18
NELSON GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

in both branches of the Legislature, and there is, I am confident, little reason to fear the rejection of a well-considered measure of this character, presented on behalf of the Province of Nelson, at the approaching session of Parliament.

The increased demand for labor, which will necessarily arise during the construction of the public works I am now proposing to provide for by means of borrowed money, combined with that arising from the works already in progress or in contemplation by the General Government, induces me to recommend to your consideration the policy of taking immediate steps to obtain such an addition to our population as will enable these works to be carried out without materially interfering with the progress of the permanent industrial occupations of the colony. Resolutions requesting the General Government to make provision for the introduction of one hundred and fifty immigrants per month will be submitted for your approval.

In the event of your acceding to the proposals I now make to you in reference to Public Works and Immigration it appears to me that in all probability it will be necessary for me to summon you to a special session immediately after the prorogation of the General Assembly, and that under these circumstances it will be worthy of your consideration whether it will not be expedient to save yourselves the trouble and inconvenience, and the public the expense, of holding three sessions in one year by making provision during your present sitting for the conduct of the business of the province until November next, when the result of the proposed application to Parliament for a loan will be before you, and you will therefore be in a position to deal more effectually and more satisfactorily with the financial and other affairs of the Province.

The completion of the main coach road from Nelson through to Greymouth and Westport is of so much urgency and importance, that I feel justified in suggesting to you the expediency of authorising me to obtain a temporary advance, in anticipation of the proposed permanent loan for the purpose. The sum required will be about £60,000.

With a view to establish an Executive Council upon a broader basis and under conditions satisfactory to the public and to yourselves, I have again separated the offices of Provincial Secretary and Treasurer, and have also given a seat in the Council to a gentleman resident on the goldfields, in order to secure the special representation of the interests of those important districts. Some pecuniary provision will be required to carry out these alterations, to which your assent will be asked

I am glad to be able to inform you that the survey for the main line of railway from Foxhill to Brunnerton is now being rapidly pushed forward; that the survey of the line from Westport to Ngakawhao is also being energetically proceeded with; that tenders for the town section of the Nelson and Foxhill line will be called for within ten days from this time; and that the construction of the line from Brunnerton to Greymouth has made considerable progress.

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

OSWALD CURTIS,
Superintendent.

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