PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF OTAGO

SPEECH OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

The financial differences between this Province and that of Otago... On this important subject I shall be glad to learn your opinions, and I trust it will receive your serious attention.

I must bring under your notice the fact that the eastern boundary of this Province, as proclaimed in the New Zealand Gazette of 27th March, cuts off from it a large portion of territory which is an integral part of this district, both geographically and commercially, and I have to suggest for your consideration that it is the duty of this Council to draw the attention of the General Legislature to the circumstances by a clear statement of the case, and to seek for a remedy.

In the interval which has elapsed since the constitution of this Province, the construction of certain public works which would otherwise have been undertaken by the Government has been proposed by private individuals. A statement of this unauthorised expenditure will be submitted to you, and you will consider in what manner those individuals may be relieved from the responsibility they have incurred on account of the public service.

The Estimates which shall be laid before you have been prepared with a due regard to efficiency and economy. They are drawn up for a period ending 31st December next, and before that period shall have elapsed it will be advisable that this Council shall be summoned to meet again.

I propose to carry on such public works as are most required first of all. Our main objects should be to obtain an increase of population by the right kind, and to facilitate the transit of our exports and imports, and give easy access to the country.

The great facilities which the country offers for the construction of railways make it advisable to obtain the opinion of a competent engineer, practically familiar with the subject, if the services of such can be obtained in the Colony. In order that the probable course of the leading lines may be ascertained at the earliest time, and so far as that is now practicable, prior to the sectional survey and settlement of the country. A sum is placed on the Estimates to meet the probable expenditure on this account, which I trust will meet with your concurrence.

Provision is also made for steam service, both Colonial and Coastal, upon the importance of which it is unnecessary to dilate.

The great inconvenience which must be experienced for some time in consequence of the absence of public offices for the Government will render it necessary to provide proper accommodation as soon as it is practically consistent with the progress of other essential works, and sums have been placed on the Estimates to enable the Government to effect those objects.

The attraction of the gold-field in the Province of Otago has withdrawn a considerable number of the population from this Province, and so long as the field continues to be remunerative this attraction will continue unless it is neutralised by the discovery of a similar gold-field in this Province. That such a gold-field does exist appears probable enough, and with a view to expedite its discovery, the sum of £1000 has been placed upon the Estimates to reward the discoverer of a remunerative gold-field in the Province of Southland.

And now, Gentlemen, I shall leave you to your deliberations. The happiness and prosperity of the people of this Province are objects so direct in my regard as my chief aim so to promote their attainment!

REPLY OF COUNCIL

This Council cordially recognises your Honour’s congratulations on the attainment by the people of this Province of the privilege of administering their own local affairs.

The measures which shall be submitted by the Government with the view of advancing the prosperity of this Province shall receive its careful consideration.

And this Council unites with your Honour in the time that our mutual counsels may be so directed as to promote the welfare of the people of this Province.

MESSAGE No. 1

To the Provincial Council of Southland.

Gentlemen—I enclose a letter from the Chief Commissioner of the Waste Land Board, inquiring what course will be taken by the Government of Southland with reference to applications for land made in the interval between the time that Resolutions of this Provincial Council of Otago to raise the price of land became known here, and the first of November, 1860.

The extent of the land in question, as will be seen from the marginal note on the Chief Commissioner’s letter, is 18,657 acres 3 roods.

I am unwilling to take any steps in a matter involving questions of policy, and a large amount of revenue, without having first submitted it for your consideration and ascertained your views...

J. A. R. MURRAY,
Superintendent of the Province of Southland.