1478

THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

[No. 52

Ere another session opens I shall be far away, and shall have severed my connection with your colony. You may, however, rest assured that every effort will be exerted by me to promote the welfare of a country to which I have become so deeply attached, to draw attention to New Zealand's position and progress, and to explain, to the best of my ability, the causes which have led in so marked a degree to the general prosperity and happiness undoubtedly now existing within these shores.

New Zealand, together with other oversea dominions within the Empire, was invited to be represented at the Coronation ceremonies and Colonial Conference, and in my principal Adviser, the Right Hon. Mr. Seddon, New Zealand was fittingly represented. The resolutions passed at the Conference and the recommendations made are far-reaching in effect; they have attracted considerable attention, and will in due course be submitted to you.

It will be known to honourable members that the coastwise laws of other nations have proved inimical to the commerce and shipping of this colony, and to the trade of the United Kingdom. My Advisers are of opinion that the time should not be far distant when our laws should be brought into line in this respect with those nations whose laws are prejudicial to New Zealand and the Mother-country.

The Empire-girdling British-owned Pacific cable is completed, and the almost lightning-like rapidity with which messages have been despatched and received establishes its efficacy. With proper energy and due regard paid to obtaining business on the part of the Board the estimated revenue should be realised. The proposal of the Australian Commonwealth Government to grant by agreement concessions favourable to the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company my Ministers consider regrettable, and fear the result will prove inimical financially to the Pacific cable.

The Judicial Committee of the English Privy Council, in delivering judgment in the Porirua Trust case, Wallis and others versus the Solicitor-General, cast aspersions on the New Zealand Courts, to which a formal protest and complete refutation was made by the Chief Justice and other Judges. It is sincerely hoped, in the interests of justice and the highest Courts of the Empire, that the unmerited and uncalled-for departure of the Judicial Committee may never occur again. My Ministers are of the opinion that amendment in the constitution of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is imperative; and that unless a satisfactory change is made confidence in that great central tribunal of the Empire will within the colonies be shaken.

I am pleased to inform you that the greatest good feeling exists with the Maori race; that Mahuta Tawhiao Potatau te Whero Whero has been called to the Legislative Council and appointed a member of the Executive Council. The estrangement of several of the Maori tribes which has too long existed is now closed, and Mahuta's influence will be of value to the colony, especially in the early settlement of the lands of the Rohe Potae. The Maori Lands and Sanitary Councils are working satisfactorily, and evidence is daily being given that the Maoris have a complete knowledge of what is necessary to educate, improve, and preserve their race.

Whilst being pleased with the great and increased productiveness of the colony, which close settlement has materially assisted, my Advisers consider that settlement can be largely augmented, provided adequate means are available to road Crown lands : this class of road-construction to be paramount, seeing that the expenditure on such roads is out of borrowed money.

I have to congratulate you upon the very satisfactory development of the agricultural and pastoral industries and on the land-settlement system generally. Several defects in the Land for Settlements Act require to be rectified. The law providing for the acquiring of land for workmen's homes is practically a dead letter, and requires amendment.

The large increase and the amount of capital invested, as well as the increased number of persons employed, in manufacturing pursuits warrant my saying that satisfactory progress has been made, and the outlook is very cheering. The largely increased output of gold and coal also proves that the mining industry is in a flourishing condition.