OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 27 June 1929, Page 5

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH

(Per favour of Government). "WELLINGTON, June 27. Tlie Governor-General. ,Sir Charles Fergusson delivered the following speech this afternoon : HON. GENTLEMEN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REP R ESENTATI.Y ES: - THE KING. It is in n spirit of thankfulness that in the opening paragraph of my speech, I am able to record the satisfactory recovery of the King from the serious illness from which His Majesty suffered. Throughout this long and anxious period, the citizens of this Dominion shared with,.-, the rest of the Empire, and indeed with other nations in the feelings of pleasure and relief at His Majesty's return to good health. PERSONAL. In December next .1 shall have completed a term of five years in office, and I have received His Majesty’s permission to leave the Dominion on the Ist February, next year. It is with great regret that Her Excellency and I see the time of our departure drawing near after these vears of great interest and unalloyed happiness. From one and all we have received nothing but kindness and consideration, and the friendly and generous way in which we have been welcomed on our journeys through tlio country, will remain a happy memory for all time.

Among the most pleasant of our recollections will he those of our relations with the people of the Maori

During our stay in the Dominion ■ill sections of the people have made us feel at borne among them, and I take this opjxirtxmity of expressing to them our sincere gratitude. We shall try, in some measure, to repay our debt to them by studying and oromoting the interests of the Dominion at Home. Our most earnest desire will he that happiness, peace and prosperity may ever be vouchsafed to Now Zealand and her people. 'THE PRIME MINISTER.

Since T last met you, the Right. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward. Bart., K.C.M.G.. at my request, undertook to form a Ministry, and on 10th December last he was appointed Prime Minister and the Ministry is now in office. LATE CHIEF JUSTICE. I regret exceedingly that during the recess the Hon. Sir Charles Perrin SkeiTctt, K.C.M.G., K. 0., Chief Justice, passed away. During a long and illustrious career he rendered eminent public service to New Zealand. and bis untimely death was a national loss. The Horn Michael Mvers, K.C., lias been appointed to fill the vacancy. Y THE EARTHQUAKE. It is also with deep regret that I refer to the calamitous earthquake which the Dominion recently experienced and I. join with you in extending sincere sympathy to the; relatives of those who lost their lives in the disaster. My Government have intimated that generous practical assistance will he provided for those who have, unfortunately, suffered loss. Measures for relief have been undertaken. KELLOGG’ PACT. My Ministers are firmly attached to the principles of the League of Nations and are determined to take any steps possible to forward the great work of the League and in particular that of peace and disarmament.

In this connection New Zealand had the honour in August last of accepting the invitation to become one of the fifteen original signatories of the Multi-lateral Pact for the renunciation of war, commonly known as the Kellogg Pact, and has also taken the further step of ratification. This Pact lias received almost universal acceptance by the nations of the world, and its solemn renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy lias boon described by a European statesmen as “The, greatest collective deed born of peace.” While the Pact lias not of course entirely removed all danger of the evils of warfare, this general renunciation of war, accepted as it is by all the nations who only a decade ago wore engaged in the greatest struggle in history, must inevitably hasten the progress of world wide disarmament, and strengthen the cause of international peace.

DISARMAMENT. My Ministers will heartily support any practicable proposals for disarmament. and as one step in this direction they have recently signified New Zealand’s acceptance of the Geneva Protocol of June, 1925, prohibiting the use in warfare of asphyxiating poison or other gases, and all bacteriological methods. Until definite proposals for disarmmont have been proposed and gonerallv accepted, however, they feel it their duty to maintain such measures as are necessary for the safety of the country. No change of policy is contemplated in respect to naval defence, as a necessary auxiliary to the naval and land defence of New Zealand and as an aid to commerce and communication. AVIATION. My Government are impressed with the importance of aviation and it is

(heir intention to take every feasible step to promote interest in this subject throughout the Dominion. It is hoped that the general establishment of Aero Clubs will assist materially in this direction. Steps are being taken to maintain close connection with the Air Ministry in the United Kingdom and New .Zealand officers are being seconded for this purpose and for further training. MANDATED SAMOA. The position in the mandated territory of Western Samoa continues to cause some anxiety, and there still exists in the territory a movement among a considerable section of the Samoan people of dissatisfaction with the Dominion’s administration. My Government have decided to continue a policy of patience, and have made it clear that while it is their intention to govern the territory with justice and equity to all, and with sympathetic consideration to the interests of the Samoans, they must administer the law and will continue to do so with firmness, if the position requires it.

It has been intimated that while the Government cannot negotiate with any movement that is openly flouting the law. the disaffected section of the native population may be nssurred of a full discussion and a generous consideration of any representations, so soon as their refusal to comnly with the law is abandoned. PEACE IX INDUSTRY.

