BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1679, 21 February 1906, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

By telegraph. Pres# Ais’n, Copyright

London, Feb. 19. His Majesty tbo KiDg oponod Parliß" ment to-day. The speeoh from the Tbrono announced Bills .dealing with trades disputes, equalisation of London ratos, amendments of tbo Education, Workmen’s Compensation, and Unemployed Aets.

THE KING’S SPEEOH.

A STATELY CEREMONY. By telegraph* Presa 'Asi'n, Copyright R-ceived 8.67 p.m., Feb. 20. London, Feb. 20. The speech from the Throne referred to King Christian’s death and Queen Alexander’s fovere borravemcnt. His Muj-sty was most gratified at tbo PrinCß an 1 Princess of Wals’ reo°ption in India. The Bpeeoh announced that the relations between foreign powers weio friendly I rejoiced at tto honorable peace arranged between Russia and Japan, due to Prisident Roosovelt’s initiative ; alluded to the prolongation and extension of the AngloJapanese agreement, expressing a hope that the Algeciras conference would be oonduoive to the maintenance of peac.”, and mentioned Prince Charles's accept anoe of the throne of Norway. In regard to Macedonia, it was declared that the condition of affairs continues to etuse anxiety. Tbo speeoh added that wtih the view of establishing responsible Government in the Transvaal, letters patent providing for on intermediate stage of reprepreeeotative Government requiring a new constitution were befog prepared. Though the ebetioos for the Assembly woulctnot lake place before July, they wore not likely lo bo delayed many months. Meanwhile, no further lioenses for importing coolies would be issued. Responsible Government would bo granted to the Orange colony. Received 9.18 p.m., Feb. 20.

The Speech continued : The Co'onial Conference has been postponed with the oonourreno9 of the colonial Governments until; early in 1907. The steady, aeoelerating increase of exports, with the growing activity of home trade, indicated that industries were in a sound and progressive condition. It was hoped that the national expenditure and the increasing capital liabilities of the State would receive earnest attention. Government were considering piaus for improving and effecting economies in tbe government of Ireland ; also for introducing means for associating the people with the conduct of Irish affairs. "My desire,” His Majesty added, “ is that the government be conducted, as fat as circumstances permit, ip a spirit regardful of the wishes and sentiment of the: Irish. Since tbe social and economio condition of the British rural diatriots require careful oonsideratioD, inquiries are proceed’ng relative to the means of altrac'.ing to and retaining on the soil a larger population,” Additional Bills were announced for dealing with merohant shipping, Scottish crofters’ holdings, Irish laborers, checking commercial corruption, improving the law regarding certain colonial marriages, and the prevention of plural voting at parliamentary elections. The King looked well, though he walked slowly, leaning on a stick. The opening was a Btataly ceremony, though the Court mourning robbed the eoene of oolor.