✨ Opening of Parliament Speech
Numb. 74. 951
THE
NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE
EXTRAORDINARY.
Published by Authority.
WELLINGTON, TUESDAY, JULY 15, 1879.
THE Fourth Session of the Sixth Parliament of New Zealand was on Friday,
the 11th day of July, opened by Commissioners duly appointed; and the
vacancy in the Speakership of the House of Representatives having meanwhile been
filled by the election of George Maurice O’Rorke, Esq., His Excellency was, at the
meeting of the Houses this day, pleased to make the following
S P E E C H.
HONORABLE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, AND GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES,—
It is a great pleasure to me, so shortly after my assumption of the Govern-
ment of this Colony, to meet the Legislative Council and the Representatives of New
Zealand, in Parliament assembled.
During the limited time which has elapsed since my arrival, I have endeavoured
as far as possible to make myself acquainted with the capabilities and requirements
of the country, and to gain, by personal intercourse, a knowledge of its public men,
and of the various communities spread throughout its wide extent.
The first impressions which I have formed are very favourable. I have been
much gratified by the loyal and cordial reception which has everywhere been accorded
to me as Her Majesty’s Representative; and I have not failed to note with admira-
tion the extent and variety of the resources of the country, and the industry and
enterprise which are developing them with such marvellous rapidity.
I gladly avail myself of this opportunity to express to you, as representing both
races of the people of New Zealand, my grateful acknowledgments for the welcome
which has been extended to me, and to offer my congratulations upon the fair, healthy,
and fertile country which Providence has given to you as an inheritance.
My Responsible Advisers fully recognize the desire that exists for the enactment
of measures which will secure a more equal representation of the people; for a more
frequent return of Members to their constituencies for re-election; for an equitable
distribution of the burdens of taxation; and for a mode more just and judicious of
dealing with public lands, and with those belonging to the Natives.
As a first step towards giving effect to these desires, the following measures will,
amongst others, be laid before you :—Next Page →
NZ Gazette 1879, No 74E
✨ LLM interpretation of page content
🏛️ Speech at Opening of Parliament
🏛️ Governance & Central Administration15 July 1879
Parliament, Opening, Speech, Governor, Representation, Taxation, Public Lands, Native Lands
- George Maurice O’Rorke (Esquire), Elected Speaker of the House of Representatives
- His Excellency the Governor