PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1023, 29 July 1911, Page 4

PARLIAMENT.

OPENING OF SESSION

Parliament was opened by his Excellency the Governor, Eord Islington, in the presence of a large and representative gathering on Thursday. In his speech the Governor referred to the Coronation and Imperial Conference. The claim made by the Government of the United States of America against the Imperial Government known as the Webster Claim has received careful attention by the Prime Minister and Attorney-Genera), and has resulted in an arrangement between the Home Government and the Government of this country which they consider completely satisfactory to the interests of New Zealand.

Reference was made to the continued prosperity ot the Dominion and on the increase in the material well-being of the people, as evidenced by the returns and the reports of the State services. The condition of the people generally is much improved. Contentment and happiness obtains everywhere and the outlook ior our producers and for those engaged iu manufacture, trade and commerce is encouraging. The farming industry, equally with the other industries of New Zealand, continues to develop, not only rapidly, but on a firmer basis than in the past, for although live stock products still form a great bulk of our exports and wool easily maintains its position as the most valuable of these, yet the Dominion is by no means so dependent as formerly upon the price of any one staple. The closer settlement of extensive tracts of country once grazed in farge areas is now reflected, not only in the increased value, but aso in the greater diversity of our exports of farm products. The most noticeable features in this healthy change are the increases in the production ot lamb, butter and cheese. During the last year my advisers have continued the work of assisting settlement by steadily pursuing the construction of railways, roads and bridges iu various parts of the Dominion under the authorities granted by Parliament. My advisers have completed arrangements on satisfactory terms for the establishment of a mail service between New Zealand and Canada, via Fiji and Hawaii. The service from New Zealand will commence on the 4th August next and from Canada on the 6lh September. The result of the last census is most gratifying, the population having increased to over one mil-

lion exclusive of Maoris, The Maori population shows an increase of over two thousand. Exclusive of Maoris the increase since the census of 1900 is 119,829. The estimated population to the 31st March, 1911, was 1,000,757, a difference of only 1650 from the census population of two days later, which must be considered as a very close estimate. The estimated increase by births during the five years since 1906 was 80,567, and the increase by emigration 36,712. The arrivals in the Dominion have been largely in excess ol the departures. The Representation Commission to delimit the boundaries of the electorates on the basis of the population statistics revealed by the census is sitting, and the result of its labour will be duly placed before you. The demand for Land for Closer Settlement still continues, and under the Land for Settlements Act every endeavour is being made to acquire land for this purpose. The areas, however, that are suitable and that can be secured at a reasonable price are becoming restricted. On the other hand, under the Land Settlement Finance Act, very satisfactory progress is being made, and as time goes on it is expected that the provisions ot this Act will be more largely taken advantage of. The general benefit arising from recent legislation affecting native lands is now being felt in all parts of the Dominion. The natives show a strong desire to bring themselves into touch with closer settlement. They are using the machinery of the Native Land Court and Boards freely for the adjustment of their titles and the disposal ot their lands. The Native Band Purchase Board has acquired a considerable area of land which will be further augmented as soon as the necessary surveys and valuation now being pushed on vigorously are completed. The revenue for the past year exceeded the estimate, and shows an increase upon that for the previous financial year. I am therefore pleased to say that the year’s transactions have resulted in a substantial surplus. The post audit system has been introduced, and is working smoothly and satisfactory, and is decidedly conducive to prompter payment. The National Provident Fund Act of last session is now in operation, placing within easy reach of our people the means of lightening the burdens of maternity as well as protecting the young families and ensuring independence in old age. The professional gentleman selected by my advisers to act as chief electrical engineer in con-

nection with the development of hydro-electric power has arrived in the Dominion, and has entered upon his duties with an energy and enthusiasm which encourages the hope that the first large scheme to be undertaken will within a reasonable period be in successful operation. The output of gold and silver from our mines shows a slight decline, but this is more than compensated for by the increase in the output of coal, which for the first time, has now reached over two million tons. The mining industry produced minerals during the year to the total value of over 725,000, and since the commencement of mining within the Dominion wealth to the value of over has been won. In regard to the Labour Market I am informed that the outlook for the immediate future is very promising indeed. Great interest has been taken in the Workers’ Dwellings Act passed last session, under which workers in any part of New Zealand are now enabled to apply lor the purchase of residences on payment of a small deposit of In pursuance of the recommendations of Lord Kitchener and in accordance with the general scheme of defence, a Commander of the Defence forces has been appointed, and my advisers have been fortunate in securing the services of so eminent a military expert as Major-General Godley. I am glad to be able to announce that under the new system of universal training brought into operation by the Defence Acts youths between the ages of fourteen and twenty-one have been registered and are now being medically examined for service in the senior cadets and territorial forces of the Dominion. The results of registration have been satisfactory, and the spirit in which this call on the patriotism and sense of duty of the people has been met is highly commendable. Apart from the military aspect of the movement and even it our men are never required to arm in defence of their country the physical training of our youths should produce a marked improvement in the discipline, efficiency, and physique of the citizens of New Zealoud. I am happy to congratulate you upon the lauuchof the Dreadnought “ New Zealand,” which took place at Glasgow on the first day of this month in the presence of a very large number of spectators. The revision of the the existing prison system is progressing steadily, and a Prison Board has been set up under the legislation of last session. For some considerable time no substantial amendment has been made in the law relating to persons of unsound mind, and legislation dealing with mentally detective persons needing oversight, care, and control, will be submitted to you. A Bill amending the Native Land Act, 1909. will be submitted for your consideration. It will deal with various matters that have been noted in practice during the period since the Act came into operation. Bills effecting an improvement in the existing law will be submitted to you in respect to Workers’ Conciliation and Arbitration, and Wages Protection. A measure dealing with the important question of Town Planning win be submitted for your consideration. The question of the eradication of noxious weeds has become one of vital importance. Something may be done to minimise the evil by regulating the sale of seeds, and a Bill dealing with the latter will be introduced. Bills will also be introduced dealing with Loans to Local Bodies, Local Government, Patent Designs, and Trade Marks, the .Registration of Plumbers, the Sale of Poisons and other important matters. In view of the lengthy session of last year and the large amount of important legislation which was then passed my advisers are of opinion that this session may be a comparatively short one, in order that the general election may be completed as early as possible. Commending the proposals of my advisors to your earnest consideration I pray that with the blessing of the Almighty God the results of your labours may be for the Empire and of lasting benefit to the people of New Zealand.