THE PROGOGATIGN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 3913, 1 September 1874, Page 2

THE PROGOGATIGN.

[By. Telegraph.]

The General Assembly was proroghed yes> terday, at _ half-past 2 o'clock in the after noon, by His Excellency Sir James Fergusson.

Twenty-four members attended, and there were very few of the general public present, owing to the bad weather.

The Speaker of the House of .Representatives said that he regretted to learn that His Excellency had resigned. Mr Vogel announced that Mr Russell would proceed to Sydney to rearrange for tbe Californian Mail Contract.

In reply to Mr Harris; n, Mr Vogel' said that the Government did not intend to hold a Colonial Exhibition. If the matter were taken up as a private speculation, the Government might, perhaps, grant some subsidy. THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. In proroguing the General Assembly, His Excellency Sir James Fergusson spoke as follows:— Honourable Legislative Councillors and Gentlemen of the House of .Representatives— I have to thank you for the attention which you have paid to the discharge of your various duties during the short but very arduous session which I am now about to terminate. This is the la9t occasion upon which I shall have the honour of addressing you from this place. I desire to assure you that in resigning the high office which I have held but for a snort term, I am deeply sensible of the constant courtesy and consideration which has been shown by all with whom I have been brought into contact, whether officially, or in my private relations, and that in returning to a private station at home I shall retain a deep interest in the welfare of this most promising community; j that I shall deem it not less a privilege than a duty to serve its interests in so far as my humble means and opportunities may enable me. I anticipate great benefit to the Colony from the State Forests Act which you passed —providing, as it does, for setting apart forests which will not only be of use in maintain.ng the future industries or the Colony, but which may be expected to have a beneficial effect upon the climate and upon the productiveness of its lands. Providing, as the Ant does, machinery for the establishment of State forests, I am not disposed to regret the shore delay in determining the actual positions of forests. You have unmistakeably committed the Colony to the establishment of State forests, and it will be your duty to see that adequate lands are provided for them, from which sufficient revenue will be attainable to do justice to your intentions. You have passed many measures this session which will materially aid in carrying on the public services of the Colony, aud in remedying the defects which experiences have proved to exist. I regret that the length of the session did not enable you to deal with, the question of promoting commercial intercourse with Polynesia, ie is one which I hope will have your careful consideration, and it will be the duty of my advisers to bear in iniuci the large interest which New Zealand has iv this subject, with a view of bringmg ifc before you on a future occasion. The attention of my advisers will be earnestly given to further continuing public works, promoting immigration, the re-establishment of the Californian mail packet service in conjunction with New South Wales, and giving effect to the provisions already agreed to for the establishment of cable communication with other parts of the world, will also have the zealous attention of my advisers. Gentlemen of the House of Representatives— I acknowledge with pleasure the provisions you have made for the public service, and it will Le the care of my advisers to administer them with the utmost economy consistent with efficiency.

Honourable Legislative Ccnikcilloiis and GfiNTiEMEIf OB1 THE RoVm OF Re^Rß* SENTATXVES—'

This session will be memorable for the decisive steps which have been taken in the direction of abolishing the form of Provincial Government in the North Island. The opinion of the Hoßse of Eepresentatirea has been expressed by a; large majority which. voted in favour of the resolutions, whilst the debates in tbe Legislative Council £t ve iT no rooni *° doubfc tQa* ttafc Chamber is also favourable to the propose* policy. ior some years past there haa grown upa belief thaip the Provincial system of this Island does not really afford thafc amount of local government people desire., Ihe decision arrived at -iff memorable alao for a desire which the: Legislature manifesto that the landifuud of the Colony should be applied to suitable purposes, and as far ax possible be localised. That decision must efiectually do away with apprehensions in. any part of the country, that a change in the Provincial system.w»uld mean absorption of the land fund in>opposition to opinions upon, the subject which have been confirmed during a long course, of years. I hope the Provincial Governments of the North Island, loyally recognising the decision of the Housed representatives-, will, during, the recess exert themselves to their utmost to: ?g£ manage the affairs of the Provinces' as toenable the projected change to be; effected, nextyearwiththeleasfcpossibleinconvenience I am glad to be able to continue to reminct you of the increasing prosperity o<" the Colony,, and hope that the success which has attended your past efforts will, under the blessing of Divine providence, continue to make- itself manifest in the future, and that you wilt live to see the result—in New Zealand becoming the home of a large, prosperous-, and contented population. ,^^