My advisers recognise that tbe material prosperity of the Dominion cannot-be fully achieved without industrial peace, and they hope to maintain the existing good relations in all branches of industry in common with other countries of the world. The Dominion is still suffering from the evils of unemployment, although it is a matter for congratulation that this trouble in New Zealand is comparatively less in scope than elsewhere. Remedial measures absorbing a large section of those unable to find work, have- Ibeen taken by my Government and these are now employed on tbe Public Works of the country, a very large number of men in excess of those who would he engaged in such work in normal times. Considerable extra expenditure has also been necessary in providing the requisite bousing facilities. Tbe action taken by the Government in conjunction 'with municipal authorities, has provided much needed relief and proposals dealing with the general question of unemployment will be brought before you. HYDEO-ELECTRIC WORKS.

Close attention is being devoted to pushing on to completion tbe various hydro-electric works in progress in the Dominion and with tlic utilisation of power from Waikaremoana and Arapuni stations, the services available to tbe people in this respect will bo greatly enlarged. EMPIRE TRADE. My Ministers fully appreciate the importance of encouraging trade within the Empire and it is their intention to see that preference to British manufactures is maintained, and the slogan df “Buy British Goods” adhered to wherever possible. It is proposed to appoint a trade representative to Canada in the near future. This is in accordance with the wish of manufacturers and producers in Canada, and will form a very necessary nexus between the two Dominions. STEAMER SERVICE.

The question of providing for a more regular steamship service between South Island ports and Australia has been receiving the earnest consideration of my Government, and it has been decided to invite tenders for a suitable service. This service will result in increased opportunities for our producers, and will provide improved facilities for the commercial community as well as for the travelling public. FINANCIAL. Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Rerepresentatives,— THE YEAR’S TRADE.

It is most gratifying to note that the industry of our producers in conjunction with an excellent season in New Zealand and good prices abroad, has resulted in the exports from this Dominion for last year being raised to the record total of £57,054,000. These exports exceeded the imports by over £12,000,000, which, following upon the favourable balance of trade for the previous year, has greatly strengthened the banking and general financial resources of the Dominion. These facts augur well for the immediate future, when a general stimulation of business should greatly assist in overcoming unemployment, which unfortunately is still a feature of our economic life. THE YEAR’S DEFICITS.

It is regretted that the operations of the public finances for the year ending Hist March last resulted in a deficit of £577,000. My Ministers recognise that the position must be rectified without delay and are giving the matter their earnest attention.

The Estimates for the present year are being most carefully scrutinized, but some adjustments of the incidence of taxation will be necessary. Proposals to this end will be submitted for your consideration. In order to provide additional capital for carrying on the programme of public works, "notably railways construction and improvement and development of hydro-electric power, a further loan of £7.000,000 was raised in London in January last. The issue price was £95 per cent; bearing interest at 4J- per cent, and the successful flotation on these terms is further evidence of the confidence of investors in this Dominion. In conjunction with this issue 'for new money, a further offer was mado to holders of New Zealand 4 per cent 1920 consolidated stock, to convert up to £12,000,000 of this stock into 44por cent 1913-58 stock similar to that

’’ssite. In the ease of the new cash loan, holders of the 4 per cent stock were offered I*lo4 os of the new stock for £IOO of the old stock. The result was very satisfactory, practically tho whole of the amount offered being taken up. Arrangements have been made by my Ministers to provide additional capital' lor vStnto Advances and every effort is being made to meet the legitimate demands of settlers and workers for loans for the purchase and development df farms and the erection of dwellings. During the six months ending 10th •June last no less than C 3.620,240.620,240 has been authorised by the State Advances Hoard in loans to settlers and workers. SUPERANNUATION FUNDS.

The State Superannuation funds, namely, the public service, the teachers the railway funds, established many years ago, have undergone during recent years changes which have had a somewhat adverse effect on their actuarial'stability. Tlie position disclosed cledrly indicates that immediate steps will require to be taken to restore their financial status and proposals in this regard will he duly submitted for 3 T ’our consideration. MOTOR TRANSPORT.

Realising the existing anomalies in motor taxation and also the.part that transport plays in the industrial, commercial and social life of the community, my Government have constituted for the first time in New Zealand a Department of Transport, presided over by a Minister of the Crown, and assisted by a Transport Advisory Council composed of practical men. The recommendations of this Council will, my Ministers believe, result in beneficia,! changes being made "by which adjustments in taxation can equitably he brought about. A bill providing for the establishment of the Department of Transport will be plaeed before you. In order to facilitate the administration of the Alain Highways Act, it is intended to submit amending legislation making provision for the setting up of a Highways Board for the North Island and the South Island respectively. RAILWAY WORKS. With the general improvement of main highways and roads, the competition of motor traffic with the railways must inevitably result in diminished revenue to the State, and, recognising this fact, my Government as a matter of policy intend in the future not to construct short branch railways to feed main lines, but to regard good roads in such cases as being the proper feeders to main lines in order to meet the needs of the settlers. WHEAT INDUSTRY.

The question of the welfare of the wheat industry is one which is deserving of your earnest attention. It is of primary importance that the Dominion should, as far as possible, produce sufficient wheat for the requirements of the population, and not be dependent on outside sources of supply. My Ministers therefore propose to ask you to set up a Select Committee to go into this subject, and to submit recommendations which it is confidently hoped will result in placing the industry .on a sound economic, basis, which rvill be satisfactory both to the growers and to the consumers. HOUSE SITTING HOURS.

