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THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

I regret that whilst so many other subjects received satisfactory consideration and
decision at the hands of the Conference, upon the subject of Mail Services a unanimous
conclusion was not arrived at, and in consequence it yet awaits final arrangement.
My Advisers have given much consideration to the matter. Whilst they are anxious
to reopen the Californian Service, they are only disposed to do so on terms which will
do justice to the requirements of the Colony, and which will not disassociate New
Zealand from the use of the Suez Service. Negotiations are still pending; but in all
which have been entered into the approval of Parliament has been made an absolute
condition.

The work of making Roads in Native Districts in the North Island, and thus,
through their aid, of opening up the country for future settlement, has been pro-
secuted during the year with steadiness and success. It is gratifying to observe that
the opposition originally manifested at several points to this undertaking is gradually
lessening as the Natives more fully understand the intentions of the Government
and the benefit accruing to themselves from these works in affording employment in
the several districts, and in giving increased value to the tribal lands. It is also
gratifying to observe that the Natives generally appreciate the advantages of peace,
and are directing their attention to industrial pursuits and to the establishment of
Schools, in which their children can obtain the advantages of an English education.

The murder committed in Waikato by certain Natives has attracted much
public notice. While lamenting the occurrence of a crime now happily so rare, I
would announce with satisfaction that it has evoked from the leading Tribes throughout
the island a general and public condemnation, as well as renewed declarations of their
loyalty. The Government have left the criminals to the ordinary operation of the
law. That operation may be tardy in the district still remote from European settle-
ment in which they have taken refuge; but the Government, while mindful of the
requirements of justice and of the protection of the industrious inhabitants, have not
deemed it expedient by any precipitate measures to risk the disturbance of the
generally peaceful condition of the Colony.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, —

Estimates prepared with every desire to consult economy to the utmost extent,
consistent with the requirements of the Public Service, will be laid before you. Your
consideration will be asked to subjects relating to the Civil Service.
The public revenue is increasing, and the improved credit of the Colony is
shown by the enhanced value of its securities.

HONORABLE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS AND GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES, —

Measures will be laid before you to initiate a reconstruction of the Constitution
of the Legislative Council, to amend the Laws relating to the Gold Fields, to provide
for Education, to consolidate the Laws relating to Prisons, to amend and consolidate
the Electoral Laws, to establish a Silver and Copper Mint, to amend the Insolvency
Laws and abolish Imprisonment for Debt, to provide for the election of Native
District Councils, to amend the Laws relating to Native Lands, and to give increased
security to persons Assuring their Lives.

I confide to your careful attention these and other measures, designed in the
interests of the whole Colony and of the two Races which inhabit it, and I trust
that Divine Providence will bless your efforts to discharge efficiently your onerous
duties.

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