BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXI, Issue 2388, 14 July 1866, Page 8

BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

The first session of the fourth parliament of New Zealand was opened on Tuesday, the 3rd inst., by his Excellency in person.

At two o'clock tlio CfoTcrnor, dressed in tho Windsor uniform, accompanied by his own personal HalY, and Major General Cliuto and staff, proceeded on fo»fc to (lie Legislative Council Chamber, and us lie arrived in front of the building the Volunteers presented arms, nnd the band played tho National Anthem. He then entered the Chamber and took his seat in the Speaker's chair. We noticed tho following ladies and gentlemen in the body of the Chamber : — Lady Monro, and party ; Mrs. Bannatyne ; Mr. and Mi-*. Brown ; Mrs. Puekey ; Mr. Riddiford ; Dr. Evans ; Mi 1 , and Mrs. Eil/.herbert ; .Mrs. Forstcr ; Mrs. Hunt Icy ; Mrs. Allan ; Mrs. Grey, and party ; Mrs. Mcnzies, and party ; the Misses Martin; Dr. Samuel; Mrs. St. Hill, and party; Mrs. E. Smith, and party ; Mrs. Abrahams, and parly ; Mrs. and the Misses Cheesman ; Mrs. Stock ; Mrs. Taylor ; Mrs. Johnston nnd party ; Mrs. Domett, and party ; Mr. Patterson ; Mrs. Carleton, and party ; Mrs. Johnston, and parly ; Mrs. and Miss Campbell ; Mrs. Ward ; Mrs. Anderson ; Mrs. Wood ; Mrs. J. Dransficld ; Mrs. Whitmore, and parly; Mrs. Brandon ; Mr. and Mrs. M'lraith ; Mrs. Slowc ; Mrs. Richmond, and party.

His Excellency then delivered tho following speech : —

Hosohatjle Legislative Councillors, GrENTLKMKX OF TIIK IIOUoE OP RePRESEKTA-

•nvr.3,

I have taken the earliest opportunity of resorting lo your advice and assistance after the dissslution of the late Parliament.

The increase m the number of the Merabcra of the ITou3C of Representatives, which has taken place under the Act which came into operation on the occasion of the recent General Election, will, I trust, give additional weight to the deliberations of the Legislature, and afford more ample means than has hitherto existed for the due representation in Parliament of all interests in the Colony

It is with great satisfaction that T am enabled to inform you of the all but complete cessation of disturbances in those portions of the Northern Island which had previously been disaffected. By tho expedition of General Chute on the West Coast important results hare been attained. Our prestige has been restored, and the Maories have been convinced that tho British soldier, -when properly led, can follow them to

their fastnesses, and is nowhere- to be successfully resisted. Recent occurrences have, however, proved .that this campaign, — so ably conceived, nnd 30 gnllantly and vigorously conducted, — has not sufliccd, owing to its abrupt termination, to secure tho tranquility of that district ; nevertheless a valuable service has been rendered by the Major- General to to tho Colony nnd to the Empire.

Tho unbroken success which has attended the operations, on tho East Coast, of Hor Majesty's Colonial Forces, largely aided by loyal Natives, has resulted in in tlio surrender or capture of most of the hostile Natives.

My Government has eagerly watched for, and gladly accepted every indication on the part of any of these Natives of a desire to live peaceably with their fellowsubjects, and with the Tiew of removing any cause of irritation, the larger portion of those who had been taken in arms have been restored to liberty ; while at the same time, the more prominent ringleaders have been temporarily removed to tho Chatham Islands, and those who had been guilty of wanton and unprovoked murders, committed in cold blood, have been dealt with by tho ordinary civil tribunals.

By perseverance in a policy of kindness and consideration towards the well-disposed, and of firmness towards the turbulent, her Majesty's Native subjects will be assured of the advantages to be derived from habits of order, and a re3ppct fov law, whilo they will also recognize that acts of violence cannot be practised with impunity.

Whilo congratulating you on this improved condition of a large portion of the country, which hud been a cause of much anxiety and ombarrasment, it must not be overlooked that thcro yet remun districts with respect to which it will be necessary that you should provide, for a time, a sufficient force to repress outrage, and maintain her Majesty's authority. As Her Majesty's Regular forces have left, or ate leaving the Colony as fast as the means of transport can bo procured, it is imperativo that no delay should take place in making tins provision. The commencement of the Mail Serviceby way of Panama, cannot but be a subject of gratification and legitimate pride to the people of New Zealand, who in common with the inhabitants of tlio neighboring Colony of Nevr South Wales, have long recognised the advantages which would result from this addition to their means of Postal communication.

The extension of Telegraphic Communication within tho Colony, by means of the Electric Cable shortly to bo laid across Cook Strait, will also conduce to tho progress of the country and tho developement of its resources. Measures will be taken as early as possible for continuing this means of communication throughout tho Northern Island.

The continued increase in the producs of tho G-old Fields hns caused a corresponding increase in tho population and Revenue of the Colony, has largely added to its commerce and wealth, and hag tended to maintain that progressive advance for which New Zealand has been remarkable.

Q-ENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

You will find that a rigid Economy has been exercised in the expenditure of the supplies voted for the Public Service last Session. A careful regard for economy will also regulate tho preparation of the Estimates to be submitted to you for the ensuing financial year. The Public Accounts of the Colony will bo laid before you. Tho recent disposal of a largo portion of the loan authorized to be raised for the sorvico of tho Colony is evidence of an increasing confidence in tho value of the colonial securities, which had been temporarily depressed by the operation of a variety of causes, amongst ■winch may especially be instanced the manner in which someof the Provincial Loans have been dealt with. You will be invited to consider how this injury to the credit alike of the Colony and of tho Provinces, may bo obviated for the future.

In connection with this subject, and as a means of improving tho financial condition of the Country, tho propriety of enabling tho several existing debts of New Zealand to be consolidated on cortain conditions, should also be considered.

Proposals for a revision of the Tariff, which has long been demanded, will bo submitted for your consideration, as also the question of providing an additional source of revenue by moans of Stamp Duties.

To maintain and improve the credit of tho country will be at all times an object of solicitude to «ny Government, in promoting which 1 look •with confidence to your zealous co-operation. Honorable G-entleiten and G-entlxuen, In accordance with an intimation made Ja3t Session I have appointed a Commission to inquire into the position of the Civil Service, with a view to establishing a dofinite system, which would promote the efficiency of the Service, and conduce to economy in tho Public Expenditure. The report of this Commission will shortly be laid before you. Measures for improving tho administration of justice, and on other subjects of importance, will bo submitted for your approval. In these and all other matters which may claim your attention, I pray that Divine Providence may guido your labors, so that they may conduct) to the happiness and prosperity of the people of New Zealand. His Excellency and tho members of the Lower House having withdrawn, The Speaker assumed the chair. , The Clerk read the minutes of the formal opening by commission of the Assembly on Saturday last, which were confirmed. On Thursday, the sth inst., a reply to the address, echoing its assertions, was carried.