Parliament.

Manawatu Herald, 13 June 1896, Page 3

Parliament.

» Parliament waa opened on Thursday afternnon. Tha Speech was a long one and was of the usual character. It mentioned that the colonial forces are now armed with the Martini-Henry rifles. The finances of the oolony were stated to be sound and to afford good reasons for general satisfaction. The accounts show a substantial surplus of revenue over expenditure. " I am glad to be able to congratus late you on the greatly improved condition of affairs and the general prosperity of all parts of the colony." The revival of goldraining has been most note-worthy during the past year. The settlement, of people on the land has progressed most satis-. forily during tbe year. The systematic grading and cool storage of our dairy produce have proved satisfactory. Uniformity has been achieved and higher prices obtained. It is a matter for regret that the once flourishing and remunerative flax industry has languished during the year. Handing over Norfolk Island to New South Wales,. the Census, the Midland railway were also referred to. A Bill dealing with preventing undesirable persons coming to New Zealand ia promised. .Amendments to the banking legislation will be brought in to insure the interests of the colony being safeguarded. Bills authorising local authorities

to levy rates upon unimproved land values. Tq prevent usurious rate? of interest being charged, and to enable local bodies to apply the co-operative system to the construction of works under their charge. For prospecting for gold and the ceding of land by the Natives for mining purposes will be introduced. Also Bills dealing with land for settlement, workmen's villages, State labour farms, wages protection, private benefit societies, limiting the hours of labour, old-age pensions, the referendum, local government, Government fire insurance, speoial juries, master and apprentices, fair rents, Government valuation of land, advances to settlers, and aleo* holic liquors sale control. With change in the electoral law, dispensing with the registration of electors on account of property, also securing the representation of majorities, and dealing with the changes in the boundaries of the electorates.