole question. MAIL SERVICES, &C. Mr MURRAY asked Ministers if they will appoint a committee of this House to consider the questions of mail services and telegraph extension? Mr YOGEL explained the position occupied by the Government in regard to mail services. With regard to telegraph extension he was not aware that a committee was at all necessary. NATIVE APPAIBS COMMISSION, &C. Mr MURRAY asked Ministers when they will lay before Parliament the report of the commission on native affairs on the East Coast? Also, when the Dunedin and Clutha and Dunedin and Lawrence railways will be open for traffic ? Mr M'LEAN was understood to intimate that the report would be laid upon the table at an early date. Mr BATHGATE, in reply to the second question, said that the line would be open from end to end in September, 1875. In the meantime, as much of the line as was available for use, he believed, would be usable in about six weeks. IMMIGRATION, Mr ROLLESTON asked, without notice, if all the correspondence between the Government and the Agent-General had been laid upon the table; and, if not, what portion had not been laid before the House. Mr O’RORKE said that all had been submitted to the House except that portion received by the last mail. That was in the hands of the printer, and would be ready in a few days. NEW BILLS. The following bills were introduced, read a first time, and ordered to be printed : —The Joint Stock Companies Act, 1860, (Mr Gillies) ; to be read a second time that day week. The Auckland Mineral Leases Act, 1873 (Mr Gillies) ; The Canterbury Waste Lands Bill, 1873 ; The Canterbury Water Supply Bill, 1873 ; The Canterbury Cathedral Square Bill, 1873 (Mr Rolleston). The Municipal Corporation Waterworks Bill, 1873; The District Courts Acts Amendment Bill, 1873 ; The Assaults on Constables Bill, 1873 ; The Goldmining Bill, 1873 ; The Prisons Bill, 1873; The Insolvency Bill, 1873 (Mr Bathgate). The Ruapuke Annexation Bill, 1873 (Mr Reynolds). CHAIRMAN OE COMMITTEES. The Hon Mr FOX moved that Mr Seymour, member for the Wairau district, be the Chairman of Committees during the remainder of the present Parliament. The hon member, after referring in terms of eulogium to the gentleman who had filled the position previously, said he had no doubt that although Mr Seymour ceuld not claim to have had any experience in the office for which he proposed him, he yet had a large experience that would be eminently useful to him in his new office; and he had no doubt whatever

that he would commend himself to the House in the discharge of his duties. Mr STUDHOLME, who seconded the motion, expressed himself in alike strain. The motion having been carried on the voices, Mr SEYMOUR thanked the House for the honor conferred upon him in appropriate terms. COMMITTEES. The hon Mr REYNOLDS moved that leave be given to move the following committees, with the number of members set against each, namely:—Public Works and Immigration, 13; Public Petitions, 12 ; Waste Lands, 14; Library, 11; Goldfields, 15; Native Affairs, 13; Colonial Defence, 12 ; House Committee, 11. Mr THOMSON thought the motion not only new bub superfluous. The better plan, he thought, would be to consider the number of members when they came to the committees themselves. After some remarks from other hon memThe SPEAKER explained that it was upon his suggestion the motion had been made, in order to test the question whether the House would admit of the number of members on committees being increased. Mr GILLIES thought the intention was of doubtful value. He feared that the effect of making such large committees would be extremely injurious. Mr MERVYN suggested that, if the motion were carried, no member should be allowed to sit upon more than six committees. Last session’s experience showed them that in consequence of some members being placed upon as many as twelve committees, it was a common occurrence to have to hunt up a quorum out of the lobbies and committee rooms of the House. Mr O’CONOR would like to know upon what principle the Government conducted this portion of the business of the session. He thought the Government would do well to reconsider the matter, as their proposals in the way of committees were very crude indeed. Mr SHEPHARD also pointed out the negligent manner in which committee business was sometimes performed, especially towards the close of the session. As a matter of fact, experience had demonstrated that the larger the number of members on committees the less the quantity of work done. Each appeared to be impressed with the idea that there would be no difficulty in finding a quorum out of so many. The result was that very few attended. Mr REYNOLDS answered the various objections raised. He admitted that, as a rule, small committees were preferable, but there were cases in which that was not the case; and those committees his motion referred to were of that class. The motion was then agreed to. Printing Committee.