The Dominion. WEDNESDAY; MAY 10, 1916. A GOOD BEGINNING

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2767, 10 May 1916, Page 4

The Dominion. WEDNESDAY; MAY 10, 1916. A GOOD BEGINNING

* - There was no waste of words in the speech delivered by His Excellency the Governor at the official opening of Parliament yesterday afternoon. It was brief and unpretentious. All that was necessary to ba. said was said without verbosity or rhetorical flourish. It was a businesslike introduction to the session's work, and it is to bo hoped that the Government's good example of economy in speech will have a restraining effect oh the loquacity of members. Parliamentary discussions 'would bo much more ' useful and much less costly, if politicians made a real effort to express their ideas in the fewest possible words.' More thought and less speech would result in increased lucidity and effectiveness in debate. Tho Ilansard reports would gain in interest in proportion to their loss in bulk. The commendable brevity of the Governor's Speech might well bo regarded as a friendly hint to members to get to business and to get through business without any unnecessary delay. The Speech makes no reference to anything but tho war. It is to be a war session, and until tho great conflict is over "all political parties have agreed to abstain from controversy of a party character." This does not, of course, mean that members should relinquish their right of free criticism, but that tho discussions should" be conducted' on N tho broadest national lines. Tho business of the session is summed up inthe opening paragraph of His Excellency's address, which tells us that proposals are to bo submitted for the extension of the powers of the Government in matters relating to the war,, and for this reason Parliament has been convened earlier than usual. * The promised legislation dealing with the problem of national service is, of course, tho chief business ahead. We had something to say on this subject in yesterday's issue, and it is sufficient now to emphasise the point that the abovementioned "powers" should be full and effective. When .Parliament mot last year tho world was ringing with tho fame of the Anzacs. Yesterday the news _ arrived that the. Anzacs are now in France. His Excellency pays a glowing tribute to their gallant deeds in Gallipoli, and tho people of New Zealand have the, fullest confidence that our soldiers will win fresh laurels on the battlefields of Europe. Tho note of resolution which runs through the Speech will be. appreciated. We are again assured that New Zealand is "to take her full part," and the House is to bo asked "to make full provision for tho prosecution of the war." It remains for Parliament to make good these promises of straight-out thoroughness.

The selection of four members to visit England in. response to the invitation of the Empire Parliamentary Association was not au official act of Parliament, and the gentlemen who will make the journey will not go as Official representatives of New Zealand. No one expects that the visit will produce any direct or tangible results of importance. Sir James Carroll, Mr. Parr, Mr. Carncross, arid Mr. Lee will havo no definite mission?. They are going to see and to bo seen; to learn' and to give information; to interchange ideas with public men in Britain; and generally to dp what they can to satisfy the growing desire for a more intimate acquaintance between the folk at Home and their kin across the seas. The war will naturally be constantly in the minds of hosts and guests, and it is understood that the visitors will be given special facilities for forming accurate opinions regarding Britain's contribution to the fighting power of the Allies. They will also have opportunities for making.it clear beyond all possibility of doubt to British politicians that the people of New Zealand have made up their mi\ids that this war is to bo a fight to a finish and that anything in the nature of a patched-up or inconclusive peace would be a bitter disappointment to them. It is well that the British authorities should from time to time havo direct personal testimony from some of our representative citizens regarding the war sentiments of the men and women of this Dominion. The visit will remind the British public that we are partners witK them in tho Empire,, and that we are interested in all that makes for their welfare, and expect them to take a like interest ia all that concerns us and. ours. The war has broadened our and we are learning to see things from new points of view. It is one of the main objects of the Empire Parliamentary Association to make the populations of all British Dominions realise more fully and intelligently tho meaning and respon-

sibilities of their joint Imperial heritage The war has been a great educator in this respect. The fact that we arc fighting for her and with her has made Britain more to us than ever before, and we arc more to Tier because of the proof that wo have given that we are kin with her in war as well as in peace, in destiny as well as in race. The New Zealand politicians who are to enjoy the hospitality of the Homo people are sure to receive a very hearty welcome, and their visit at the present juncture should prove a memorable and instructive experience.