ADDRESS

OF

HIS HONOR THE SUPERINTENDENT,

ON OPENING THE THIRTY-SECOND SESSION OF THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL OF THE
PROVINCE OF OTAGO, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 1873.

Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the Provincial Council:

As you are aware, the provision for carrying on the public service under authority of law expired on the 31st of May last, hence it is that I have called you together on the shortest possible notice, and I fear at no small personal inconvenience to many of you.

The Estimates for the current year will be submitted to you without delay.

In addition to the various matters referred to in my Opening Address to the late Provincial Council on the 6th May last, definite proposals will be submitted having for their object the immediate construction of light railways in various parts of the Province. Some of these railways will act as feeders to the main line—all of them will facilitate the profitable occupation and settlement of the country, and will save the large expenditure which otherwise it will be necessary to incur in the formation and maintenance of metalled roads. I believe that so soon as the Province is in possession of the means of transit which the contemplated railways will provide, there is no reason why the remunerative export of agricultural produce should not exceed in value all the other exports of the Province put together. The sooner, therefore, that we make such provision the better.

Gentlemen,—The question of assimilating the Waste Lands Regulations of the late Province of Southland with those of Otago has lately forced itself on my attention, in connection with the expediency of reserving land for future settlement, contiguous to the lines of contemplated railways, and of setting aside blocks of land for agricultural settlement on deferred payment. Under the Southland Waste Lands Act at present in force, there is no provision in the direction indicated, and it appears to me that the objects referred to would be most readily attained by bringing the whole Province under the operation of the “Otago Waste Lands Act 1872.” At the same time, seeing that there was an understanding when the re-union took place, that the existing Southland Waste Lands Act was to remain in force, I should be chary about taking any action towards its appeal without the approval of the representatives of the Southland portion of the united Province.

Some time ago, it was intended to have proclaimed several Hundreds in the Gold Fields, so as to promote agricultural settlement, and to provide grazing rights. Owing, however, to the very strong objections which were urged against these proposals, the matter was allowed to drop.

The question is one which is deserving of your consideration, with a view, if possible, of providing Hundreds on Gold Fields, and of proclaiming deferred payment blocks within the same without alienation from the Crown of land that is payably auriferous.

Gentlemen,—Seeing that the Colonial Parliament, of which so many of you are members, is to assemble for business on the 15th instant, it will be expedient to regulate the duration of the present Session accordingly.

If it should be found that the business of the Province cannot be accomplished within the next fortnight, it will be requisite either to adjourn or prorogue for a few months. I would venture to hope, however, that this may not be necessary, and that we may be able to set an example to the superior Legislature of what can be accomplished by those who are determined to economize time, and to turn it to profitable account.

Gentlemen,—Assembled as we are for the first time as a newly elected Provincial Legislature, permit me to express a hope that we may bury the hatchet, and work together for the public welfare; that we may each and all strive to manifest that mutual concession which is so essential to the successful working of free institutions.

Seeing that the Session must needs be a short one, and that it is desirable to proceed to practical business without unnecessary delay, I venture to suggest that the usual formality of replying to the Opening Address may be dispensed with, the more especially as it is hoped that the various matters referred to will be dealt with by you separately.

Gentlemen,—With an earnest desire that we may be guided by that wisdom which cometh from above—I now declare this Council open for the despatch of business.

J. MACANDREW,
Superintendent.

Dunedin, 1st July, 1873.

Printed under the authority of the Provincial Government of Otago, by Mills, Dick and Co., Stafford street, Printers to the said Provincial Government for the time being.