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THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

By perseverance in a policy of kindness and consideration towards the well-
disposed, and of firmness towards the turbulent, Her Majesty's Native subjects will be
assured of the advantages to be derived from habits of Order, and a respect for Law,
while they will also recognize that acts of violence cannot be practised with impunity.

While congratulating you on this improved condition of a large portion of the
country, which had been a cause of much anxiety and embarrassment, it must not
be overlooked that there yet remain districts with respect to which it will be necessary
that you should provide, for a time, a sufficient force to repress outrage, and maintain
Her Majesty's authority. As Her Majesty's Regular Forces have left, or are leaving
the Colony as fast as the means of transport can be procured, it is imperative that no
delay should take place in making this provision.

The commencement of the Mail Service, by way of Panama, cannot but be a
subject of gratification and legitimate pride to the people of New Zealand, who in
common with the inhabitants of the neighbouring Colony of New South Wales, have
long recognized the advantages which would result from this addition to their means
of Postal communication.

The extension of Telegraphic Communication within the Colony, by means of the
Electric Cable shortly to be laid across Cook Strait, will also conduce to the progress
of the country and the development of its resources. Measures will be taken as early
as possible for continuing this means of communication throughout the Northern
Island.

The continued increase in the produce of the Gold Fields has caused a corresponding
increase in the Population and Revenue of the Colony, has largely added to its commerce
and wealth, and has tended to maintain that progressive advance for which New
Zealand has been remarkable.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

You will find that a rigid Economy has been exercised in the expenditure of the
Supplies voted for the Public Service last Session.

A careful regard for economy will also regulate the preparation of the Estimates
to be submitted to you for the ensuing Financial year.

The Public Accounts of the Colony will be laid before you.

The recent disposal of a'large portion of the Loan authorized to be raised for the
service of the Colony, is evidence of an increasing confidence in the value of the
Colonial Securities, which had been temporarily depressed by the operation of a variety
of causes, amongst which may especially be instanced the manner in which some of
the Provincial Loans have been dealt with. You will be invited to consider how
this injury to the credit, alike of the Colony and of the Provinces, may be obviated for
the future.

In connection with this subject, and as a means of improving the financial
condition of the Country, the propriety of enabling the several existing debts of New
Zealand to be consolidated, on certain conditions, should also be considered.

Proposals for a revision of the Tariff, which has long been demanded, will be
submitted for your consideration, as also the question of providing an additional source
of revenue by means of Stamp Duties.

To maintain and improve the credit of the Country will be at all times an object
of solicitude to my Government, in promoting which I look with confidence to
your zealous co-operation.

HONORABLE GENTLEMEN AND GENTLEMEN,

In accordance with an intimation made last Session I have appointed a
Commission to inquire into the position of the Civil Service, with a view to
establishing a definite system, which would promote the efficiency of the service, and
conduce to economy in the Public Expenditure. The Report of this Commission will
shortly be laid before you.

Measures for improving the Administration of Justice, and on other subjects of
importance, will be submitted for your approval.

In these and all other matters which may claim your attention, I pray that
Divine Providence may guide your labours, so that they may conduce to the happiness
and prosperity of the people of New Zealand.

Printed under the authority of the New Zealand Government, by GEORGE DIDSBURY, Government Printer, Wellington.