550 THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. [No. 28

which it is believed will meet with your approval. It is hoped that the classification
which it is proposed to effect under it, while rendering economy more easy of attain-
ment, will act beneficially upon the service itself.

My Ministers wish to place upon record their appreciation of the manner in
which the Civil servants as a body have aided in carrying out changes necessary
to effect economy. They have readily furnished information and advice, and have
displayed a willingness to fall in with an altered system, although it, in many
instances, entailed reduced remuneration and increased duties. The task imposed
upon the Government has thus been much facilitated.

You will be gratified to learn that the building of the war-vessels to be supplied
under the provisions of “The Australasian Naval Defence Act, 1887,” is being
carried on by the Imperial Government with all possible expedition. The time is
therefore not far distant when we may expect to see in Australasian waters a naval
force which, acting in concert with our land defences, will insure the safety in times
of war of this part of the Empire, and protect its trade.

The Harbour Defence Works, which form a necessary part of any scheme for
the protection of the colony against external danger, have been so far completed
as to render it unnecessary to maintain the past heavy expenditure. My Ministers
have, therefore, been able to effect large reductions in the annual cost of the Defence
Department. They believe that, notwithstanding such reductions, the colony is now
fairly well prepared for any emergency which may arise.

The thanks of the country are due to Major-General Schaw for the very valuable
assistance and advice which have been given by him in connection with the com-
pletion of these works and the reorganization of the forces of the colony. His
experience, the benefit of which was freely given to my Government, has proved of
great advantage.

The anticipations of my Advisers as to the beneficial effects of the Land Act of
last session have so far been verified by events, and relief has been afforded to many
hard-working holders through the operation of its clauses. Considering the time
which has elapsed since this Act came into force, the number of desirable settlers
who have been placed upon the waste lands by means of its operation is very satis-
factory. Full information will be afforded you with regard to this and other matters
connected with the settlement of Crown lands.

My Ministers are pleased to be able to state that the economies rendered neces-
sary by the reduced vote for Education have been carried out without impairing the
system. They regard its maintenance in a vigorous condition as essential to the
public well-being. Papers on this subject will be laid before you.

I have much pleasure in informing you that the attitude of the Maori race is
marked by much good feeling toward the Government. It must be a matter of con-
gratulation to both races that Tawhiao should at last have seen that it was to the
interests of himself and his people that the two races should be united under one
Government. The action taken by them may be regarded as the final abandon-
ment on the part of Natives of their wish to establish a separate authority for their
own government.

My Ministers believe that the time has arrived when the whole question of
dealing with Native lands should be treated upon a basis in accord with the
advancing knowledge of the Native race. Bills will be submitted for your approval
which have been prepared with due regard to this consideration.

HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,—

The estimates of the revenue and expenditure for the current year will be
brought before you at an early date, when I have no doubt they will receive your
careful consideration.

HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND GENTLEMEN OF THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,—

The Chinese question is becoming one of serious difficulty, and my Advisers
consider that, until some common ground of agreement is arrived at between the
Imperial Government and the Government of the Chinese Empire, this colony must
join with the other Australian Colonies in enacting measures of a restrictive character.
A Bill dealing with the subject will be laid before you.