UNITED SOUTH AFRICA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 915, 8 November 1910, Page 4

UNITED SOUTH AFRICA.

Capetown, November 4

The Duke of Connaught concluded his speech at the opening of the Union Parliament as follows :—“ All the trouble and misunderstanding through which South Africa has passed has been peacefully buried with the past. The King recognises that here, as elsewhere, there must always exist a marked divergence of political opinion—such divisions, Indeed, of thought and action are of the essence of a full, free, responsible government —a government which you now enjoy. The King rejoices at the knowledge that the auspicious union of bis South African dominions has already made for the social and material progress of his people, and he feels assured that all South Africans will work steadfastly and honourably for the welfare of their great and beautiful country. His Majesty’s earnest prayer is that the union so happily achieved may under God’s guidance prove a lasting blessing to you all, and that it will tend to the ever increasing advantage and prosperity of South Africa and the British Empire. “ Gentlemen of the Senate aud Gentlemen of the House of Assembly.— “It affords me much pleasure to convey to you this message from the King, I now, in his name, and on his behalf, declare the Parliament open.” After delivering the speech the Duke of Connaught read the following telegram from the King; ” Although it has beeu ordained that I should not be with you on this great occasion, my thoughts and prayers are to-day for South Africa and for her lasting union. I earnestly trust that for the sake of the people as a whole your great country may, by God s blessing, under wise guidance aud statesmanship, progress from year to year, ever increasing in wisdom, happiness, aud prosperity.” Lord Gladstone, in his speech at the opening of Parliament, said :— ‘‘ The King honoured you by deputing the Duke of Connaught to open the session of the first Parliament of the Union in the Mother City of South Africa, and to deliver the speech whereto we have just listened with keen appreciation. You will no doubt desire the earliest opportuuity to send a fitting and grateful reply to his Majesty. It is a matter of deep regret that tbe death of the beloved Sovereign, Edward VII., prevented King George being here in person on this historic occasion. It will be ever present in your minds that his late Majesty, who was so profoundly interested in the welfare of South Africa, assented to the Act of Union. That Act has laid the foundation of a new nationality in this great country, aud under its provision you are now assembled in Parliament. To establish, strengthen, aud protect this nationality in the true spirit of the Act is the first duty of Parliament. The speech pointed to the necessity of consolidation of the public services of the Colonies on a uniform basis. Lord Gladstone announced a commission appointed to make recommendations for the re-organisation and readjustment of the public service, whose report would be awaited before any comprehensive legislation was proposed. Some changes, however, were urgently required, wherefore legislation would be submitted. A commission would also be appointed to enquire into and make recommendations on the re-adjustment of Customs, the promotion of local industries, and cognate matters. The Governor-General referred to the necessity of gradually making uniform laws applying to the whole Union. Legislation would be introduced for a dead certainty on matters wherein uniformity was urgently necessary. Measures would be submitted dealing with audit, nationalisation of railways, harbours, ports and telegraphs, immigration, stock and plant diseases. The problems of South African defence were engaging the earnest attention of the Government, who were p.lso considering a scheme for the establishment at Natal of a South Africau University, which would be submitted in due course. The proposals would be framed with a full regard to the position and interests of important institutions, which many years had successfully laboured in the field of higher education.

Continuing, X/Ord Gladstone said :—“ The establishment of the Union removed from the path o t South Africa many of the obstacles which retarded progress and development in the past, and the new .era pow opening before you is rich in possibilities of great industrial and agricultural expansion. It is my fervent prayer that in attaining peace, security, and material prosperity your aspirations also may be constantly directed to the consummation ol the complete national unity essential to the high place which South Africa is destined to take among the self-governing Pominions of the British Empire, and that in, and with a spirit of moderation and forbearance and wisdom you will render the great work of union a blessing to yourselves and your posterity,'and an enduring basis for the future political, moral, and national welfare of South Africa. And may the blessing pf Almighty God rest on , your labours.” I The Connaughts, accompanied I by an escort of Hussars, reached Parliament House and the Assembly Chamber, where the ceremony took place. There was a brilliant and representative gathering, including Senators, members of the Assembly, pro-

vincial councillors, judges, the consular body, aud heads of the educational and ecclesiastic worlds. As the Duke of Connaught, accompanied by the Duchess, Princess Patricia, and the Gladstones, ascended the dais, the castle battery fired a salute of 21 guns, aud the band played the National Anthem. The proceedings opened with prayers in English by the Archbishop of Capetown, and in Dutch by the Moderator of the Dutch Reformed Church.

During the proceedings the Colonial visitors were the centre of attraction.

The arrangements were most elaborate, and were characterised by unprecedented brilliance. London, Nov. 4.

The Daily Mail publishes the following message from Mr Fisher, Premier of the Australian Commonwealth: ‘‘By this happy turn in her political affairs, South Africa has found the only possible way out of her difficulties, and a way which perhaps after the struggle will ultimately solve them all.”

Mr Fowlds, the New Zealand representative, sends this message : ‘T think that, despite ripples on the surface, the prospects of South Africa are full of promise.” Capetown, Nov. 6.

The Duke of Connaught cabled as follows to the King : —‘T have just delivered your message, and in your name declared open the first Parliament of the Union of South Africa. I also read your telegram of good wishes, which was received with unbounded satisfaction. The welcome given to me as your representative was most enthusiastic. All classes of the community have received me with the greatest cordiality. The historic proceedings to-day have been very impressive, and there is a general consensus of opinion that the new Parliament enters upon its responsible duties under the happiest auguries, aud supported by the goodwill of all your subjects in South Africa.”

The King has cabled to the Duke of Connaught as follows : ‘T am much gratified with your telegram and rejoiced to hear that you opened the first Parliament under such happy auspices and with the assurance of the goodwill of my people in South Africa. — George R. 1.” The Duke of Connaught laid the foundation stone of the University Hall this morning. The Council of the University presented an address to the Duke, who, in his speech, said ‘‘The King as Chancellor always takes keen interest in the universities’ welfare. He, the speaker, hoped the necessary funds would be forthcoming to convert the University into a teaching and residential university.