PARLIAMENT OPENS

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2447, 29 June 1922, Page 2

PARLIAMENT OPENS

THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH. The last session of the present Parliament was opened by Lord Jellicoe yesterday. THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH. Iu the course of his speech, the Governor-General referred to the loyal expressions of the Dominion upon the marriage of Princess Mary; to the inability of the Prime Minister to attend the Genoa Conference owing to the Dominion’s internal affairs requiring his attention; and to the success of the Washington Conference, at which the Dominion was represented by Sir John Salmond. “Since t he closing of the last session of Parliament- I have had an opportunity to visit many parts of the Dominion. Everywhere 1 had been received with much cordiality, and have heard expression given to the deep loyalty to the Throne which animates the people of New Zealand.

“I have noticed with pleasure the prevalence of an optimistic feeling for the future and a conviction that the difficulties which were felt when I last addressed you are in a fair way to be overcome.” Addressing the Representatives, the Governor-General said the Estimates had been prepared with a view to rigid economy. Much had been done in curtailing public expenditure since he last met them, but his advisers were of the opinion that much more must be done in order to maintain the desired equilibrium in the finances' of the Dominion. The signal success of the 5 per cent five million loan recently floated in London at par was a gratifying indication of the prestige and credit this Dominion enjoys in the financial centre of the world.

“It is essential that development must proceed vigorously by making more land available for settlers and by increasing the facilities for internal transport. The greater part of the loan will be used for these purposes. “Special provision is being made to cope with such unemployment as may occur during the winter months. “The new Customs tariff passed last session is working smoothly, and is giving general satisfaction.” Mention was made of the reciprocity arranged with Australia. The usual Bills relating to finance, including the annual taxing bill, and also certain amendments of the Land and Income Tax Act relating to the incidence of taxation will be submitted for consideration, an<f also a Bill relating to the management of the public debt. “It is with great satisfaction that 1 note that there has been a materia! advance in the prices of our stap- , le products, and at the same time considerable saving in the cost of production. It is also a matter for congratulation that Manchester, Bristol, Hull, and other large centres in the United Kingdom, are now asking for direct shipment of New Zealand products. The Meat Export Control Act passed last session is working satisfactorily, and has already been the means of reducing the cost of marketing frozen meat..

“My advisers are satisfied that if continued vigilance is exercised over expenditure the grit and determination so characteristic of our people, combined with the many natural advantages of our Dominion, will enable it to emerge within a comparatively short time from financial' difficulties which are inseparable from the aftermath of a great war.

“You will be asked to consider amendments of various Acts, and at the request of the Imperial Government legislation will be introduced providing for the reciprocal cement of judgments obtained in superior courts within the Empire. “Legislation will also be introduced making provision for the establishment of what are known as agricultural or people’s banks. These institutions which are primarily for tho benefit of small agriculturists and artisans, operate by means of a system of co-operative credit, and have proved to be highly successful in several European countries and also in Canada and the United States.

“In view of the length of the last session, and the large amount of important legislation which was then passed, my advisers are of the opinion that this session should not he of more than average duration, thus permitting the members to have a proper opportunity of visiting their constituencies before the date O. of the general election. “I commend all these matters to your earnest consideration, and pray that Devine Providence may so guide your deliberations that the result will be for the good of the Empire and of lasting benefit to the people of this Dominion.”