OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1931, Page 5

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH. il'er favour of Government.) WELLINGTON, Alan it 11. His Excellency the Governor-Gener-al, Lord Bledisloe, delivered the following speech at the opening of the special session of Rariianumt today : Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen tin- House of Representatives. It affords me much pleasure to meet vou again in Parliament assent -tInL On the advice ol my Ministers 1 have convened this special session in order that your earnest consideration may be given to matters ol urgent national importance, arising out

nf 11 1<» pivscnt. tH'oitmnie situation, as it a Hoots this Dominion. Since I last had the opportunity oT addressing you, the external markets for our products have experienced a world wide depression, ami the values of our wool. Irozett meat, dairy produce, and other primary products, upon which our national prosperity prcpomleratefy de-ponds, have, alter continuous depreciation over a considerable period reached so low a level as materially to affect directly or indirectly the economic well being of till sections of the community.

Here, as in other countries the depression of trade and industry has in evitable increased unemployment., although the measures adopted by my Government in co-operation with local authorities have afforded a substantial relief. The solution of this pressing problem continues to receive their anxious and sympathetic consid-

eration. Notwithstanding the exercise of strict care and economy in expenditure, tin* public accounts of the Dominion seem likely to show a deficit, tor the current, financial year, a deficit which my advisers consider will be largelv increased (hiring the subsequent financial year, unless with \out authority, remedial measures are promptly undertaken. Faced with the prospect of a falling revenue and the possible continuance of relatively low export values for our primary products, my .Ministers desire to stress the urgent necessity '■for rigid economy in till public and private undertakings. Although by mi means pessimistic regarding the future oi New Zealand in view of its exceptional natural advantages, and the characteristic energy and determination ol its people, my Ministers are convinced that the difficulties now confronting the Dominion can only he effeTualiy overcome by considerable sacrifices on the part of all sections of the population.

Bast experience has shown that where such sacrifices are rendered imperative in the interests of national welfare the people of this country have responded partriolically to the call. My advisers are strongly ol tin' opinion that a spirit of co-operat-ion and mutual sympathy will prove a potent factor in enabling the Dominion to overcome th<j tcmpo i -U) check in its prosperity.

U is with the deepest regret that I ivter to the disastrous earthquake which recently occurred in Napier and Hastings and the surrounding districts. causing a serious loss of life, physical injury and widespread destruction ol property. I desire to associate myself with you find nil our people throughout the Dominion in expressing nor heartlclt sympathy with thu.se who have been bereaved or injured by this disaster or who have suffered thereby material loss. You will be asked to consider the best means of solving certain urgent problems. which have arisen in connection with the devastated area and its population.

Mr Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:The grave economic crisis which this country in common with most other countries of the world is called upon to face, has occasioned financial difficulties for our farmers, a widespread restriction of trade and considerable stringency in national finance, involving unless prompt action he taken, a heavy budgetary shortage in the forthcoming linancial year,

'l'he difficulties of the present situation have also been accentuated by the catastrophe in Hawkes Bay. You will he asked to consider forthwith measures for dealing with the problem. Proposals will he placed before you for effecting an alteration in the rate of remuneration of the Public Serticc, for amending the law which governs the powers of the Arbitration Court, for providing for certain increases in taxation. and for the establishment of a hoard to administer the railways, as well as other proposals designed to assist in surmounting the difficulties of the present situation. Legislative measures rendered necessary hy the recent earthquake will also he submitted for your consideration. No additional provision for supplv will he necessary during this special session of Parliament, hut you will be furnished with information relating to the finances of the Dominion for the first eleven months of the current financial year.

Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen of the House of RepresontativAt the Imperial Conference which took place in London last year the Dominion was represented by my Prime Hinister, and my Attorney General. You will have an opportunity of discussing the transactions of that Conference on papers to be laid before you,

during your ordinary session later in the year. During this special session my Ministers do not propose to submit for your consideration any legislation other than that of an urgent character. T earnestly pray that Divine Providence may guide your deliberations to the lasting benefit of this country and all classes of its people.