E.—l

XIV

to do that the constantly growing tendency of which must be to lighten the public burdens. Under these proposals, our industrial population ought to be at least doubled during the next few years; and the great proportion of the incomers ought to be, and may be, so located, that, while labouring lovingly to subdue the earth until that which is barren yields its kindly and natural fruits, they may labour stubbornly, because they are creating homes for their children, and proudly, because their names figure on no man's rent-roll. It is in such a spirit that most of us have struggled to create a great nation in this favoured land. Such was the spirit in which we strove through the day of small things; and now, when our vision is clearer as to what we may do and become, and when our grasp is firmer upon all that we undertake, I confess that I am jealous to have some share with those of whom it shall hereafter be said, that they had influence in promoting the prosperity and the greatness of New Zealand.