✨ Governor's Speech Continuation
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
1071
A Report will be laid before you showing the effect, so far, of the Education Act
passed last session. The time that has elapsed since its passing has been too short to
allow a fair estimate of its working to be arrived at, but the Government do not believe
that any material amendments are at present expedient. The question of higher
education deserves most careful consideration; but, as a preliminary thereto, it is
necessary that the mode of working and the effects of existing institutions should be
ascertained. It is intended, therefore, to appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into
and report upon the operations of the New Zealand University, and its relations to
the secondary schools of the colony. The report of this Commission will, if legisla-
tion be necessary, enable Parliament to deal effectively with the subject next session.
Arrangements have been entered into with the Government of New South Wales
for modifications in the San Francisco Mail Service contract, and as to coming within
the terms of the Postal Union. In conjunction with New South Wales, the Govern-
ment have also negotiated with Colonel Glover, the representative of the Eastern
Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Company, for a duplication of the cable
from Port Darwin to London, and for a reduction of the tariff on the New Zealand
cable. The present state of these negotiations will be shown by papers that will be
laid before you.
The gold fields of the colony are still prosperous, and there can be no doubt
that there are yet numerous and extensive auriferous deposits that only require
population and enterprise for their development.
You will, I have no doubt, join with me in the hope that the proposal to
establish direct steam communication between New Zealand and the United Kingdom
may prove successful.
The results of the gradual extension of the railway system have been such as to
justify the colony in undertaking its large indebtedness for the prosecution of those
public works. It is gratifying to find that the District Railways Act of last session
is being taken advantage of, and that the faith of the people of New Zealand in rail-
way extension is being shown by many important lines in different parts of the colony
being undertaken by private and local enterprise. This spirit of self-reliance, my
Ministers think, should be fostered; and you will be asked to make some slight
amendments, with the view of offering facilities which experience has shown to be
desirable.
During the recess various changes have been introduced into the management of
the Public Works and Railways Department—changes which I venture to hope may
prove beneficial to the public service.
I commend to your serious consideration the various measures and subjects that
may be brought before you for your advice and action; and I pray that the Spirit of
Divine Wisdom may so order your deliberations, that peace and happiness may be
promoted throughout the length and breadth of the colony.
Printed under the authority of the New Zealand Government, by GEORGE DIDSBURY, Government Printer, Wellington.
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NZ Gazette 1878, No 73
✨ LLM interpretation of page content
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Continuation of Governor's Speech on Policy Matters
(continued from previous page)
🏛️ Governance & Central Administration26 July 1878
Education Act, Royal Commission, University, Mail Service, Telegraph, Gold fields, Railways, Public Works