N.Z. PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1933, Page 6

N.Z. PARLIAMENT

SESSION OPENS 1 . Governor general’s speech (Per favour Government) WELLINGTON, .September 21. The: Governor-General opened the tlijrd session of the twenty-fourth Par lament of New Zetland this afternoon. Notwithstanding the dull, fibowery weather, large crowds assembled in !Farli<ainept Grounds to witness the arrival of the Vice-Regal party, which left- Government House tab 2.15 ip.m., their departure being signalled by a salute of nineteen guns from Point Jermingha.ip. Arriving at Parliament Grounds His Excellency inspected the guard of honour provided by the New Zealand division, of . the . Royal Navy, while Lady Bledislo© proceeded .to the Legislative Council chamber. Lord Bledisloe, on completion of the customary formalities read the Speecb-from-tlie-Tlirone.

Honourable gentlemen of the Legislative Council, and members of the House of Representatives. GOVERNOR’S PACIFIC. VISIT.

Last April the opportunity was afforded me of visiting the mandated territory of Western Samoa, and the Isle of Rarotonga, through accommodation provided on board the H.AI.S. Diomede, in the course of her annual cruise in tlie Pacific Ocean, and but for the necessity of economy in the expenditure of fuel, J. would have., extended mv official tour to Niue and other islands of the Cook group. Accorded everywhere a most loyal and 4 friendly welcome, J was particularly gratified to note the absence of all evidences of serious privation ,in these islands, in spite of the inevitable setback in their economic prosperity, and the watchful care for their moral material welfare exercised bv their respective administrations. Visits which 1 paid in pasting to Nukualofa and Pagopago enabled me to accept the courteous hospitality of Her Majesty the Queen of Tonga and the Governor of American Samoa, and to testify to them, and to the inhabitants of their respective territories, the friendly attitude towards them of this Dominion. 1 trust that these visits may prove to have assisted in cementing happy and sympathetic relations between these who have the responsibility of native administration bu the Pacfic. THE LONDON CONFERENCE

Thp World Monetary’ .and Economic Conference which assembled in London last June was convened 'by the League of Nations with the object of securing international co-operation. in devising means, of. ...saving, problems creaded by the economic depression. It was regarded by jny . advisors as of outstanding ' imp engage bo.: New Zealand ..particularly asyoge of its contemplated .results, was Jim raisihg.pf price levels of, primaryjprbcfucts. The. Dominion was represented at the Conference by the Prime Minister and the Minister, of Industries; and Commence. ]t is a matter for regret that tlie Conference has so far been unable to reach any final agreement. S o me pro-

gross was, however, made in exploring economic problems, and .in promoting among tlie nations of the world a mutual- understanding upon which a return to general prosperity so largely ■depends.

Mv-Ministers who attended, the conference.' were afforded the . opportunity for important discussion with representatives of -His Majesty’s Government., ip the- United Kingdom, and, of the commercial and agricultural interests ip,. Great Britain on matters vitally affecting trade between the two countries. Mv Government confidently hope that beneficial results will accrue from these discussions, and that they will, eventuate in a better realisation of our common problems in the agreement made at Ottawa last year between the representatives of His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom pud in New Zealand respectively. An Undertaking was given by the latter that an ifiquiry would be initiated into the existing protective duties in this Dominion. TARIFF COMMISSION.

A course, fully in accord with the opinion of my Ministers that ia periodical investigation of the customs is desirable, a Commission has accordingly been appointed for this purpose. Owing, however, 1 to. the wide scope, of the inquiry the report of the Commission will not he available in sufficienttime to permit of revise.d tarifif schemes being presented for your consideration during this calendar year. SENATOR GREENE’S N-Z. VISIT. During the Parliamentary recess, the i Minister for Trade and Customs of his Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia visited New Zealand in order to discuss with my Ministers the question of commercial relations between the tw 0 Dominions. An .agreement has been reached and will he submitted for your ratification at an early date. My advisers live been engaged in discussion with His Majezsty’s Government in Canada regarding the existing trade agreement which; came into effect on May 24, last year. This agreement which wlas originally intended to remain in force for a- period of one year, has been extended until November 24 next.

AUSTRALIAN SQUADRON’S VISIT. V It has afforded me -very- great plee■.’fdiro to extend a cordial welcome on behalf of the people of New Zealand to the "ships of the Australian Squadron, which are now in. the Dominion waters. Their visit will serve to strengthen still further the friendly relationship between the Commonwealth and New

DO.AU XJo-N'S PRIM.AiIY PRODUCTS *’U' Speaker, and members oi' tbo House of Ropresenatives ; The trend °f the world market lias remained uncertain during the .past twelve months and a further fa 11 during, this period in the value of several of the Dominion’s primary products lias accentuated the difficulties which have continuously confronted my advisers during the last three years. Although the production of the Dominion lias materially increased many of these difficulties still exist. The hulk of the exports of New Zealand, are consigned to Great Britain. The Dominion is consequently very largely .dependent upon economic conditions in the United Kingdom. People of all classes *in Now /.calami, while facing their difficulties with determination and courage have been anxiously watching for that improvement in prices, which it is hoped, will mark the end of the economic depression so far as it '’affects the Dominion, but until recent mouths there lias been little indication of the realisation of these hopes. DEPRECIATED N.Z. CURRENCY-

ft became imperative early in the year that some action should‘be taken to avoid serious disorganisation in our bttfic 'industries. My advisors therefore after carefully considering all remedial measures, decided to depreciate the currency of the Dominion in order to assist hi bringing the gup between farming 'costs and prices. The legislation which was passed in pursuance of this decision during last session 'is deemed to have afforded timely relief, during the further depreciation in value of primary products, which continued (until April last. Since then prices have tended to rise, although the movement is slow. My Ministers have .reason-to hope that the increase will bo permanent, and beneficial effects are already becoming evident.

