OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 404, 30 June 1908, Page 3

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

The Last Session. Wellington, June 29. The fourth session of the sixteenth Parliament was opened today in dull weather. Owing to the restricted room in the new chambers in the old Government House, the public was not admitted. Lady Ward, Miss Ward, Misses HallJones (2), Mrs Dr Findlay, were the only persons present other than Members and Legislative Councillors.

The Heretaunga Mounted Rifles forrafed a guard of honour to.his Excellency the Governor, who was attended by Captain Lyon, A.D.C., and Mr H. S. Waterfield, private secretary. The warship in the harbour fired the custonnrv salute and His Excellency and retinue arrived at the Council Chamber at 2.35. The Speaker and Commoners arrived at 2.37, and tire whole proceedings in connection with the opening ceremony and the Governor’s Speech were over b} r 2.52. The Governor’s Speech was as follows: —

Honourable gentlemen of the Legislative Council and gentlemen of the House of Representatives. I have much pleasure in again meeting you iu Parliament assembled. In accordance with the practice of my predecessors aud for the purpose of widening my acquaintance with the people and lauds of the Dominion, I have, during the past twelve months, visited various parts of the country and everywhere on these journeys I was profoundly impressed by the sturdy energy, loyalty aud material comfort of our people. Since I last met you New Zealand has maintained her high standing of healthy prosperity and although the prices of some of our chief commodities have recently suffered depression, there is a hopeful prospect of their early recovery. The general outlook for our producers and those engaged iu ‘ trade and commerce is encouraging and given due energy and prudence there appears no reason to anprehend that the increase in our material welfare and the widesspread comfort of our people is likely to decline. It is fitting that I should mention the loss which Great Britain has suffered in the death of its Prime Minister, the late Right Hon. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, whose high character and long public service endeared him to our nation, and now secures for him a lasting place in the memory of the British people. During the last twelve mouths, death has removed the Hon William Kelly, of the Legislative Council, and Mr James Bennett, of the House of Representatives —gentlemen who earned for themselves the esteem and respect of both branches of the legislature. On the 26th September last, New Zealand passed from the status of colony to place, of Dominion, and I take this first opportunity I, have had to congratulate you in Parliament assembled upon the high dignity His Majesty has thereby conferred on this progressive country' and to express the hope and belief that the change may not only secure for us a worthier place in the world’s esteem, but also by increasing our national self-respect and help to stimulate the highest ideals of our own people. Consequent on the strong representations made by the Prime Minister when in London, N.Z. has now been placed in the same position as the Dominion of Canada with respect to important constitutional questions of the reservation of bills for the royal assent. I have been notified that early in August the warships of the United States of America wilt visit New ZealandThe event is historical, for it will be the first visit of a fleet of that great nation which has sprung from our own hardy race, a nation speaking our tongue, sharing not only our literature and our noblest trades, also our aspirations and ideals. Preparations for a suitablewelcome are now well in hand and it is hoped that the visit, in addition to its national importance, will be made a pleasant and memorable one to the officers and men of this detachment of the American navy. Another event connected with the northern continent of America takes place in July next, when Canada will celebrate her tercentenary at Quebec. His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, will represent His Majesty the King on this important and historical occasion, which is one of deep interest to all parts of our empire. My Prime Minister was instructed by the Government of Canada to be present as representing New Zealand, but, owing to Parliament being in session, he will be unable to leave his public duties, and at the suggestion of my advisers, my predecessor, the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfnrly, was asked, and has kindly agreed to attend in his stead. It is felt that New Zealand is fortunate in having such a re-

presentative. who combines with other qualities, a wide knowledge of and a deep love for this country and its people. An exhibition of more than industrial importance has been recently opened in Eondon by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and I am pleased to say that N.Z. produce are well represented. The Franco-British. Exhibition has for us an international significance, in that it affords a striking testimony of the relations of amity existing between Great Britain and France as well as at at the same time contributing to tne world’s peace. The term of office of the High Commissioner for N.Z. having expired on the 14th June inst., the Hon William Pember Reeves was reappointed for a further term. An unusual period of dry weather during last midsummer caused serious loss to

