PARLIAMENTARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 460, 2 July 1902, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

By Tolograph—Press Association. Wellington, last night. In the Legislative Council, the resignation of tho lion. W. liarnicoat was roceived. Leave of absence was granted to Mr Oadraan for tho session.

On tho motion of Mr Walker, an addross to tho King was agreed to, expressive of sympathy with him in bis illness, and a hone for bis speedy recovery. Tho Council then adjourned out oi respect to tbo Juto Hon. Shrimski and Mr Morrison.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. In tho House of Representatives, S' Joseph Ward moved that tho House d( sires to oxpress its deep sorrow for th King’s illness, and its earnest hope that h may speedily be restored to U also road a cablegram, from Mr Guam berlain, stating that tho King continues t< progress as favorably as could possibj be expected, and that thero wero no bac symptoms. Sir William Russell seconded tho mo tion, which was agreod to. Sir Joseph Ward extended congratulations to Sir William Russell upon the honor rccontly conferred on him, and Sir William Russoll suitably acknowledged them. At 3.10 p.m., tho House adjourned till to-morrow, us a mark of respect to the memory of thelato Mr Morrison and Hon. Mr Shrimski. GOVERNOR’S SPEECH. On tho opening of Parliament yesterday His Excellency spoke as follows : Honorable gentlemen of tho Legislative Council, and gentlemon of the Houso of Representatives, tho pleasure with which I havo hitherto mot you in Parliament assembled is on this occasion clouded by the distressing intelligence of His Majesty’s illness, and tho consequent postponement of tho Coronation. The sad - news reached mo from the Secretary of State on tho 20th June, and it was at onco dooidod that all contemplated festivities should bo adjournod, excepting, as intimated by His Majesty’s wish, thoso relating to tho children, and tho inmates of benovolont institutions, and this accordingly was done. Intercessory services wore held in tho churches, and tho deepest regret and sympathy wore universally manifested. I telegraphed to the Secretary of Stato, expressing on bohalf of the Government and poople of New Zoaland their deep sorrow at hearing of His Majesty’s illness, and their oarnost wishes for his Speedy reoovory. Tho latest medical bulletins are reassuring, and wo wait in prayer and hope that Diviuc Providence in its wisdom and morcy may long spare him to his peoplo and tho Empire. I havo to congratulate you upon tho termination of tho war in South Africa and tho restoration of poace, a poaco honorable to the Ernpiro' and generous to the vanquished. Thero is every prospect that our lato enemies will loyally accept tho new conditions, and as members of the Empire enjoy tin tho noar future tho Bame constitutional rights of solf Government as are possoßsod by the people of New Zealand. During tho year threo additional Contingonts, the Bth, 9th, and 10th, were despatched, making total forces 6704 officers and men, and 6620 horses from New Zealand. Tho last Contingent was raised as readily as tho first, ample proof, if proof wore nccdod, that the colony has been moved not by a passing impulse but by a firm resolve to maintain the integrity of the Empire. Our troops havo borne themsolvoG gallantly and well, and the colony is proud of them. It will givo souio measuro of consolation to tho relatives of thoso who havo fallen to know

that there in universal symj at :\ lot them in their sorrow, anil that their memories will always be bell in honor by N e Zealanders as those of men who foil fighting for their country. , , « The birthday of his Royal Highness the Prince of Waits, his first b'rthday under the’title, was celebrated on June 3rd. The respectful congrf tuiations of the Government and people of the colony wore dulv conveyed to and graciously acknowlodged by his Royal Highness. An inspired conference of Imperial Premiers and representatives of the Brush Cabinet has been summoned in London, and as you are aware, the Premier of New Zealand is representing this colony. Important subjects will be dis-cu-seil there, and Parliament may oe asked to pass such legislation as will be necessary to give effect to the decisions of the Conference, in so far as they affect New Zealand. Ilis Majesty having honored New Zealand by inviting the Premier to attend the Coronation ceremonies as h:s uuest, Mr SeJdon proceeded to London by way of South Africa. He spent a we. k there, and made ail possible inquiries as 10 the condition and comfort of the New Zealand troops, as well as to the mattei s affecting trade relations with this country. He reached London on June 1-ltb. My Ministers are satisfied that at the ConU-r----ence arid elsewhere be will do good service to the .State in questions of Imperial cor- ' cern as well as in these more immediately ■ affecting New Zea'and. The hearty reception everywhere accorded him ns representative of New Zealand is a gratifying recognition of the assistance rendered by this colony during the war. “ I am pleased to inform you that the Australian Commonwealth has a b rced to [ admit Now Zealand letters at the penny rate, and our poDny postage system has thus within the British Empire become

universal. “ A work of Imperial and colonial importance, uamely, the laying of the first section of the Pacific cable, from Queensland to Norfolk Island, Fiji, and New Zealand, has already been completed, and the Fiji section will probably be finished in ; bout six months. This work may be fittingly termed a link in the chain which will bind the various portions of the Empire with ties of a common cause and common interest. “ His Imperial Japanese Majesty’s training ships Hi Yei and Kongo lately visited the colony on their way to Fiji. The commanders and their officers were welcomed by my Ministers, and every attention was shown them. The courtesy they received was cordially acknowledged. The terrible disaster which has overtaken the residents of the islands of Martinique and other islands adjacent has excited the sympathy of all classes in this colony, and a message to that effect has been despatched to the French Government.

