✨ Governor's Speech to Parliament
Numb. 56.
825
THE
NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE
EXTRAORDINARY.
Published by Authority.
WELLINGTON, FRIDAY, MAY 28, 1880.
THE Second Session of the Seventh Parliament of New Zealand was this day
opened by the Governor, when His Excellency was pleased to make the
following
SPEECH.
HONORABLE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, AND GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES, —
In accordance with what was understood to be the wish of both branches
of the Legislature, I have called you together at an earlier period of the year than
usual, and after an interval of little more than five months since the last session of
Parliament.
When I last met you the country was suffering from severe monetary pressure
and a general depression in various branches of industry and trade. It is satisfactory to
me to be able, on the present occasion, to congratulate you upon the partial relief which
has been experienced, and upon the degree of confidence which has been revived by an
abundant harvest, and by the increased value of most of the staple products of the
country. At the same time, the condition of the colony demands your careful
consideration.
I regret that there should be a considerable amount of distress among the work-
ing classes. I trust and believe this may be only of a temporary character. It is
engaging the serious attention of my Government, who have taken steps for inquiring
into the means best calculated to encourage such local industries as will afford
steady and remunerative employment to the people.
In accordance with the decision of the Legislature, I appointed a Royal Commis-
sion to inquire into the alleged grievances of a portion of the Native race in respect
to their lands on the West Coast of the North Island. The reports and recommenda-
tions of that Commission will be laid before you.
I trust that the measures at once firm and conciliatory which have been adopted
by my Government will issue in a permanent and satisfactory settlement of the
difficulties which have arisen in that part of the colony.
The determination which has been shown to redress grievances where they may be
proved to exist, and at the same time to assert the supremacy of the Crown, cannot
but favourably affect our relations with the whole Maori race.
The steps which should be taken for the defence of the harbours of the colony
have been carefully considered and ably reported on by Colonel Scratchley, an
experienced officer of the Royal Engineers. You will be asked to consider the extent
to which it will be advisable to give effect to his suggestions.
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NZ Gazette 1880, No 56
✨ LLM interpretation of page content
🏛️ Governor's Speech Opening Second Session of Parliament
🏛️ Governance & Central Administration28 May 1880
Parliament opening, Governor's Speech, monetary pressure, Native grievances, West Coast, defence report
- Colonel Scratchley, Royal Engineers