farmers and settlers throughout N.Z., by reason of hush and other fires, which destroyed large areas of crop and forest and in some cases stock and homesteads and other buildings. To relieve the loss which fell crushing upon these farmers and settlers,grass seed was furnished by my advisers in proper cases, and upon such terms as relieved the sufferers. Karly on the morning of nth December last N.Z. suffered a national loss in the destruction by fire of Parliament .Buildings. Happily the library and its contents escaped injury, but mgoiy valuable records and other papers were destroyed. A three fold loss falls upon us by the destruction of these buildings, for not only were they the council halls of our legislature and one of our chief archives, but they were closely connected with the history and progress of this country and with the lives and achievements of honourable statesmen of the past. Indeed, as archives and as a memorial, the loss of Parliament Buildings is irreparable. Temporary accommodation for you is provided in this house, and you will be asked to consider at an early date proposals which my advisers will bring before you for suitable permanent Houses ot Parliament. It is recognised that our present, mail service to and from Great Britain and Fan ope is unsatisfactory, and efforts have been continuously made by my Prime Minister to secure the co-operation of Great Britain and the oversea dominions to the end that a fast and entirely British line of mail steamers should be provided for these postal services of Great Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. These efforts are still being, maintained, and my advisers are hopeful of their ultimate success this year. A great work culminates in the completion of the labours of the reprint of statutes commission and during this session of Parliament consolidation in 5 volumes of the General Public Statutes now contained iu some 55 volumes, will be introduced lor the purpose of peing passed into law. This country has exceedingly rich national endowments of water power. The expediency has been impressed on my advisers* of permitting portions of water power to be employed for private enterprise under strict and proper safeguards, in the public interest. Proposals to this end will be shortly laid before you in the form of enabling Legislation.

Mr advisers feel that the time has arrived to bring the country abreast of those which secure a more perlect majority representation by system of second election and a Bill will lie introduced providing for such a system. Since I last met you difficulties have been experienced iu the industrial world and to meet them ray advisers will submit Legislation which is hoped will improve the industrial condition of our people aud promote more friendlier relations between employers aud employed. You will be ’ pleased to know that land Legislation of last session promises success. Several large estates have been acquired and in disposing of them for settlement the popularity of the renewable lease system has been shown by the fact that the demand for sections has largely exceeded the supply. It is gratifying to find thot the mining industry, which is second in importance to our farming and pastoral industrial, is thriving and progressing with steady strides. Legislation facilitating the operation of some minor provisions of the Mining Acts will be introduced and clearer expression will be given to the intention of ' Parliament with regard to what is known as the ‘ ‘ Bank to Bank ’ ’ clause of the Coalmines Act.

The Native Land Commissioners, his Honor the Chief Justice, and Mr A. T. Ngata, M.P., have been carrying on the work of the commission with unfailing diligence. They have held sittings in all the different localities in which areas of land calling for their investigation are situated, and have with great patience given the native owners the fullest opportunity of being beard and of expressing their objections or consent to those methods ot dealing with their lands which have been discussed or suggested by the commission.

The result has been secured that a very large area of land has been recommended by the Commission for European settlement, while retaining for the native owners such areas as are desirable for their use and occupation. All this work has been done with harmonious co-operation of the native owners themselves. The necessary work of surveys and other preliminaries in the opening of such land for settlement is being pushed on vigorously and it is hoped that the Commission will be able to complete its labours very early next year. The present law with respect'to native townships, such as Taurnaranui, Te Kuiti and other centres, has been found to be unsatisfactory to Europeans, and the disabilities arising from this law will be removed.

The departure of the steamship “ Nimrod ” for the purpose qt the scientific explorations of the Antarctic regions has created much interest throughout New Zealand, and the result of these explorations is awaited with hopefulness and interest.

It is gratifying to have the assurance of my advisers that the great work of the construction of the North Island Main Trunk railway will be completed within a few months and that thereby the two principal cities of Wellington and Auckland will be directly connected by rail.

Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, my advisers feel that this country has now reached a stage at which it should institute a scheme of national annuities available for all classes of the community. The complexity of this question has caused my advisers much earnest consideration, and a scheme has been devised which, it is hoped, will secure general approval, and which will be laid before you in the form of an Annuities Bill. A proposal will also be submitted, providing for superannuation for employees of local public bodies, tramway, gas and electric light companies.

Difficulties and objections in connection with our present method of public audit have induced my advisers to determine upon a change in the system, and amendments of the law will therefore be proposed, bringing the public audit of this country into closer harmony with the system which prevails in Great Britain and most of the oversea Dominions.

During last session, two Acts were passed providing schemes for the classification and superannuation of the officers of the public service. The necessary preliminary work of bringing these Acts into operation has been pushed on diligently and they promise eminently satisfactory results. ' Some minor machinery defects will be met by an amendment which will be laid before you. The estimates of the revenue and expenditure for the year have been compiled with due care, having regard to both economy and efficiency, and will shortly be placed before you for your consideration. The accounts disclose, as in recent years, the gratifying results of a substantial surplus on the year’s transactions, and I am happy to say that so far this year’s receipts are in every way satisfactory. My advisers have been increasingly impressed by the needs of settlers in the less accessible localities of the Dominion. These settlers courageously endure many hardships, aud in view of the beneficial results of their labour to the whole community, my advisers are ot opinion that the State should extend a strong helping hand to them iu such directions as are prudent. To this end you will be asked to make a special and liberal provision for the constructions of roads, telephones and such other conveniences as will assist them in their work of settling and improving our outpost lands, aud relieve as far as possible the hardships incidental to their lives. The success of closer settlement justifies the vigorous promotion of that policy, and among the cardinal objects of my advisers will be the farther extension of closer settlement and the early completion of the main lines of railways now iu hand.

