THE NEW UNION.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 967, 7 November 1910, Page 7

THE NEW UNION.

SOUTH AFRICA'S RED-LETTER DAY. PARLIAMENTARY PROGRAMME OUTLINED. ROYAL MESSAGES OF GOODWILL. BRILLIANT CEREMONIAL. By Telegraph—Press Association-Oopyriirnt. Capo Town, November 4. At tho ppening of the Union Parliament to-day the Royal party, when it reached Parliament House, went to the Assembly' Chamber, where the ceremony took place. The Chamber was thronged by a brilliant representative gathering, including senators, members of the Representative Assembly, provincial councillors, judges, the consular body, and leaders of tho educational and ecclesiastical worlds. As the Duke of Connaught, accompanied by the Duchess, tho Princess Patricia, and Lord and Lady Gladstone, ascended the dais, the Castle Battery fired a saluto of 21 guns, and a band played the National Anthem. Tho proceedings opened with prayers in English by tho Archbishop of Cape Town, and in Dutch by the Moderator of tho Dutch Reformed Church. Tile colonial visitors, who were assembled in the centre of the Chamber, attracted much attention. The arrangements wore most elaborate, and on an unprecedented scale of brilliance. THE ROYAL SPEECH. In continuing his inaugural speech, after referring to the calamity and conflict with which South Africa had been beset in the past, and the interest with which the King had followed tho progress of the country, the Duke of Connaught continued:— "But all this has now been peacefully buried with the past. Ho (his Majesty) recognises, too, that here, as elsewhere, there must always exist a marked divergence of political opinion —such divisions, indeed, of thought and aotion are of tho ossenco of a full, free, responsible government—a government which you now onjoy.The King rejoices at the knowledge that the auspicious union of his Soirth African dominions has already made for tho social and material progress of his people, and he feels assured that all South Africans will work steadfastly and honourably for tho welfare of their great and beautiful country. His Majesty's earnest prayer is that the union so happily achieved may, under God's guidance, prove a lasting blessing to you all, and that it will tend to the ever-increasing advantage and prosperity of South Africa and the British Empire.' "Gentlemen of tho Senate and Gentlemen of tho House of Assembly,— . "It affords me 'much pleasure to convey to you this message from tho King, l now, in his name, and on his behalf, declare the Parliament open." CABLE FROM THE KING. After delivering his speecli tho Duko of Connaught read tho following telegram from the King:— "Although it has been ordained-, that I should not bo with you on this,great occasion, my thought and prayers.aro to-day for South Africa, and for her lasting union. I earnestly trust that, for tho sako . Of tho peoplo as a whole, your great. . country may, by God's blessing, and under wise guidance and statesmanship, progress from year to year, over increasing in wisdom, happiness; and prosperity." THE SESSION'S WORK. COVERNOR-CENERAL'S SPEECH, PARLIAMENT'S FIRST DUTY. ' Lord Gladstono in his speech said:— "Tho King has honoured you by deputing the Duke of Connaught to open tho session of the first Parliament of the Union in the mother city of South Africa, and to deliver the speech to which we have just listened with keen appreciation. You will no doubt desire the earliest' opportunity to • send a fitting, grateful reply to his Majesty. It is a matter for deep regret that the death of our beloved Sovereign King Edward VII prevented King George from being hero in person on this historic occasion. It will bo over present to your minds that his late Majesty, who was so profoundly interested in tho welfare of South Africa, assentod to the Act of -Union. That Act has laid the foundation of a new nationality for this great country, and under its provisions you are now assembled in' Parliament.

"To establish, strengthen, and protect this nationality iu the true spirit of the Act is the first duty of Parliament." ■ ' ■ Welding the Union. The speech then pointed out. tho necessity for the consolidation of the public services of the colonies oh a uniform basis. Lord Gladstone announced that a Commission had been appointed to make recommendations for tho reorganisation and readjustment of the public service, and that report would be awaited before comprehensive legis-. lation would bo proposed. Some changes were, however,, urgently required, for which legislation would bo submitted. A Commission would also be appointed to inquire and recommend on the subject of tho readjustment of the Customs, the promotion of local industries, and cognate matters. A Sheaf of Bills. Lord Gladstone referred to the necessity for gradually making uniform laws applying to the whole Union. Legislation would be introduced with regard to certain matters wherein uniformity was urgently necessary. Measures would be submitted dealing with audit; naturalisation, tho railways, harbours, posts land telegraphs, immigration, stock and plant diseases. I The problems of South African deIfenco were engaging tho earnest attention of the Government, which also was j considering a scheme for the establishment of a national South Africa university. That sohomo would bo submitted in due course. Proposals were to bo framed with full regard to tho position and interests of important institutions, which for many years had successfully laboured in the field of higher education. His Excellency pointed out that Ministers acted under the authority of a South African Act giving the Government power to meet current expenditure out of tho rovenuo of the Union until two months after tho meeting of Parliament. Tho Estimates, however, would only cover the period to March 31, 1911. Tho variation had boon mado necessary by the proposal to terminate the financial year on March 31. Tho Estimates to March 31, 1912, would also be submitted. Now Era Opening. "Tho establishment of the Union has ißUiovcd from tlio .Bath of South Africa

