SEPT. 23.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 1673

been lightened. The Government has given every help, and is endeavouring to restore permanent railway communication as quickly as possible. The periodical recurrence of floods in these localities points to the necessity for adopting permanent remedial measures. Seeing the seriousness of the situation, the local authorities will no doubt give the matter their best attention, and it will be for Parliament to decide how far they shall be assisted by the State.

A conference was held in February last at Hobart, at which the Premiers of Australia and this colony were present. Amongst the subjects dealt with were closer trade relations with the Mother-country and Australasia, intercolonial reciprocity, Australasian quarantine, codification of the commercial law of the United Kingdom and all the colonies, treaty with Japan, conservation of British interests in the Pacific Islands, naturalisation of aliens, export of Australasian produce, the Paris exhibition, uniformity of legislation on merchandise marks, and alteration in the mode of preparing statistics relating to imports and exports. Copies of the resolutions passed at the conference will be laid before you.

The outlook with respect to mining in the colony is very promising, and the development of our mines and mineral resources is making satisfactory progress. Changes in the method of working, the application of new processes, and the substitution of modern machinery and appliances for such as had become obsolete, caused a temporary stoppage and a consequent falling-off in the returns from mines in work last year. The returns for the half-year ending 30th June exceeded those of the corresponding period last year, although not augmented to any appreciable extent by the proceeds of new mines.

MR. SPEAKER AND GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,—

Estimates showing the receipts and expenditure for the year have been prepared, and will be submitted to you. The Education expenditure in particular has increased considerably during the last six years, following the growth of the population. Economy has been observed, having due regard to the growing requirements of the colony and of the public service. The necessary moneys will, my Advisers hope, be cheerfully provided. As compared with last year’s returns there is an increase from railways, customs, excise, stamps, land- and income-tax, and miscellaneous sources; but, as the effect of a disastrous snowstorm two winters ago, and of other causes, there has been a falling-off in respect to territorial revenue, particularly in the sales of land for cash—not a matter for serious regret.

The frequent interruption that occurs in telegraphic communication with Auckland and the northern parts of the colony causes great loss and inconvenience, and renders it necessary that an improved service should be established.

It will be admitted that there exists a necessity for the establishment of a University College at Wellington. Owing to funds not having been provided, and other causes, the existing legislation is a dead-letter. A measure will be submitted providing an endowment, but on such conditions and so safeguarded as to secure to students from the primary schools whose parents are not well-to-do the advantages of a university course. You will also be requested to pass further legislation for technical schools and the promotion of technical education.

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

The excessive freights charged for some time past for the carriage of New Zealand products to Europe, with the keen competition ruling, have severely handicapped our producers, and become a matter of grave concern. My Ministers, after carefully looking into the question, came to the conclusion that action should be taken in the matter. When in Australia in the commencement of the year the Prime Minister made the fullest inquiries, with the result that the producers of New Zealand were found to be paying considerably more than was being paid by their Australian competitors. Later on, immediately after his arrival in London, considering the matter important and urgent, he brought it under public notice, and intimated that, unless reasonable reductions were made, it would be the duty of the Government to bring the subject under the review of Parliament. I am glad to be able to say that sub-