The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 390, 30 October 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1868.

As we previously learnt by telegram, Parliament was prorogued on the 20th inst., with the usual formalities and the customary addresses, from the latter of which we make the following abstract. In the address of the House of Representatives they state that they had given attentive consideration to the importaut questions intrusted to them. The result of the session had been an addition to the Statute Book of eighty-one public Acts, a large proportion of which are amendment Acts intended to remedy defects which practical experience has pointed out. Some make provision for matters not yet the subject of legislation, and others are intended to facilitate and improve the working of important departments in the public service. In reference to finance, we are told that the time and attention of the Assembly have been largely given to an examination of the financial position of the country with a view to the adoption of sounder principles in its application, and to a possibility of a reduction in the taxation which presses upon it at the present time. The result of this deliberation has been expressed in the adoption by the House of Representatives of a resolution which declares that the financial partnership, between the colony and the provinces, should be dissolved, that the colony should raise no more revenue than is required for its own purposes, leaving matters of local improvement to be provided for out of the land fund, and the proceeds of local taxation. Referring to the Native question it stttes, that with a view to the creation of a thoroughly efficient force, the Legislature has thought it prudent to increase the number of its constabulary, and to recommend that their organisation should be assimilated to the celebrated model of the Irish police force. The colony can only hope that provided with efficient means for the repression of outrage on the one hand, and on the other hand, by pursuing a consistent case of justice and forbearance towards the Maoris it may gradually free itself from the occurrence of those at rocities which have, up to the present time, been the deplorable cause of the loss of so much blood and treasure. For these purposes and for the service of the colony assent to the Appropriation Act, and to an Act for raisin 2 £78,000 by Treasury Bills and to authorise the issue of Treasury Bills in the place of Treasury Bills issued under the Act of IS 66, was requested and given by his Excellency. His Excellency addressing both Houses then formally released members from their duties. Addressing the House of Representatives he thanked them in the usual terms for the supplies voted and concluded by addressing both Houses as follows ' —

Honorable Gentlemen and Gentlemen : —The development of the important goldiields in the province of Auckland will, I trust, promote the prosperity of the country, by opening out new fields for industry. I have assented with pleasure to many valuable measures which you have passed, for improving and 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, which have been addressed to the General Assembly during the present session, praying, in one form or another, for increased power in 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 the necessity for an improved

system of local go\ ornment an the most effective means of removing discontent and disunion amongst important sections of the population, and of preserving the unity of New Zealand. I have transmitted to the Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, the resolutions passed by both Houses, praiyng that the departure of the last Imperial regiment from the colony may be delayed, and I have removed the two companies lately quartered in this city to the town of Wanganui, whore their presence will 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.

I have every confidence that the efforts and courage of the colonial forces, including many friendly natives will shorten the period of trouble in the disaffected districts, will allay any misapprehensions which may arise amongst the peaceful population, and repel. any aggression of the fanatical tribes ; and I pray that by God's blessing, peace, order and the authority of the law may be secured to the people of New Zealand.

This concluded the ceremony, and the prorogation was'completed. On some portions the ahove we shall have more to say on another occasion.