Opening of Parliament.
Wur.i.i no roN, .1 uno IJ. The second session of the eleventh Parliament of New Zealand was this day opened hv the Governor, when his .Excellency was pleased to make the following speech : tiox. Gexthumux or tup Leuislati ve CoUXCU. AND Gk.VTLUHEX Of THt; House of llkimiiosentative.? -- It gives rno much pleasure to meet you in Parliament assembled, f havo boon much gratified during the autumn months of this veilr to meet in many places numerous gatherings of our fellow subjects of the Maori race. The reception in all eases ac corded to me as Her Majesty’s representative was such as T can recall with nnmixed satisfaction. In particular I was glad to be able to traverse portions of the country of the Uriwcra tribe, hitherto so seldom visited by Europeans. There the welcome given to me by no means fell elicit in cordiality ol: that bestowed upon rno elsewhere, and lelc upon me the pleasant impression that this famous tribe has uow at any rate ceased to bo dangerously committed to tbo persistent desire for isolation attributed to it for many years past. I am able upon the whole to congratulate you on the continued evidence of tbo soundness of the colony’s financial position, and the substantial progress made bv its chief industries. The provision made during the session of IS'.)O for carrying on the public service has proved more than sufficient. The elasticity of the colony’s resources baa been again shown by a further increase in Urn already remarkable volume of our exports. This has now attained dimensions sufficient to convince tho most apprehensive that the resources of New- Zealand are far more than sufficient for tho fulfilment of all her obligations. At the same time Ministers think it would bo a mistake lo ignore tbo unfortunate exodus of population from our shores to the neighbouring colonies which still goes on without abatement. The returns of tho census now iu course of completion, s itisfactory and encouraging as they are in most respects, appear to show that a stream of emigration, constant though not lutp, has continued to flow' from thoso islands to Australia. The settlement of the waste lands of the Crow'll has been going on during tho last twelve months at a rapid rate. My Ministeis, however, are of opinion that, for some years past, the amount of actual soft'omont effected has net boon quite commensurate with the somewhat largo area of hand dispose 1 of. Whilo it is doubtless true that a number of genuine settlors have taken up land, it seems also, unfortunately, to bo the case that in many instances, selection, instead of bringing about of occupation and eultivalion, has only meant acquisition for speculative purposes, or additions to estates already oufficicnlly, if not, indeed, injuriously larpg. Amendments in the land law. designed rigidly to reserve the remainder of our Grown lands for genuine occupation and improvement, will therefore bo laid before you. My advisers propose that tho utility of this legislation shall be augmented bv regulation o , designed and administered with tho view i f planting and increasing tho number of small but thriving occupiers upon tho soil. My advisers are convinced that improved and vigoious methods of settling tho waste lands of the Crown, however nooosjary and valuable do not by anv means comprise the whole sco-io of tho work of settlement. Side by side with the opening up of Crown lands should go tho acquisition of portions of the va«t tracts still hold by the native tribes of tho North Island. Moreover, tho time seems to bo approaching when the immense task of repurchasing parts of the large private estates which now bar settlement in some of the most fertile parts of the colony must bo entered upon and undertaken with caution, justice, and discrimination. During tho recess a Koval Commission, composed of gentlemen of long special experience of tho customs and opinions of the native race has carefully invested tho working of the eomplio.ito' 1 , costly, and cumbrous array of laws which has for so many years rather hindered than advanced tho course of dealing with settlement upon Maori tiihal lands. Tho full and interesting report prepared by tho Commissioners w'ill ho laid before you and you will ho invited to givo your assent to laws carefully framed to further the undoubted desire of tho great majority of native owners to dispose of their superfluous lan Is on fair terms. 1 have observed with regret that tho past year has been matked by a distinct and discouraging decline in tho yield of our gold Holds. During the last three months, however, the mining returns indicate a considerable improvement. It is very gratifying to find that tho output from tho several coal mince of tho colony is steadily increasing, and has attained an amount hitherto unknown in the colony. With this increased output from our own coal mines, there is a corresponding decrease iu tho quantity of coal imported. I‘roposals for promoting tho development of the mining industries of iho colony by legislation and other means will be submitted to you.
GGJfTLEMKX OP XIIJJ Uoi,'3E «»t-’ E EI’I.'KSJEX’TATIVES. Tho Estimates of re von no and expenditure will 1)0 laid before you. Tho Estimates of expenditure have boon framed with a due regard to economy iu continuanco of tho work of retrenchment began in 133 d and carried on hy tho Just Parliament. My Ministers ham not hesitated to reduce) tho coat of their different departments where this could be Curly and prudently done. In this way substantial savings have boon effected, tbo details of which yon wil', ns a matter of course, have every opportunity to discuss. My Ministers are of opinion that the timo has coma for effecting a bold reform of tho chief part of the direct taxation ns now levied, and bills have been prepared for this purpose. These proposals will bo made gradually so as neither to shako tho public .souse of security nor to run the risk of any loss of revenue.
Uox. Gentlemen - or the Luc.isi.ative Couxcn. axd Gentlemen or cue House or Representatives.
A measure will be submitted to you providing for the reform of tha Legit), lative Council, in a manner which my advisers believe will bo Found to be in accord with public expectation. The rate ot postage to Europe has been reduced to 3id, and with moat satisfactory results. Following on this you will be asked to assent to a still morn important postal change, which, it is thought, should be acceptable to all sections of the comrannitv. lie turns will be laid before you containing information of llio results of all branches of traffic upon tbn railways. These will present one or t vo features calling for your special attention. There aro now ready for your consideration hills for consolidating and amending tho law relating to electors and elections, and for completing the abolition of phiral voting; for class
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