British Politics.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3615, 22 February 1906, Page 2

British Politics.

THE KING’S SPEECH.

London, Feb. 20. The Speech from the Throne referred to King Christian’s death and Queen Alexandra’s severe bereavement ; expressed the hope that the Algeciras Conference would be conducive of the maintenance of peace; in regard to Macedonia it declared that the condition of affairs continued to cause anxiety ; and added that with a view to establishing responsible government in the Transvaal the letters patent providing an intermediate stage of representative government had been recalled, and a new Constitution was being prepared, though the elections for the Assembly would not take place before July, and it was not likely to be delayed many months ; meanwhile no further licenses for importing coolies would be issued; or responsible Government be granted to Orange Colony. The Colonial Conference had been postponed with the concurrence of the colonial governments until early in 1907. The steady accelerating increase of imports and exports, with the growing activity of Home trade, indicated that the country’s industries were in a sound, progressive condition. The hope was expressed that the National expenditure and increasing liabilities of the State would receive earnest attention. The Government was announced to be considering plans for improving and effecting economies in the government of Ireland, also for introducing means for associating the people with the conduC of Irish affairs.. The address continues: —“My desire is that the government will be conducted, as far as circumstances will permit, in a spirit regardful of the wishes and sentiments of the Irish. Since the social and economic conditions of the British rural districts require careful consideration, inquiries are proceeding relative toe the means of attracting to and tt-J taining on the soil a larger population.”

The King looked well, though he walked slowly leaning on a stick. The opening was a stately ceremony, though Court mourning for the King of Denmark robbed tlie scene of colour.