LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1844.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 5, 9 November 1844, Page 3

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1844.

Present — The Governor and five Members. Absent— Mr. Clifford. The Council met pursuant to adjournment. The Minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Dr. Martin stated that previous to the Order of the day being proceeded with, he would call the attention of the Government to the Ordinance prohibiting Distillation, and , urged upon the Governor to take steps for at once removing such restrictions. The Governor stated that he felt precluded from taking any further steps in the matter until he received instructions relative to the fate of the Ordinance passed in the last Session of the Council. The Colonial Secretary moved the order of the day for the third reading of the " Property Rate Bill." Bill read a third time and passed. His Excellency then closed the Session with the followiug address :—: — Gentlemen, — I am now prepared to close this short, but most important Session of our Colooial Legislature. There can be no doubt that the decision to which we have unanimously agreed— respecting the Abolition of Customs, and the substitution of a low rate on property — will be of vital consequence to the prosperity of New Zealand. That principle, so true and beautiful in theory. — so difficult to be carried into practice in old countries — the principle of Free Trade, — we have here, in this new country, (as it may be called) in this youngest of colonies, endeavoured to carry into effect. I say endeavoured — because the sanction of our gracious Sovereign the Queen is necessary in order to make that a permanent, which is now a temporary, law — namely, the Property Rate Ordinance. That her Majesty will be advised to confirm this Ordinance, I canuot doubt. The peculiar character and unique condition of New Zealand, appear to leave open no other wise course. Nothing less than the most urgent sense of imperious necessity would have induced me to act so promptly, so decidedly, as I may appear to have acted, on this impoitant question. The political horizon may be viewed more genferally and completely from an elevated position. Dangers may theace be seen, not yet visible from other places. It is impossible to shew to many the view obtained from a spot accessible to few-. One more word, and I will refrain from , trespasssing further on your valuable time, so cheerfully and perseveringly given to the interests of your adopted country. The Property Rate established by the Ordinance, to which I have expressed my strong con vie f tion that so much importance attaches, is founded (at you are well aware, having contributed so materially to its construction) on the joint basil of Person, Property, and income. By talcing theae into consideration together, a scale has been formed, according to which each individual may be rated to the country ; and as every one is alike interested in its efficient operation, I rely with confidence, under God's blessing, on the general and Cordial assistance which I believe will be given by our community. Robert Fitzhot, Governor. J. Coatsb, Clerk of Councils.