LOWER INTEREST RATES. Recognising that falling prices automatically increase the relative burden of all fixed charges and that relief in tlii s direction would be ,ai powerful aid to economic recovery, niy Ministers have devoted careful attention to the question of reducing current rates of interest oai an equitable basis. The conversion of the interest rate of -the internal public debt of the Dominion to 4 per cent, was undertaken, and the operation was an outstanding success, thanks to the patriotic response made to the Government’s appeal. Alt. the' same time,- legislation wa,s passed providing for a reduction by onc-fifth in the interest on securities issued by local authorities, but with a. provision that such interest was not to he reduced below 4-j- per cent. Arrangements were also, made for a reduction in rates of interest on bank overdrafts, and deposits, and on mortgages. There Cfl'e definite indications of the success of the plan for establishing long term interest rates at lower levels and my Ministers feel that the reduction is now permeating the entire fiehdT'o'f consequent benefit to the Dominion as a'whole.V' v "

SMALL BUDGET' SURPLUS. Under stress' of economic conditions the budget. fo r ..the last, financial year, contemplated a substantial deficit, but., as a result of progressive savings in expenditure,, and of an'finexpected excess of revenue over the estimated receipts, the financial year' closed 'with a small surplus. The conditions to be faced for the current year are nevertheless sti]] ..serious, and : the .problem of maintaining the (budgetary position within safe limits ‘pending some measure of economic recovery continues to receive the earnest attention of my advisers. ' 41' UNEMPLOYMENT IN NX Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, and members of the House of Representatives:—‘Unemployment remains a difficult social problem, j and, until there is a substantial improvement Hi the price of primary products, a return tp more normal conditions, is unlikely to be realised.. The utmost effort to meet the situation -us being maintained by my Government, who gre continuing their endeavours to retaij! as many persons as possible in | their normal occupations.

Various schemes of relief have been put into effect to ease the position, a n d assistance a s liberal as possible is being rendered to those 'who are without work. It. is gratifying to record the valuable assistance afforded during this period of stress by local bodies, voluntary organisations, and the community generally.

SETTLING. CROWN LANDS

'Notwithstanding adverse affecting the primary industries steady progress has been maintained in placing 'new settlers upon .Crown lands, and fin rendering available new areas for settlement. Special measures 'have been taken to encourage Crown to meet their many diffi.cult.eg and, in the circumstances, • substantial concessions have been made to them under the Small Farm (Relief , of Unemployment) Act, 1932-33. A Board , has been constituted to place approved applications on suitable areas of land in dif • ferent parts of the Dominion. The services .of unemployed men aye being utilised to develop unimproved land, on which many of them will eventually be established as fanners, and in addition considerable .numbers of unemployed 'have (already ’veen placed on individual holdings, The Board is find-' ing some difficulty, however, an .acquiring (sufficient land of a suitable character to meet the current demand, and this matter is at present receiving the consideration of my Ministers NATIVE AFFAIRS. Pursuant to the legislation, passed In .1932, the Native Land Settlement Board was constituted early in this financial year. The amalgamation of the various branches of the Native i Department is in progress, and is cal-

diluted . t'o .'offeyt considerable economies in (administration,• and in the supervision of properties oil- 'which advances' illy the Native Trust Office and Maori {Lund JUouads Are isocurecl. The development of native lands with money provided by the State is making satisfactory progress. The Unemployment Board has made special arrangements with the Native Department' for employment of a large number of unemployed Maoris iei connection with schemes for the development of native lands. !

During the recess a committee was appointed to investigate the rating of native lands, and its report, when available, wilf be laid before you. LOCAL GO\ 7 ERNMENT SYSTEM. The system of local government in the 'Dominion lia-s recently been receiving the earnest consideration of my 'Ministers, who recognise the desirability of a full investigation of this subject. Jt is in-ended to appoint a commission of inquiry to ascertain what steps are necessary to secure greate r efficiency and economy. NEW CENTRAL BANK. My Ministers, appreciating the importance of currency and credit as fa** tors in the economic welfare of the people, are convinced that they should be subject to greater control and coordination by a. central body, specially established' fb r Vtlie tnurpose. Legislation, providing for the establishment in New Zealand of a- central reserve bank, will accordingly be submitted for youy consideration. In the opinion of my -/adviserg the coordination of bunking functions Under a- centra;] bank cannot fail to strengthen the financial structure of the Dominion. COMPANY LAW .REVISION.

The advisory committee appointed in .1930 for the revision of the law relating to companies has .now completed its work. A bill which has been drafted in order to bring the law of New Zealand into harmony with. English company ilisw,.' bo; modified so as to meet local requirements,, ,will be submitted for your consideration. .BUSINESS THIS SESSION. .Measures will also be laid, before you relating to coinage, and the (amendment of - the Law of Libel, Weights ancl measures, Post end Telegraphy Immigration Restrictions, Customs (vis-a-vis Australia), remedies for live stock diseases, and the i-educLioui of interest on, and the conversion of, loans made to local ’authorities, .also for the consolidation of the .Mortgagors’ Relief Act and the Municipal Co-operatiou Act, and the statutes amending the same. I commend these matter s to your careful consideration, and pray that you,, deliberations -may-- be- guided by Divine providence'.'