many of the obstacles which retarded her progress and development in the past," continued Lord Gladstone, "and the new era now opening before you is rich in possibilities of great industrial and agricultural expansion. It is my fervent prayer that in attaining peace, security, and material prosperity, your aspirations will also bo constantly directed to the consummation of that complete national unity essential to tho high placo South Africa is destined to tako among tho self-governing dominions of tho British Empire; and that, in and with a spirit of moderation, forbearance, and wisdom, you will render tho great work of tho Union a blessing for yourselves and your posterity, and an enduring basis for tho future political, moral, and national welfare, of South Africa. May the blessing of Almighty God rest on your labour's." ADDRESS TO THE KING. The Assembly adopted unopposed a motion conveying addresses to tho King. Tho addresses express the heartfelt sympathy of the people of South Africa in tho death of King Edward, which plunged the country into most profound sorrow and regret. They convoy congratulations and dutiful homage on the accession of King George; also thanks to the Duko of Connaught for undertaking the arduous journey to South Africa on the present auspicious occasion. OVERSEAS GREETINGS. General Botha, the Prirno Minister, received messages of greeting and congratulation from Australia and New Zealand. A resolution was adopted thanking those Dominions. Messages were, also received from Canada, Newfoundland, and Mozambique. DUKE REPORTS TO THE KING. The Duke of Connaught this afternoon cabled as follows to the King:— "I have just, delivered your messages, and in your name declared open the .first Parliament of the Union of South Africa. I also read your telegram of good wishes, which ' was received with unbounded,satis- : faction. The welcome given to me as your representative was most enthusiastic. All classes of the community have received me with the greatest cordiality. Tho historic proceedings to-day have- been very impressive, and there is a general consensus of opinion that the new Parliament enters upon its responsible duties under the-hap-piest auguries, and supported by . the goodwill of all your subjects in South Africa." HIS MAJESTY'S REPLY. (Roc. November 6, 5.5 p.m.). Cape Town, November 5. ~ Tho Kins has cabled.to tho Duko of Connaught tho following message:— "I am much gratified by your telegram, and am rejoiced to hear 1 that you have opened the first Parliament under such happy auspices and with the assurance of the goodwill of my, peoplo in South Africa. "George, R. 1." COLONIAL OFFICE MESSACE. Tho Governor-General has received tho following message from Lord Crewe, Secretary of State for the Colonids, to be read to Parliament:— "His Majesty's Government offer , cordial greetings to the now Assembly on tho threshold of jts. ; labours : in tho service of tho peoplo now. . united by indissoluble ties. They • . cherish the confident assurance that -. it will ; discharge tho great responsibilities committed to its oaro with . whole-hearted devotion to'the public weal, and that it -will always bo tho loyal guardian of the constitutional liberties of South Africa. I desire to add a warm expression of my own good wishes, as Secretary of Stato for tke Colonies." THE DAY'S FESTIVITIES. The Duko of Connaught and party this afternoon attended.ihe pageant. Lord and Lady Gladstone, in tho evening, gave an official reception at their house. There was a vety large attendance of prominont people. SATURDAY'S PROCRAMME. A UNIVERSITY FUNCTION. (Rcc. November 6, 5.5 p.m.) Cape Town, November 5. Tho Duke of Connaught laid uio foundation-stone of tho University Hall this morning. Tho Council presented, an address to the Duke.

! His Royal Highness said that tho King, as Chancellor, had always taken tho keenest interest in the University's welfare. He (the Duke of Connaught) hoped that tho necessary funds would be forthcoming to convert tho University into a teaching and residential university. A MAYORAL RECEPTION. (Rec. November 7, 0.35 a.m.) Cape Town, November 6. Fifteen hundired guests wore present at a brilliant' Mayoral rception in tho City Hall, in honour of the Duko and Duchess of Connaught. The Royal party will, attend the cathedral in the morning. BIG "TIMES" SUPPLEMENT. MESSAGE FROM MR. CHAMBERLAIN. (Rec. November 6, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 5. "Tho Times" to-day published an issue of 80 pages, including a South African supplement. Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, in a letter in the number, urges tho extension and improvement of South African agriculture, and the adoption of more scientific methods in farming. AUSTRALASIAN OPINION. MESSAGES FROM MESSRS. FISHER AND FOWLDS. London, Novomber 4. The "Daily Mail" publishes tho following messago from Mr. Fisher (Premier of the Commonwealth)':—"By this happy turn in : her , political affairs South Africa has found tho only possible way out of her difficulties, and tho way which, perhaps, after a struggle, will ultimately solve them all." Mr. Fowlds (Minister for Education in Now Zealand) sent this message:—"l think that, dospito tho ripples on the surface, the prospects in South Africa j are full of promiso."