STATE PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 918, 17 June 1903, Page 2

STATE PARLIAMENT.

GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

By Telegraph—Press AssociationCopyright. Received 3.5 p.m., June 10. SYDNEY, June 10

Parliament was opened to-day by the Governor, Sir llarry Rawson. The Speech was largely devoted to the question of the reduction ol members. It was announced .hat now that the women’s franchise nad received assent, a Bill would at once be introduced with the view of obtaining a direct vote on the reduction of members. Arrangements would he made for taking the vote during the Senatorial election in .December ][ the vote was favorable to reduction, a short session would he held immediately to give client to it. The Speech expressed congratulations on the break-up of the drought Notwithstanding the lare extra expenditure in connection therewith, and the financial necessity for an increase of taxation, efl’orts would continue to he made to keep expenditure within the revenue. The strictest economy would be observed. No loan money would he used beyond reasonable development of national rcsourCC qjic legislation promised included old age pensions and Land Acts amending Bills. Received 3.40 p.m., June 16. SYDNEY, June 16. The. Speech also foreshadowed Bills making provision for compensation to .workmen injured in the course ol their employment, and for more elfectually protecting the funds of industrial unions from the legal consequences of the decision in the .fan Vale cases.

VOTE OF CENSURE MOVED,

By Telegraph—Tress Association—Copyright Received 1.4 a.m., June 17. Sydney, June 16. Mr Carruthers, in a lengthy speech, condemned the Government policy, and moved a vote of censure. The debate was adjourned,