OPENING OF THE IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1468, 28 January 1887, Page 3

OPENING OF THE IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

[REUTBR'S TELEGBAM3— COPYRIGHT J

(Becaived Janutsy 28, Ipm)

London, Jvnuar} 28

Parliament w\s opened to-day by Commission. The speech from the Throne w.is read by the Lord Chancellor, and said that the relations between Great Britain and oiher Powers were of a friendly character. Referring; to Bulgaria, it stated that a peaceful settlement of the difficulty was expectee, and whilst deploring the events which compelled Prince Alexander to retire from the Throne it was not judged expedient to interfere with the election of a successor until the question had][arrived at a stage when the assent of England w?s required under the Berlin treaty.

Allusion was made to the gratifying condition of affairs m Egypt. The task m connection with that country was still unfinished, but a substantial advance had been made therein. There was every assurance of external and internal quietude being maintained, *nd an early settlement effected. Reference was made to the greatly improved state of affairs m Burmah. As regards Ireland, it was remarked that the condition of affairs there demands serious attention. The relations between owners and occupiers of land had caused serious disturbance m some districts, owing to organised attempts which had been made to excite the tenants, and cause them to combine. Efforts to cope with the evil had been seriously impeded by the forms of exisiing statutes. The introduction of the following Bills was announced : —

A Bill to improve the law of local government m England and Scotland ; and afterwards a similar measure for Ireland, as well as one to amend the criminal la<v of that country j also, Bills to facilitate the holding of small allotments and the transfer of land, to authorise the sale of glebe lands, and to alter the mode of levying tithes.