—Messrs M'Gillivray, Luckie, O’Coe or, Seymour, Sheehan, Steward, Webb, and Reynolds. Some discussion ensued as to the impartial construction of this committee. Mr Thomson considered at least this committee contained too many Government supporters, and their experience of the way in which the duties of that committee were performed last session did not impress the House very favorably. Mr Luckie said that in making such a sweeping charge, the hon member shoifld have instanced some dereliction of duty on the part of the committee. Mr Murray had no doubt as to the political nature of some of the com. mittees; and on the Printing Committee there was a suspicious number of printers, who were also Government supporters. Mr Bradshaw proposed an amendment in the resolution for the appointment of the Printing Committee, curtailing the functions ot that ; body, which was seconded by Mr Gillies. Mr Shephard suggested that the House could very well do with a great deal less printing. Instead of unworthily disputing over the composition of committees, they should rather endeavor to cut down the size of their annual blue books. Mr Stewart, in reply to an allegation by the hon member for Bruce, that the Printing Committee of last session had refused to print a most important paper, said that the paper was of the most expensive kind to print. Most of the information contained in it had been already printed, but in another form. The motion was then agreed to. After some further remarks from several hon members, the following committees were appointed : House Committee. —Messrs Bluett, Bunny, Collins, Luckie, O’Neill, G. B. Parker, Pearce, T. L. Shepherd, Webster, Wood, and Reynolds. Petitions Committee. —Messrs Bryce, Clark, Hallenstein, Major Jackson, Messrs Murray, Rhodes, T. Kelly, T. L. Shepherd, Tribe, Wood, and Reynolds. Reporting Debates Committee. Messrs Curtis, Cuthbertson, Harrison, Luckie, Steward, the Hon Yogel, Mr Williamson, and the mover. —(Mr Reeves.) TRUSTEE ACT. Mr GILLIES moved that a return be laid on the table of the cost, in detail, of working the Public Trustee Act, and the revenue derived thereunder. Mr BATHGATE explained that if the hon member really wished to ascertain reliable information so as to enable him to form an aceurate opinion regarding the cost of working the Public Trustee Act, he should wait at least twelve month. The Act had only been in operation six months. After some discussion (Mr Gillies having declined to withdraw the motion), it was carried. THE ISSUE OE AMMUNITION. Mr GILLIES moved that a return be laid on the table of the amount of gunpowder authorised by each officer of the Native Department to be issued to, or purchased by, aboriginal natives*

Mr M'LEAN said there was no difficulty in furnishing the return, nor any objection to do j so. He was obliged to the hon paember for | the motion, and would lay a complete return I before the House at an early opportunity. \ COBT OE COMMITTEES. Mr MURRAY moved for a return showing what each committee appointed by the House, and each committee appointed by the Legislative Cornell, during last session, cost. COMMITTEES. The following committees were appointed on the motion of Mr Seymour : Standing Orders Committee. —The Speaker/ Messrs Andrew, Bunny, Curtis, Macandrew, the Hon O’Rorke, Mr Richmond, Mr itewaid. and the mover, and another to be named at a future day. Joint Committee of Standing Orders on Private Bills.—Messrs Brandon, Reeves, and the mover. Committee of Selection. —Messrs Brandon, Curtis, Pearce, Tolmie, and the mover. Joint Committee on Private Bills. —Messrs Brandon, the Hon Mr O’Rorke, and the mover. Library Committee. —Mr Speaker, Mr Andrew, the hon Mr Fitzherbert, the hon Mr Fox, Mr Harrison, Mr G. B. Parker, Mr Rolleston, the hon Mr O’Rorke, the hon Mr Stafford, Mr Wood, and the mover. — (Mr Brandon.) The hon Mr M'LEAN moved that a select committee, to consist of fourteen members, be appointed, to consider all petitions, reports, returns, and other documents, relating to affairs specially affecting the native race, that may be brought before this House during the session ; and from time to time to report thereon to the House ; with power to call for persons and papers ; three to be a quorum. The committee to consist of Mr Speaker, Major Atkinson, Mr Bunny, Mr Carrington, the bon Mr Fox. Major Jackson, Mr Johnston, Mr W. Kelly, the hon Mr Katene, Mr Karaitiana Takamoana, the hon Mr Parata, Mr Taiaroa, Mr Williamson, and the mover. Waste Lands Committee. —Major Atkinson, Mr Buckland, Mr J. E. Brown, Mr Curti3, the hon Mr Fitzherbert, Mr Gillies, Mr Harrison, Mr Mervyn, Mr Reid, the hon Mr Reynolds, Mr Rolleston, Mr Webster, Sir Cracroft Wilson, and