NEW ZEALAND.

OTAGO

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

GAZETTE.

Published by Authority.

Vol. XIV. DUNEDIN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1870. No. 665.

ADDRESS OF HIS HONOR THE SUPERINTENDENT,

ON OPENING THE XXVIITH SESSION OF THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL OF THE PROVINCE OF OTAGO, APRIL 26, 1870.

MR. SPEAKER AND GENTLEMEN OF THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL:

The subjects which you will be called upon to deal with during the present Session—although not numerous—are in some respects perhaps as important as any which have occupied your attention for some time past.

As this is probably your last Session before a general election, it is absolutely necessary that provision should be made for a re-adjustment of the representation upon a fair and equitable basis, with which view an Ordinance will be submitted to you.

An Ordinance has been prepared having for its object the consolidation of existing Road Districts, and the conferring upon District Road Boards larger powers than they at present possess; also, an Ordinance for amending the Licensing Ordinance in several points wherein its working has been found practically defective. Also an Ordinance providing for the vesting in the University of Otago the land set apart in a former Session as an endowment for this University. An Ordinance, bringing into operation within this Province the provisions of the “Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough Rivers Act 1868” under the provisions of which Act it is thought that necessary works required to be done for improving the navigation of the Clutha River may effectually be carried out, and the construction of works to lessen the damage occasioned from the overflow of the rivers in different parts of the Province may be provided for.

You are, no doubt, aware that in compliance with your resolution last year a contract has been entered into for the construction of the Dunedin and Port Chalmers Railway. You will be asked by the promoters of this railway to concur with me in granting them the necessary power to acquire such land as may be requisite for the construction of the line.

As regards the Southern Trunk Railway, while it is to be regretted that the action taken by the Government has not as yet resulted in any definite proposal for the construction of the line, which the Government, with the powers already at its disposal could have assented to, yet enquiries have been made, and suggestions offered, upon which you will be asked to advise, and should you think proper to enlarge the powers of the Government in dealing with proposals, it is probable that some of the persons with whom the Government have been in communication may undertake the construction of the line on terms favorable to the Province.

It is a question worthy of consideration whether or not we shall make up our minds to abandon the idea of constructing the railway by means of a Company, and take the matter into our own hands. I believe that the work can be accomplished by the Government quite as successfully as it can be by private parties. There can be no more objection to the Government taking upon themselves the construction of railways than of making roads. Should you participate in this view, it will be well to pass the necessary resolution to enable me to apply for power to borrow the money.

Gentlemen,—I have again to call your special attention to the subject of Immigration. I am persuaded that this is the question, beyond all others, which ought to force itself upon our earnest consideration at the present time; not as a subject for mere abstract discussion, but for prompt practical action. It cannot be disguised...