PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2230, 30 June 1908, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

the opening ceremony. y BRIEF proceedings. early adjournments. [PressAjwiSation.] y^YKLLINC!TOX, June 29. The. jrfmrth session ol the sixteenth Pnrljjimient opened to-day in did weather.'' "Owing to tho restricted f room in the now Chambers in the old Government House, tho public were vctf'admitted. Lady V aid, Aliss N —"'Ward, Misses Hall-Jones (2), and -Mrs. Dr. Findlay were the only nttenders other than members and ' Councillors. The Heretaunga Rifles formed a guard of honor. Ills Exceilcncv was attended by Captain Lyon, 'aide-de-camp, and Mr. H. *a. AVaterfield. private secretary rite warship in the harbor fired the customary salute. His Excellency and retinue arrived at the Council Chain-. lier at 2.35 p.m., and tho Speaker of the House of Representatives arrived at 2.37 p.m. Tho whole proceedings of the opening ceremony, 'including tho Governor’s speech, was over at 2.52. The Council assembled for a few minutes after the opening ceremony. Leave of absence was granted to the Hon. Geo. John Smith for tho session Tho Hon. Charles LouLsson’s appointment ns Councillor having expired by effluxion of tilne, he was reappointed, Dr. Findlay and tho Hon. T. Thompson acting as his sponsors. On the motion of tho AttorneyGeneral, the Council passed a vote of sympathy upon the death of the Into Mr. Jas. Bennett, similar to that recorded in the other'-Chamber. The lion. C. Loiiisson gavo notice to move the Addrcss-in-Reply next sitting day. Tho Council adjourned at 4.30 p.m. The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. ’• Dr. Chappie, member for Tuapeka. was sworn- in and took his seat, and gavo notice to move the Address-in-Reply to-morrow. The Premier introduced the Expiring Jiaws Continuance Bill, which was read a first time. The Premier intimated that the Royal Assent had been given to the Chinese Immigration Restriction Bill, and also that the Imprest Supply Bill would he introduced to-mor-row. If the debate on this Bill and the Address-in-Reply was not ' protracted. ho would bring clown the . Financial Statement next week. [ Probably on Tuesday or Wednesday he would make a statement ro the I - now Parliamentary buildings. f ‘ > Tho Premier then moved, and Mr. Massey seconded, a vote of condolence and sympathy on tho death of the late Mr. Jas. Bennett, member for Tuapeka. Several members' spoko in support of tlio motion, and the House ad- - journed at 3.30 p.m. till to-morrow as a mark of respect to his memory. [Special to “Times.”] WELLINGTON, June 29. The ceremony in the Uppqf House this -aftornoon was shorn ot nearly all its former glories. Tho only ladies present were Lady Ward and Miss Ward, 'Mrs. Hall-Jones, and the Misses Hall-Jones and Mrs. Findlay. Lady Plunket did not attend. There were iio naval or military officers in attendance. The foreign Consuls were also absent. Tho Governor was accompanied by his private secretary, Mr. Waterfield, and Captain Lyon, aide-de-camp. Members of the Lower House trooped in behind the act- . ing-Sergeant-at-Arms (Mr. H. D. If O’Callaglian) carrying a new mace. The Speech delivered by -His -Excell lencv was a particularly colorless one, but members smiled and even tittered a little beforo Lord Plunket liad got jh'tq tho ond of the formidable list of Bills which it is proposed to introduce this session. THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.I AN UNEVENTFUL ADDRESS. The Speech from tho Throne, as delivered by His Excellency the Governor, Lord Plunket, at the opening of Parliament yesterday afternoon, i was as follows: * Hon. Gentlemen of the Legislative :f Council, and of tho House of Representatives, I have much pleasure hi again -meeting yon in Parliament, assembled. In accordance with tbe'practico of my predecessors, l|and"*jr tho purpose of widening my jjpa'*. •aintauce with the people and the ■lands of the Dominion, I have, during the past twelve months, visited various parts of the country, and everywhere on these journeys I was profoundly impressed by tho sturdy energy, loyalty, and material comfort of our people. Since I last met you, New Zealand lias maintained her standard of healthy prosperity, and although the urices of some of our <, .chief commodities have recently suffered depression, there is hopeful prospect of their early- recovery. The general outlook for our producers and t-lioso engaged in trades and commerce, is encouraging, and, given duo energy and prudence, there ap- \ pears no reason to apprehend that the increase in our material wealth] and tho widespread comfort of our people is likely to decline. It is fitting' that I should mention tho loss which Great Britain has suffered in the death of its Prime Minister, the late Right lion. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, whose high character .and long public service reserves him to our nation,and now secures for him a lasting place in the 'memory of the British people. During , the ■ last twelve months, death ]ia?y removed the Hon. William Kelly of- the Legislative Council, and Mr. James Bennett of tho House.of Ite—l presentatives, gentlemen who earned for themselves the esteem and res- : pect of both branches of,the Legisj, lature. On tiie 26th of September last, New Zealand passed from the status of a Colony to tho higher plane .of a Dominion, and I take this, the first opportunity 1 have had, to congratulate you, in Parliament assembled, upon the high dignity His Majesty lias thereby conferred on this progressive country, and to express the 1 hope and belief that the change may 1 not only secure for us a worthier / place in the world's esteem, but also, by increasing our national selfrespect, help to stimulate the higher ideals of on • own people. Consequent on stron 1 ' representations made by the Prime Minister, when in London, New Zealand has now been placed on the same position as the Dominion ol Canada, with respect to the important constitutional -question ot reservation of Bills for Royal assent . ' , I have been notified that early m August warships of the United States of America will visit New Zealand. I ho event is historical, for it will he the first visit of a fleet of that great nation which has sprung up from our own hardy race; a mil.on speaking our tongue, sharing not only om; literature ami our. noble,t traditions, hut ako cur aspwaand ideals. , Preparations for n suit bio welcome I arc now well m hand, and it H hopt-tl . that the visit, m addition to its \ national importance, will he made a I pleasant ami memorable one to the 1 officers and men of tins dotnehmenl Ij ti„, American Naiy.r Anotlici l event ’connected with the N'orthcni ] Continent of America. tal;?s 1- *“<• { . July next, when Canada will «• ' j brate her tercentenary at Quebec. |\. His Royal Highness, the I ryice f\ Wales will represent His Map. I tl’-e King on this important and uisi 'torie occasion, which is one or dcc]> Elif interest to all parts of our Empne. jß'f My Prime Minister was invited, by Bit tho .Government-of Canada to be. pi i'll | sent, as representing. New Zealand. ~W,j, but owing In Parliament being m session lie will be unable to leave his /■ public duties, and at the .suggestion I , gf my advisers, my predecessor the \ , /

