33

settlement, will confirm what i say, that, the progress of the native race has been great. In this respect more has been done by the natives for themselves, than by others for them, for however well intentioned the efforts have been to raise the native in the scale of civilization, he has been unaided in his efforts to obtain individual rights of property. In this respect the New Zealander shews a capacity for the relations of civilized life which places him far above the savage, who comprehends no rights but common rights, and can Le taught no others. The step recently taken by Mr. Commissioner McLean is the first which has been decisively taken in the right direction. The purchase from the natives of their common rights in the block last acquired with the understanding that they are to re-purchase individually at 10s: an acre what they may require, is a transaction replete with interest in its many bearings, and I anticipate it will lead to the alienation by the natives of the whole of their common rights in this Province, while they will secure individual rights, of which the beneficial effects will be incalculable:

With reference to Education, I look forward to the legislation of the General Assembly to enable the Province to deal with it on comprehensive principles.

The task at present imposed upon me, the Province may consider me unequal to fulfil; and should this be affirmed at any time by the election of any other gentleman to the position I now hold, my best endeavours will then be given, as they are now, to promote the prosperity of this Province and the colony at large. In the feeling shewn by Members of Council, Officers he has been recognised that the Constitution Act has placed a fresh point of departure for all parties and all opinions, I have fully felt the influence of this, and beg to thank you for the attention I have received, and the consideration my measures have met with, however we may have differed on them.

I have now to release you Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen from your labours for this Session, and prorogue this Council to the first day of July next, and should no unforeseen exigency require your earlier meeting, I propose to extend the prorogation till some day in September.

CHARLES BROWN,
Superintendent.

CONTRACTS FOR THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT.

Superintendent's Office,
New Plymouth, April 12th, 1854.

TENDERS will be received at this Office until noon on Wednesday, the 26th instant, for the undermentioned works—further particulars can be obtained on application.

No. 1.—Omata Road, repair one chain in length where the same crosses the Herekawe.

No. 2.—To raise the Huatoki Bridge in Devon-street two feet, make approaches to the same, fix two wing-rails on the South side of Bridge, and one on the North.

No. 3.—To raise the Mangatuku Bridge in Brougham-street one foot.

No. 4.—To open surface drains for keeping the undermentioned portions of road free from wet, throwing the material moved in the centre of the road, removing inequalities, and giving the same a convex surface of one foot rise in every thirty feet width of road :—

Devon-street, from the top of the rise North of Currie-street to Robe-street.

Brougham-street, from Powderham-street to King-street.

No. 5.—To cart and lay on the undermentioned portions of road, between the surface drains, as they are imbedded by traffic, 120 loads of sand-stone in two layers, and 60 loads of gravel or shingle in two layers :—

Devon-street, from Currie-street to the foot of the first hill South of the Huatoki.

Brougham-street, from Devon-street to King-street.

Superintendent's Office,
New Plymouth, April 15, 1854.

TENDERS will be received at this Office until noon on Wednesday, the 26th instant, for supplying the undermentioned RATIONS as they may be required at the Gaol, New Plymouth, for five months from the 1st of May next.

Ration No. 1, at per Ration.

“ 2, “ “

“ 3, “ “

CHARLES BROWN,
Superintendent.

Printed and Published by G. W. WOON for the Provincial Government.