1196
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
[No. 54

Notwithstanding that the relations of the Empire with other Powers continue to be of a friendly character, my Ministers have deemed it expedient to push on the completion and equipment of our harbour-defences, and to increase and fully arm our Volunteers. I am glad to be able to inform you that a scheme of defence for the colony has been submitted to the Imperial Colonial Defence Committee, and that our harbour-defences are in a much improved position.

During the year, at the request of the Secretary of State, I paid a visit to the Cook Islands, and found an improved state of affairs. I have pointed out to the British Resident, Colonel Gudgeon, certain alterations which were necessary, more especially in connection with the systematic checking and keeping of the accounts. I consider that it would be of advantage if a fully qualified auditor were sent down from New Zealand to ensure satisfactory results from the present methods, or, if necessary, to initiate a better system.

You have learnt with regret of the troubles at Samoa, and the loss of life that has taken place there. At the commencement of the outbreak, in order to assist the Imperial authorities, my Advisers promptly offered to send troops, and to place the Government steamer “Tutanekai” at their disposal. The Secretary of State, while thanking the colony for the offer of Volunteers, did not see his way to accept it, but accepted with pleasure the offer of the use of the Government steamer. She has done good service, for which the Admiral and the British Consul at Samoa have thanked the colony. That Volunteers of both races were ready for service in Samoa demonstrated that, should the necessity arise, Her Majesty’s subjects in New Zealand are ever anxious and ready to do their duty to the Empire.

The Auckland Industrial Exhibition more than fully realised the expectations of its originators. The display of mineral and natural products and manufactured articles was worthy of the district and the colony; and commerce, agriculture, and manufactures will be beneficially encouraged thereby.

Certain allegations have been made as to the conditions under which marine officers’ certificates have been obtained, and the manner in which examinations therefor have been conducted. It has been deemed advisable that a full and complete investigation should take place, and for that purpose a Royal Commission has been appointed.

The Victoria College has been opened, and the Professors have been appointed, and are at work. Thus Wellington and the adjacent districts are enabled to enjoy the advantages of university education.

The erection of the new Library and a portion of Parliament Buildings has just been completed. That your valuable library will be placed in a worthy and fireproof building, and that as a Parliament you will be surrounded with greater and more suitable conveniences, are matters for congratulation.

Considerable areas of land have been purchased during the year under the Land for Settlements Act. The number of applicants far exceeds the number of farms available. Proposals will be submitted for extending the compulsory taking of land to boroughs and suburban lands, in order to enable provision to be made for workmen’s homes and villages. An amendment of the law is necessary, to provide that in all cases brought before a Compensation Court compensation shall be assessed on the marketable value only.

I regret to state that a serious railway accident, attended with loss of life, occurred at Rakaia. A Commission, consisting of Mr. Pendleton, Commissioner of Railways, South Australia, and Dr. Giles, has been appointed to inquire fully into and report as to the cause of the accident. The Commissioners commence their duties at an early date.

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

The estimates for the various services for the current year have been framed with due regard to economy, efficiency, and the growing requirements of the colony.

There has been an increased revenue, as compared with last year, from railways, Excise, and Customs.