the mover. — (The Hon Mr O’Rorke.) HOURS OE MEETING. On the motion of Mr O’Rorke, it was agreed that, unless otherwise ordered, this House will during the session meet at half after two of the clock, p.m.; that Mr Speaker shall leave the chair at half after five of the clock, p.ra., resuming it (when necessary) at half after seven, pm.” PUBLIC WORKS AND IMMIGRATION. On the motion of Mr Richardson, the following hon members were appointed a committee to report upon all matters affecting public works and immigration referred to it by the House : —Mr Carrington, Mr Curtis, the hon Mr Fitzherbert, Mr Gillies, Mr Johnston, Mr Macandrew, Mr O’Neill, the hon Mr O’Rorke, Mr C. Parker, Mr Reeves, Mr Rol leston, Mr White, and the mover ; five to be a quorum. GOLDFIELDS COMMITTEE. On the motion of Mr Bathgate, the following hon members were appointed a Goldfields Committee : —Messrs Bradshaw, J. C. Brown, Curtis, Gillies, Hallenstein, Harrison, Macandrew, Mervyn, O'Conor, O’Neill, T. L. Shepherd, Sheehan, Tribe, White, and the mover. public trustee. Mr PEARCE moved, in the absence of Mr Johnston, for a return of the number of estates placed in the hands of the Public Trustee by will or marriage settlement; their estimated value, and the amount of fees received for the management thereof. Agreed to. COAL RETURN. Mr O’CONOR moved that a return be laid upon the-table, showing the quantity of coal annually imported into New Zealand, from the Ist of July, 1870, to the present date ; giving the locality whence the coal was imported, and the port where discharged. Mr REYNOLDS explained that a return such as that as ked for could not be supplied for some time to come ; but if the hon gentleman would be satisfied with a return up to the 31st March, the Government would bring that down at once, and the remainder as soon as the various returns came in. Mr O’CONOR having expressed his satisfaction, the motion waß amended at the suggestion of Mr Wakeeield, by the insertion of the words, “ and value,” after the word “ quantity.” BULLER COALPIELD. On the motion of Mr O’Conor, it was agreed that there be laid upon the table, copies of correspondence and reports relative to the Buller coalfield. GEOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT Mr O'CONOR meved that a return showing the amount of field work done by each officer of the Geological department during the past year he laid on the table. He said that after having bestowed some attention upon this matter, he was utterly unable to discover how the field parties disposed of their time. Mr M'LEAN would gladly furnish the return asked for. The House then adjourned till 2.30 to-mor-row afternoon. Thursday, July 17. The Speaker took the chair at 2.30. NEW MEMBER. Mr Richmond took his oath and his seat. PRINTING. Mr ROLLESTON stated that the printing of important papers was unaccountably be-hind-hand. PRELIMINARY BUSINESS. Several notices of motion were given, and papers laid upon the table. HAWKE’S BAY LAND ALIENATION COMMISSION. The SPEAKER laid before the House a

communication from Mr Justice Richmond, stating that the commissioners of the com* mission mentioned would not be prepared with their report before a month from the | date of the letter. RESIGNATION. The SPEAKER stated that he had received a telegram from Mr Hallenstein resigning his seat, and that on receipt of his letter to that effect he would issue a writ for a new election. webb’s contract. Mr JOHNSTON asked the PostmasterGeneral what security was taken from MrWebb for the fulfilment of his contract, and the amount realised by such security ? Mr YOGEL said that two bonds for £25,000 were entered into with Messrs Webb arid Halliday, which applied not only to the service as carried on by themselves but also to their successors. The Government had taken into- consideration the advisability of enforcing the penalties, and had communicated with Mr Webb on the matter. Mr Webb, however, had declined to pay the penalties he bad subjected himself to ; but the Government had no doubt that the bonds were good and the penalties recoverable, and instructions had been sent to America to recover as much of the amount as possible Of course that could not be done without entering upon a suit at law. INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE. Mr O’CONOR moved that there be laid upon the table a return showing what practical effect has been given during the recess tothe recommendations of the Industrial Committee of last session. Agreed to. NEW BILLS. The following bills were introduced and read a first time :—A bill to repeal the Volunteer Land Scrip Act, 1865; a bill to rectify the Crown Grant of the site of the former Supreme Court-house, Auckland.