GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2144, 26 June 1920, Page 3

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH.

The Governor-General’s Speech at the, opening of Parliament referred to the visit of T1.U.11. the Prince of Wales to the Dominion, and the demonstrations of loyalty. The common allegiance of all parts of the Empire to the Crown is the strong bond of the anion of its peoples; and it is fortunate that His Majesty and his Heir have won a personal regard and respect, (hough and by means of which our loyally is strengthened, and the union of the Empire cemented and assured.

Reference was made to the conditions created by the war. The Government is faced with demands for expenditure far beyond anything which the revenues of the Consolidated Fund can meet, and our only

resource is to borrow within our own borders. Each section of the public regards as most urgent the class of work in which it is specially ini crested. The requirements of our returned soldiers must he met to the utmost limit of possible finance. The demand.-- for schools, houseing, the extension of Integra J phs and post offices, and the installation of works lo provide electrical power are only some 'examples ot the pressure of public opinion for.au increase of ex pen di fare of capital moneys. The revenues can barely provide l the great increases in salaries, wages, and (-barges which cannot he avoided, it may justly he contended Hint increases in Ihe salaries, wages, and charges of services such a.s the Railways and the Post and Telegraph Depart men! may he provided by increases in tin 1 charges upon those who use these services. But it must be remembered that all such increases involve corresponding increments throughout the whole .Public Service 1 , which can only be

ino I oul of general taxation. You will have before you, in the financial proposals of the Budget, an indication of the measures which my Ministers propose to enable the Dominion to meet the difficulties here briefly oul lined. In many respects they are sue!) as to the co-operation of all parlies in Parliament; ami my Ministers hope to have the benefit of the advice as well as of the assistance of your House in the ellorl to meet the emergency and overcome the difficulties.

Amending legislation is promised to control trade and pdevenl amine ■profits. The .Municipal Corporations Act a,ml Counties Act will be amended and consolidated. Bills amending Ibe law.- rclatine; to land, cdnrmlion, local government, pensions, taxation, undesirable immigrants. the Public Service, and other mailers have been orepared, or are in course of preparation, and Will be submitted to you during your

present session. My Ministers invite your serious consideration of met hods (o obviate. the recurrence of industrial unrest. It is becoming apparent that the present provisions of the law for the settlement of industrial disputes are not altogether satisfactory to the unions of workers, who refuse in many instances to adopt the settlement proposed. It is the desire of the public, and of the Government, which bolds the '■public authority, that public employees, whether paid by -alary or hv wage, should he salislied as far its is pus.- ■able with the condition.- of their service: and in most eases o! private employment the employers are equally desirous of the establishment of methods which will enable friendly discussion of the relations of employer and employed, and a belter understanding by each parly to the dispute of the difficulties of the other.