PROROGATION OF THE ASSEMBLY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 138, 21 October 1868, Page 3

PROROGATION OF THE ASSEMBLY.

Wellington, Oct. 20, 3.33 p.m. The Assembly was prorogued at two o'clock. The Governor iv releasing the Assembly said : Much time had beeu occupied by discussions originating in an anxiety for the peace of the country, aud he hoped that they may not have altogether failed of good results by enlightening the country on the important question of the relations between the European and Maori races. His Excellency then thanked the House for supplies granted for the public service, and for makiug provision to meet the special circumstances arising out of the unhappy disturbances in a portion of the Northern Island. Due vigilance and economy would be observed iv administering these supplies. The financial reform, to which attention had beeu invited, had not yet been perfected, but the advantages of the proposal had been bo generally recognised as a necessary preliminary to the reduction of taxation, that its adoption waa only deferred for a short time. He trusted that the development of important goldfields in Auckland would promote the prosperity of the country, by opeuing out uew fields of industry. He had assented, with pleasure, to many valuable measures for improving aud consolidating the law on social subjects, thereby conducing to the material progress of the country. The numerous petitions from inhabitants of outlying districts of the colony, addressed to the Assembly during the present session, praying, in one form or auother, for increased power over matters of local concern, indicate the existence of a wide-spread feeling of dissatisfaction with the working of existing local institutions, and leave no doubt .of th© necessity for an improved system of local Government as the most effective means of removing discontent and disunion amongst important sections of the population, and of preserving the unity of New Zealand. He had transmitted to England the resolutions passed by both Houses, praying that the departure of the last Imperial Regiment from the colony might be delayed, and he had removed the companies lately quartered in Wellington to the town of Wanganui, where their presence would give confidence to the friendly Natives, and disabuse those hostile to Her Majesty's authority of the idea that the countenance and support of the Queen would be withdrawn from the colonists. He had every confidence that the efforts and courage of the colonial forces, including many friendly Natives, would shorten the period of trouble in the disturbed districts, would allay any misapprehension which might arise amongst the peaceful population, and repel auy aggressions of fanatical tribes ; and praying that by God's blessing peace, order, and authority of law, might be secured to the people of New Zealand.