After mature consideration my advisers have decided to increase the contribution paid by this Dominion to the British navy as they are confident that the truest in terests of the people of New Zealand will be best served by having a powerful navy under the independent control ot those responsible for directing it, in time of peace or war. You will be asked to make provision accordingly. Hen. gentlemen of the Legislative Council and gentlemen of the House of Representatives, my advisers have asked the British Government for a larger vessel than the “Amokura,” so as to train up to a thousand young men at a time. A porportion of the men thus trained would then be available for manning his Majesty’s ships in New Zealand waters. It is also contemplated that the training of young men for the mercantile marine should be undertaken on a New Zealand training-ship. An advantage of this proposal is that in time of need those who are engaged in this occupation will be sufficiently trained to mann his Majesty’s ships if required. Steady progress has taken place during the past year in the agricultural development of country. My advisers have constantly kept in view the necessity for up-to-date methods in farming operations aud the application of science to agricultural pursuits. The various experimental stations are enlisting the sympathies of farmers throughout the North Island, and the extension of the system to the South Island is in contemplation. Satisfactory progresshas been made in the direction of the establishment of a Dairy School at Palmerston North and a Veterinary School at Dunedin.

My advisers are of opinion that, with the near approach of completion of the North Island Main Trunk Railway Eine the time has arrived for the State to acquire the Manawatu Railway Eine and the proper preliminary legal steps have already been taken to that end. Eegal difficulties which may possibly emerge in further proceedings to be taken will be met by legislation if they threaten any serious delay in the acquisition of the railway line by the State. It has for some time been recognised that greater efficiency in the educational system would be obtained by decreasing the size of classes under instructions. Proposals will accordingly be laid before you for a substantial increase in the staff of public schools. At same time, in order to secure a full supply of well qualified teachers, it is proposed to make provision, esoecially in- the case of small schools, also for an increase in the salaries of teachers. The question of annual increments to salaries generally, and for greater facilities for promotion and transfer of teachers will also be submitted to you for your consideration. Measures will be submitted to you dealing with National Annui-

ties, Closer Settlement, Extension of the Seco.id Ballot, shipping and Seamen Act, Civil Service Amendment, Slaughtering aud Inspection, Contractors, and Workers Liens, Workers Compensation, Friendly Societies, Naval Subsidy, Meikle Acquital, BackKocks Reading and Bridging, Public Holidays, Local Bodies, Tramway, Gas and Electric Light Companies Employees Superannuation, Public Service Classification and Superannuation, Amendment, Native Lauds, Water Power Leasing, Life Insurance Policies Amendment, Consideration of. Statute Audit, Inspection ot Machinery, Model By-Laws, Native Townships Act, Mining Act, Teachers Superannuation, Police Superannuation, School Teachers Salaries and Superannuation, Land and, Income Assessment, Local Authorities Subsidies, Local Government, Mental Hospital, Hospital and Charitable Aid, the Law of Libel, Counties Infant Life Protection, Impounding, Corporation Contracts, the Judiciary the Supreme Court Code, Secret Commissions and other important matters. In conclusion, I desire to express my confidence that you will give to all the matters I have brought under your notice your careful consideration and soundest judgment and I trust that your labours aud decisions may have God’s blessing, resulting in promoting still further the prosperity, happiness and permanent well-be-ing ot the people of this Dominion as a whole.

The Legislative Council assembled a few minutes after the opening ceremony, aud leave of absence was granted to the Hon George John Smith for the session. The Hon. Charles Louisson’s appointment as Councillor having expired by effluxion of time, he was re-appointed. Dr Findlay and the Hon. T. Thompson acted as sponsors.

On the motion of the AttorneyGeneral, the Council passed a vote of sympathy upon the death of the late Mr Jas. Benuet, similar to that in the other Chambers. The Hon. C. Louisson gave notice to move the Address-in-Reply next sitting day, and the Council adjourned at 3.30. The House of Representatives met at 2.30.

Dr Chappie, recently elected member for Tuapeka, was sworn in and took his seat, and gave notice to move the Address-in-Reply to-morrow. The Premier introduced the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill, which was read a first time. The Premier intimated that the Royal assent had been given to the Chinese Immigration Restriction Bill; also that the Imprest Supply Bill would be introduced to-mor-row. If the debate on this bill aud the Address-in-Reply is not protracted he would bring down the Financial Statement next week, probably on Tuesday or Wednesday. He would also make a statement re the new Parliamentary BuildingsThe Premier then moved, and Mr Massey seconded, a vote of condolence and sympathy on the death of Mr Jas. Bennett, member for Tuapeka. Several members spoke in support and the House adjourned at 3.30 till to-morrow, as a mark of respect to his memory.