—(Mr Gillies.) PUBLIC WORKS AT NASEBY. Mr MERYYN called the attention of the Government to the necessity of taking immediate action to rectify their omission in not complying with the 33rd section of the Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870, when initiating the public works at Naseby. Mr RICHARDSON stated that owing to the engineer in charge of the work having been employed by the Otago Provincial Government, the General Government had been placed at a disadvantage. He hoped, however, that ’in the course of a few days the necessary Order in Council for the prosecution of the work would be issued. The hon member being satisfied with the explanation, the motion was withdrawn. W. B. WHITE, ESQ, R M. Mr GILLIES moved that there be laid on the table copies of all correspondence between W. Butler, Esq, H. H. Fenton. Esq, and all other persons, relative to the conduct of W. B. White, Esq, R.M, Mongonui. Agreed to. THE ADDRESS IN REPLY. Mr WEBB moved that a respectful address be presented to his Excellency, in reply to the speech which his Excellency had been pleased to make to both houses. After the usual prefatory remarks as to the parliamentary practice of placing the task he had undertaken in the hands of the youngest member of the House, the hon member referred to the congratulatory strain in which the addreas had been couched. His Excellency referred to the prosperity of the colony, and very justly, he thought, for be could say that the state of prosperity pointed to was as marked as it was exceptional, when compared with the state of things prevailing in other British colonies; and it was something which this colony had good reason to be proud of. He had no doubt that all this prosperity was mainly due to the inauguration of public works, and chief among which was the system of public railways. The hoe member then referred to the clauses in his Excellency's speech in detail. Regarding the . Intercolonial Conference, he thought no more desirable scheme could be furthered for the mutual benefit of all the colonies concerned, He was gratified to see the way in which his Excellency regarded cable communication with the rest of the colonies. On the subject of mail services, he thought the Government might well give some consideration to the Torres Strait route. The other colonies were already pushing there agricultural enterprises, and would not be likely to continue much longer to take their grain from us. With Queensland, however, we might calculate upon a reciprocal trade, they taking our grain and we their sugar; and in that connection we should pay attention to the Torres Strait route. He felt, however, that we should not abandon the Suez route. He also could express his gratification at the progress of roads in the North Island, because he held that nothing was so likely to peaceably and effectually dispose of the long standing native troubles of that part of the colony, as means of inter-communication. He thought the country and the House had reason to be grateful that the Government had not precipitated them into another war through the unfortunate murder of Sullivan ; and be felt sure that the people in the Middle Island would appreciate the wisdom of the course pursued. The hon member then referred briefly to the remaining clauses of the speech in terms favorable to the congratulations indulged in, and in sanguine anticipations as to the projected measures referred to. (Applause ) Mr CUTHBERTSON seconded. He felt, after what had fallen from the hon member who had just sat down, that he had little left to him to say ; though, fortunately perhaps, it • had been the custom ef the House to regard speeches made in moving and seconding the address as merely formal pieces of eloquence. He had no hesitation, however, in saying that the prosperity of the colony, which was made matter for congratulation, was wholly due to

the rigorous policy of public works initiated by those at present at the bead of the administration. No doubt there were hitches, but considering the immense distance at which the colony stood removed from the centres of labor in the world, our progress bad been extraordinary. He entirely concurred in the statements regarding the benefits flowing from the system of Government Life Assurance, and he had no doubt those would yefc be considerably increased for the benefit cf the people of the colony. He fully believed the concession referred to with regard to entering into reciprocal tariff arrangements with the Australian Colonies would be as t largely benefical as was anticipated. With regard to the Waikato murder he would say nothing, but he felt, with the great majority, of his fellow colonists in the South Island, that the Government had acted wisely in not precipitating a war which they did not con eider they would be justified in doing in the present critical state of the country. (Applause). jlr GILLIES had no desire to say a word