NELSON GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

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mittee separated without agreeing upon any recommendation to the House.

If you should come to the conclusion that some action should be taken in this matter by the Colonial legislature, a resolution to that effect would greatly strengthen the hands of the representatives of the province, and combined with the expression of similar opinions by the Councils of other gold-producing provinces, would probably secure the desired result.

13. The diminished supply of silk, attributable to a disease which has attacked the producing worm, has brought the subject of sericulture into prominence in many parts of the world. In the State of California the number of mulberry trees which have been planted within the last few years, is estimated at between seven and eight millions. The soil and climate of many parts of this province being, in the opinion of persons qualified to judge, well adapted for the remunerative production of silk, an opinion which appears to be supported by practical experiments on a small scale, probably you will think it desirable to give this subject some attention during the present session, by taking such evidence as may be available, and reporting the result for public information and guidance.

You may also think it wise to encourage the introduction into the province of an industry which in many countries gives profitable employment to a large number of people, by the offer of a bonus or some other inducement.

14. On the opportune return of Mr. Kynnersley from England I had the satisfaction of obtaining his valuable services in the settlement of the complicated and irritating disputes then existing at Wangapeka, in the capacity of Warden of that district. Mr. Kynnersley\'s judgment on the principal points submitted for his decision was remarkable not only for its clearness and ability, but for the fact that it appeared to give almost universal satisfaction. I trust that you will agree with me in the desirability of re-instating Mr. Kynnersley in the position which he formerly filled with such distinguished ability and success, that of Commissioner of the Nelson Goldfields, in combination with the offices of Resident Magistrate and Warden in the Wangapeka and the Upper Buller.

I believe that this appointment would tend to remove much of the dissatisfaction which undoubtedly exists on the West Coast, although that dissatisfaction arises chiefly from the diminished revenue of the province, and our consequent inability to continue the large expenditure which we were at one time able to devote to promote the development and progress of the South-west Goldfields. It will also, I think, meet the views of the late Council, as expressed in their resolution of the 25th of May last.

15. I have the satisfaction to inform you that Mr. Kynnersley and Mr. Collins have accepted seats in the Executive Council. Mr. Kynnersley will more especially represent the wants and wishes of the South-west Goldfields, and Mr. Collins, although not representing the district in your counsels, possesses in a high degree the confidence of the miners and other inhabitants of Golden Bay.

16. The full and interesting reports of the Wardens and other officers of the South-west Goldfields will give you all available information as to the state and prospects of those districts, while Mr. Kynnersley\'s suggestions for their future management, will, I am sure, receive your earnest attention. Full details of the progress and present condition of public works in all parts of the province will be presented to you in the reports of the Provincial and District Engineers.

17. I cannot conclude this address without again expressing my strong conviction that the depression under which this province is suffering is of a temporary character; that its rich mineral resources of which comparatively little has hitherto been developed, and upon which in the absence of large tracts of agricultural land its prosperity and progress are mainly dependent, will prove to be capable of maintaining a large and prosperous population and that the financial year now commencing will at its close present a marked and encouraging contrast with its predecessor.

I now declare this Council open for the despatch of business.

OSWALD CURTIS,

Superintendent.

Printed under the authority of the Provincial Government of the Province of Nelson, by R. LUCAS and SON, Bridge-street, Nelson, Printers for the time being to the said Government.