ADDRESS

Of his Honor the Superintendent on Proroguing the 16th Session of the Provincial Council of the Province of Otago, 23rd December, 1862.

MR. SPEAKER AND GENTLEMEN
Of the Provincial Council—

I HAVE to thank you for your continued exertions during the present Session, to meet the requirements of the times, by a suitable legislation.

In addition to the Bills which I have already assented to on behalf of the Governor, I now assent to the following:—

Impounding Bill, 1862
Licensed Hawkers’ Bill, 1862
Oamaru Town Board Bill, 1862
Dunedin Building Bill, 1862
Turnpikes Bill, 1862
Dog Nuisance Bill, 1862
Appropriation Bill, 1862-3

The following Bills which have been passed by you have necessarily been reserved for the signification of the Governor’s pleasure thereon—

The Otago Loan Bill, 1862
The Miners’ Provincial Representation Bill, 1862
The Otago Representation Bill, 1862
The Port of Otago Marine Board Bill, 1862
The Panama Mail Subsidy Bill, 1862
The Unimproved Land Bill.

It is with much regret I arrived at the conclusion that, owing to circumstances which could not have been anticipated, it would be undesirable at so late a season, and at so considerable a sacrifice as was necessary, to despatch the projected West Coast Expedition. The results of such an expedition will be, I doubt not, of such a character as to justify the recommendation which you adopted of making the necessary arrangements, during the ensuing year, for the despatch of a thoroughly organized and fully equipped expedition in November next. You will be happy to learn that, as far as the Geological Department is concerned, no loss will be sustained, as there are some questions to be solved which an overland expedition, now under arrangement, will dispose of, and thus the way will be cleared for subsequent investigation.

I most cordially thank you for the readiness with which you have accorded your approval of the system of increased Ministerial responsibility which I laid before you.

I trust your Resolutions on the Land Questions may have the effect, which I most earnestly desire, of securing the country for those who are willing to make it their home, and who invest their capital, be it small or large, for the purpose of cultivating the land they occupy. The question of the disposal of the Waste Lands is one of pre-eminent difficulty, and it would be unreasonable to suppose, because from our rapid rise as a Province, and our restricted power of sale, we have been the first amongst our neighbours to encounter these difficulties, that therefore our system is faulty in its construction. With others the hour of trial has not yet come. I thank you for so steadily confronting these difficulties, and for the anxiety you have evinced in the endeavor to remedy them.

As I have no doubt that his Excellency will be advised to accede to our mutual request that the Provincial Council be dissolved, it only remains for me to thank you for the valuable assistance you have given me during a time of considerable difficulty.

Whatever may be the future position I may occupy, I shall ever look back with pleasure to my association with you in the endeavor to advance the best interests of our adopted country, and I shall regard your cordial co-operation in this endeavor as one of the most pleasing reminiscences connected with my tenure of office as Superintendent of the Province.

I now hereby notify to you that the Council stands prorogued.

J. L. C. RICHARDSON,
Superintendent.

TENDERS will be received until 12 noon of Tuesday, 20th instant, from parties willing to metal about forty-five (45) chains of the road, Clutha Mouth to Kaihiku.

Specifications may be seen at the Road Engineer’s Office, Dunedin, and at the Clutha Ferry from the Road Inspector.

By order,
THOMAS DICK,
Provincial Secretary.
12th Jan., 1863.

TENDERS will be received at the office of the Provincial Secretary until 4 p.m. of Thursday, the 20th inst., for filling in about 6½ Acres of Ground beyond high water mark, the materials to be procured from Church Hill.

Plans and specifications may be seen, and forms of tender obtained, at the office of the Provincial Engineer.

By order,
THOMAS DICK,
Provincial Secretary.
3rd January, 1863.