✨ Parliament Opening Speech
Numb. 99.
1303
THE
NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE
EXTRAORDINARY.
Published by Authority.
WELLINGTON, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1879.
THE First Session of the Seventh Parliament of New Zealand was on Wednesday,
the 24th day of September, opened by Commissioners duly appointed; and
George Maurice O'Rorke, Esq., having on that day been elected Speaker of the
House of Representatives, His Excellency was, at the meeting of the Houses this
day, pleased to make the following
SPEECH.
HONORABLE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, AND GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES, -
In opening this, the Seventh Parliament of New Zealand, I am sure
you will unite with me in an earnest hope that the new Parliament may be
distinguished for the enactment of such measures as shall be most conducive towards
promoting the happiness and welfare of the people.
We have reached what is, perhaps, as yet the most important epoch in the history
of the Colony; and the future will very much depend upon the impress which may
be stamped upon it by the action of this Parliament.
It is matter for congratulation that, notwithstanding the severe monetary pressure
and commercial gloom which have for some time past prevailed throughout the
world, the position of this Colony is thoroughly sound.
In accordance with Constitutional usage, I recently allowed an appeal to the
electors of the Colony; and they have availed themselves of this opportunity to
make manifest their wishes with regard to measures of great importance, which it was
proposed should be enacted as part of the permanent Constitutional Law of the
Colony.
The elections having been completed, I have, at the earliest possible period,
called you together to avail myself of your advice and assistance in considering these
measures, and in carrying on the necessary legislation of the country.
My Responsible Advisers, following up the line of policy which was indicated
during the last session of the late Parliament, have prepared measures giving effect
to the views which were then made known to the country. Amongst these there will
be submitted to you a Bill to amend the Law relating to Electors qualified to vote at
the Election of Members of the House of Representatives. In this measure, the broad
principle is adopted that every man who pays taxes, and is otherwise affected by
legislation, has a right to representation.
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NZ Gazette 1879, No 99
✨ LLM interpretation of page content
🏛️ Opening of the Seventh Parliament and Governor's Speech
🏛️ Governance & Central Administration25 September 1879
Parliament opening, Governor's Speech, Speaker election, Electoral law, Constitutional Law
- George Maurice O'Rorke (Esquire), Elected Speaker of House