OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 June 1917, Page 3

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S speech

(Per favour of Government). WELLINGTON, June 28. Parliament was opened this afternoon at 2.30 by his Excellency tin* Governor-General, who made the following speech: Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:— j It is with pleasure I again meet you in Parliament assembled. In recognition of the services rendered by New Zealand since the outbreak of the war, and to mark the status of the Dominion, a signal mark of Royal favour has been recently extended in the bestowal by His Majesty the King of the dignity and title of Governor-General upon myself.

I regret to say that death has removed one of my advisers, the late Dr. MeNab, who held the portfolios of Justice, Marine and Stamps. During the- recess, the course of the great war has been definitely in favour of the Empire and its Allies. Tho Imperial Navy, true to its past history is meeting new and difficult conditions as they arise with, courage resource. and success. It is specially gratifying to note that the transport • f our regular reinforcements has proceeding without interruption and happily without loss. Imperial troops have exercised con stunt pressure on our enemies, driving them from many elaborately prepared positions. Bagdad, the old highway from west to oast, is in the possession of British and Indian troops. This makes it possible, in settling the terms of peace, to prevent, developments on the part A our enemies designed to disturb our peace in the future. The land forces of his Majesty’s Dominions beyond the Seas have been honoured with important tasks on several battlefields and they have invariably proved that the quality of their courage, endurance and discipline fitted them to fight beside their gallant comrades ol the British Regular Army. I The battle of the Somme,, the capture of Bapaume, Vimy Ridge, Rafa and toe recent storming of the German lines at and Wyhschaetc, in which the troops of the various Dominions took so large a part, gave assurance that in whatever further tasks may bo allotted to them, they will not fail. All New Zealand has been stirred by ■ the story of the capture of Messines by the brave men who left our own shores in the early part of the present* year. Germany adopted a' policy of unrestricted submarine warfare. The development has failed in its principal object, of reducing Great Britain and France to submission by starvation, but tho large addition to the number of German submarines lias increased the danger of shipping and the number of losses, with the result that the Imperial Government has found it necessary to requisition Imperial necessities, ships that formerly were exclusively'engaged in the carriage of produce from the Dominions to tho Mother Country. The consequent reduction of- theordinary facilities for the ~oxport of New Zealand produce, especially frozen meat, wool, butter and cheese, has occasioned inconvenience and anxiety, and has been the subject of constant communication between my Ministers and the Imperial Government. It is impossible to forecast the tonnage which will ho available for New Zealand exports, hut there is reason to hope tl'at the position may prove moiu satisfactory than was at one time anticipated. In common with every part of the Empire this Dominion is deeply impressed by and grateful for the determination of the Great English-speaking people of tlie West to assist the cause of freedom and right. It would be difficult to measure the material, financial and moral support which the United States has already provided and will provide in the n.ture.

The administration of the occupied Samoan (Islands has been efficiently carried out and there is every reason t,o believe that the Native population is happy under British control and has no desire to revert to the conditions which prevailed prior to the occupation by New Zealand troops. I have recently informed my Ministers that the Secretary of State for tlie Colonies lias assured me that the Imperial Government fully realises the vital importance t° this Dominion of the destiny of the German colonies in tbe Pacific and that when the time comes for decision, the fullest consideration will be given to the wishes of the New Zealand Government. Voluntary recruiting has continued with considerable success, but since last November has been insufficient in itself to provide the reinforcements required, and it therefore became necessary to bring the Military Service Act into operation. The loyal and wholehearted support of the Act by the people in this country has been of un-

calculable assistance to my , Tbe mep. drawn i n the ballot have also by their ready response t° the call for service removed most of the difficulties which might have been expected at the initiation of a system witnouS a precedent in New Zealand. A now departure has been made in the establishment of the National 'Efficient > Board. The gentlemen composing the Board and many others comprised in the organisation, have gratuitously given their time and experience to the State, and I feel sure that their patriotic services are fully appreciated by the people of this dominion. At the invitation of the Imperial Government, responsible statesmen of | the Dominions and of India met recently in England to confer on the present difficulties and future constitution of the great Empire to which we belong.. 5 The attendance of our Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance at this Imperial Conference has enabled them to obtain information of value to mv Government and to this Dominion. The presenoo of my Ministers, witn the responsible Ministers of other Dominions at meetings of the War Cabinet was an event remarkable in our /history. It iidicates the recognition by the Imperial Government of the growth of the Dominions to representation where issues vital to their safety : and interests may he under consideration. - I have been glad, within the last two ’ days, to welcome home my two Min’

isters and their families, and am confident you will find the course of your deliberations simplified and facilitated by the experience they have gained, not only in Great Britain, hut at the sea of war on the AVesternFrontMr Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: Your will find in the public accounts of the past year and the estimates for the present year, proof that economy has been and ds being exercised in every department of the State. The war expenses must of necessity increase, but this increased expenditure is essential to give effect to our determination that New Zealand snail bear her full part until a. victory is gained. In the present session you will be asked to determine what part of those expenses shall he met by a loan, raised within the Dominion. Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: The existence of a National Government prohibits the inclusion in the programme of legislation to be proposed to you by my Ministers, of any measure other than such as are necessary to enable our country to carry out its obligations, and to assist in bringing the war to on early and successful conclusion.

You will, therefore, b 0 invited! to devote your attention to legislation dealing with the present emergencies oi this Dominion and of the Empire as a whole, and the provision of means to meet our financial obligations. I trust that the Divine Providence may guide our deliberations to the advantage of our Sovereign, of his Empire, and of this Dominion.”