2218 THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE [No. 72

vote. He used his best endeavours to obtain universal penny postage, but was outvoted. He visited the Marconi works, and the knowledge he gained will, I am satisfied, be of benefit to the colony when considering the question of wireless telegraphy.

The news of the attempt on the life of their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain was received by the inhabitants of this colony with horror, and a message was sent expressing detestation at the dastardly outrage.

The terrible calamity which befel the City of San Francisco by earthquake and fire, appalling in its suddenness and awful in its magnitude, cast a gloom over the whole colony. Messages of sympathy and offers of assistance were sent to America, and the thanks of the President, the Government, and people of the United States have been received.

The Japanese famine and the distress caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius also evoked the sympathy of our people, and practical assistance has been rendered in both cases.

Owing to effluxion of time, the present Commandant, General Babington, will retire at the end of this year, and it is with much regret that the Government will then lose the services of this valuable officer, as he is unable to see his way to accept engagement for a further term. When considering the appointment of his successor the whole question of colonial defence will be reviewed and weighed by my Advisers.

I am pleased to inform you that the new flagship, H.M.S. “Powerful,” with the Australasian Squadron, recently visited New Zealand. The Admiral and his officers were accorded a very hearty welcome, and, I feel sure, carried away with them kindly remembrances of their visit.

Honourable members will be pleased to hear that a training-ship for boys has been established. The work is at present in its preliminary stages, and my Advisers hope to submit a report to Parliament.

I am pleased to inform you that preparations for the opening of the International Exhibition, on the 1st of November next, are progressing satisfactorily. My Advisers are satisfied that it will be a success, and result in great benefit to the colony. The Imperial Government and the Commonwealth Government have signified their intention of being represented, and have lent some valuable pictures. Other exhibits have been received from all parts of the world. I feel confident that when the extent of the buildings, the number, variety, and importance of the exhibits, and the beauty and interest of the surroundings are disclosed it will be admitted that the New Zealand International Exhibition is worthy to take honourable place amongst similar undertakings of the Old World.

In accordance with the arrangement expressed in the Anglo-French agreement of 1904, a conference was held in London between representatives of the British and French Governments for the purpose of drawing up a scheme for the control of the New Hebrides, which, without altering the international status quo, would provide for the personal security of European residents and for the settlement of disputes. A copy of the draft convention adopted at that conference has been forwarded to Ministers, who have had the advantage of consulting the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth with respect to its terms. A communication expressing their views concerning the protection of the Natives and the preservation of Australasian interests in the group has been forwarded to the Colonial Office for consideration.

My Advisers, recognising that among the main industries of New Zealand are the pastoral and agricultural, deem it advisable to encourage the application of scientific methods to productive processes, in order that our farmers may successfully meet the increasing competition of other countries. Though much has been accomplished in this direction, much yet remains to be done.

The mining industry has received the careful attention of my Advisers, and honourable members will be gratified to know that the output of gold and coal for last year has exceeded anything for the past thirty years. You will be asked for authority to enable additional assistance to be given for the development of this important industry.