for or against the address, save to prevent the idea going forth that in raising no discussion those who held opinions consonant with his own allowed it to be believed that they concurred in the various sentiments contained in the address. In not provoking a discussion, he was simply actuated by the desire of not wasting the time of the House. When the tarious subjects referred to in the address came up in their natural sequence before the House, he had no doubt that bon members would then give free expression to their individual opinions on questions under discuseion, whether hostile or otherwise. The motion being carried on the voices, Mr WEBB moved that a committee be appointed to prepare the address ia reply, which was agreed to. ' ' The address was brought up and read as follows: — ADDRESS. “We thank your Excellency for the speech you have been pleased to make to both Houses. “ We congratulate your Excellency on your assuming the charge of the Government of New Zealand, to which her Majesty has been graciously pleased to appoint you, and thank your Excellency for informing us that* it gives you pleasure to meet as at so early a moment after your arrival in the colony. “ We thank your Excellency for stating that you are gratified to learn that the condition of the colony is extremely prosperous ; and that the colonists at large, manifesting faith in its resources, are developing them with energy and enterprise. “We desire to express our satisfaction on being assured that the public works already authorised have been proceeded with as rapidly as circumstances have permitted. And thank your Excellency for informing us that in order to render effoetual the policy of public works which has been adopted by Parliament, we must, bear in mind that the principle upon which those works were undertaken involved not only a system of arterial communications throughout the country, but a concurrent settlement by numerous occupiers of the lands so opened up. “We thank your Excellency for informing us that papers will be laid before us indicative of the anxiety of the Government to promote and assist immigration. “We are glad to be informed that the increasing success of the Life Assurance and Annuities department is highly satisfactory ; and that whilst the system of State insurance affords great advantages to the colonists, it does nob close the door to private associated enterprise in the same useful direction. “ We thank your Excellency for the information that at the Intercolonial Conference, held during the recess, many important results were arrived at, to some of which our attention will be directed ; that in consideration of the unanimous desire of the Conference, her Majesty’s Government have obtained the assent of the Imperial Parliament to a measure bv which the Australasian colonies will have a right to enter into reciprocal tariff arrangements; and that your Excellency does not doubt that this concession will be gratifying to the Legislature of New Zealand, which has constantly advocated its justice and expediency; and we concur in your Excellency’s hope that such care will be exercised in making a proper and reasonable use of it as will prove that it has been wisely sought and granted. *' Wethankyour Excellency for informing us that arising out of the Conference, though ®°t directly associated with it, arc proposals for the establishment of cable communication between Australia and New Zealand, and Norm>ntown and Singapore, in joint connection other colonies: and that our early attention will be invited to these proposals, *hich await and are subject to our concur- 1 reoce. “We desire to reciprocate your Exedlenoy’s regret that whilst so many J °her subjects received satisfactory con•'deration and decision at the hands °f the conference; upon the subject of 1 a |l service a unanimous conclusion was not drived at, and that in consequence it yet *waitß final arrangement. We thank your Ex- i jiellency for informing us that your advisers 1 ave gi ven much consideration to the matter, j mj that whilst they are axious to reopen the < aluornian service, they are only disposed to ] o so on terms which will do justice to the 1 f( juiretnents of the colony, and which will ] New Zealand from the use of 0 Suez service; that negotiations are still j 00 ln g \ but that in all which have been t ere d into the approval of Parliament has an absolute condition. , j- desire to express our satisfacat being informed that the work * in roads in native districts ■* the’. ‘ N ' C)r, 'k Island, and thus, through € for V opening up the country l future settlement, has been prosecuted

