THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1545, 29 April 1887, Page 3

THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

« — The speech from the Throne even when delivered at the heart of the Empire by Majesty m person, is never a remarkably sensational affair, and the Colonial article with which the Parliaments of constitutionally-governed' dependencies are opened by Majesty's representative, are usually chiefly characterised by convenient platitudes, and, it must be added, brilliant examples of " English as she is spoke." Nobody, therefore, need be disappointed that the speech with which Sir William Jeivois was pleased on Friday to open the fourth and last session of the ninth Pailiament of New Zealand contained little that was new ; as also'nobody can be disappointed at the fact that there was nothing to recapitulate of a specially delightful nature, because everybody was aware that things generally are not so prosperous, nor prospects so rosy, as they might be or might be wished to be. What there was to say was, however, well said. Reference was properly made to the loss sustained by the death of Mr Macandrew and other public men since the House last met, and a just tribute paid to the memory of the late member for Port Chalmers. This was followed, of course, by a reference to the Imperial Institute proposal, about which, however, there does not appear to oe any great enthusiasm on the part of "My advisers," any more than there is on the part of the public generally. Of course Parliament will be asked for a vote, and will probably grant one, though m times like these New Zealand cannot afford to be particularly generous if she is to be just, j The work of the Imperial Conference ! now sitting naturally came next under review, and the colony will re-echo His Excellency's satisfaction that the firm stand taken by Ministers m connection with the question of naval defence has resulted m a recognition of the maritime position of New Zealand, and its erection into a separate naval station with two war vessels (as a beginning) specially detailed to guard our coasts. The cordial co-operation of the sister Colonies m securing this concession to the claims of New Zealand is very properly specially acknowledged. The progress which has been made during the recess m the work of settling the lands of the Colony is mentioned m tones of just congratulation, as also is the improved tone of feeling amongjhe Maoris as indicated by their desire to open up their lands for occupation, and by their generous proposal to dedicate the great volcanic region to the public for the purposes of a National Park. The stereotyped phrase about " the Estimates having been framed with a due regard to economy," etc., is agreeably conspicuous by its absence, and instead of this hitherto often meaningless formlau, we are told that "My advisers recognise the necessity of limiting the expenditure of the Colony as far as circumstances permit." Let us hope that the adoption of a new phraseology means the intended adoption of a new and thorough pelicy of economy m the public expenditure. The programme of legislative work announced had been already revealed by Ministerial deliverances, and comprises amendments of the Local Bodies Loans Acts, of last session, a Land Acquisition Bill, the Representation Bill, amendments of the Electoral Laws (including no doubt the proposed Women's Franchise Bill), a Bill to constitute Railway Boards of Advise, and amendments of the Acts relating to Government Insurance, the Criminal Law and the Guardianship of Infants, besides other intended Bills alluded to but not enumerated. There is thus, therefore, a pretty extensive programme submitted, and as the questions of Representation and Finance alone present ample room lor debate and for party fighting, we may, we think, safely look for a busy and perhaps exciting session.