New Zealand Times. SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1874.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4146, 4 July 1874, Page 4

New Zealand Times. SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1874.

The speech delivered by His Excellency the Governor when ho yesterday opened the Fourth Session of the Fifth Parliament of New Zealand, was looked forward to with interest, because expectation had been formed that he would express an authoritative opinion respecting the effect the public policy of the Ministry had had upon the general progress and prosperity of the Colony. Nor was public opinion disappointed in this respect. His Excellency could speak with the utmost confidence, because during the recess ho had visited a largo portion of the Colony, and had made himself personally acquainted with the present development of its varied and rich natural resources. When ho visits, Sir James Forgusson does so not so much with a view to receive State deputations, as to investigate the results that follow the legislation undertaken for the public benefit, and to acquire information that shall assist him in forming an accurate opinion as to what bearing future measures may have upon the various interests to which they relate. Whilst thus acquiring local information ho had come into contact with numbers of the

colonists, and had enjoyed the advantage to bo derived from hearing opinions from diversified sources. Not one of the least valuable results of his labors is the effect that necessarily follows the meetings he has had with Native chiefs and other authorities. They, finding the Governor at once firm, decided, and courteous, understand better tho relation that must subsist between themselves and Europeans, and naturally they will learn to respect the law and authority under which both races must live. That the people are prosperous in consequence of the public policy, that prevails, and the advance of civilization with all its varied aids and adjuncts, is as palpable to them as it is to us, and prosperity is the one thing that Natives would choose to enjoy a share of with their white neighbors. This induces a feeling of confidence between the two races that must be productive of good results. Comfort and contentment come home alike to the hearts of all, Maoris or European. If His Excellency’s tours involved some amount of discomfort to himself, and a slight risk in navigating the shores of both islands during stormy weather, he felt more than repaid by the signs he met with, wherever, he had been of prosperity of a nature unusual in the other Colonies he had visited.

It is satisfactory to find that whilst expenditure has been taking place to a very large extent on public works throughout the Colony, tho revenue continues to increase. It is as elastic as any one would wish to see it. Great as has been the expenditure, still larger estimates will be needed for the future, and for these there will be ample provision. No change of policy will be proposed, therefore, in this respect; and the Government intends to go on as it has commenced. The large amount of immigration required, if public works are to be continued, has received the careful attention of both His Excellency and his advisers, and Parliament will gather from papers that will be submitted what views have been entertained in the Cabinet, both as to what has been done in the past, and what course it appears advisable to take in the future. Tho Premier had informed his Auckland constituents that an Electoral Bill would be submitted to Parliament, and shortly we shall have an opportunity of ascertaining the intents of the Government on this important subject. Tho proposal to conserve the valuable State Forests has commanded attention for some time past. It has been felt that natural riches on the surface should be turned to account, just as underground wealth is. The North Island is peculiarly rich in forest timber, and if this he preserved from wanton destruction, it may prove of tho utmost value when New Zealand shall become the great manufacturing country we one day expect to see it. The intelligence of tho entire success of the Government system of Life Assurance and Annuities is most gratifying ; and policy holders will receive with pleasure the announcement that the profits on tho concern in which they are investing will bo divided among themselves. The Government is wealthy enough to do without revenue from such sources. The public has from time to time been informed of matters relating to tfie San Francisco Mail Service, and the proposed Telegraph Line connecting New Zealand with Australia.

In commercial circles groat interest will be felt in the papers to be presented to Parliament respecting the Polynesian Islands. The value of the trade to be established between New Zealand and these Islands has been made a matter of frequent reference ; and the views of the Government on the subject will be eagerly looked forward to. Meanwhile, it is satisfactoiy to learn that so great and important a subject has received the attention it merited from His Excellency’s advisers ; and also that they have felt that the prosperity of New Zealand warrants it in having a policy of its own on the matter. In view of the consideration which a subject of such gravity will certainly receive, and the attention required to tho great public works being proceeded with in the Colony, the Government does not intend to invite hon. members to discuss matters that may be conveniently put off; but, if a line of policy can be decided upon that shall bo the means of bringing the South Sea trade to our ports, the session will not be by any means a barren one. Tho welfare of the Colony will have been consulted, its prosperity enhanced, and its progress towards becoming a centre for manufacturing industry, and an entrepot for commerce, accelerated.