1766
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
[No. 51

tunity I have had to congratulate you in Parliament assembled upon the high
dignity His Majesty has thereby conferred on this progressive country, and
to express the hope and belief that the change may not only secure for us
a worthier place in the world’s esteem, but also by increasing our national
self-respect help to stimulate the higher ideals of our own people.

Consequent on strong representations made by my Prime Minister when
in London, New Zealand has now been placed in the same position as the
Dominion of Canada with respect to the important constitutional question of
the reservation of Bills for the Royal assent.

I have been notified that early in August warships of the United
States of America will visit New Zealand. The event is historical, for
it will be the first visit of a fleet of that great nation which has sprung
from our own hardy race — a nation speaking our tongue, sharing not
only our literature and our noblest traditions, but also our aspirations and
ideals. Preparations for a suitable welcome are now well in hand, and it is
hoped that the visit, in addition to its national importance, will be made a
pleasant and memorable one to the officers and men of this detachment of the
American navy.

Another event connected with the Northern Continent of America takes
place in July next, when Canada will celebrate her Tercentenary at Quebec.
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales will represent His Majesty the King
on this important and historic occasion, which is one of deep interest to all parts
of our Empire. My Prime Minister was invited by the Government of
Canada to be present as representing New Zealand, but owing to Parliament being
in session he will be unable to leave his public duties, and, at the suggestion of
my Advisers, my predecessor, the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, was asked
and has kindly agreed to attend in his stead. It is felt that New Zealand is
fortunate in having such a representative who combines with other qualifications
a wide knowledge of and a deep love for this country and its people.

An Exhibition of more than industrial importance has been recently opened
in London by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and I am pleased to
say that New Zealand products are well represented. The Franco-British
Exhibition has for us an international significance, in that it affords a striking
testimony of the relations of amity existing between Great Britain and France,
as well as at the same time contributing to the world’s peace.

The term of office of the High Commissioner for New Zealand having
expired on the 14th June instant, the Honourable William Pember Reeves
was reappointed for a further term.

An unusual period of dry weather during last midsummer caused serious
loss to farmers and settlers throughout New Zealand by reason of bush and
other fires, which destroyed large areas of crop and forest, and in some cases
stock, homesteads, and other buildings. To relieve the loss which fell crushingly
upon these farmers and settlers, grass-seed was furnished by my Advisers in
proper cases and upon such terms as relieved the sufferers.

Early on the morning of the 11th December last New Zealand suffered a
national loss in the destruction by fire of the Parliament Buildings. Happily,
the library and its contents escaped injury, but many valuable records and
other papers were destroyed. A threefold loss falls upon us by the destruction of these buildings, for not only were they the council-halls of our
Legislature and one of our chief archives, but they were closely connected
with the history and progress of this country, and with the lives and achievements of honoured statesmen of the past. Indeed, as archives and as a
memorial the loss of Parliament Buildings is irreparable. Temporary accommodation for you is provided in this House, and you will be asked to consider at an early date proposals which my Advisers will bring before you for
suitable permanent Houses of Parliament.

It is recognised that our present mail-service to and from Great Britain
and Europe is unsatisfactory, and efforts have been continuously made by my
Prime Minister to secure the co-operation of Great Britain and her oversea
dominions to the end that a fast and entirely British line of mail-steamers
should be provided for these postal services of Great Britain, Canada, Australia,