THE KING’S SPEECH

Hokitika Guardian, 7 November 1928, Page 5

THE KING’S SPEECH

(Received this day at 10 a.m.) LONDON, November 6

The King’s speech, at the opening olf Parliament, expressed groat: satisfaction with the signature to the treaty for the renunciation of war at Paris on August 27th. Tt says:—“ln pursuance of their fixed policy the Government continued to accord full support to the League of Nations, co-operating with all its current activities and particularly sought fully to discharge the o’lig turns under Article H'-dit of the Covenant bv reducing armed lories to the lowest point consistent with national safety, and by assisting the League to formulate plans for the general reduction of armaments. An agreement lias been reached with the Governments of Belgium, France. many, Italy, and Japan, for opening negotiations with a view to the difficulty of settling problems of reparations. It has also been recognised {hat negotiations should be held in regard to the German Government’s request for the evacuation of the Rhineland.”' U Referring to the coronation of the jljbnporor of Japan, His Majesty takes 'the opportunity of wishing His Imperial Majesty a long and glorious reign. The speech says the historic AngloJnpnnose friendship has always been a •potent factor in the maintenance of [peace in the Far East and welcomes It]ie efforts of China to establish a. [central government and cope with the (forces of disorder. “ I I'egnrd progress jof those endeavours as of the highest 'importance, not only for the safely and prosperity of my subjects resident m /China but for the peace of the world. ' “ Estimates for services in the coming year are being prepared with strict attention to continuing the need tor Sec'onoiuv in public expenditure. In ■anticipation of a general scheme I or rey v ing agriculture and productive mfdiistrv 'from the burden of rates, you will be asked to make provision cny<U,i„ railway companies to lower the on important traffic concerning aorimiltuie. coal, non and steel industries. The situation in mining areas cevu inues to engage earnest attention /oUmv ministers, who are taking cnerIgi ric steps to promote the success nt a - .scheme of industrial transference faiVcl migration. Abnormal cxpendituie Ifitlm the unemployment fund entailed 'bvt«he displacement of labour Horn the Divines will necessitate an increase oi 'borrowing powers and a lull nig Utli this question will be submitted to yi Commons. -Measures will be pre•smited to the Commons to carry out a Iseheme of reform of the rating system on a more equitable basis; for the reorganisation of local government and I'nr re-adjustment of financial relations 1 between State- and local authorities, illis Majesty trusts relief from the burden of rates under the scheme may benefit agriculture and lead to greater employment in industry generally, and particularly the basic trades jvhoso I condit ion still causes concern He emphasises the importance of the proposed changes in local government and relations between the Exchequer -; an d local authorities, which Ministers Anticipate will promote efficiency and ' economy in local government and will

enable better provision to he made for the health of the people and will direct assistance particularly to those areas whose needs are most pressing.

The speech loreshadows bills extending export credits guarantee scheme For a further period, authorising the appointment of two additional niembjts of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, one additional Lord ol Appeal in Ordinary and assisting agriculturists in (Scotland to obtain credits. DEBATE IN COMMONS. LONDON, November fi. In the ('ominous, Mr Ramsay MacDonald speaking to the Address in Reply, began: “This was a queer King's Speech.” The Ministry while signing the Paris pact has been doing its best to crib. Cabinet should confine its activities to the development ol the League' of Nations. Furthermore the Anglo-French naval agreement was not an agreement to limit armaments, but not to limit them. Britain was solely responsible for the suspicion created, upsetting the confidence oi all the nations of Europe. Did we undertake to waive the objection’s to France’s trained reserves. If no notice were to be taken of conscript civilians militarily trained, any disarmament agreement was not worth the papoi on which it was written. Had it been dropped? Had wc abandoned the round-table idea? Had we replied to America’s note? -Mr .MacDonald invited Mr Baldwin to answer the questions and concluded that the curtain was raised on the last act ol the Go\ernmont’s lour years ol sorry drama. The gallery was getting restive, and wanted the actors to have a rest. Labour was anxious for Mr Baldwin to hurry the time for the electorate to give the verdict. Mr Baldwin, replying, said Mr MacDonald had not enjoyed the drama. When we meet again there will he many changes and lie hoped they would meet with Hie satisfaction ol a majority of members. (Laughter and cheer.-.) Alluding 10 Mr MacDonald’s disapproval of the delay of the,, 1' actorios "i: l and unemployment measures. Mi ~ ddwin said, except lor legislation lor relief of industry and measures in the Kmg’s speech there was no time lor oilier important legislation.