1416
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
No. 52

colony has been moved not by passing impulse but by a firm resolve to maintain the integrity of the Empire. Our troops have borne themselves gallantly and well, and the colony is proud of them. It will give some measure of consolation to the relatives of those who have fallen to know that there is universal sympathy for them in their sorrow, and that their memories will always be held in honour by New-Zealanders as those of men who fell fighting for their country.

The birthday of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales—his first birthday under that title—was celebrated on the 3rd June. The respectful congratulations of the Government and people of the colony were duly conveyed to and graciously acknowledged by His Royal Highness.

An Imperial Conference of the Colonial Premiers and representatives of the British Cabinet has been summoned to meet in London, and, as you are aware, the Premier of New Zealand is representing this colony. Important subjects will be discussed there, and Parliament may be asked to pass such legislation as will be necessary to give effect to the decisions of the Conference in so far as they affect New Zealand.

His Majesty having honoured New Zealand by inviting the Premier to attend the Coronation ceremonies as his guest, Mr. Seddon proceeded to London by way of South Africa. He spent over a week there, and made all possible inquiries as to the condition and comfort of the New Zealand troops, as well as to matters affecting trade relations with this country. He reached London on the 14th of June. My Ministers are satisfied that at the Conference and elsewhere he will do good service to the State in questions of Imperial concern, as well as in those more immediately affecting New Zealand. The hearty reception everywhere accorded to him as the representative of New Zealand is a gratifying recognition of the assistance rendered by this colony during the war.

I am pleased to inform you that the Australian Commonwealth has agreed to admit New Zealand letters at the penny rate, and our penny-postage system has thus within the British Empire become universal.

A work of Imperial-colonial importance—namely, the laying of the first sections of the Pacific cable from Queensland to Norfolk Island, Fiji, and New Zealand—has already been completed, and the final section connecting Vancouver, Fanning Island, and Fiji will probably be finished in about six months. This work may be fittingly termed a link in the chain which will bind the various portions of the Empire with ties of a common cause and common interest.

His Imperial Japanese Majesty’s training ships “Hi-yei” and “Kongo” lately visited the colony on their way to Fiji. The Commanders and their officers were welcomed by my Ministers, and every attention was shown them. The courtesy they received was cordially acknowledged.

The terrible disaster which has overtaken the residents of the Island of Martinique, and other islands adjacent thereto, has excited the sympathy of all classes in this country, and a message to that effect has been despatched to the French Government.

Major-General Babington has been appointed Commandant of the New Zealand Forces, and has assumed control. Under his direction I trust this branch of His Majesty’s service will receive the attention its importance demands. He has already visited a large number of corps and is making himself acquainted with the country and its requirements. His report will be duly placed before you.

The legislation passed during last session of Parliament creating a system of Maori Councils has been favourably received, and promises to be successful. The Native Minister has visited the various parts of the colony and met large numbers of Maoris, placing before them fully the nature and details of the system. It is with pleasure I inform you that the relationship existing between the Europeans and Maoris is of the happiest description, and that the new legislation gives good hope of a higher and more intelligent life for the Maori people.