Right Hon. the Earl of Raufurly was asked, and lias kindly agreed to attend in his stead. It is felt that Now Zealand is fortunate in haying such a representative who combines with other qualifications a%ide knowledge of, and a deep love for this country ami its people. An exhibition of moro than industrial importance lias been recently opened in London, by His Royal Highness the l’riuco of Wales, and I am pleased to say that New Zealand products arc well represented. Tho l'Tunco-British exhibition has for us an international significance, in that it affords a striking testimony of the relations', of amity existing between Great Britain and Franco as well as at the same time to be contributing to the world’s peace. The term of office of the High Commissioner for New Zealand having expired on tho ,14th of Juno, tho lion. William Pember Reeves was re-appointed for a turther term. Ail unusual period of dry weather during last midsummer caused serious loss to farmers and settlors throughout New Zealand by reason of bush and other fires, which destroyed largo ■ueas of crop and forest, and in somo cises stock, homesteads, and other buildings. To relieve the loss which fell cmshingly upon these farmers and settlers, grass seed was furnished by my .u(risers in proper cases, and upon -'noli terms us relieved the sufferer.;.

Early on tho morning of the lltli December last. New Zealand suffered a national Joss ill tho destruction by lire of the Parliament buildings, liaj.pilv. the library and its contents e.'.r.ip.ii injury, but many valuable reco.ds and other papers were destroyed. A three-fold loss falls upon us by the destruction of these buildings. for not only were they the Council Halts of -our Legislature, and one of our chief archives, but they were closely connected with the history and progress of this country, and with the lives and achievements of honored statesmen of the past. Indeed, asl archives, vi ml as a memorial tho loss of Parliament buildings is irreparnblo. Temporary accommodation for you, is provided in this house, and you will be asked to consider at an early date proposals which my advisers will bring beforo you for suitable permanent Houses of Parliament.

It is recognised that our present m til service, to and from Great Britain and (Europe, is unsatisfactory, and efforts have been continuously made by my Prime Minister t,, secure the co-operation of Great Britain and her oversea. Dominions, to the end that -i fast and entirely British line of mail steamers should he provided for these postal services of Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. These efforts are still being maintained, and my advisers are hopeful of their ultimate success.

