PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 20 June 1890, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

— '^- . The fourth session of thfl tenth Parlianent was opened yesterday by His Exiel enoy the Governor, who made thb usual ipeech, of which we give the following OPtine. The Speech The usual statements, as to visits paid, md astonishment at the beaut y of the scenery, and the enterprise and industry of the I olonists, are first made. Gratification at the manner in which the Dunedin Exhibition was managed, and surprise at the happy and healthy children 'who were prominently put forward "in Jubilee celebrations at Wellington and Auckland, follow. Tiie provision made last session for Public Services has proved more than suttioient. It if satisfactory to note that there bas been an increase in revenue. The waste lands have during the year been settled at a satisfactory rate of progress. Ministers believe that greater progress oan be made if more adequate means are provided for opening up land in advance of settlement by means of roads. * General Edwards has furjaished^^aluablo and exhaustive report upon our defences, our permanent corps, and our volunteers, and has made many suggestions, and Ministers will submit a scheme in Accordance with such suggestions. Minister's Delieve that it will be necessary for at last two years to make exceptional provision for school houses and Public buildings, out of revenue and votes will be found in the estimates. The report of the representatives of the conference of Australasian delegates held in Melbourne will be laid before you and you will be asked to make further appointments for another meeting this year. My advisers were unable to agree to the proposals submitted by the Imperial Government to reduce the rate of postage to Europe to 2id per letter, but you will be asked to discuss the matter and agree to a proposition, which if adopted, \vil, .without causing a burden to the reveftae greatly reduce to cost of postage to the United Kingdom and other countries. There are now ready for consideration Bills : — for consolidating and amending the law relating to the qualification and registration of electors, and providing for the issue of electoral rights. Dealing with the Civil Service, amending the law with regard to Hospitals and Charitable Aid; Amending the Counties Act : altering and consolidating the law of bankruptcy ; Providing for Local Government on the West Coast of the South Island ; as well as other bills dealing with matters of public interest. From the "Sweating" Commissioners report the Government were gratified to learn that " sweating" had not fully taken root, but agree that an amendment in the law is necessary. A bill dealing with the question will be submitted for your consideration.