3 during the year with steadiness and success, - and that it is gratifying to observe that the , opposition originally manifested at several t points to this undertaking is gradually lessen--3 ing as the natives more fully understand the s intentions of the Government, and the benefit accruing to themselves from these works in s affording employment in the several districts, 3 and in giving increased value to the tribal 1 lands ; and that it is also gratifying to observe b that the natives generally appreciate the ad--1 vantages of peace, and are directing their ) attention to industrial pursuits, and to the 3 establishment of schools, in which their 3 children can obtain the advantages of an i English education. r “ We agree with your Excellency, that the \ murder committed in Waikato by certain , natives has attracted much public notice, and ; that while uniting with your Excellency in lamenting the occurrence of a crime now l happily so rare, we receive with satisfaction the announcement that it has evoked from the leading tribes throughout the island a general and public condemnation, as well as renewed i declarations of their loyalty. Wa thank his Excellency for informing us that i the Government have left the criminals to the ordinary operation o f the law ; and also thank your Excellency for informing us that the operation may be tardy in the district still remote from European settlement in which they have taken refuge, and that the Government, while mindful of the requirements of justice and of the protection of the industrious inhabitants, have not deemed it, expedient by any precipitate measures to risk the disturbance of the generally peaceful condition of the colony. “ We thank your Excellency for informing us that estimates prepared with every desire to consult economy to the utmost extent, consistent with the requirements of the public service, will be laid before us, and that our consideration will be asked to subjects relating to the civil service. “We desire to express our satisfaction on being informed that the public revenue is increasing, and that the improved credit of the colony is shown by the enhanced value of its securities. “We desire to assure your Excellency that we will give our best consideration • to measures which will be laid before us to initiate a reconstruction of the constitution of the Legislative Council, to amend the laws relating to the goldfields, to provide for education, to consolidate the laws relating to prisons, to amend and consolidate the electoral laws, to establish a silver and copper mint, to amend the insolvency laws arid abolish imprisonment for debt, to provide for the election of Native District Councils, to amend the laws relating to native lands, and to give increased security to persons assuring their lives; and that we will earnestly devote ourselves to these and other measures, designed in the interests of the whole colony and of the two races which inhabit it; and concur in your Excellency’s prayer that Divine Providence will bless our efforts to discharge efficiently our onerous duties.” The Address as read was agreed to. NASEBY WATEK RACE. Mr MERVYN moved that all contracts entered into on behalf of the Government for the construction of the water race from Manuberikia to Naseby, in the Mount Ida district, be laid upon the table. The hon member said it was a matter of the utmost importance that this race should be completed ao as early a period as possible. As there had been considerable cause of complaint regarding this work, he asked for these papers in order to ascertain whether the General Government had been justified in handing over the control of the work to the Provincial Government, who, there was little doubt, had contrived to make political capital out of it. He was free ' to admit, however, that the Minister of Public ' Works had given some attention to this matter, and he sincerely trusted he could explain away any misapprehension which had arisen. Mr RICHARDSON said there was no : objection whatever to lay the papers on the table. In a few days they would probably ' get the origin al contracts up from Dunedin, and he believed the hon member would then find that his fears had been groundless. WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. ( On the motion of Mr O’Robke, the names of Mr Bunny and Mr Sheehan were added to 1 the Waste Lands Committee. ASSAULTS ON CONSTABLES BILL. Mr BATHGATE, in moving the second 1 reading of this Bill, explained the provisions < of the Act as tending to improve the opera- < tion of the law against persons guilty of i assaulting constables in the execution of their s duty, by the imposition of fine and imprison- ; menfc. Sir J. C. WILSON suggested that the bill ] be dealt with at once in committee but the , Speaker decided this could not be allowed. Read a second time. | THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION WATERWORKS , ACT AMENDMENT BILL ! was also read a second time. 1 The House then adjourned to 230 to- ( morrow. 5 — ■■■