This year a great work culminates in the completion of the labors of the Reprint of Statutes Commission, and during this session of Parliament a consolidation, in five volumes, of the general public Statutes, now contained in some fifty-five volumes, will be introduced for' the purpose of being passed into law. This country has exceedingly rich natural endowments of water power, and the expediency has been impressed on- my advisers of permitting 'portions of this water power to he employed for private enterprise, under strict and proper safeguards ill the public -interest. Proposals to this end will bo shortly laid before you in the form of enabling legislation. •My advisers feel that tho time has arrived t 0 bring this country abreast of those which .now secure a more perfect majority representation, by the system of a second election, and a Bill will be introduced providing for such a system. Since I last met you difficulties have been experienced in the industrial world, and to meet them my advisers will submit legislation which ,it is hoped, will improve the industrial condition of our people and promote friendlier relations between employer and employed. You will bo pleased to know that the land legislation of last session promies success. Several large estates have been acquired, and in disposing of these for settlement the popularity of the renewable lease system lias been shown by the fret that the demand for sections has largely exceeded the supply. It is gratifying to find that the mining industry, which is second in importance only to our fanning and pastoral industries, is thriving and progressing with steady strides. Legislation, facilitating the operation of somo minor provisions of tho Mining Acts ,will lie introduced and a clearer expression will be given .to the intention of Parliament with regard to what is known as tho “bank to bank” clause of -tho Coalmines Act. Tho Native Land Commission, His Honor the Chief Justice and Mr. A. T. Ngata, M.P., have been carrying on the work of their commission with unfailing diligence. They have held sittings in ail the different localities in which areas of land eallng foi their investigation are situated, and have, with great patience, given the native owners the fullest opportunity of being heard and of expressing their objections, or consent, to those methods of dealing with their lands which have been discussed or suggested by the Commission. The happy result has been secured that a. very large area of land lias been recommended by the Commission for European settlement, while retaining for the native owners such areas as are desirable for their rise and occupation. This work lias been done with the harmonious co-operation of the Native owners themselves, and the necessary work of surveys and other prelimmnies in the opening of such .land for settlement, is being pushed on vigor■Hisly. It ds hoped that tho coinmittee will lie able to complete its labors very early next year. The present law with respect to native townships such as Tauniarunui, To Kuiti and other centres, has been found to be unsatisfactory to Europeans, and the disabilities arising from this law will be removed.

The departure of the steamship “Nimrod” for the purpose of the scientific exploration , 0 f the Antarctic regions, lias created much interest throughout New Zealand, and the result of those explorations is awniti'd with hopefulness and interest.

It is satisfactory to have tho assurance of my advisers that the great work of the construction of the North Island Main Trunk Railway will he completed within a few months, and that thereby the two principal cities :>f Wellington anil Auckland will be directly connected by railway. Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives; My advisers feel that this country has now reached' a stage at which it should institute a. scheme of national annui--ties, available for all classes of the community. The complexity of this question lias caused my advisers much earnest consideration and a -scheme has been devised which, it is hoped, will secure general approval, anil which will he laid-before you in the form of an Annuities Bill. Proposals will also be submitted providing for superannuation for the employees'of local public bodies, tramway, gas and electric light companies. Difficulties and objections with our present method of public audit have induced my advisors to determine upon a change in. the system, and amendments of the law'will therefore lie proposed, bringing the public audit of this country into closer harmony with tho present system which prevails- in Great Britain and most of the oversea dominions. During last session two Acts were passed with schemes for tlie classification and superannuation of the officers of the public service". Tlie necessary preliminary work of bringing these Acts into operation lias been pushed oil diligently, and they promise eminently satisfactory results. Some minor machinery defects will lie. met by an amendment, which will he laid lielore you. The estimates or the revenue ami expenditure for the year have been compiled with due care, ’li a ring regard to Loth economy and efficiency, and will shortly be placed before you for yoiir consideration. Lhe accounts disclose, as in recent years, the gratifying result of a substantial surplus on the years traus-

actions, and I am happy to say that, so far, this years’ receipts are m every way satisfactory. . Mv advisors have boon increasingly impressed by the needs pf settlors m the less accessible localities of tho dominion. - These settlers courageously endure many hardships and, -in_ vioiv of tlie beneficial result of their labor to the whole community, my advisors are of opinion that the State should extend a strong helping hand to them in such directions as are prudent. To this end you will bo asked to make a special and liberal provision for tho construction of roads, telephones and such conveniences as will assist them in the work of settling and improving our outpost binds and to relieve, as far as possible, the hardships incident to their lives. The success of closer settlement, justifies the vigorous promotion of that policy and among t.lio cardinal objects of mv advisers will bo tho further extension of closer settlement, and early completion of the main- lines of railways now in hand. . ' After mature'consideration my advisers have decided t c increase, the contribution paid by this Dominion to the British Navy, ns they are confient, that the truest 'interests of the people of New Zealand will bo best served by having a powerful navy under the independent, control of those responsible for directing it in time of peace or par. and you will bo asked to make provision accordingly.

Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen ot the House of Representatives: My ad vieors havo asked tho 'British Governmeat for a larger vessel than tho “Amokurn,” so as to train up to -a thousand young men nt a time. A proportion of the men thus trained would then ho available ior manning His Majesty’s ships in New Zealand waters. It is also contemplated that the training of young men for the mercantile marine should bo undertaken on the New Zealand training ship. The advantage of this proposal is that in time of need those who are engaged in this occupation will be sufficiently trained to man His Majesty’s ships if required. Steady progress has taken place during the past year in the agricultural developments of the country, and my advisers have constantly kept in view the necessity for up-to-date methods in farming operations, and the application of science to agricultural pursuits. The various experi.mental stations are enlisting the sympathies of farmers throughout the North Island, and tho extension of the system to the -South Island is in coil tempi at ion. Satisfactory progress Jins been made in the direction of tho establishment of a- dairy school at Palmerston North, and of a veterinary school at Dunedin. 'Mv -advisors are of opinion that, r with t-lie near approach of the completion of the North Island Main Trunk railway. the time has arrived for the State to acquire tho Mana.iv.ntu railway line, and the proper preliminary legal steps have already been taken to that end. Legal difficulties, which, may possibly emerge in the further proceedings to be taken, will be met by legislation if they threaten any serious delay in the acquisition of the railway lino by the State. It has for some time, been recognised that greater efficiency in the education system would be obtained by decreasing the size of the classes under instruction, Proposals will accordingly be laid before you for a substantial increase in the staff of the public schools. At the same time, in order to secure a full supply of well qualified teachers, it is proposed to make provision, especially in the ease of small schools and also for an increase in the salaries of teachers. The question of annual increments to salaries generally, and for giving greater facilities for the promotion and transfer of teachers, will also he submitted to you for your consideration. Measures will he submitted to you dealing with National Annuities, Closer Settlement Extension. Second Ballot, Shipping and Seamen’s Act, Civil Service Amendment Act, Slaughtering and Inspection, Contractors and Workers Liens. Workers’ Compensation, Friendly (Societies, -Naval Subsidy, Meikle acquittal, back-bloc-ks loading and bridging, public holidays. local bodies, tramway, gas, and electric light- companies’ employees’ superannuition, public service classification and superannuation amendment, native lands, water power leasing, life assurance policies amendment, consolidation of Statute law, destitute persons relief, Government post-audit, inspection of machinery, model by-laws. Native Townships Act, Mining Act, teachers’ superannuation. police superannuation, school teachers’ salaries and superannuation, land and income assessment, local charitable aid, the law of libel, counties, infant life protection-, impounding. corpontion contracts, the judiciary, the Supreme Court code, secret commissions, and other important matters.

In conclusion I desire to express my confidence that you will give to ail the matters I have brought under your notice careful consideration and the soundest judgment, and I trust that your labors and decisions may have God’s blessing, and result in promoting still further the properity, happiness, and permanent well-being of the people of the Dominion as a whole.

HAVE YOU HEART DISEASE? Thousands of people, said a wellknown medical man the other day, when giving evidence at - a coroner’s iinquest, are walking about to-day with hearts as weak and diseased that tlie sudden rat-tat rat-tat of tlie postman’s double knock might cause their death. This is- truly an alarming statement, yet there '.is no doubt that deaths from heart weakness and failure are steadily increasing in number every year. On the other hand, every medical man knows that hundreds of people who arc literally frightening themselves to death with the fear of heart disease are really the victims of indigestion, constipation, dilatation of the stomach, and kindred intestinal and stomachic affections. Palpitation of the heart is nearly always the result of errors of diet, or_ bad dietetic liabtis, such as over-eating, too rapid eating—some •men and women ought to he charged with furious eating,—and . anything that will correct these errors and evil habits will allay and banish palpitation. If you have palpitation, dizziness. breathlessness, and other symptoms of heart disease, do not get disheartened and conjure up fears of heart disease. The Probability is that the disease is not- in that vital organ, but in the stomach and the muscles that lie around the heart. Indigestion and flatulence will give birth to nil the more characterLtie symptoms of heart disease, and in ouch cases the services of a doctor are totallv unnecessary. Dr. ENSOR’S TAMER JUICE, taken regularly at nighttime for a few weeks, will prove quite sufficient to remove the cause of all your trouble and restore healthy digestion. _lt _ i,s mild in action and more efficacious than drastic purgatives that are naturally followed by equally drastic reaction. Dr. ENSOR’S TAMER JUICE is obtainable from all chemists in bottles at 2s 6tl each, and if you are worried by any of the distressing symptoms that make you think you have heart disease, just give it a brief trial. Don’t postpone good intentions, but call at your chemist- to-day and try one bottle. You will be delighted at the result-.