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THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

large increase in the number of schools in Native districts, and the general resump-
tion of industrial pursuits, give assurance of the maintenance of peace, and of a
desire on their part to participate with the European colonist in the general
prosperity.

A communication by telegraph has been received, intimating that a new contract
for a Mail Steam Service to and from San Francisco has been made by Sir Daniel
Cooper, as representing the Government of New South Wales, and Mr. Russell,
as representing the Government of New Zealand, subject to ratification by the
Legislatures of the respective colonies. The contract and papers will be laid before
you when received.

You will be gratified to learn that a contract has been made by Sir Julius Vogel,
acting on behalf of this Government, for the laying of a Telegraph Cable between
New South Wales and New Zealand, upon terms much more advantageous than were
believed to be attainable when the undertaking was first authorized, and that the
Government of New South Wales has become a party to the contract, and has agreed
to contribute one-third (£2,500) of the annual subsidy (£7,500).

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, -

Estimates of expenditure for the current financial year will be laid before
you. Whilst providing for the requirements of the public service, these Estimates
have been so framed as to secure the utmost economy found to be consistent with
the complete efficiency of the several departments.

The Immigration and Public Works Loan of four millions, authorized by Act
in the last Session, has been successfully negotiated. The papers relating to this
operation will be laid before you without delay.

It will afford you satisfaction to be informed that the public revenue continues to
increase, and that the actual receipts for the past financial year have been con-
siderably in excess of the official estimate.

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

In accordance with the resolutions adopted by the House of Representatives
in the last Session, the necessary measures for the abolition of the Provincial form of
Government and for the establishment of a more thorough form of Local Government
in this the North Island have been prepared, and will be immediately laid before you.
You will be invited to decide whether, taking the circumstances of the colony into
consideration, as well as the present financial condition and future prospects of some
of the Provincial Governments in the Middle Island, the operation of the proposed
measures may not at once, with general advantage, be so extended as to include the
whole of the Provinces.

In view of the proposed constitutional changes, and of the approaching
termination of the existence of the present Parliament, a readjustment of the
representation of the people to meet the altered circumstances of electoral divisions
has become necessary. Bills will accordingly be submitted for your consideration, for
amending the law relative to the qualification of Electors, and for a readjustment of
Representation. A Bill to consolidate and amend the laws relating to Stamp Duties,
and a Bill to amend the law relating to Insolvency, will also be laid before you.

I confide to your earnest attention these and the other measures to be brought
before you, in the hope that the Divine Wisdom will guide your efforts faithfully to
discharge your onerous duties.

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