OPENING OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 397, 25 May 1880, Page 2

OPENING OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

[By Cable.]

(from the lyttelton times.) - '- "London, May 20.

The,first session of the twenty-second Parliament was formally opened to-day by RoyaV Commission. The Speech from, the] Throne was read by the Lord Ghancesor.,-/It-states that tbe relations of with all Foreign Powers epntinue to* be of a very friendly character. " Hope is expressed that in concert,with the .Great Powers an early and conipiete fulfilment of the Treaty of Berlin may be promoted, and that effectual reforms in Turkey and equal daws for the Turkish race may be brought about together with the settlement of the questaon of territorial rights. The strict fulfilment of the Treaty of Berlin is deemed essential and

■■ . i necessary in order to avert complications in Eastern Europe. , The Right Hon G. J. Goschen has been

despatched as special ambassador to Constantinople with the object of bringing abont the fulfilment of treaty obligations. Unceasing efforts ]are being made to pacify Afghanistan; establish the institution, and secure th# independence of a Government in that country. Confederation of the South African Colonies will be recommended, and British supremacy in the Transvaal will be maintained. The Act passed by the last Parliament for the preservation of peace in Ireland will not be renewed". The speech concludes by stating that the principal measwes to be introduced by Government during the session will include a Burials Bill, and Bills for the renewal of the Ballot Act, for reform of Mie same laws, for declaring the liability of employers in cases of accidents,to workmen, and for the extension of the borough, franchise to Ireland. The House of Lords have voted an Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne after a short debate. The House of Commons voted an Address in Reply after a long debate. The amendments of the Irish members were j rejected by a large majority. Mr Gladstone in his speech explained that Mr Goschen's mission to Constantinople was principally in reference to the Greek and Montenegrin questions which were most pressing. It was necessary to disabuse the Turkish mind that England was specially interested in maintaining Turkey, nor did they desire to trespass on Turkish rights in Asia. The condition of affairs in Europe was not critical.