As you are aware, a Select Committee was set up last session to revise the Standing Orders, particularly relating to their bearing on the hours of sitting of the House of Representatives. In the recess the Committee has met from time to time, and on the presentation of their report and recommendations the opportunity of fully considering their proposals and their effect bn the conduct of parliamentary business will be afforded.

HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,— LAND SETTLEMENT.

During the recess my Ministers of Lands has personally investigated the prospects of further settlement of the undeveloped Crown lands of the Dominion, and as a result proposals will be submitted to Parliament for providing finance for the purpose of reading and preparing such lands for settlement and also for assisting settlers on Crown lands in the early stages otf the development of their holdings. To meet the keen demand for settlement’ farms which exists throughout the Dominion, my Government has made several purchases of areas suitable for agriculture or dairying, and these are now in the process of being sub-divided and opened for selection. Much difficulty has been expei-ienced in acquiring suitable blocks and as it is imperative that closer settlement of the occupied lands of the Dominion should be put into effect it is proposed to amend the compulsory clauses of the Lands for Settlement Act so that they can be applied more effectively. It is confidently anticipated that these measures will result 'in bringing into production lands which will add considerably to the wealth of the Dominion. The inspection of the large areas of pumice lands in the Dominion has been carefully undertaken and proposals for their settlement will be submitted for vour considei-ation. SWAMP LANDS.

Irrigation as well as the development of swamp lands is engaging the close attention of my Government, and praetical assistance as may be deemed necessary in both avenues will be provided. MIGRATION. Mv Ministers are firmly of the opinion that British migration within the Empire is a sound policy but as far as New Zealand is concerned, assisted migrants to the country must be regulated at all times by the economic exigencies of the Dominion. The restrictions on this class of immigration, which it was necessary to impose two years ago, must continue until such

time as the local conditions become sufficiently stabilised. SECONDARY INDUSTRIES.. My Government are fully seized with the importance .of encouraging the heathy growth of secondary industries in the Dominion, and will extend every reasonable facility for their expansion and establishment. FORESTRY. My advisers consider that the policy with relation to forestry and timber will have an important hearing on the economic and industrial future of the Dominion.

The certain and rapid decrease of our native timber supplies and the undesinability of depending upon other countries to meet local demands, call for serious thought. Provision for an adequate supply of home-grown tinnier for local consumption is very necessary while the conservation and cultivation of the timber which still remains on approved silvicutural principles, must bo carefully taken in hand. Tt has been decided that reasonably seized and suitably situated tracts of country which are not and never can he arable or pasture land, should be utilised for timber-growing, thus preventing the use of farming lands for forestry purprases. ( . \i

It is the intention of my Ministers to foster activities of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, realising as they do that the application of scientific methods must play a very important part in increasing the production from the poorer lands of the Dominion. The extension of this knowledge among primary producers is fully appreciated by my Government, and since it assumed office increased financial assistance has been provided in this respect. NATIVE AFFAIRS. The administration of Native Affairs will continue to receive the earnest consideration of niy ; Ministers. The examination and arrangement of a basis of settlement of native grievances regarding confiscation, of, lands and Kemp’s purchase of the South Island. The readjustment in view of deterioration and other factors of conditions affecting Native leaseholds, the consolidation of native land titles in North Auckland, the King Country and portions of the Bay of Plenty, involving the consideration of local taxation difficulties and the effective settlement of the Maoris themselves upon land under special conditions as to title, finance and supervision, are all of them matters in respect of which my Government hope to mal«fe definite progress towards a solution.

EDUCATIONAL. My advisers are of opinion that alterations in our system of education are desirable in the words of a leading authority, “to enable the pupil to reveal and discover his interests, aptitudes and capacities so that these may he strengthened by suitable training, and he may be thus assisted in choosing a career most likely to he of benefit to himself and the State.”

In view of our dependence upon th& great primary industry, an agricultural bia» will also be given in our State system. Educational facilities ;in|rthe;;.;" . country districts will be -improved. liy a policy of consolidation and an edu- ■. cational guidance officer 'will be appointed as a connecting link between ■ . the life at school and the world of work outside.

A Select Committee upon Education will be set up and evidence taken from the farming, technical, industrial and professional groups, with a view to ascertaining the best method of giving effect to such a policy. . HUM ANITA RISM. My advisers realising that there are. men and women who. in their old age, have fallen upon hard times and who, owing to their incapacity to meet the requirements of modern life, are brought before the Courts, propose to introduce legislation to enable trates to avoid the necessity of ;commit ting such unfortunate people to prison, and to provide a discretionary power to send them to some suitable institution, where they may spend their declining years in pleasant rfufroundings. COMING BILLS , Bills will he laid before you dealing with Relief of Unemployment, Land, River Protection, Land Drainage, Rating of Farm Lands in Boroughs. Ba«k and other holidays a«d Town Planning! I commend these various matters to your careful attention, and I earnestly hope that a Divine Providence may guide your deliberations to the furtherance of the welfare of the DonMiiojn.