“ Major-General Babington has been appointed Commander of the New Zealand Forcos, and has assumed control. Under his direction, this branch of His Majesty’s service will receive the attention its importance demands. He has already visited a large number of corps, and is making himself acquainted with the conntry and its requirements. His report will lie duly placed before you. “The legislation passed last session providing for Maori Councils has been favorably received, and promises to bo successful. The Native Minister has visited various parts of the colony and mot large numbers of Maoris, placing before them fully the nature and details of the system. It is with pleasure that I inform you that the relationship existing between Europeans and Maoris is of the happiest description, and that the new legislation gives good hopo of a higher and more intelligent life for the Maori people. “Tho administration of the Cook Isiands is proceeding satisfactorily. Tho changes consequent on their being included within the boundaries of New Zouland have boon effected without friction, and tho natives seem perfectly contented with tho new order of things. Figures relativo to tho trade of the isiands will be placed bofore you. As the Act expires soon after the close of the session, an amending Biff will bo necessary. Trade with South Africa has developed during the year, and I am happy to say that a considerable portion of it iias come to New Zealand. Much difficulty has been experienced in obtaining suitable steamers for carrying on a di"eet service, but it is expected that tho negotiations which have been proceeding for some time will be successfully completed. “ My Ministers are of the opinion that

it is advisable to appoint commercial agents in tho United Kingdom, South Africa, and Australia without delay, with a view to obtaining increased markets for our produce. “ Pursuant to the statutory provision in that behalf, tho Representation Commissioners have met-for the purpose of reducing tho boundaries of tho electoral districts on the basis of last census, and assigning electorates to the six additional seats created by the Representation Act, 1900. Their report will be submitted to you at the earliest possible date.

“ Since the last session of Parliament I have visited various parts of tho colony, and am happy to inform you that upon all sides I found evidence of tho progress and prosperity of the people. “ Mr Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,— 11 Notwithstanding many heavy and unusual items of non-recurring expenditure, and tho large concessions made to the public in railway charges, Customs duties, and postage rates, the rosult of tho year’s operations has been satisfactory. Revenue has kept up, aud a substantial balance stood to the credit of the colony at the end of the financial year. The Estimates for the year, prepared with strictest economy consistent with efficiency, will in the ordinary course be placed bofore you for consideration,

“ Honorable Gentlemen of tho Legislative Council and Gentlemen of tho House of Representatives,—

11 Measures will be submitted dealing with the electoral laws so as to bring them more in touch with the existing circumstances of the colony. They will include the Referendum Bill, which was passed last session by one branch of the Legislature. A Bill providing for State fire insurance will also be introduced. Somo necessary amendments in the Land Act, including proposals for rebates to Crown tenants, will likewise be submitted. You will also be asked to consider a measure making provision for the aged and retired oflicers of the railway service. “ The labor legislation is working with reasonable smoothness, considering the complex interests involved, but some amendments of a detailed nature may bo necessary. Under an Act of last session, a. State coal-mine has been purchased, and my Ministers hope it will soon bo in working order. The Point Elizabeth Railway and Coal Company’s railway has been acquired in connection with it. In tho opinion of mv advisers, the question of prev. n'ing Jco übim tifl s_ by which tho prices of hod supplies are i nproperly raised is of importance, and should be considered. 11 You will bo asked to make provision for the important work of prosecuting the trunk lines of railways as well as for carrying on other lines now in course of construction. “ Difficulties have arisen in applying military pensions to South African service, and several cases of undoubted hardship have occurred, which in the opinion of my Ministers should be provided for by an amending measure. 11 The timber industry is active, but to insure its permanency, further provision should be made for tree-planting and forest conservation. Further provision is equally necessary for tho roading of the lands to open up the back blocks and assist settlement. “ Several estates have been acquired under the Land for Settlements Act, and are being satisfactorily disposed of, and it is the anxious desire of my advisers to do all in their power to make settlement a success. Proposals on these subjects will be submitted to you, and in addition you will be asked to deal with measures relating to mining matters, public health, protection of young persons, the company law, and other subjects affecting the social and industrial welfare of the com-

munity. “Commending the proposals of my Ministers to your earnest attention, I pray that, with the blessing of Almighty God, the results of your labors may be for the good of the Empire, and of lasting benefit to the people of New Zealand.”