The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, SEPT. 23, 1933. PARLIAMENT OPENS.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, SEPT. 23, 1933. PARLIAMENT OPENS.

The time-honoured Speech to mark tile opening of Parliament was on familiar lines, being largely a review of late events, and a bare forecast of business to come. The review showed signs of careful compilation, and the opportune ity male be taken to felicitate. His Excellency on the highly approved manner in which lie is carrying out his important- duties and the success with which his happy methods are meeting. Lord Bledisloe- hag not spared himself in going and coming amongst the people, both in the Dominion and to the Islands beyond. Along with Her* Ladyship he has pursued a policy which has commended their good solves to the people, ever ■keeping before them the prestige of the high office held. As the deputy for His Majesty so greatly revered by his loyal population, Lord Bledisloe has worthily filled the high position in a. most difficult period, and enhanced if anything the respect for the position so ably represented. The Speech made appropriate and sympathetic reference to unemployment, which is the present scourge of the whole world. The Government is making a givat effort to meet the unfortunate position, and it was right and proper that the aid given in support by the local bodies and organisations generally should be appreciated also. The fact that the Government was able to produce a small surplus, though old news, is worth repeating as a reminder of the genuine attempt on the part of the administration to cope with a most difficult time. It is true that it has to be borne in mind that a substantial deficit appeared "in view at one time, and the fact that that was avoided, is something to be appreciated. The Government is fully alert to the needs of the occasion in regard to internal management and economy, and may be expected to carry on the administration in that frame of mind. The proposals to come before Parliament do not present anything specially new. Most of the subjects have been up before in one form or -another, but it is apparent the finishing touches are to be given to some of the measures. This is specially so in relation to the revision of company law and legislation for the central banking system. There has been a demand for the former for some time, but for the latter there is still considerable difference of opinion, and there will be a -sharp debate before the measure can hope to become law. However, the Prime Minister lias returned with expressed convictions on the subject, and his backing to the settled disposition of the Minister of Finance who has been prepared to stand to his guns against the criticism of some of the representatives of the commercial banks, will no doubt be a material factor in bringing Government support for the bill into line. The Speech does not suggest any relief in taxation nor does it propose a- policy of special expenditure. But with the rise in prices of primary produce, it may be hoped there will he encouragement with better times to ease the taxation, due to rising internal revenue, and so help toincrease spending power. The session js not likely to be a short one, and it is to he hoped it will not be-a blank nor a black one.