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their taking care to place the finances of each Province upon so sound and perfect a basis, that when a representative form of government is introduced, there may be every probability of such institutions working well from the satisfactory state of the finances, and from the order and regularity with which public affairs are administered in every department, at the time that the new Constitution is brought into operation.

In conclusion, I would congratulate yourselves and the inhabitants of this Province generally, both European and Native, upon the degree of prosperity and tranquillity to which, under the blessing of Divine Providence, this colony has attained. Every cause of dispute between the two races, both in the Middle Island and in the vicinity of Wellington, has now been removed, and such questions as are still outstanding in the Province of New Munster are being daily satisfactorily adjusted, whilst the Native race are making advances in civilization which surpass the expectations of their most sanguine friends.

Probably no surer proof could be afforded of the real prosperity of this portion of the Province of New Munster than the rapidity with which its inhabitants have recovered from the effects of the recent earthquakes, from which at one time it appeared so probable that very calamitous results might follow. The settlers, in this instance, have exhibited their usual energy and perseverance, and I have done my utmost to second this by causing a circular letter to be addressed to the Governors of the neighbouring colonies, explaining the exact nature of the injuries sustained from the earthquakes, and requesting them to make public in their several Governments the fact that public confidence is entirely restored, as also that commercial and other operations have, for some time past, been resumed and carried on with their usual activity.

I cannot allude to the great degree of prosperity and tranquillity which prevail throughout so large an extent of country, in portions of which Europeans are scattered amongst such various tribes, without acknowledging that this fact is greatly to be attributed to the exertions and prudence of the various Military and Civil authorities in this Province, the value of whose services have long been known, and whose merits I am glad to have this opportunity of again publicly recording. I am sure that you will feel it to be both a duty and a pleasure, in so far as it depends upon you, to afford them every assistance and encouragement in the performance of their duties; in your proceedings to promote these objects, as in all your efforts to promote the welfare of the Province, you may rely upon receiving at all times my earnest and hearty co-operation.

G. GREY.
Legislative Council Chamber,
Wellington, 21st December, 1848.

On the motion of Mr. Bannatyne it was ordered that his Excellency’s address to the Council, be printed.

The GOVERNOR-IN-CHIEF gave notice that, on Friday next, he should propose a series of standing orders for the adoption of the Council.

Mr. BELL gave notice that, on Friday next, he should move—

That this Council do address His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief, requesting that His Excellency will be pleased to afford such further information to the Council on the subject of the introduction hereafter of a Representative form of Government into this Province, as will put the Council fully in possession of His Excellency’s views, and of the plan which it is His Excellency’s intention to lay before Her Majesty’s Government.

The Council adjourned at half-past four o’clock, until three o’clock on Friday, the 22nd instant.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1848.

Present—

His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief.
His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, and all the Members.

The Council met pursuant to adjournment.

The Minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed.

The GOVERNOR-IN-CHIEF moved the order of the day for the consideration in Council of a series of standing orders.

The nine first rules considered and adopted, when

Mr. BELL moved the order of the day according to notice,

That this Council do address His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief, requesting that His Excellency will be pleased to afford such further information to the Council on the subject of the introduction hereafter of a Representative form of Government into this Province, as will put the Council fully in possession of His Excellency’s views, and of the plan which it is His Excellency’s intention to lay before Her Majesty’s Government.

Motion seconded by Mr. Moore.

On the motion of Mr. Bell the following Address was presented to the Governor-in-Chief—

To His Excellency Sir GEORGE GREY, K.C.B., &c., &c.

Sir,—The Legislative Council of the Province of New Munster, while they acknowledge the clear and comprehensive character of the speech with which your Excellency opened the present session, desire nevertheless to address your Excellency, requesting that you will be pleased to afford such further information to the Council on the subject of the introduction of a Representative form of Government into this Province, as may put them fully in possession of your Excellency’s views, and of the plan which it is your intention to submit to Her Majesty’s Government.