with the interior, and the districts with each other; and to construct various public works which are becoming indispensable.

I have been unable as yet to obtain the services of an engineer experienced in Railway surveying to report on the facilities and probable expense of forming a Railway in this Province; but I have every hope that before the summer is over an opinion on the subject will be obtained from an eminent engineer who is now in New Zealand, and who bears so high a reputation among engineers in Europe, as to warrant our placing full confidence in his judgment, and a belief that a line of Railway projected with the stamp of his approbation would command the attention and confidence of capitalists in Britain in case it should be found necessary to raise a loan.

In a report on roads to which I have to direct your attention, the Chief Surveyor points out the facility with which a road to Campbelltown can be converted into a Railway.

After having in vain attempted to combine with the other Southern Provinces of New Zealand in subsidising a steam vessel to bring the Mails from Melbourne, the Government of Southland advertised for tenders for the performance of that service; pending the completion of a contract, a bonus was offered to the owners of the s.s. Pirate for each trip. After the loss of that vessel on the coast of Tasmania, a bonus was offered to the owners of the s.s. Oscar: on her first trip in fulfilment of the agreement that vessel was unfortunately lost. No tenders having been sent in, I propose again to advertise for tenders for the service, and in the meantime offer a bonus for each monthly visit of a steamer from Melbourne to this Harbour.

A contract for a steam tug for the Province has been concluded, and, in terms of the agreement, she is to be ready for service in the river before the 20th February.

And thus, Gentlemen, having touched upon most of the prominent points which will come under your consideration, I have now to declare that this Council is open for the transaction of business.

One or two points to which you drew my attention last Session I have now to notice. After the termination of the Session, I addressed a circular to a number of masters of vessels, who having traded along, were familiar with, the coasts of Foveaux’s Straits, with the view of ascertaining their opinions as to the best positions for lights in the Straits; the information obtained in reply, was, in accordance with your wish, transmitted to the General Government with the request that the subject would be taken into its careful consideration. To this communication no reply has yet been received.

Upon the subject of the Law Courts for this Province, a good deal of correspondence has taken place, and I was led to hope that, at the least, an extension of jurisdiction would, before now, have been given to the Resident Magistrate’s Court here, and that a court of inferior jurisdiction would have been held at Riverton; but, by the last mail, I am informed that, after having been carefully considered by the General Government, the necessary changes will not take place until after the General Assembly, in its next session, will have made the requisite provisions to carry them into effect. The same mail brings intelligence which will be highly gratifying, and ultimately beneficial to a large section of this community, namely, that Riverton has been declared a port of entry.

those sums shall be applied in the most effective way, and at the same time with due economy. The Bills which you have passed, namely:

1. Provincial Government Ordinance,
2. Audit Ordinance,
3. Education Ordinance,
4. Police Ordinance,
5. Licensing Amendment Ordinance,
6. Sheep Amendment Ordinance,
7. Fencing Ordinance,
8. Cattle Trespass Ordinance,
9. Ferries Ordinance,
10. Auction Ordinance,
11. Dog Nuisance Ordinance,
12. Appropriation,

it is my duty to reserve for the signification of His Excellency’s assent to them, and in transmitting them I shall have an opportunity of expressing my own concurrence therewith.

The Immigration Ordinance I shall forward to His Excellency in its amended shape as finally passed by you.

In the appointment of Mr. M’Culloch as Provincial Auditor, and Mr. Morris as Deputy Auditor, under the “Provincial Audit Act, 1861,” I concur with great pleasure, although I feel that we shall greatly miss the valuable services of Mr. M’Culloch, which must now be withdrawn from the Government.

The Resolutions which you have passed with reference to Municipal Reserves, I shall forward to the Governor, and at the same time endeavour to impress upon the General Government the propriety of expediting the transfer, in order that the Local Board may shortly be enabled to derive a revenue from municipal property.

The Resolutions with reference to Educational and Cemetery Reserves shall also be forwarded.

In conformity with your resolutions, approving of a grant of 400 acres of land to the native chief John Topi Patuki, I shall inform His Excellency that the Executive and Provincial Council concur in the recommendation.

REPLY OF THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL TO THE ADDRESS.

THIS Council rejoices to hear of the prosperity which has attended this Province since its last meeting, and cordially reciprocates your Honor’s congratulation on its present financial condition. The Council will give its earnest attention to the various matters introduced to their notice by your Honor’s address, and will heartily co-operate with your Honor in everything which will tend to promote the welfare and develop the resources of this Province.

CLOSING ADDRESS

OF THE SUPERINTENDENT ON PROROGUING THE COUNCIL, 25TH JANUARY 1862.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Provincial Council—

AT the close of our labours for this session, I have to thank you for the consideration and attention which you have bestowed upon the various subjects which have come under your notice, and for the liberal supplies which you have voted for the public service. It will be a special care of the Government to see that