New Zealand Gazette – 1919 – No. 106

Page 2704

✨ Government Address



2704
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
No. 106

have been under the control of the Government formed in the year 1915
by agreement of the two principal political parties, and my Ministers there-
fore confidently anticipate your confirmation in respect of that past period.
The estimates for the remaining part of the year ending on the 31st March
next have been largely prepared under the supervision of the Ministers
lately controlling the several Departments, and will be submitted to you by
my present Ministers. subject to such revision as is possible within the very
close limit of time available to them for the purpose.

HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,—

I congratulate you on the occasion of your assembling for the first time
in this chamber. Though you will not be able to hold your deliberations of
the present session here, I trust that this place may, before your next
session, be so fitted and equipped as to be fit for the due performance of
your important duties.

HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND GENTLEMEN OF
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,—

The visit of the Admiral of the Fleet, Viscount Jellicoe, to New
Zealand is an event of far more than ordinary importance. One part of the
great trust imposed upon him by the Imperial Government is that of
considering the subject of the naval defence of the Commonwealth and of
this Dominion and offering advice to the respective Governments. The
wider subject of the British interests in the Pacific, and provision for their
general defence and protection, will also have his consideration. The
appointment of one so distinguished for the purpose marks the importance
of the duties entrusted to him. My Ministers trust that his inquiries and
reports will have the effect of removing many difficulties, and of enabling
both the Imperial Government and the Dominions concerned to more
clearly appreciate the dangers of the present and the future and the best
means of united preparation to meet them.

During the recess I paid an official visit, accompanied by the Hon. Dr.
Pomare, Minister in Charge, to the Cook Islands, including Niue. I was
received everywhere with great cordiality both by Natives and Europeans,
and was glad to note many improvements effected in the Islands since my
first visit in the year 1914, especially in the increase of facilities for
education of the Natives. At the request of the Imperial Government I
proceeded thence to Samoa, where I also met with a cordial reception from
the Natives of those Islands. I desire to record the gratitude of myself and
my Government for the hospitality accorded to me and to the Hon. Dr.
Pomare by the Governor of American Samoa at Pago Pago, and by His
Excellency the Governor of Fiji at Suva. It was necessary to call at both
of those ports for coaling purposes.

I commend the matters to which I have referred to your earnest
consideration, and I trust that Divine Providence may guide you in your
deliberations.

By Authority: MARCUS F. MARKS, Government Printer, Wellington.




Online Sources for this page:

VUW Te Waharoa — PDF NZ Gazette 1919, No 106


NZLII — PDF NZ Gazette 1919, No 106




✨ LLM interpretation of page content

🏛️ Opening Speech of the Sixth Session of the Nineteenth Parliament (continued from previous page)

🏛️ Governance & Central Administration
Parliament, Opening Speech, Governor-General, Government Control, Legislative Council, Naval Defence, Pacific, Cook Islands, Samoa
  • Viscount Jellicoe (Admiral of the Fleet), Visiting to discuss naval defence
  • Pomare (Honourable Doctor), Accompanied Governor-General to Cook Islands and Samoa

  • Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer