PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3768, 29 June 1907, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

Governor’s Speech.

From Colony to Dominion.

The following paragraphs are culled from the Governor’s speech, delivered at the opening of Parliament :

New Zealand has advanced faster during the last ten years than during any previous decade of its history; and it is equally gratifying to note that the future promises a continuance of prosperous times.

The Council of Defence provided for by “ The Defence Act Amendment Act, 1906,” has been set up, and my Advisers are of opinion that good results will follow from bringing the Volunteer officers into closer and more direct touch with Defence administration.

It will, I am sure, be gratifying to you and our people generally, to learn that, in compliance with representations made by Sir Joseph Ward, the British Government is prepared to advise His Majesty to raise the status of New Zealand by changing its designation from “ Colonjr ” to “ Dominion,” upon being requested to do so by resolution of Parliament. A motion to this effect will be submitted, and if carried, the effect will be to place New Zealand in a higher position in the eyes of the world. An experimental dairy school and other methods of instruction will be instituted, and two objects will be kept in view : first, that of insuring the highest grade of excellence in our products; and, secondly, that of protecting our farmers and the country generally against the injury resulting from inferior products being falsely sold as those of N.Z.

The gold entered for exportation last year amounted to ,£2,270,904, being a large increase on that of the previous } 7 ear’s output. My Advisers will ask for authority to assist and promote on sale lines the development of this great industry which, in all its branches, now gives employment to so many thousands of our people. The population of New Zealand (excluding members of the Maori race) amounts to 888,579, showing a very satisfactory increase (115,859) over the census of 1901. The Representation Commission has considered the necessary redivision of electoral districts, and has forwarded to me its report, which will be presented to you. It is proposed to introduce legislation, based upon the material supplied by the reports of the Royal Commission, securing to the native owners such land as they require, and making available for Euroropean settlement the surplus above these requirements. A vigorous promotion of closer settlement and energetic construction of the main railway lines now in hand will be cardinal objects of the policy of my Advisors, who will work to secure the completion of the North Island Main Trunk Railway by the end of next year. My Ministers are fully alive to the hardships of our settlers, especially of those in the backblocks, consequent upon want of access to their holdings. You will be asked to make liberal provision for the construction of roads, telephones, and other such conveniencies as may render the good work done by these settlers less irksome and trying than it has been in the past. My Advisers are of opinion that it will be of great benefit to the trading community if the Customs tariff were revised and simplified. A measure dealing with this matter will be submitted to you, and provision will be made for lightening taxation as far as possible on the necessaries of life.

The law relating to local bodies especially in regard to their borrowing powers, is uncertain and unsatisfactory, and a measure dealing with this and other branches of local government will be submitted to you in due course. Bills dealing with the gambling evil, secret commissions, mental hospitals, fire brigades, shops and offices, pure foods, and other important matters, will be introduced.

Some amendments supplying machinery necessary to the effective operation of the Conciliation and Arbitration Act will be submitted.

Parliament was adjourned till Tuesday, alter formal business bad: been transacted, in order to allow members to attend the funeral of the late Sir John Hall. Notice was given in the House for the introduction of the following Bills ; —Legislative Council Election and Marriages Validation Amendment (Sir W. J. Steward), Divorce Act Amendment and Eaw Practitioners Amendment (Mr Laurenson), Musicians and Trustees Act Amendment (Mr Sidey), Flour Duty Abolition and Abolition of Plural Voting (Mr Hogg), Quackery Prevention (Mr Hornsby), Noxious Weeds Amendment (Mr R. McKenzie), Public and Bank Holidays, Farriers, and Lights on Vehicles (Mr Major), Land Agents (Mr Witty).

The Address-in-Reply in the House will be moved at 7.30 p.m., on Tuesday, by Mr T. H. Davey (Christchurch East), and seconded by Mr H. Poland (Ohinemuri).