Sessional_Paper_1890 — Page 34

Honourable P. RYRIE, pursuant to notice, asked the following question:

31.

If it is the intention of the Government to take any steps in regard to the celebration of the Jubilee

Day of the foundation of the Colony.

His Excellency replied-In answer to this question I may say that the Government consider that if any celebration takes place in this Colony in connection with its Jubilee that such should take place next year.

There can be no doubt that this Colony became a British possession in 1841. In the year 1842 a treaty was passed which confirmed what had previously taken place, and in the year 1843 a charter was granted establishing this possession as a British Colony, but there can be no doubt that this Colony really became English territory when it was taken, in 1841. Now as regards the question whether any celebration should take place, I consider myself that it is not one with regard to which suggestions should come from the Government. If the public in this Colony consider that the occasion is one upon which any festivities should take place, I am

festivities should take place, I am quite sure that the Government would be only too happy to receive any suggestions that may be made in that direction. We know perfectly well that for all such festivities a great deal of public money is necessarily expended, and it is rather for the public to move that such expenditure should take place than for the Government to propose it. If any Honourable Member can ascertain what are the wishes of the public in this matter and forwards any conclusion he may arrive at to the Government, I am quite sure that the Government will be most happy to consider any suggestion that may be made on the part of those through whose enterprise and industry the Colony has become as prosperous as it is to-day.

ADJOURNMENT.—The Council then adjourned till Monday, the 9th June, at 3 P.M.

Read and confirmed, this 9th day of June, 1890.

F. A. HAZELAND,

Acting Clerk of Councils.

F. FLEMING,

Officer Administering the Government.