✨ Governor's Speech at Parliament Opening
Num. 72.
2217
THE
NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE
EXTRAORDINARY.
Published by Authority.
WELLINGTON, TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 1906.
THE Second Session of the Sixteenth Parliament of New Zealand was this day opened by the Governor, when His Excellency was pleased to make the following
S P E E C H.
HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,—
It affords me much pleasure to again meet you in Parliament assembled, and to feel that you must rejoice with me at the prosperity which continues to bless this colony as a whole. The outlook was never brighter or more encouraging. Production has increased, prices are profitable, and the condition of our trade, industries, and finance reflects the prevailing spirit of enterprise and confidence. These happy circumstances notwithstanding, sorrow is still deeply felt at the occurrence that led to the various political changes which have taken place.
In the recent short recess the Hon. Sir Joseph George Ward was asked, and at my request undertook, to form a Ministry, and it is now in office.
It is gratifying to note that our population has grown with our prosperity, and that the last census shows a marked increase both in the white and Maori races of these Islands.
The late Right Hon. R. J. Seddon visited the Australian Commonwealth in May last, and everywhere received a welcome that was at once worthy of his achievements and gratifying to this colony. He crowned his career of splendid service to New Zealand by arranging a provisional reciprocal treaty between this country and Australia. This treaty will be laid before you for consideration, and, if ratified, may form the first step to a closer commercial union with our nearest neighbouring kinsmen. It is unnecessary to emphasize the advantages accruing to both lands from a closer commercial relationship and freer exchange of products. Mr. Seddon also established New Zealand agencies in Sydney and Melbourne.
Following last year’s session a Postal Conference was held at Rome. The Hon. Sir J. G. Ward represented the colony, and one of the important results secured by him was the granting to New Zealand of a separate
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NZ Gazette 1906, No 72
✨ LLM interpretation of page content
🏛️ Governor's Speech at Opening of Parliament
🏛️ Governance & Central Administration21 August 1906
Parliament opening, Governor's speech, Political changes, Trade relations, Census results
- Joseph George Ward (Honourable Sir), Formed new Ministry
- R. J. Seddon (Right Honourable), Visited Australia and arranged treaty