New Zealand Gazette – 1954 – No. 2

Page 66

✨ Queen's Speech



A hundred years ago, when the people of New Zealand gained for
themselves the right of responsible self-government, it would have required
a prophetic imagination to have foreseen the possibility of the present
occasion. But in these hundred years New Zealand has grown to be
a sovereign and mature State, while the ocean surrounding these bountiful
islands has become a main highway in a world which has itself been
transformed. I welcome the ease with which, in these times, it is possible
to travel from one part of the Commonwealth to another. It will
always be my endeavour to take advantage of the opportunities
afforded by our age to enter with ever closer sympathy and understanding
into the problems and aspirations of my Government and people in New
Zealand.

Though the world is making such rapid technical progress it has not—
unhappily—been able to keep pace in the study and practice of the arts of
peace. Nevertheless I am confident that, with that openness of mind to
be expected from a new country, my Government and people in New
Zealand will continue to contribute worthily towards the lessening of inter-
national tensions and the preservation of concord amongst the nations.

In the firm partnership of European and Maori peoples, for which New
Zealand is justly renowned, you have set a high example. I have been
deeply moved by the fervent expressions of loyalty and enthusiasm
conveyed to me by the Maori people, for whom I cherish the highest
respect and affection; and I am proud to see how my subjects of both
races in this country are moving forward in unity together, each determined
to make their full contribution to the progress and advancement of New
Zealand.

I am also proud of the way in which my Government and people of
New Zealand are discharging their trust in promoting the well-being of
the peoples of the Pacific islands under their administration. I regret
that it was not possible for me on this journey to visit these Island
Territories; but their people know that I have the closest interest in their
welfare and they are assured of my wholehearted affection.

New Zealand, through her steady progress in matters of social welfare
and in the development of her agricultural and other industries, has won
international esteem. It is my earnest hope and expectation that this
progress will continue, and bring increased benefits and prosperity to
her people.

My Ministers have deemed it advisable to introduce at this session of
Parliament a Bill to amend the Judicature Act. This amendment, by
providing for an alteration in the constitution of the two divisions of the
Court of Appeal, will make for greater efficiency in the despatch of
Court business. The passage of this measure at the present session of
Parliament will enable it to be brought into effect in time for the first
sittings of the Court of Appeal in the current year.

I wish to express most sincerely my warm appreciation of the
arrangements which my Ministers have made for me to travel extensively
and to meet my subjects in this country.

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God will rest upon your counsels.


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✨ LLM interpretation of page content

🏛️ Opening Statement by Her Majesty the Queen (continued from previous page)

🏛️ Governance & Central Administration
Parliament, Opening, Queen, Speech, Commonwealth, Māori, Pacific Islands, Social Welfare, Judicature Act