THE Inangahua Times, PUBLISHED TRI-WEEKLY. MONDAY, MAY 22, 1882.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1090, 22 May 1882, Page 2

THE Inangahua Times, PUBLISHED TRI- WEEKLY. MONDAY, MAY 22, 1882.

The Ministerial manifesto, usually styled the Governor's speech, that is always delivered at the opening of every Parliamentary session, was read in the House on Friday last, and we sntmit an abstract for the information of our readers. The speech first refers to the congratulation sent by the Colony to her Majesty on the occasion of her Ute escape from assassination, and proceeds to hope that the extension of the franchise will cause all classes of the community to take a deeper interest in political questions. The improved commercial prospects of ijie Colotty, aHd the disappearance of distress amongst the working classes is then touched upon in a congratulatory manner. It is stated that the construction of roads in order to facilitate access to the Waste Lands of the Crown has been specially occupying the attention of the Government during the recess, and also that the returns from railways have materially increased, A paragraph occurs which we quote entire— "A desire for permanent settlement on the goldfields, and for the profitable union of mining and agricultural pursuits in the same localities; is becoming more manifest. The present time is, in the opinion of my advisers, a very favorable one, at which to press forward the construction of roads, and to facilitate the influx of population". We trust that this is nob a mere sound signifying nothing, but that the M construction of roads" will be really prosecuted and vigorously too. With reference to the desire for settlement we have very recently re. ferred to it, and the obstacles that are in the way. Possibly, now, these have a chance of removal. Reference is made to the settlement at Botorua, and then the Native difficulty on the West Coast of the *forth Island, so happily ended by the vigorous action of the Government during his Excellency's absence in Fiji, is dwelt on at some length. A well merited compiiment is paid to the Volunteers for their promptitude in coming forward to do «errice at the crisis, and also to the Armed Constabulary for their conduct in establishing order. It is stated that a Bill to render the trial of Te Whiti and Tohu unnecessary would be submitted, but, thajy^tei^mll be taken to of insecurity am6njjp rf settlers from being revived. In referring to the revenue of the past year, it is- stated that it has proved to be far in excess of the amount estimated, 'railway returns having been specially satisfacfactory. The surplus of receipts over expenditure is stated to show 4 per cent upon the cost of construction. The gold yield has also increased during the past year, and, we are told, *• encourages the belief that further expenditure in opening up the goldfields will' be productive of the best results to the Colony at large/ This is nothing new, though it is well to have it brought forward in such a way, but this is also, we hope,' no delusion and snare to catch the goldnelds vote. Had the goldnelds been opened up years ago by a more liberal expenditure on communication through them, their prosperity, as well as that of the whole Colony, would have been materially advanced. The completion and extension of the main trunk lines of railway are spoken of, and it is said that *' proposals with these objects will be made, which the increase of revenue and revival of prosperity appear fully to justify." This ia a delicate way of saying that a loan will be proposed, for the extensions spoken of cannot proceed without money, and this the ordinary revenue of the Colony cannot spare. Unhappily, we fear that in this direction, iteefton cannot hope to have any portion. It is stated that the Commissioners to enquire into the procedure and practice of the Courts of Judicature in the Colony, with the view of preparing measures of reform } have completed their labors and that Bills to give effect to their recommendations would be submitted. It is high time that such reforms were initiated. Bills to amend the Counties' and Road Boards Acts are also promised, as also improvements in the working of the Government ' ife Insurance Depart ment. Alterations in the laws relating to lunatics are also proposed, and the swearing farces in the shape of oaths in the various Courts are to be substituted by affirmations and declarations. The laws relating to the property of married women ; those relative to legal practitioners, and the management of native reserves are also to be amended. The speech winds up with a hope that under the guidance of Providence, it is hoped that the deliberations of Parliament will result in jusfc conclusions beneficial to all classes of her Majesty's subjects in the Colony. Altogether it may be said to be a very promising production and contains far more than the usual amount of grain to the usual bushels of chaff that are uttered from time to time. It is only to be hoped that the performance will be equal to the pledges so given.