✨ Governor's Speech
Numb. 37. 745
THE
NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE
EXTRAORDINARY.
Published by Authority.
WELLINGTON, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1885.
THE Second Session of the Ninth Parliament of New Zealand was this day opened
by the Governor, when His Excellency was pleased to make the following
SPEECH.
HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES,
I have much pleasure in again having recourse to your assistance in Parliament assembled.
The depression that was prevalent throughout the colony when you met last
year shows signs of passing away. In many parts, notwithstanding the low price
of wool and wheat, satisfactory evidence is apparent of renewed enterprise and
of confidence in the future progress of the colony.
The loyal disposition of the Maoris, and the readiness they have displayed
in aiding the construction of the Northern Trunk Railway, must be exceedingly
gratifying to you. My Ministers desire in dealing with the Natives to
treat them with justice and consideration, whilst at the same time the law
is maintained. There are throughout the Native territory many signs that the
attitude of the Maoris is not only peaceful but friendly. Tribes and hapus
hitherto standing aloof from Europeans have shown an earnest desire to co-
operate heartily with the Government. My Advisers are of opinion that in
order to avoid misunderstanding in the future it is most important that a better
mode of dealing with Native lands should be devised. To accomplish this in
a manner just to the Maori owners and beneficial to the colony they propose
to submit to you a Bill to regulate the sale and other disposition of lands belonging
to the Natives.
The construction of the North Island Main Trunk Railway, which was happily
inaugurated near Kihikihi in April last, cannot fail to have a most beneficial effect
on the relations between the European and Native races; and, as land is provided
for settlement along the line, the North Island will doubtless make great strides
in permanent agricultural settlement.
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NZ Gazette 1885, No 37
✨ LLM interpretation of page content
🏛️ Governor's Opening Speech to Parliament
🏛️ Governance & Central Administration11 June 1885
Speech, Governor, Parliament, Depression, Maori Relations, Railway, Land Settlement