BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 3 February 1926, Page 3

BRITISH PARLIAMENT

SPEECH FROM THE THU ONI'

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.]

(Received this day at 12.30 p.nt.j LONDON, Feb. 3. Despite the leaden sky, brightened by fitful sunshine, crowds lined the route from Buckingham Palate to Westminster and cheered their Majesties on the occasion ol the opening of Parliament. The King’s speech, referring to the visit of an Ambassador to Constantinople and Angora views the definite settling of the Tnrko-Traq frontier question and says be cordially reciprocates the desire of the Turkish 'Government for the promotion of a friendly Tureo-Briiisli relations. The Anglo-1 raq treaty will be submitted fur approval without delay. 'lbe British. Minister will attend the preparation committee on disarmament at Geneva, which is a .substantial ’step forward in the right direction. A reduction of armaments should now be possible as a result of the system created by the treaty of Locarno. .1 rejoice that a friendly settlement lias been readied on the difficult question of Italy’s war debt. Invitations are being issued to the Government's of Belgium, France, Germany and Italy to attend a conference

in London to (.'insider the possibility of securing an effective international agreement regulating the hours rt labour. My Minister earnestly considered the increasing need for national economy and proposals for reducing public expenditure are bcingr formulated. Proposals will be submitted authorising guarantee loans, for the development ot the British dependencies in East Africa and the inundated territories. Too improvement of trade at the cud of 11124 was, unfortunately, checked early last year by the widespread depression in the coal ruining industry. Signs of revival have reappeared since the autumn, but the growth ot confidence is being arrested by tear ot industrial strife. The result of the inquiry by the Coal Commission will shortly lie submitted. ] am. well aware ol the difficulties inherent in the whole situation, but the interests of the nation are paramount. I appeal to all parties to lave the future in a spirit ol conciliation and fellowship and avoid any action which will again postpone a return to good trade prosperity tor which, v. e have so long hoped. A bill to give effect to the Government's proposals tor the re-organisa-tion of the electrical industry will be shortly introduced.

The question of the provision of better credit facilities for agriculture is receiving special attention and a bill will be '"presented to enable C ounty Councils to extend the provision ol small holdings. A measure will be submitted to provide, in suitable cases, tor the maikjug of imported agricultural produce ami manufactured goods, so they may lie distinguished from products ol this eoiinlrv and Empire goods distinguish-

ed from those of foreign origin. Housing conditions in England -mil Wales are still occasioning deep concern Alv Ministers are examining proposals if or improvement of these conditions. . Bills will be submitted, if time and opportunity permit, dealing with national health, insurance, unemployment insurance, rating, railway control. road vehicles, finance ol poor law in London, position and powers ol the I mat'd of guardians, rating and valuation. machinery and Scotland. LONDON- Feb. 3.

Except for 2be ermine cloaks of the Peers, the opening was drab by comparison with the previous years. The King wore o field-marshal's uniform and the Queen her favourite grey. There was a full attendance of the’diplomatic corps, in which the Rci uhlican representatives outshone the rest in brilliant uniforms and glitter-

i„._, jewels. Owing to his hunting injury." the Prince of Wales was not present. After lunch Sir E. Aloud sat no the ministerial side amid uproarious ironical Labour cheers and cries of “Another one gone.” 'The King’s reference to the coal crisis was echoed by Air Hurst in moving the Address-in -Reply. He alluded to tbe need of Conciliation. All 1 Goodall said the newspapers had been breathed into England, largely as the result of Air Baldwin’s pleas for a better spirit. Afr (dynes, in the absence of ATr AfaeDonnhl. said' the King’s speech would disappoint the country. Its only value lay in minor items. Economy was impossible with any retention of the military spirit. From. 1922 to 1926 we had spent 452 millions on armaments or three times more than on education. The ATinistry had deprned more of the unemployed hone fits than it had found work for under the relief schemes. He hoped the phrase, “ Nations interests paramount,” dul not mean that the miners’ interests should take second place. The Queen was dressed in black velvet, not in grey as previously cabled.

HOUSE OF LORDS. LONDON, February 3. The House of Lords adopted the Ad-dress-in-Eeplv after a few mild criticisms bv Lord Haldane concerning the particularly unsatisfactory 1 taluui debt settlement and the absence of the House of Lords reform schema from the Government’s programme. |,orr Lincolnshire introduced a bill seeking to ensure a maximum wage for agricultural labourers.