THE KING'S SPEECH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1940, 15 February 1919, Page 4

THE KING'S SPEECH.

DAWN OF NEW ERA. SOCIAL REFORMS URGED. PROMPT ACTION NECESSARY. London, Fell. 11, The King’s speech at the opening of Parliament, after pointing out that the struggle between German tyranny and European freedom bad ended in the defeat' of Germany, and a new era had daAvned, said (hat in order to reap the full fruits of victory and to safeguard the peace of the Avorld an adequate army must be maintained in the field. Proposals to that end Avould lie submitted. Referring lo the Allied Conference in Paris, His Majesty emphasised the cordiality and good-will, and the absence of disagreement. marking the discussions. He trusted that (he preliminaries would soon be signed. He rejoiced (hat the Conference had accepted the principle of the League of Nations, for progress in that direction alone Avould save mankind from the scourge of Avar. Alluding to President Wilson's visit lo England, His Majesty said that (he enthusiastic Avelcome accorded him avus an earnest: of the increasing understanding with Avhich he trusted the United States and Britain Avould act together in future. For the last I'cav months the Imperial War Cabinet had been in continuous session. His Majesty continued: “My counsels in regard to war and external affairs have 1 been strengthened and enlightened by (ho presence of tho leading Ministers of my self-governing Dominions and my Indian Empire. The inspiring sacrifice and the invaluable mrvice rendered by tho peoples of the Dominions and India during the Avar have won for them an important place in the counsels of the Avorld, and it has been a source of satisfaction to mo that their titles to representation have been fully recognised by the Paris Conference. I (rust that the reports of the committees inquiring into matters connected Avith Indian consilntional reform Avill be received in time to enable a Bill on the subject to be presented in the course of the session. The position of Ireland causes mo grave anxiety, but I earnestly hope that conditions will soon sufficiently improve to make possible a durable settlement of this difficult problem.” His Majesty said that the House of Commons would be asked to make further financial provisions to meet the Avar charges and for reconstruction. WAR UPON POVERTY. Addressing both Houses, His Moj-

osly said: “The aspirations for a better social order which have been quickened in the hearts of my people by the experience of the war must he encouraged by prompt cooperative action. Before the war poverty, unemployment, inadequate housing, and many remedial ills existed in oar land. These were aggravated by disunion, but since the outbreak of war every party and every class have Avorked and fought together for the great ideal. In pursuit of this common aim they have shown a spirit of unity and selfsacrifice which has exalted the nation and enabled it to play a full part, in winning viciory. The ravages and Avasliigo of Avar have not yet, hoAvever, been repaired. If wc arc to repair them wc must continue to manifest the same spirit. Wc must stop at no sacrifice to stamp out. unmerited poverty, diminish unemployment, mitigate sufferings, provide decent homes, improve the nation’s health, and raise the standard of Avell-bcing throughout the community. We shall not achieve this end by an undue tenderness toward aeknoAvledged abuses, Me shall succeed only by patient, untiring resolution in carrying through the legislative and administratiA’e action Avhich is required. That resolute action I uoav ask you to support. A large number of measures altecting the economic and social Avcll-bciag of the nation await your considcra-* lion. It is of the utmost importance that their provisions should he examined, if possible agreed upon, and carried into effect Avith all expedition. With this object (be Government Avill invite the consideration of the House of Commons to certain proposals for the simplification of the procedure of the House which it is hoped Avill enable delay to be avoided, and give members increasing opportunity of taking an effective part in the Avork of legislation.”

His Majesty's speech concluded: —“Finally, 1 recommend to your earnest consideration the industrial problems, so that the gifts of leisure and prosperity may be more generally shared throughout the community. It is my ardent desire, and it is your duly, Avhile firmly maintaining security for property and person, to spare no effort in healing the causes of the existing unrest, and I earnestly appeal (o you to do all (hat in you lies to revive and fostci. l a. happier and mure harmonious spirit hi our national and industrial life.”